Best $50 workhorse ?

G

GarageBoy

Joined
May 23, 2003
Messages
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So I want a workhorse; something that is comfortable for an extended period of use for when I use to pack stuff for moving, demo work, etc. Folder. Don't care about comfortable to carry as much I do about egros.

Choices are:
Spyderco Native 3
Spyderco Native
Benchmade Grip

Please feel free to add choices to help me find the "right one"
 
If ergos are what you are looking for, a full size Grip is the best I can think of. The Native isn't nearly as comforable IMO. I like knives that have a little curve and that let you postion your own fingers, the Native makes you put your fingers where they were designed to be. The Grip is also stronger for demo work, the Native's tip is very thin.
 
I know the Native can be had for <$50 at Walmart but if you know where you can get the Griptilian for <$50 please share the wealth.:)
 
Of those, I prefer the Grip. But as already noted, it's not found in th $50 range anymore.

Also check out the AG Russell Featherlite. It's a good hard worker for $50.00.

Phil
 
I have a Mini-Grip ($56) and a Native III ($48).
The Native III is more comfortable in my hand.

And FWIW, I find the Native III very comfortable in my back pocket whether sitting or standing.
 
How about a SAK? I carried one at work for about 25 years.You can't beat them for versatility and as long as it doesn't have 40 or 50 blades, they're pretty easy to carry.I always had Victorinox,so I can't comment on the quality of other brands.Now that I'm retired,my workhorse is a Camillus Blaze,plain edge,AUS 8 and razor sharp.
 
If it's ergos you're looking for.For under $50.I would recommend the JYDII.It feels great in the hand.
 
Native
MiniGrip/Grip
Delica
Leek

All must haves.



Wal mart Native cuts like a lazer. The 556 minigrip seems stonger and tougher. I scaled a bunch of fish the other night w' the native. Doing so over and over, and I'll bet it and the delica will develop blade play. The grip and mini grip won't ever do that with their steel liners. Scale all the fish you want, and it won't torque the steel.
 
If you're really on a budget, I've found the Kabar Dozier folders with the AUS-8 steel to be very durable folders that hold an edge for a long time. They're often only ~$15 from retailers and are made in Taiwan and not China if that matters to you.
(It does to me...)

Regards,
Mike
 
A griptilian will put most of those knives to shame...

I don't consider a native, or a leek a work horse... Because they are not....
 
Definitely, the Benchmade Griptilian as a workhorse knife in that price range.
It's appropriately sized throughout with great "workhorse" materials.
And great build quality of course.
 
GarageBoy said:
So I want a workhorse; something that is comfortable for an extended period of use for when I use to pack stuff for moving, demo work, etc. Folder. Don't care about comfortable to carry as much I do about egros.

Choices are:
Spyderco Native 3
Spyderco Native
Benchmade Grip

Please feel free to add choices to help me find the "right one"
Click to expand...

I have all 3 and I think you would like all 3.
 
My Griptilian is a very good work and all around knife but about $75.00. You can't go wrong with that one.
Look at the Kershaw Needs Work about $40.00, great for cardboard and many other thing's.
I bought the Native S30V blade for $30.00 at the Wal Mart where I live but I don't think it is a good work knife, best for light duty cutting.
My new favorite is the Shallot 3.5" blade and very sharp. $50-$60. I'm using it at work now. Cuts anything!
Last, the new Kershaw RAM should be a very good work knife. Its just now shipping so it should start showing up in stores in about a week About $65.00

Yes, I like Kershaw cant say enough good about them.

Btw, all but the Native are made in the good o'l USA

CORRECTION: the native is made in the USA
 
JTR357 said:
If it's ergos you're looking for.For under $50.I would recommend the JYDII.It feels great in the hand.
Click to expand...
I'll second that ... I did some extensive side-by-side edge retention comparisons a while back with several folders, the JYD2 was the real standout for ergos and comfort during extended use. It's been a favorite EDC ever since.
 
Yinyang is right. The S30V Native 1 (Wally world version) is made in Golden, CO. The Native III in VG10 is made in Japan.
 
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