Best budget knife for EDC?

[JupiterPaladin]

For a $60 limit I'd say go to the Exchange here (can of worms I know first hand) and get a gently used Spyderco of any kind. VG-10 is an excellent steel in that range.

If you go the Byrd line you can get a Raven 2 in BDZ-1 tool steel for about $45. Get that AND a Meadowlark 2 for $20

Now if you want a little cheaper, about $40 gets you a RAT 1 in D2 as suggested many times for good reason. For $33 or so you could score an Esee Zancudo in D2. I really like D2

 

[KuduCuckoo]

Now if you want a little cheaper, about $40 gets you a RAT 1 in D2 as suggested many times for good reason. For $33 or so you could score an Esee Zancudo in D2.

Also, an Esee Avispa in D2 would give you another half inch on the Zancudo and keep you well under budget.

Another option may be the CRKT M16-04S. It has a thick handle but it's nearly 4 inches of AUS-8 tanto style blade. It's also a flipper and you should be able to find a new one at right around your budget price.

 

[abbazaba]

Really sounds like a Kershaw is in your future. The discontinued Piston would be my choice based on what you've said, maybe the Knockout for something smaller.

The RUIKE P801-SF is a incredible budget knife that uses a great Sanvick steel. I've drank the Kool Aid before on budget knives like some Real Steel blades and been disappointed, but the P801 is amazing IMO. I don't like assisted knives compared to the smooth action on a knife like this.

FWIW the only blades around $60 that I actually EDC are the Delica and Dragonfly. A $60 flipper just can't kick a knife like the 0804 out of my pocket

 

[josh yu]

Kizer Begleiter: kizer really did well with this one. at $52 dollars, it's vg-10 on a full steel liner with a g10 scales. those of you who love the ontario rat and spyderco delica for their value, need to open up to this one (personally, it looks nicer than both, and this is coming some someone who owns both.

FWIW, I don't own one (i've handled one), but if/when i do buy it, i'll be sanding the "finish" off of the blade to give it a clean satin finish.

Question for anyone who has owned one, does the thumb stud come off?