Any good American-made, sub-$50 EDC you recommend?

T

Todd Volker

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Nov 21, 2011
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I'm looking for my first good, carry everyday pocket knife. I like the idea of a lockback, since my cheap Barlow keeps wanting to close on me!

Any tips from you are really welcome; many thanks!
 
There are lots of good Kershaws to choose from in that price range. The Spyderco Native with S30V blade and FRN handles is another good, very lightweight option that can be had for right around $50. Finally, check out the Buck Vantage Pro, which has G-10 handles and an S30V blade with Paul Bos's excellent heat treat.
 
neuron said:
There are lots of good Kershaws to choose from in that price range. The Spyderco Native with S30V blade and FRN handles is another good, very lightweight option that can be had for right around $50. Finally, check out the Buck Vantage Pro, which has G-10 handles and an S30V blade with Paul Bos's excellent heat treat.
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I'm with neuron on this one. Kershaw offers many great knives <$50. Although not a lockback the Kershaw Skyline is an excellent liner lock knife that can be had for ~$35.
My vote though, would be for the Buck Vantage series. I have the Buck Vantage Select large and really like it. It came hair shaving sharp from the factory, good blade centering, and the low riding pocket clip is just amazing. If you could get the Pro with the better blade steel you would have a real winner.
 
Look up the Kershaw Storm and Storm II. Some are still around. Less than $50. Frame lock, Great great knives.
 
Kershaw Leek and Kershaw Blur are good but assisted so if you don't want that then definitely the Buck Vantage Pro. All three are fantastic knives.
 
Buck Vantage Pro is a great blade in s30v, I think you would be hard pressed to find that quality steel at the price.
 
You can get an Endura for right around $50. Its a lot of knife for the money.
 
ooitzoo said:
You can get an Endura for right around $50. Its a lot of knife for the money.
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But the OP's looking for American made. Aren't those still made in Japan?

For something a little more old school, how about a Buck 501 lockback?
 
Buck 110
Spyderco Native3
Kershaw has a ton of great knives. Look at the Skyline, Leek, Shallot, etc.

I will also second the Delica/Endura option. The company is American owned, located in the US and most of the profits come back to the states.
 
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Taonari said:
I'm with neuron on this one. Kershaw offers many great knives <$50. Although not a lockback the Kershaw Skyline is an excellent liner lock knife that can be had for ~$35.
My vote though, would be for the Buck Vantage series. I have the Buck Vantage Select large and really like it. It came hair shaving sharp from the factory, good blade centering, and the low riding pocket clip is just amazing. If you could get the Pro with the better blade steel you would have a real winner.
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I think the S30V is pretty decent steel, especially for the price of a Vantage pro.
 
ono724 said:
I think the S30V is pretty decent steel, especially for the price of a Vantage pro.
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:thumbup::thumbup:And the Paul Bos heat treat Buck uses for S30V is as good as it gets.

The Vantage Pro is a great working blade with good ergos.
Buck also makes good lockbacks. I think well of the 500 series.

Kershaw is also a goto for that price range and US-made. I've been pleased with their products as well.
 
Definitely go with a Buck 110 (if you want a back-lock).
Kershaw has some great USA made knives in the sub $50.00 range (shallot, skyline, blackout etc.)
If you're willing to go a little higher, the Spyderco Manix-2 is an amazing knife for the price (around $70.00-75.00) and is USA made.
 
Buck 110 for something bigger/heavier. Spyderco Native is lighter/smaller with one-handed opening.
 
Buck Vantage Pro. Look no further.If you compare that with other knives that are G10 and S30V youll understand. Plus it is American made and has a bullet proof warranty. As a bonus it has one of the better pocket clips ive used. Just my .02

Still doesnt get pocket time over my Spyderco and Kershaw Sprints but those are 200 +. If I were to have a 50 dollar
limit there no doubt in my mind it would be my Buck Vantage Pro.
 
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