The benchmade is a crawford leapord in Ats34. The hogue is the elishwitz collab with red gmascus handle, its a manual and the button lock is surprisingly solid.

Its a japanese custom piece from gifu forging. Its an apprentice blade from one of the last real sword smiths in Japan. Located in gifu prefecture (seki).

Still here picked up a couple of new model, although one is an old benchmade.

I have a manix and found it to be an easy carry. Not spydercos best but pretty good. Personally the lum chinese folder and perrin models have been my favorite.

I always found Lynn Thompson to be an ass. I attended a gunsite workshop in the mid 90s and he was instructing, just came across as a used car salesman. Was a bit put off if your preferred blade of carry wasnt a Cold Steel.

From my first deployment back 1995. Hard to find these anymore.

My favorite deployment knife.

Frost any and everything they ever did in studio. Oh and YES starship trooper and heart of the sunrise.

The spyderco sharpmaker couldnt be easier act like your slicing something off the stone, and make sure even number of strokes. Easy and good results.

I would recommend several of the spyderco models (military, manix XL, Persian 2).  The new SOG Kiku is also very nice (for a sog).  Benchmade are hit or miss, with inconsistent heat treat and honing. Also if the blade is more for utility I cant recommend the Al Mar eagle talon Heady Duty enough...

Seriously jealous of your collection Chris

If the blade is being carried strictly for utility then the benchmite would suffice, But if its for last defense i would recommend something with one hand opening. There are some decent ones available in your price range. Also I have carried a tactical folder and fixed blade on my uniform for...

My carry pieces Sorry for the glare in the pic

My train ride rig

Try PVK.com they list the black one as in stock for $119