$129 budget knife recommend please

T

TipsyMomo

Joined
Apr 30, 2018
Messages
2
Hi. Im new to pocket knives. My wife wants to get a pocket knife with a limited budget of $129. this would be her second EDC. Any help would be appreciated. She has a white color RAT 1 and loves it.

- california legal to carry in her pocket or purse.

- must be under $129. Including shipping and tax. Needs to be internet order.

- needs to look less stabby than most knives. She loves Ontario RAT 1 in white color because it looks less weapony & pointy. She doesnt like any Spydercos. Seems to like warmcliff? Or sheepfoot looking ones too.

- for the size she likes RAT 1 as well. Say the RAT 2 feels too small.

- for blade thickness: she likes RAT, opinel, spyderco, etc.. not too thick

- she likes flipper more than thumbstud but it is not a huge issue

- she does not prefer Chinese or American brands. Not a big issue. She feels Chinese ones feel like gambling. American one feel like paying premium price for a USA sticker and small increase in quality. I dont think this matters much if quality is good for the price.

- needs a lanyard hole

- it seems the most important is look / style: she says she wishes WE knife look at under $129, but less pointy look.. Spydercos are ugliest

- she did not like full steel handles. Too small of a handle + too heavy. Says RAT 1 feels best.

- she didnt like Emerson wave. The look.

- i dont think it is a huge issue either but she liked non-bearing pivot actions more.. i tell her smoother is better but she says it feels too danglely. She seem to like washer actions more.. not sure why.

- blade metal: she doesnt like aus 8 or 8cr13mov. Says they dull fast. She like D2 but says it discolors. I looked at hers and it has slight tone difference on the RAT1 d2 blade. Not rust.

- not sure if this applies but.. she MUST use a santoku kitchen knife instead of any other kitchen knife shapes because it looks less pointy... perhaps a santoku shaped pocket knife??

- does not like spring assisted knives

Sorry for th long list. Help would be much appreciated. I dont know where to start as I have a very limited knowledge in knives.

Thanns
 
First, keep in mind California legal can mean many things because each county has different knife laws. In the SF Bay Area, you can hit 7 different county knife laws in 20min, ranging from “no one cares” to “3in. Limit” to “can’t carry at all.” So make sure you know the laws of your surrounding area. But I’m sure you just meant no autos.

Also, WE knives does make budget releases in your budget. Cheaper are the g10 liner locks with d2 steel. They have that distinct WE styling and run on bearings for that smooth fast flipping. Costing around your price limit are their titanium framelocks with g10 scale and vg-10. Again, they have the styling and bearings.
 
You should check out Kizer's portfolio of knives, see if she likes the way any of them look. G10 Gemini comes to mind. They also have some flipper models on washers with great action.
 
timthumb.php


How about the Fox 515w? Lovely Terzuola design, very well made (I've got the 525 and love it, similar knife with a spearpoint blade).
 
My.
I don't even have a bucket list that long when I pick up a knife.
Anyway.
You should maybe give a look at the Spyderco Pingo.
 
I know Spyderco is on the ugly list; but look at/for the Positron. 3" blade, no large hump, discontinued - so closeout prices.
Also, check out the ZT0770cf. It's a/o, if she likes that... but I think it can be disabled, if she doesn't.
FBoTAMn.jpg

The Positron is on top (there's also an orange g10 version). The 0770 in the middle is aluminum handled... but the 0770cf would have scales like the Positron. The Mantra2 on the bottom is great, as well; but you said she doesn't like metal handles, so I left it off the list.

**Edited to add** I forgot the lanyard home requirement... scrap my recommendations.
 
Last edited:
In case the lanyard hole is optional:

I'd recommend the Spyderco Chaparral in CF/G-10 as an elegant, slicy, small knife legal to carry in CA (concealed or open), but it doesn't have a lanyard hole. I know you said she doesn't like Spydercos, but did she see a Chaparral? It has phosphor bronze washers and a strong back lock. It's <$129 although there may be tax depending on the vendor. The FRN version is cheaper but not as elegant in appearance. The Raffir Noble version has beautiful scales, but they'd be more prone to scratching in a purse than the carbon fiber would.

Also the Massdrop Ferrum Forge Gent. It's just shipping to many who ordered it at $85, and although you can't order one now, I expect some will soon show up for sale from owners. Nice understated flipper with excellent action, but again no lanyard hole.
 
Hello. Thank you for the replies! I thought I would check the forum tomorrow because... forum.

But wow, many suggestions in such short time.

Thank you!
 
Bugout is a solid choice, Mini Grip is what I'd choose though. It's a bit out of your budget new, but the Sheepsfoot/20CV model sounds perfect to me. Grey G10, blue liners and 20CV is a great introduction to super steels.

If you're willing to do some leg work check the exchange here every so often and you'll find some that'll fit your budget. Benchmade's actions are phenomenal. She won't miss her flippers one bit.
 
Kershaw 7777 Bareknuckle. Aluminum handle so it'll be light for the size. 3.5" blade 14C28N a good steel. Blade shape she likes. It's a stylish knife. Great flipper with their ball bearing system. image.jpg image.jpg
 
Lots of good suggestions so far.
Another suggestion that might work would be the WE 803. It's a bit above your price range at $145, but it checks a lot of your boxes. The blade is a drop point rather than a Wharnie or Sheepsfoot, but it's a lot less "pointy" than some other WE knives. It comes in different colors with different blade finishes. I've never handled an 803 and I'm not sure if it's on washers or bearings, but WE makes some high quality stuff at a fair price.
We-Knife-Co-Rectifier-Tan-G10-SW-BHQ-83812-er.jpg
 
You should also consider buying from the Exchange since you can find some great deals (if you're patient/not in a rush and a bit flexible with what you're looking for) and your money will typically go much further by purchasing something second hand but in excellent or "like new" condition from a reputable seller.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top