If cost wasn't a factor, what would you pick for a folder?

Personally, I am looking for a 3" folder and have been reading lots of reviews (and posts here), pretty much getting as much info as I can. It will be an EDC for me, for work and play.

Any info is helpful.

Kris

I'm easy, A Alox Farmer Swiss Army Knife. Strong tools, nice saw, and a reasonable but somewhat soft blade. I EDC one urban and woods.

I EDC Doug Ritter's Mk I folder. It has handled every task I've used it for.
I don't leave home without it.

You should go out to a good knife shop, and try out as many knives as you can.I like to handle a knife before I buy it.You have to buy what feels right to your hands based on weight & size. Then you can talk to someone that works at the knife shop & ask about different blade & handle materials, as well as blade shapes.Then you gotta think about what you're gonna be doing with the blade, are you gonna do some prying or rope cutting..etc. Then you can pick the right knife for your needs. Mostly pick a knife that feels good in your hands. When you find the right knife you'll know it & by all means have fun, knife shopping is one of lifes simple pleasures...well atleast for me it is

Other things to keep in mind: decide beforehand just how much you're ready to spend on a folder. Could be $20 or $200, but be realistic in your expectations and never buy junk, you'll only regret it later. Look for a quality steel. Stainless is the most practical for EDC. 440C or 12C27 is ok, AUS-8, CPM-S30V, 154CM, VG-10 is better. This assumes that the steel is heat treated correctly (shouldn't be a problem with any reputable brand) and hardened to at least 57HRc. Blade shape depends on what you're going to use your knife for (drop point is the best choice overall for an all-purpose knife, clip point makes a sharper tip). The lock should be absolutely secure, strong enough but still reasonably easy to operate. Lockback or liner lock doesn't really matter but if the latter, make sure the knife has solid enough grip scales that the liner lock won't disengage accidentally.

Depending on your daily habits, figure out how you're going to carry it. In the pocket, belt sheath etc. Would you prefer a pocket clip or not? If yes, does the knife come with an adjustable clip that allows a particular configuration that you're most comfortable with (tip up, tip down, left/right handed)? Most better folders these days can be opened with one hand. Thumb hole or stud is up to you. The handle should be checkered, grooved or otherwise shaped to allow a firm grip. Lastly, though a beefy folder is potentially stronger and more durable make sure it isn't too bulky for you in EDC. Good luck!

The Leatherman e300 or e301

This might be cheating a little, but the Leatherman Wave I have is probably my first choice. The blades do lock, but more importantly, it is a true multi tasker, which puts it at the top of my list, and having seen a guy field dress an elk with his, I know it will do all that I would need of a folder.

However, if it were a dedicated folder, and price were no object, then the illusive Busse folder would be my knife of choice.

Since that knife is not available as yet, the Ritter MK4 is probably the goto knife for the money.

The KA-BAR desert Mule that I currently EDC is probably the best value for money for a dedicated folder with the qualities I am looking for.

Currently I EDC a CRKT KISS folder when they first came out. I've been carrying that ever since. All through out my life i've been carrying something, SAK's, basic knifes, etc.

I also have a leatherman e307x in my bag. I really don't like that knife for EDC. Big and bulky (yes i know theres a bit driver and carabiner in there), but over all I get the feeling that its cheaply made. I just won't rely on it.

Since I work in cube land in a corporate environment, pocket carry is more desirable. I do like having a pocket clip and makes for deployment much better.

Knife shops in my neck of the woods are hard to come by. Either shop online or fly to the states are my options. Having said that, a trip to Miami is coming up soon. Any good knife shops there?

Benjammin,

Do you have any details on the Busse folder?"

Kris

Not yet, other than there are an awful lot of people waiting for the Busse shop to make one. They keep hinting that one is coming, eventually.