$50 Knife

[swell6]

Hello,

I'm new to the knife game and have been looking for about 2 weeks for a new EDC folder. I've carried a CRKT for about 2 years now, and am ready to spend a little more (Its a $24 knife) to get something that I love. My budget is around $50. I'd spend more if I fall in love with something, but would prefer to stay around $50.

I have a couple requirements:

1) The blade must be 3" or less since I work in DC
2) I'd prefer something that has a handle that isn't black, and I like the look of black finish on a blade. Basically, non-black handle, and black blade
3) I like the functionality of a combo edge, but the more I read about knives, the more I think I'm ok with trying out a smooth edge.
4) I'd prefer something with a deep carry clip but can always put that on later
5) I prefer rubber/plastic handle vs. metal. Metal always seems slippery to me.

A couple knives that have caught my eye:

Rat II
Several models of the Buck Vantage (unfortunately have black handles)
Bestech Thorn
Spyderco Efficient


Does anyone have any other suggestions or think one of the models above is leaps and bounds better than the others?

Thanks for reading,

 

[Rykjeklut]

Welcome to the forums.

Well, there are several metric tons of knives in that range, but given your criteria, and the knives you've already looked at, I'd go for the Rat. Especially if you can get the D2 model for 50.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Man that sub 3" blade knocks out a lot of great sub $50 knives. If you could a bit longer, and I really hate people saying that because rules are rules and parameters are parameters, the Spyderco Tenacious is available in a black blade with non-black handle. But it's about .3" too long.

My suggestion would be to check out the Kershaw line of knives on their webpage and see what their specs shake out at.

If the metal handle isnt a deal breaker, the Scallion is a great little edc knife.

 

[Psy223]

I only have 20 or so knives but the Rat 2 is my most carried knife. Try it.

The kershaw fraxion also fits your criteria, I think. And it’s well under $50

 

[number9]

The Buck 341 Small Vantage Avid might be what you're looking for. Mine's in my pocket right now. A little under 3", wood inlays in the handle. Deep carry clip. If you shop around, you can find one made with Sandvik 13C26 instead of the usual 420HC. It's got a small flipper and a thumb hole. Classy little knife that sharpens easily and holds an edge well.

 

[Hackenslash]

Spyderco Efficient

Also available with part serrated blade

ESEE Zancudo in D2

Ontario RAT 2 in D2

Finally, probably the best choice would be a CIVIVI knife and the Shard checks all of your boxes with the exception of a black blade. It's also a little out of your price range but I think the quality of a WE knife is way above any of the knives I've posted above...

 

[Mo2]

Welcome to the forums.

Well, there are several metric tons of knives in that range, but given your criteria, and the knives you've already looked at, I'd go for the Rat. Especially if you can get the D2 model for 50.

I'd go Aus8. It performs better and cheaper and faster to sharpen and easier.

 

[Rykjeklut]

I'd go Aus8. It performs better and cheaper and faster to sharpen and easier.

Performs better is up for debate, at least in my experience. But steels differ a lot.

Cheaper and better to sharpen is a good point, and reading his post again I see he's new to knives.
Aus 8 might not be a bad choice.

 

[Cogam87]

I love my steel will cutjack mini. Blades bang on 3" and can get it in different colours. Don't think you can get a blacked out blade though

 

[oldmanwilly]

In your price range, check out the following:
- Kershaw Scallion
- Kershaw Chive
- Kershaw Leek (blade length is right at 3")

Just slightly above your price range (up to $70):
- Spyderco Dragonfly
- Spyderco Delica
- Spyderco UK Pen Knife
- Spyderco Urban

If you are concerned about startling people who are not accustomed to seeing knives outside of a kitchen, and I presume there are many like this around D.C., then you may also want to look into a more traditional slipjoint or lockback for your EDC. There are many excellent options in this category that fit within your budget.

 

[strategy9]

Buck Vantage Avid, with the rosewood handles.

 

[Lapedog]

Performs better is up for debate, at least in my experience. But steels differ a lot.

Cheaper and better to sharpen is a good point, and reading his post again I see he's new to knives.
Aus 8 might not be a bad choice.

I think it will perform better for a guy just getting into 50$ knives.

 

[dirc]

for under $50 you can get the rat2 with a carbon fiber handle - this breaks your point #2 about color but it's the best looking one imho
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79704

 

[Mo2]

for under $50 you can get the rat2 with a carbon fiber handle - this breaks your point #2 about color but it's the best looking one imho
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79704

2) I'd prefer something that has a handle that isn't black
5) I prefer rubber/plastic handle vs. metal. Metal always seems slippery to me.

The cf is basically black and is pretty slick. It's also just a single layer of cf on each side,the rest is g10 or plastic.

 

[Earl1]

The Buck 341 Small Vantage Avid might be what you're looking for. Mine's in my pocket right now. A little under 3", wood inlays in the handle. Deep carry clip. If you shop around, you can find one made with Sandvik 13C26 instead of the usual 420HC. It's got a small flipper and a thumb hole. Classy little knife that sharpens easily and holds an edge well.

I have the large avid in my pocket now. I love the blade on the knife,the high grind makes it a great slicer imho. Im gettimg ready to get the small one soon.

 

[Ourorboros]

Steel Will Cutjack mini
Honey Badger, small

 

[K.O.D.]

Kershaw mini Natrix. Blade HQ has it with a red g-10 handle, black blade, black deep carry clip, 2.75" blade. $29.99

Knife center has a copper handled version with D2 steel for $57. Stonewashed blade and clip though.

Oops, nevermind, it's a pre-order.

It runs on bearings, not assisted, which I think would be better in D.C.

 

[Mike.TX13]

I personally was looking for a knife under $50 for work. I watched videos and read reviews. Everything went towards the rat2. (D2 steel if you can). I picked one up and have never been disappointed

 

[fatboyclone]

I bought a Kershaw Scallion because I worked in DC in a federal building. I got mine for under $50 Amazon a couple years back

 

[jp9mm]

You need to check out the Kershaw Atmos.
Blade spec: exactly 3"
Handle available in multiple colors
Weighs less than 2oz
Has a nice piece of carbon fiber molded into design.
At only $30 the design and flipper action rivals knives in the 100+ range.
I'm new into collecting, started with the atmos. 8 knives later and it took a 250$ retail knife to wow me again.