A choice between $50 knives

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Brutus013

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I am looking for a new $50 knife, for reasons that don't really matter. Right now I am looking at two options: The Kershaw Junkyard Dog II and the Spyderoco 3D Native. I am leaning towards the Spyderco, mainly because of the VG10 blade steel, while the Kershaw only uses Sandvik (still good, but I prefer VG10). The handle on the JYDII IS G10, though, so it is sort of a trade off: handle or blade steel. Which would you go for? Both would suit my uses fine, so I am going to you guys to decide. Also, if you know another sub-$50 with similair quality, I would be happy to hear any suggestions.
 
That is a hard choice I would skip both and go the bay. You can get an Endura 4 for less than $50.00
 
Are there any reasons I should go for the Endura 4 over the native? Personally, I like the looks of the Native more and the extra blade length isn't really a selling point for me, considering the fact I consider a 3" plenty big.
 
The Endura is screwed together construction, the Native (pretty sure) is riveted. So, you can take the Endura apart to clean it, adjust tension, etc..
 
The BM mini-Grip is a good suggestion, as is a Spyderco Delica 4. Both the mini-Grip and the Delica/Endura models will be screw construction instead of rivets. I don't know about the Kershaw's construction.

The Native 3 is riveted. It is also unlined, so it will be lighter than any of the other choices. It's a backlock, which I really like. VG-10 is an excellent all-around blade steel. It's a great combination of edge holding and toughness.

Of the two you are considering, I'd take the Native 3 because of the VG-10 blade steel and the handle (more confortable for me).
 
The griptilian uses 420 steel, which I am not a huge fan of. Also, just for the record, as of now I only have Kershaw knives and have never owned a Spyderco. What kind of edge do Spydercos generally come with?

Edit: Also, the rivets are fine for me, so that isn't really part of my decision. I don't take apart my knives, at least not at this moment. I have never had a situation that has needed it.
 
So I did a bit of reading, and from what I gathered the VG10 has better corrosion resistance and resistance to wear and tear, but the Sandvik can get sharper and stay sharper longer. Nothing I do is TOO rough on the knives, at least not rough enough to heavily chip or corrode blades (I do have a boat, but I don't take my usual EDC on it), so I am starting to lean towards the Sandvik blade. Am I correct in thinking that the VG-10 is more suitable for high wear work while the Sandvik will be better for less straining tasks aka no chopping/prying etc?
 
Get the Walmart Native if the added length of an Endura doesn't appeal to you plus it is S30V steel. S30V beat the pants off of the steels you have mentioned in this thread.
 
Sounds like either steel will work fine for you really, they're both good all around steels in my experience. Sandvik sharpens up a little more easily, VG10 will hold an edge longer.

I think it depends on mostly what you feel like carrying. The Native is pretty compact and very lightweight, while the JYD2 is much heavier and bigger. I never carry my Native and I've carried my JYD2 every day since I got it. I like big knives, if I want something closer to the Natives size on me I usually carry a SAK or my Wharcom. But that's just what I prefer to carry. If something the size of the Native suits you well, it might be better to go with it and not carry around such a big knife. That said, the JYD2 is awsome. Here's my review: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491174
 
There isn't a Wal-Mart near me, and I don't see any S30V Endura 4s online. From what I have read here, it is up to preference, which seems to be Spyderco overall, but for me I like a heavier, bigger knife a bit better, so I am going to get the Junkyard Dog II.
 
If your heart is bent on a Kershaw, I'd get the Cyclone or mini Cyclone. If you're going to go for Spyderco, either the Native III or a Delica 3 or 4 would be a good choice in that size range.
 
Enduras come VG10 unless you really want the best then you could get one in zdp-189. Natives come in S30V.
 
have you considered a kershaw storm? it has sandvik steel and only cost 30.00 at wally world. It is usa built and is built like a m1 tank.,,,,VWB.
 
I have the Storm and the Native and want to get the Black JYRD Dog 2 ASAP. However if I was going to use it for every day chores I would get the Native from Walmart. The Native has been my favorite knife for every day chores that I have ever had.
 
Don't stress over the blade steel. In normal use, you won't notice a difference. If possible, try to handle both and see which one feels better. The JYDII is considerably larger than the Native, which depending on your hand size, may affect comfort and grip quite a bit. I've handled the JYDII and it's comfortable and extremely well made. I had a Native and sold it to get an ATR. The ATR is closer to the size (slightly bigger) of a JYDII. For EDC, the Native will be easier to carry around and fit in smaller pockets. Regarding the Delica, I liked it, but I prefered the Native. Even tho I couldn't take apart the Native, I never had a need to. Between the Native and JYDII, I prefer the JYDII if size didn't matter. Another knife I really like in this size and price range is the Camillus Heat. Not available as a Camillus anymore, but Ontario makes it and an online retailer that I can't remember the name of sells them for $30. AUS-8, one of my favorite steels, and feels great in the hand, between the size of the Native and JYDII, but a very long blade for it's size.
 
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