Advice on a sturdy folding/assisted opener EDC on a budget?

B

Bullzaye

Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
7
Forum members,

Hey there! I own quite a few knives, and know a bit about them. But...I was buying a few too many, so 4 or 5 years ago I quit visiting forums, or even really looking at knives. As a result, I'm a bit out of touch and not aware of some of the newer stuff out there.

Here's my question. I'd like to get a Christmas gift for an old H.S. buddy who I've reconnected with after 30-odd years. I believe I recall him saying he'd like a folder, and I think he mentioned a spring-assisted opener. Not sure what blade length he'd prefer, but I'm guessing around 3-4 inches. I'd prefer it have a decent SS blade, ATS-34, 154CM, or S30V(!) would be great...but in the price range I'm looking at, probably something like AUS-8 or maybe 440C. While I've spent multiple hundreds of dollars on some of my blades...I'd rather stick a bit closer to the $50 mark on this one.

Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on a decent knife in this category...a decent, sturdy folder or assisted opener with a 3-4 in. blade in a usable steel, holds a good edge, etc.? It should have good stout lock-up and a safe design. It should be reasonably compact and easily carried, and a pocket clip would be very welcome...I prefer tip-up carry (I have no idea if he has a preference on this). Of course, some decent scales made of a sturdy and comfortable material would be helpful. I'm not too concerned about looks...though I'd probably rather not go too tacti-cool/goofy, and he'd probably prefer it be black, SS, gray, or FDE or something other than pink or bright purple! As I said, I'd like to limit this to around $50 (even less would be great!)...but I'm willing to go to $100, if necessary. It's not that I'm cheap...I'm just not certain if he'd appreciate the difference.

I've considered the Kershaw series (Blur, Chive, Leek, etc) and the SOG Twitch XL Tanto, but I haven't found too many positive reviews of the SOG.

Thanks for any and all input.
Tim
 
I know you this would be at the upper end of your price range, but the Benchmade 890 is the first assisted knife that comes to my mind. $100 is a pretty good price for the knife that you get. It's not extremely beefy, but mine has held up well under some duress. And you get a pretty good steel in 154cm. The clip on the 890 is great although it is tip up. The handle scales are great. And it's basic black and satin.
 
Spyderco endura is nice, though not assisted. You can pick up a ZT0350 or 0200 blem from Kershawguy for under $100.
 
Under $50, good steel, assisted opening, frame lock and dead sexy. Take a look at Kershaw's Shallot. Dave aka kershawguy has them in stock.
 
Last edited:
I would recommend the Blur and the Griptilian in that price range followed by and Endura. The Griptilian and Endura will definitely have better steels than the Kershaw. The SOG Trident I have seems like a strong knife, but I just do not care for the looks or handle materials myself.
 
Go to kershawguy.com and he will have many knives to pick from with what u want. For real I can sit here and name many knives that fit but I think if u check out that site for urself ur find something alot faster.
 
SPXTrader said:
Under $50, good steel, assisted opening, frame lock and dead sexy. Take a look at Kershaw's Shallot. Dave aka kershawguy has them in stock.
Click to expand...
+1! The Shallot is one of my favorite knives and its very tough. Kershawguy is also an awesome guy to deal with as well. :thumbup:
 
How about the Kershaw Thermite. I just got one, and really like it. For a $35 knife it has a solid feel, no bladeplay, a good G10 and stainless handle, SpeedSafe Assist, and a cool blade shape. Its the poor man's Hinderer. :)

It is made in China however. This might or might not bother your friend.

Best of Luck.
 
SpringAssisted said:
+1! The Shallot is one of my favorite knives and its very tough. Kershawguy is also an awesome guy to deal with as well. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I carry a shallot and it's a great blade. Solid lock up, no blade play, good solid assist, and seems to get good and sharp and hold the edge fairly well. Kershaw guy is the cheapest bet for them as well. They are a thin profile but still comfortable and nice in the pocket.
 
They discontinued my favorite (affordable) assisted EDC, but for what it's worth, if you can find a CRKT Badger, they are incredible little knives.
 
Thanks very much to everyone for all of the suggestions. I have lots to look into now. I will definitely take a look at kershawguy, as well.

I'll let you know what I decide. If anyone else has any other suggestions, even if just agreeing with what's already been said...I'm happy to see everyone's opinion.

Thanks again!
Tim
 
For around $50, the Blur and Shallot are both great knives. The Cryo, Cryo II, Thermite, Volt SS, and Zing SS are also worth checking out and run well below $50.

For around $100, you can also get a ZT 0350 or a S30V Blur. The Barrage and Mini-Barrage are also both around that price.
 
So...I've looked at the Kershawguy website, and discovered a couple things. First, the Shallot does indeed look like a nice choice, especially at its current sale price of $39!

Second...I've noticed some other interesting knives, and I thought I'd ask your opinions on these. 1) The 1725CBBLK Limited Edition All Black Junkyard Dog II with a composite CPM-D2 cutting edge for $79 , and 2) the Brown Skyline 1760BRNCKT 1760 Black Blade for $59.

I realize that neither of these knives are A/O, but beyond that, what are your thoughts on these? Am I making too much of the A/O...would one of these be a better knife overall, discounting the A/O? They both appear to open quite easily with their "flippers". Even if not for my friend, I might be interested in one of these for myself (as stated earlier, this is the reason I quit frequenting knife forums!!)

I'm still looking into other suggestions that have been made. Thanks, all!

Tim
 
I have the SOG Trident and the Kershaw Blur tanto because that is what I can afford and have no complaints about either knife. Don't worry about other peoples opinion about SOG products buy one and form your own opinion. You might be surprised I was.
God Bless
Tracy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top