$50 and under for folder

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Prat

Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
19
Yea, another recommendation thread! :D

I'm looking for a general EDC folder, blade under 4", half serrated, drop point would be nice, no tanto. I'm not too concerned about size; just not too big/bulky.

In all probability I won't actually be using this knife that much, just carrying for insurance purposes (in case I need it).

I'd prefer to have a sticky type grip over smooth, but I have no idea how handles feel (it's been years since I've had any knife and the one I had before had some plastic handle) or what type is more durable and comfortable.

So far I'm looking at mostly Kershaw and also some Benchmade/H&K (no Spyderco, I just don't like the looks of them personally). Too many to list really (so many great knives!), but some Kershaws are the Blur, Slavo, Volt II, Ener-g, Clash (does that come in partial serrated?), and Blackout (and Storm but that might be too big).

Also looking at the Ontario Rat.

I have to admit that looks are the priority (since I won't be using this much), but I'd also like decent/good quality (hence Kershaw which seems to combine both of these criteria as well as low price).

Thanks for any recommendations/advice! :thumbup: This will be my first "real" EDC knife!
 
Any one of the Kershaws you listed would be good for you to EDC, also the Rat 1 is another great EDC blade.
 
any reason why you want half serrated? I like the kershaw JYD 2, around $30 for the base model. I carry the Titainium framelock and sg2 powdered blade steel.
 
Yea, I'm sure any of the Kershaws are good, just wanted to know if there was one to look out for for some reason.

I just like the way the serrated looks, and also for the cutting ability if needed.

I forgot to mention that I don't want any "traditional" style knives, like with wooden handles. Those can look great, but right now I want something more tactical and modern looking.

Do all of the Kershaws have that SpeedSafe opening method?

I also like when knives have that "finger guard" such as seen on the Clash; once I had a finger slip off the handle and right up the blade and I don't want that to happen again! (Granted I was just a kid but...).
 
Kershaw makes great knives for low prices. The Skyline is really great. Overall I would agree with freq... The Benchmade Mini Grip is your best bet for just a few dollars more. Axis lock, 154cm... It will definitely find it's way into your pocket more often. Then you'll realize that you NEED it on you at all times!
 
here are some lnks to threads, some of them are a bit old, so the knives you see in them might be discontinued

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291795&highlight=best+folder+for+50+bucks

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=375969 - this has folder and fixed blade suggestions, but still within your pricerange

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699392

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7608472

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582053 - this has suggestions for 50 - 70 bucks

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595359

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8201212 - has some more links in it as well

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288758

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7867365

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7907031

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699392

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272481 - sugestions for tanto folder for under 50, if thats your thing

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346218

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256314



there are heaps of these threads, use the search feature or the bladeforums google search - http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

hopefully this can help you make you mind up as well as the suggestions in this thread.

my vote is for the spyderco delica 4, I think you can get it for 50 bucks, maybe a bit more.

EDIT: if you do see a knife you like and its over 50 bucks, say its 70, save up for that one, rather than getting the 50 dollar folder and wishing you had gotten the 70 dollar one.
 
You might look at the Benchmade Monochrome.
Steel handle, but I've never had a problem gripping it.
Excellent blade steel.
Nicely shaped blade. It qualifies as a drop point.
Well within your budget.
Comes in either plain edge or partially serrated.
~ 3" blade.
 
Thanks for all the great replies and suggestions guys! :thumbup:

I can tell this is a very helpful forum full of knife nuts! :D

I just might have to order a couple of these and compare and contrast them and then send back the ones I don't like as much or sell them back. I do this with audio gear all the time.

The Benchmade Monochrome and Gerber FAST look interesting, and the Mini Griptilian I might have to take another look at (I ruled it out before based on price, I know it has a big following). Is the Axis lock more reliable than other methods, like those found on Kershaw knives?

So many cool and great knives!
 
The Blur is definitely a nice blade. I definitely recommend it over the Ontario RAT-1 for sheer superior build quality and tighter tolerances. I got mine (Tanto version, used) for under 30$, abused it thoroughly and it's still going strong.
 
I'd avoid Gerber, 55RC mystery stainless and poor quality make it inferior to any Kershaw, BM, or whatever else is suggested. For your price the Blur is nice but it's a pocket shredder with its trac-tec inserts so it's rough on anything but jeans in my experience. And it's speedsafe in case that matters, I like it, but some don't.
The BM Mini Grip doesn't have the finger guard you were talking about but the axis lock is fun. I have a full size Grip and love it.
For a little over your price range you can pick up a Kershaw RAM which has the HAWK lock, similar to the axis, but with a flipper and finger guard instead of just thumbstuds.
 
RAT Ontario 1 folder.. i have totally abused this knife and its fantastic. easy to sharp and you can get a wicked edge on it too. Aus 8 steel.
 
Yeah I agree with A blade, the blur inserts are BRUTAL in every which way. Hurt the hands, jeans and everything else.
 
Again, thanks for all the input guys; I would of never of thought that the inserts in the Blur could be a problem! I usually wear jeans or casual Khaki type pants when out and about and not at work, but I've noticed recently that even decent brands (like Levi's) are using thinner material for their pockets that wear out quicker than they did even 10 years ago. Any rough or gripping material would shred them in no time I'm sure. I really do like the combo of metal and trac-tec inserts though.

I agree about Gerber, they look to be ok, but there are better options for the price I guess. I was looking at the Firestorm and TorchII.

For Benchmade/HK I like the looks of the 14650, although it has those inserts and the handle looks kind of thin. I do only have medium sized hands though, but it just looks too skinny.

Still looking: I'm in no hurry and I like to take my time shopping for cool things, half of the fun is in looking up the products imo!
 
The Boker M type or H type or maybe a Kershaw Barrage. For a little more you can get a Kershaw Lahar. There are a lot of good ones out there. Good Luck. Kevin
 
Having owned a BM Monochrome, I'd pass on it and pick up something else. Preferably something that has G10 (or even zytel) on the handle instead of stainless. Sure the Monochrome is a framelock, but the overall design of the handle just isn't all that comfortable to me. YMMV!

A Buck Vantage Pro, BM mini Griptilian, or Spyderco Tenacious would all be better choices...
 
You can score a nice used Spyderco Endura on the sale forum here or hit amazon. The Spyderco Tenacious is nice too.
 
I know you mentioned drop point but take a look at the Needs Work from Kershaw

KS1820ST Kershaw A/O Needs Work Linerlock Partially Serrated Blade
4 1/8" closed.
Sandvik 14C28 stainless partially serrated blade.
Black polyamide handles with stainless pocket clip.
Country of Origin: USA

and

KS1840ST KERSHAW SHALLOT PART SERRATED
4 3/8" closed framelock.
Sandvik 14C28N stainless partially serrated blade.
Stainless handle.
Lanyard hole.
Reversible stainless pocket clip.
Features the Speed-Safe assisted opening system.
Country of Origin: USA

Both can be found under $50.00
 
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