Best cheap assisted opening knife?

You asked for the best assisted opening, so you can de-assist it, if I understand correctly? What is it about an assisted knife in its de-assisted form, that is appealing? Is it a manual flipper you are after?
As far as assisted knives, I will echo many others in really liking kershaw. My leek rocks. I'm also really considering a cryo.
 
The Cryo 2 is a solid knife with a very good design and is very well finished too. It is a little bit heavy but it is a strong knife with solid stainless steel handles. The best part is that it is very affordable. The action is flawless and very smooth. Try it you will never regret.





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Out of the knives discussed, the Blur is the only one I know to be able to be converted to manual. It's a nice in-between for the larger ZT's and the smaller EDC Kershaws. I don't know what size you're looking for, but if you're thinking about it, I recommend the Blur. Also, without knowing when it'll ship, there's supposed to be a new Kershaw Camber coming out. You can look for the reveal thread for some pics. It's a little smaller, has a flipper, and will be S30V (at last check). If you can stomach the wait (undisclosed amount of time) then that might be up your alley too.
 
I've never really liked AO knives. I bought a few but never felt the feature was of much use and sometimes detrimental to function. One knife I had in particular was dangerous--the AO feature was so hard to activate I just tried to open it two-handed and once the blade popped open and cut my palm. That knife went in the trash. I pretty much swore off AO knives at that point.

Recently, I bought some of the Chinese Kershaws simply because I've been interested in "cheap" knives that perform well. Those Kershaw AOs are impressive. I like the newer designs much better than the old Leek design that requires a lock to keep it from unintentionally opening. But I don't think any of them can be made non-assisted.

If what you really want is a non-assisted opening knife that has all the current trendy features except for the assistance, consider the new Kershaw Emersons. I don't think you can buy them yet but they should be available soon. I intend to pick one up.
 
annasoH323 said:
Out of the knives discussed, the Blur is the only one I know to be able to be converted to manual. It's a nice in-between for the larger ZT's and the smaller EDC Kershaws. I don't know what size you're looking for, but if you're thinking about it, I recommend the Blur. Also, without knowing when it'll ship, there's supposed to be a new Kershaw Camber coming out. You can look for the reveal thread for some pics. It's a little smaller, has a flipper, and will be S30V (at last check). If you can stomach the wait (undisclosed amount of time) then that might be up your alley too.
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The thread title specifies "cheap". Camber MSRP's for $120, and most places that have it for pre-order are asking $90+. I don't know about you, but I don't consider a $90 knife "cheap". Hell, I doubt the majority of people asking for a "cheap" knife wouldn't even consider the regular Blur cheap at $55. Maybe $55 is nothing to you, and the Blur is indeed a great knife, definitely recommended. But still, I doubt it's what most people would consider "cheap".
 
I got a gerber instant a few months back and it's actually not a bad knife so far. Used it quite a bit and I like it. 35 bux all over the web. I have used it as my at home, working in the yard knife and have been pleasantly surprised........and I know....Gerber sucks...blah blah blah...made in China....blah blah.........there was a recall on the knife a couple years ago.....bear grilles drinks pee...blah blah blah...........
 
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kershaw Leek. I have had one since they first came out.

J1427 said:
Hey guys so what is the best assisted opening folder, that is decently affordable? I've been wanting to try one and was wondering what I should get. Preferably de-assistable but not a requirement. Is the cryo G10 too heavy/small to be a contender?
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I think Kershaw has the strongest offerings in this area. For around $25 (possibly less) Cryo, Thermite, Volt 2, OSO Sweet are a few I like. The upcoming Amplitude 2.5 is a very sweet looking knife and should have a pretty low street price (based on its $40 MSRP). The Clash has been favorably reviewed as well.

For about $10 more, you can pick up a Leek. If you're open to blems, Kershawguy has Blurs, Shallots, Scallions, Blackouts, and others in the $30-35 range as well.
 
My suggestion is either the Kershaw Cyro 2 or the Thermite. I have both but carry & use the Thermite more for my EDC (approx. 7 months). It's not as wide as the Cyro 2 and seems a little more comfortable to carry in my jeans. But, either would be a great choice as mentioned.
 
Get a leek got one in 14c28n sandvik and olive drab aluminum handles works great looks good decent steel light weight USA made 35$ love it !!!
 
This is a Kershaw thread lol. They have A LOT to offer and theres no wrong answer.

I will go with the Piston/Knockout line. Love the Piston.
 
Stays Sharp said:
This is a Kershaw thread lol. They have A LOT to offer and theres no wrong answer.
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They are kinda dominant in the lower cost assisted opener market. I've tried a couple of the Gerber F.A.S.T. and CRKT Outburst knives also in the lower price ranges, and I didn't care for them. The Gerbers just didn't feel particularly solid, and I really didn't like the thumb-stud "Fire Safe" safety mechanism on the CRKT's.

Here are some of the knives that have been mentioned so far. I believe all of these can be had for under $35 (maybe not the exact variation/configuration pictured here, but the mainstream models for those lines). For the Blur, Shallot, and Blackout, the blems should be under $35, although Kershawguy does have the Red Blur for $40 (non-blem) right now.

Left to right: Chive, Scallion, Cryo, Leek, OSO Sweet, Volt 2, Blackout, Cryo 2, Blur, Shallot, Thermite
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I have a few here are my thoughts
1) S30v blur best bang for your buck as far as materials go I got mine on the big river for $65. S30v holds an edge very well and the handle is nice and thin. Only bad is tip up clip leaves a lot of knife hanging out of the pocket.
2) Ontario Rat1A this is my favorite assisted import at the moment. G10 scales are very grippy and will tear up pants, full flat grind is awesome on this blade. I'd love to see this one made stateside with a nicer steel. About $50
3) Kershaw thermite awesome blade, great shape and feel and weight and great price this was my #1 AO blade till the Rat1a just barely pushed it down to #2. I want one made in a better steel like s110v or m390!
4) sog flashback very lightweight for the blade size. Wicked fast opening, they claim the fastest. Very good deep clip. Good lockup. Expensive for what materials it uses.
5) Kershaw leek great smaller blade, great price, good steel, good weight. My choice for light shorts carry if I can get it away from my wife, every time I go to grab it, I find it in my wife's purse.
6) kershaw Cryo 2 great size and blade shape but heavy. Super thin hollow grind so it's not very durable but it slices like razor blade.
7) Kershaw cryo same as above that why I got a CF scale for it and now it's perfect.
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