affordable basic folder

V

VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys, so I have a little change in my pocket and want to pick up something classic. I want to test out what uses I can put the knife through and see if I can be happy with a cheap and super-basic folder. Right now I'm thinking a Svord Peasant, a Mercator, or Opinel 10/8(all in carbon steel ;) ). Which of these do you recommend? Do you think there's another, better alternative? I will likely take this knife deep-sea fishing this weekend and camping throughout the summer, so I need to make a decision semi-quickly. ;) Thanks guys!
 
OrdnanceBubbaUSMC said:
Vic SAK is my pick for a classic folder, any model that has tools you like. I love the saws, awls, and can openers on them.
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That's as little more complex than I'd like. I have a TTI wave if I want to go multi-tool. I'd prefer just a single bladed carbon-steel knife. Simplicity at its finest. :)
 
I'd say opinel is just about the best knife under 10 dollars there is! Also I'd stay away from the svord peasant I found it a little thick and couldn't really get it sharp (might have just been me haha)....also a little more "modern" but the kabar dozier is a great little traditional(ish) folder.
 
User grade higo knives can be found around the $10 mark in carbon steel and laminated carbon steel. Very good users, in fact. They're at least as quirky as Svord/Mercator/Opinels. Unless there's a local brick and mortar with some (there are actually two here in L.A. that carry inexpensive higo knives), they'll take a while get some for that price direct from Japan.

Aitor Castor models are available in the US easily now. Run less than $25. Also Douk Douks.
 
Opinel, Svord, higonokami, Mercator, and Douk-Douk. I prefer the 200mm Douk-Douk, it's a great knife.

You mentioned deep-sea fishing, though... not sure carbon steel mixes well...
 
Any of the above choices are good to go. I like the Victorinox Recruit, for a camp knife, has everything you need on an SAK and nothing you don't. Opinels are a great, reliable choice as well.
 
Take a look at the Aitor Castor. It's a very nice modern rendition of a traditional type of Spanish rural working knife. It comes in a couple of different sizes, the leaf shaped blades are carbon steel and the backsprings on the ones I've got are very strong.

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Franciscomv said:
Take a look at the Aitor Castor. It's a very nice modern rendition of a traditional type of Spanish rural working knife. It comes in a couple of different sizes, the leaf shaped blades are carbon steel and the backsprings on the ones I've got are very strong.

DSC00312.JPG
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Wow, that's pretty cool looking!
 
If you're going deep sea fishing, I'd get a stainless (not carbon) Opinel, and call it a day.
 
liamstrain said:
If you're going deep sea fishing, I'd get a stainless (not carbon) Opinel, and call it a day.
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I may have the knife I choose sit out on that trip, or may buy two (one carbon one stainless) depending on price. ;) I'm more just thinking regular EDC use and camping use. I just thought it'd be interested to test on the fishing trip.
 
Opinel 8 carbon is a hell of a workhorse knife at any price. At $10-12, it's crazy to not own one.
 
Castor Grande and Douk-Douk can be VERY hard to open. Wet, almost impossible. The Opinel is also a great choice, except when wet, the handle swells and opening the blade becomes difficult. This is not to knock these knives. Just be sure to oil and work those pivots before you put them in rotation.

I recently got the Castor Grande and I have a few Douks. All have nice thin blades. Excellent slicers!

I bought my first Opinel at Williams-Sonoma, a kitchen supply store in yuppy Upper East Side Manhattan. My brother got it from me. :) I have a # 10. Best bread knife ever, and a decent carving knife, too.
 
Case CV Sodbuster? Very basic. Not as cheap as the Opinels or Svord Peasants, but I like the feel of it better.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Castor Grande and Douk-Douk can be VERY hard to open. Wet, almost impossible. The Opinel is also a great choice, except when wet, the handle swells and opening the blade becomes difficult. This is not to knock these knives. Just be sure to oil and work those pivots before you put them in rotation.

I recently got the Castor Grande and I have a few Douks. All have nice thin blades. Excellent slicers!

I bought my first Opinel at Williams-Sonoma, a kitchen supply store in yuppy Upper East Side Manhattan. My brother got it from me. :) I have a # 10. Best bread knife ever, and a decent carving knife, too.
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So you'd recommend the Opinel the most?
 
For the money I would buy a Bucklite max. You get FRN handles, pocket clip, thumb stud and Buck's warranty for under $20. For a more traditional knife the Opinel is my pick.
 
Sodbusters are made by a number of manufacturers in a variety of steels from high carbon to D2 to various stainless alloys, and with lots of grip options: wood, plastic, stag, etc.
 
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