Affordable traditional folders

Aren't the traditional folders of the Buck 300 line made with 420J2 steel and thus not worth getting because it doesn't stay sharp?

And what about the Schrade brand knives currently on the market? How're they in terms of quality?
 
Charlie, I would have likely let someone else answer you on the Bucks but I was still on the thread when you posted so here goes.
Buck currently has TWO lines of 300 series models. One, the old ones, are all American made which is made with 420HC with Bos heat treatment the best known. The second, is made in China, under heavy Buck control, including heat treatment. This was done back in the early 2000's when Buck was moving it's factory to Idaho. It was mainly for the production of low price point knives to be sold by the "Mart" stores and that price point could have no discussion.
CJ Buck has personally stated that he hopes someday to move all production in country as they have some models recently.

That is the straight talk. Now speaking as a Moderator, please lets not get off the OPs purpose, I answered an individual if anyone has more to discuss on the subject please go to the Buck forum or my Bud Knarfeng and your moderator will kick my shin and shut this down. Thanks
300
 
Charlie_K said:
Aren't the traditional folders of the Buck 300 line made with 420J2 steel and thus not worth getting because it doesn't stay sharp?

And what about the Schrade brand knives currently on the market? How're they in terms of quality?
Click to expand...

The current Schrades are not of the same quality steel in my opinion. The new Old Timers are stainless and not carbon.

I have about 10-15 USA Old Timers and have never bought online although I got about half at a local knife shop. I've been looking casually about a year. There were so many made that you should see inexpensive ones here and there.

The answers to the OP have all been right on. Case CV and Buck are great slipjoints for the money. You can get a nice Solingen Boker slipjoint for <50$ sometimes too.

Opinel, Douk Douk, and Mercator are all cheap knives everyone should have to rotate carrying. The Svord peasant is wonderful steel for cheap also.
 
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I'll go ahead and recommend the Queen Workhorse series knives. Carbon steel and delrin handles, good quality and low price.
 
+1 for Buck. Their knives are a lot of knife for the money. Or....wait for it....

Bang for the Buck. :)
 
Thanks everybody for all the great suggestions. I have finally made a purchase. I chose a case humpback stockman and a rough rider barlow. I've been wanting a humpback stockman for a long time so I'm really happy to add it to my pocket. I've made a list of knives for my next purchase. I'm planning on getting an opinel #8, buck 110, svord peasant knife, and a canoe knife. I had a buck 110 years ago but I gave it to a friend during a camping trip. Has anyone heard of chief brand knives? I saw some online and they don't look bad. I will post some pics of my new knives whenever they arrive in the mail.
 
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