$25 Folder Recommendation

T

TxSxB

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Mar 15, 2010
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My sister is looking for a Christmas gift for my Dad and she would like to get him a nice folder. Now my Dad has carried a menagerie of knives in his time from a Buck 110 and a Schrade LB7 to a HUGE Case slip-joint to a Gerber Paraframe (currently) and so on. So the criteria as it may be is simple: Around $25, 3" or longer blade, no recurves, one handed opening and locking, and possibly the most important thing is that it needs to be a tough knife, my Dad is prone to using a knife for anything and everything from cutting to scraping, to prying and screwdriving, and anything else in between. Obviously for $25 your not going to get something incredible buts whats the toughest $25 folder out there? Thanks in advance!

Edit: Any thoughts on the Rat-1 Folder?
 
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TxSxB said:
My sister is looking for a Christmas gift for my Dad and she would like to get him a nice folder.
Around $25, 3" or longer blade, no recurves, one handed opening and locking, and possibly the most important thing is that it needs to be a tough knife, my Dad is prone to using a knife for anything and everything from cutting to scraping, to prying and screwdriving, and anything else in between.
Click to expand...


Spyderco Tenacious G-10 Handle
http://spyderco.com/pix/products/med/C122_M.jpg

Spyderco Persistence, Black G-10 Handle
http://spyderco.com/pix/products/med/C136G_M.jpg

or

CRKT Drifter Knife
http://www.crkt.com/crkt/content/images_inv/v/n/151/CR6450K_xlarge_16585_full_151.jpg

Possible to find at a store near you.

Happy Holidays
 
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The Rat 1 would be a good choice.

I was going to suggest a Kabar Large Dozier.
 
All some good lookin' recommendations :thumbup: If it was me shopping for a knife for him I would probably just pick him up a Benchmade and call it good :D, but of course thats not do-able on a $25 budget so all the help is much appreciated. Thank you all! :cool:
 
Hi TxSxB -

Ask kershawguy if he has any more Kershaw Skylines - he had some red-handled versions with snap-on logos on the blade - a nice little knife and right in your price ballpark delivered.

I bought a couple to give as gifts.

best regards -

mqqn
 
The new Byrd Cara Cara G10 with full flat ground blade is a very interesting, and sturdy knife. Similar in quality as the Tenacious, it might just be a bit more desirable with its very sturdy backlock.
 
1st two posts had the best recs. Spyderco Tenacious, Persistence. Byrd Cara Cara or Flight, Ontario Rat, Kabar Doziers. I can't add much. Kershaw Oso Sweet if you want assisted opening.
 
Kershaw Chill. Pretty sharp out the box, but can get scary sharp with some work...

Factory.
IMG_8091.jpg


Convexed and polished.
IMG_9678.jpg
 
If he is really rough on knives (and even if he wasn't) maybe one of the Victorinox one-hand opening models - One-Hand Trekker, Soldier, Fireman, etc.. He can use the screwdrivers, pry with the bottle opener/larger flathead, punch holes in things with the awl/reamer, use the saw on really tough things and actual wood.

You can find them for $30 or less and often with a free gift
 
I would recommend the Skyline, as it's USA made and meets most of your criteria, however, in terms of toughness, I'd still give the nod to the Spyderco Tenacious as I have owned both and consider this to be the tougher knife by a large margin.
 
kozak6 said:
A Byrd knife, a Kabar Dozier, or an Ontario Rat 1 would all be great choices.
Click to expand...

I have a Byrd Meadowlark and the Kabar Dozier and my next purchase will be the Rat 1.
I think these are three excellent choices,


Throw the Victorinox into the mix and I don't think he will be disappointed with any of these.
 
Lots of great suggestions, so I am just tossing my hat in the ring. I have a RAT 1, and use it all the time for work. I have a Tenacious, and do the same with it. I don't know which one I would take over the other in regards to Dear old Dad, so I will offer this as a criteria within your price range. I am sure the Sebbie guys will be here soon....

The Tenacious can be sharpened into a wicked slicer, so it is a great work knife if that is your style. It feels good in the hand, great to use and sharpens easily. It is flat enough (although a bit wide) to carry easily in your pocket. The fit and finish on mine is outstanding, and every time I carry and use this knife I really like it.

The RAT 1 fills your hand nicely, and has basically the same steel in it as the Tenacious. With the blade grind profile being more steep, it doesn't seem to be as much of a slicer as the Tenacious, but will get plenty sharp. This knife seems to be built heavier and is a more solid work knife for me. I have used the spine to scrape wood, open bottles, and flake off paint. The blade design is a great utility design, and it holds its edge pretty well. It hasn't rusted in my pocket (except a few dots in the summer) and the handle design makes it almost slip proof in your hand. This knife has received a lot of work time over the last year, an it still locks up tight. no play. The longer, less wide frame makes me able to get in and out of my pocket without taking the knife out. This is handy for accessing change, my peanut, etc.

While I carry both in rotation as work knives, I would have to give the edge to the RAT1.

Robert
 
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Another vote for the RAT-1 here. Great knife for the money. Solid lockup and flies out of the handle like it was assisted.
 
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