Recommendation? Best Budget Hard Use Knife?

[John Phillips]

Looking for suggestions for a hard use budget pocket knife. I’m thinking of using this for general construction work, camping, hiking, general hard use around the house and property. I want to get something I can even pry with(gently) and not worry or feel bad for prying(before I get all the comments…yes, I will get a prying tool if needed for a job rather than use a knife if the jobs needs an actual pry tool). I’m thinking about the Recon 1 Tanto Serrated in 35VN as a top choice but I wanted to get some other ideas. I can get a new Recon for $100, any other suggestions at this price that might be a better consideration or better value? Don’t need any fixed blade ideas, I already have that covered!!!

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

Missed the no fixed blade part....my bad

 

[TheEdge01]

I have the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter in S35Vn and the Air Lite in AUS10. Both seem solid and are equipped with the Triad lock. The Ultimate Hunter is slightly over your budget and the Air Lite is slightly under but either one would serve you well.

 

[jbmonkey]

cold steel sr1 or lite version.

 

[John Phillips]

Looking for all brand suggestions as well, not just cold steel.

 

[jbmonkey]

Looking for all brand suggestions as well, not just cold steel.

most quality brand folders will do fine for all tasks except the limited prying ya asked for. thats why i picked the sr1 due to its very thick blade stock and tri-ad lock to help on that task.

limitations is your top end price point and limited prying requirement. thats why your getting all cold steel recommendations so far.

 

[GB940Rookie]

You can find the CS 4 MAX Scout for less than a Benjamin. It’s a hard core folder and slices better than one would expect.

 

[hangmanshammer]

I like the Recon 1, but you could buy two Ontario Rat 1 or 2's for the price of one Recon 1 and be ahead if you break it...I've seen them beaten up pretty good, they can handle more than you might think. Another good option for a cheap beater is the often overlooked Ontario Utiliac 2

 

[hhmoore]

Ontario Rat 1, starting in the low $30s

 

[willc]

If you want a folder for prying I cannot think of any other options than Cold Steel.

 

[afishhunter]

Buck 110 or Ontario RAT 1, and a church key (free or under a buck from Home Depot/Lowes paint department) for light prying.

 

[The Zieg]

If you are accepting of a clip point (keep in mind that as an occasional knife abuser I have yet to break off a blade tip), consider the Buck 112 LT. Lightweight, inexpensive, easily replaced, rides nicely in the pocket. If you do not take to it, I will buy it from you!

 

[GaryOwen]

Hello john. I used a cold steel recon tanto on site, wrecked blade coating, as expected did not phase blade at all. This was used for everything from cutting brick bands to sharpening pencil, only thing i will say until you get used to the lock, you will swear its broke. Gar

 

[P2P]

The Rat 1 is very impressive for the money.

 

[jstn]

Recon 1 is the way to go, unless you want something smaller, in which case the American Lawman is a bit cheaper but still tough and S35VN steel.

 

[soc_monki]

Cold Steel 4 Max Scout at Knifeworks. You'll thank me later!

SR-1 Lite is pretty cool too, but the 4 Max has better geometry and better steel. I still got an SR-1 Lite just because it's ridiculous, so why not? LOL

 

[studio]

Been happy w/ my CS Finn Wolf as a budget beater. Still working on taking that huge scadi edge back, but it's thick and mostly sharp, and still in the $30+ dollar range.

 

[GaryOwen]

Another option, British army jack knife, non locking and almost idiot proof, almost because the world keeps making better idiots. Gar

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I’m thinking about the Recon 1 Tanto Serrated in 35VN as a top choice but I wanted to get some other ideas.

S35VN is not a tough steel. Consider reading https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/15/what-is-the-best-budget-knife-steel/ and see this chart from the same site.

 

[John Phillips]

most quality brand folders will do fine for all tasks except the limited prying ya asked for. thats why i picked the sr1 due to its very thick blade stock and tri-ad lock to help on that task.

limitations is your top end price point and limited prying requirement. thats why your getting all cold steel recommendations so far.

Understood and agree. I’m definitely open to higher budget options. I have plenty of $200-$600 folders but I’m typically more careful with these. I want to be able to not care if I have to use and abuse a hard working knife.