affordable basic folder

So you'd recommend the Opinel the most?

Not quite. I prefer L'Ecureuil, the Squirrel. It is a Douk-Douk variant with a spearpoint blade. I would also add in for consideration the Mercator K55 Black Cat lockback.

Opinel 8 carbon is a hell of a workhorse knife at any price. At $10-12, it's crazy to not own one.

Whatever else you get, yes, get a couple of Opinels. They come decorated. They come in different woods, like my stainless # 6 in walnut, an Opinel gentleman's knife, really ideal for the office.

It is a never-ending quest. :)
 
Ontario RAT 1 and the new, smaller RAT 2 are some of the best values in folding knives today. Either of them is less than $30, and give amazing performance.
Rat1and2_zps9495fdff.jpg
 
I guess I'm in the minority but I like the peasant knife a lot more than the opinel. I can put a razor edge on it in no time at all. The only complaint is it's not very pocket friendly but they have mini peasants out now that look like they will be much more comfortable to edc.
 
Little bit different tack here, but for some short money, Buck makes some nice "basic" knives.

The Vantage line, a large 420HC blade for $25 ish (not some modern "super steel", but has served Buck well for a long time.)
The Vantage Pros, with S30V blades are a little more money, ($60 ish) but well worth it.
The Avid line, with 13c26 Sandvik blade for $40 ish

(And the rest of the Buck line)

Plus, all guaranteed for life, BOS heat treat, nice handles, yada, yada, yada, (LOL)



Spyderco makes some nice, entry level stuff too.

Kabar Dozier, another good bang for the buck.

Tons of good "basic" knives out there, such as the previously mentioned Svords and Opinels. Just thought I'd
throw a couple more into the mix, to make your choice even easier ;)

Good luck, stay safe out there.
 
Okay, part 2 of this mission is now a smaller blade for a lower-end price for my girlfriend. I was thinking RAT 1 but I think it'd be a little too big and she wouldn't want to carry it, and I can't find the RAT 2 in stock. Any suggestions?
 
How about one of Boker's CLB line, like a Subcom? They have a number of blade styles on the basic knife.
 
Your girlfriend might like a CRKT Tuition. (not good if you need a pointy blade) I just got one for $21 delivered, from a web superstroe. Incredible FF, and they must have routed it through Scandinavia for honing.
 
Okay, part 2 of this mission is now a smaller blade for a lower-end price for my girlfriend. I was thinking RAT 1 but I think it'd be a little too big and she wouldn't want to carry it, and I can't find the RAT 2 in stock. Any suggestions?

Definitely do a second search on the RAT 2. I found it in stock, but I don't believe the site is a paid dealer on BF. You might also consider the smaller version of the Dozier Folding Hunter for her. It comes in several nice colors and is quite inexpensive.
 
Definitely do a second search on the RAT 2. I found it in stock, but I don't believe the site is a paid dealer on BF. You might also consider the smaller version of the Dozier Folding Hunter for her. It comes in several nice colors and is quite inexpensive.

Thanks, I think that's the right knife for her. :)
 
A PM2 comes to mind...nothing else.

As a "cheap and super-basic folder"? I mean, I know cheap is subjective, but when stacked against the other folders mentioned in the first post of the thread, it seems to exceed both categories. Or does PM2 not stand for "Para-Military 2"?
 
Volund -
Pick her up a Rainbow or Pink Kershaw Leek.
You can get a $35 Blem on the Rainbow from Kershaw Guy.
The Dozier is also a great little folder though. I used one for a long time as my main EDC folder and it handled any task I asked of it while still being solid and centered and holding up. I think I gave it away and I truly kind of miss it.
Been thinking of putting away the expensive knives and EDCing a cheaper knife for a while just to do it and get the feel of it again for a while.
I could get by with no issues with a Dozier. But I just love my Sebenza lol.

As for a cheaper knife for you, the Sod Buster in CV is awesome for the price. Really nice knife. It's yellow but the steel is great and you're not likely to lose a yellow knife lol.

Now you have me looking at cheap folders....

Ooooh Toxic Green Ka-Bar Dozier...ahhh lol.
 
Volund -
Pick her up a Rainbow or Pink Kershaw Leek.
You can get a $35 Blem on the Rainbow from Kershaw Guy.
The Dozier is also a great little folder though. I used one for a long time as my main EDC folder and it handled any task I asked of it while still being solid and centered and holding up. I think I gave it away and I truly kind of miss it.
Been thinking of putting away the expensive knives and EDCing a cheaper knife for a while just to do it and get the feel of it again for a while.
I could get by with no issues with a Dozier. But I just love my Sebenza lol.

As for a cheaper knife for you, the Sod Buster in CV is awesome for the price. Really nice knife. It's yellow but the steel is great and you're not likely to lose a yellow knife lol.

Now you have me looking at cheap folders....

Ooooh Toxic Green Ka-Bar Dozier...ahhh lol.

I'll consider those models, though my girlfriend would kick my butt if I tried to give her a pink knife. :eek:
 
Another vote for a CLB folder from Boker. The CLB Hyper. This knife is too often overlooked!
 
Well, she's pretty much in love with the Kershaw Blur, so it looks like the decision has been made. Now time to pinch my pennies. :)
 
Lol get her the Purple or Green Blem with CPM-154.

Carrying my Kershaw Tension today. =] Sweet little EDC.
 
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