$30 Folders Which One?

cziv

cziv

Joined
Nov 24, 2005
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I'm looking at a RAT 1 Folding Knife or a CS Pocket Bushman for about the same price. I have a RAT 1 in black, semi-serrated, which I think sucks.

I'm looking at a satin finish plain edge (if it come in non-serrated) or a Bushman that's supposedly fixed now and ready for hard use.
 
Consider a G10 Cara Cara. I'd take it over many folders twice it's price.
 
Kershaw storm?

If you can come up with $10 more you can get the Kershaw OD1 at walmart plus you get to hold it first and don't pay any shipping. Wlamart has another model for $35, I think the Kershaw skyline? It seems to be pretty popular.

The Buck 110 is about that price and pretty popular although it's not my type of knife.
 
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While I usually suggest spyderco I have 2 rat1 folders in for some testing right now and am amazed by the quality. Personally preference I guess but it would be my pick in your price range.
 
Thanks guys, I have a Tenacious (which is very cool btw) but was looking for another inexpensive folder, maybe the Cara Cara but it doesn't appeal to me visually.

I heard the RAT 1 & CS Pocket Bushman were "hard use" folders? Thought I'd beat on one and see. I should probably save my money for the Bradley Alias I've been wanting.
 
I broke the tip off of of a Rat folder. The CS pocket bushman is the way to go. They are very rugged though not quickly deployed.
 
Tenacious/Skyline would be good. You may also might want to try the Byrd Robin/Raven, which I've been impressed with as well.
 
cziv said:
Thanks guys, I have a Tenacious (which is very cool btw) but was looking for another inexpensive folder, maybe the Cara Cara but it doesn't appeal to me visually.

I heard the RAT 1 & CS Pocket Bushman were "hard use" folders? Thought I'd beat on one and see. I should probably save my money for the Bradley Alias I've been wanting.
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I thought the Pocket Bushman was pretty cool for a while as well, then this thread happened... http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609845

That along with a few other technical problems pretty much put an end to any desire for the knife.
 
30? I got my pocket bushman not too long ago for 20.

You will not find a tougher folder for this price. Nothing even close. I got it as more of a novelty due to its cheap price, but was shocked at how much knife you get.

Despite its size, it rides slim and easy in the pocket.

No, its not easy to close. Well, for me its very easy, I disengage the lock while putting SLIGHT pressure on the blade, just enough to keep the lock disengaged. Then I hold the blade and fold the handle into it, instead of vice versa. I treat it as a one hand to open but two to close.

Not just two hands to disengage the lock then one to close it, but two all the way.
 
cziv said:
I'm looking at a RAT 1 Folding Knife or a CS Pocket Bushman for about the same price. I have a RAT 1 in black, semi-serrated, which I think sucks.

I'm looking at a satin finish plain edge (if it come in non-serrated) or a Bushman that's supposedly fixed now and ready for hard use.
Click to expand...

I bought a satin plain edge RAT-1 and I think it is great! Not only is it a solid knife, but with the full flat grind it is a fantastic slicer. With a bit of work on a strop I have gotten mine sharp enough to split hairs (in the literal sense).

I like the blade & blade shape and blade grind. The AUS-8 is capable of taking a very fine edge. The construction is very good with a very smooth action & a solid lockup with no play. I find it very comfortable with good ergonomics.

If the only thing you don't like about your current one is the serrations then you will love the plain edge blade version. The satin finish is also more classy and less mall ninja like.
 
I picked up another Kershaw Cylone for just over $30 (Canadian moneys) a little while ago online. They've been discontinued so they're being sold off for pretty cheap, depending on where you look.

Without sounding too crass (hopefully), the materials (steel especially) and build quality of the Cyclone absolutely spank the Rat-1 and Tenacious, in my opinion.

For my money, I can't think of any way that either the Tenacious or the Rat-1 measured up to the Cyclone, and it's possible to find all of these knives in the 30-35$ pricerange.

Can't say one way or another about the CS bushman, though - I've never used one.
 
I picked up another Kershaw Cylone for just over $30 (Canadian moneys) a little while ago online. They've been discontinued so they're being sold off for pretty cheap, depending on where you look.
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Please PM me if you can find (1) Kershaw Cylone Plain Edge Satin finish for that price I can't and seriously doubt if one can be found unles it's closer $50.
 
I'd also take a look at a Benchmade Vex, I very pleasantly surprised at super tight lock up. I have a para military, delica, and salt I, it's my first BM I got it as a beat just because the red class has been discontinued so they're all marked down, got mine for $26 plus shipping, but it has g-10, same steel as the tenacious which is about the same as aus 8 I believe. It locks up tighter than my para mil even (it has back and forth blade play :grumpy:).
 
I'd suggest three: Spyderco Tenacious, Kershaw Skyline, Ontario RAT-1.
In that order, too.
 
Since you already have a tenacious, I'd go with the Kershaw skyline. Other great options include that plain edge satin Rat 1 you mentioned in your origional post, or the G-10 cara cara. In that order too. I wouldn't touch a pocket bushman with a ten foot pole, for many reasons. New and 'improved' or not.
 
Kershaw Skyline or Kershaw Mini-Cyclone. Both can be obtained for $30 as Mini-Cyclone is discontinued. I Found mine for sub $29 bucks...
 
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