3 inch folder?

Cold Steel's mini recon 1 is a great little blade (30-40 dollars I think--it's been a while); it's tough and fairly resistant to the elements, very easy to sharpen in the field, and if you damage while putting it through its paces, inexpensive enough that you will not feel bad. I have the clip point and have to say that it has impressed me.

 

sorry, double post

 

Could probably pick up a mini landslide on the cheap!

 

Any size Griptillan works awesome for this mission. Whittles and makes shavings like a charm. Made hundreds of fires, snares, tent stakes, plus processed fish and game. The 154CM would be my choice. The Axis lock is perhaps one of the most rock solid locks on the market making it one of the top choices for this mission. Strong and solid.

 

Zancudo
Rat II

 

Case Sodbuster for less than $30

 

Delica 4.

 

Another vote for the Delica 4.

Jim

 

Another vote for Cold Steel. Look at the Voyager model, usually pretty cheap. You could also get yourself a Mora if you needed a fixed blade and still be within budget. You could go super cheap and get a Mora and Opinel, or a Case knife. You really shouldn't have to spend $85 on a folding knife for your uses.

 

I'm Going with the mini grip at the high end of your price range but a cold steel recon 1 or mini recon 1 at half the price is one heck of a value.

 

I really like my Delica 4. A nice bonus for outdoors are the bright FRN scales. Mines orange even in lo light and heavy brush its pretty easy to find.

 

Since you left the question of 3" outdoor camping blade nice and open for interpretation how about a Victorinox Farmer Easily obtainable for about $30 shipped.

[video=youtube;F-9LihiP_sA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9LihiP_sA#t=130[/video]

View thread here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...he-Alox-Farmer-Is-there-Anything-it-Cannot-Do

 

The mini-grip is a good blade for the size, but I find the handle a bit small due to the design.
For outdoorsy stuff I'd prefer a flat grind for lateral stiffness in carving, so go with the drop-point style blade rather than the sheepsfoot (which is hollow).

I like my new Kershaw Camber in S30V, but you'd have to drop the tip a bit to make the 3" limit (which I did). Bonus is you get premium steel for your budget. (and can de-assist if you don't like that feature)

I believe Buck has a Vantage model right in your size/price range, which would be a good bet.

A Vic farmer or camper is actually hard to beat too, but doesn't optimize for blade utility.

3" knives are awesome as long as they have enough handle to hang onto.

 

I recommend the Buck vantage. Super strong and user friendly. Lots of options.

 

Or a Buck 112. Sure it weighs a little more and you can't pocket clip it. But you won't loose it if it's on your belt and it is one heck of a good general purpose outdoor (or in) knife. I carried mine daily through my military tours.

Cheers, ED

 

Two options to consider.

Low cost: ontario rat2. I have it with orange scales. Good quality great price. $29 Hair shaving sharp.
http://www.knifeworks.com/dougritterorangerskmk1stonewashedm390bladeknifeworksexclusive.aspx

High cost. Ritter mk1 in m390. It's a mini griptillian with a better droppoint blade. I really would prefer this but it's too spendy for me at the moment.
http://www.knifeworks.com/dougritterorangerskmk1stonewashedm390bladeknifeworksexclusive.aspx

 

That SAK farmer looks like a winner. A leatherman wouldn't be out of place either. You could even get a Leatherman and an opinel and still be within budget.