Best EDC for under 75$?

B

baliflipper02

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Aug 27, 2014
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I know this question has probably been asked a million times, but what is the best, smallish knife for under 75 dollars? I'm looking for good blade steel, solid lockup, and its gotta look nice too.:D But I'm new to BF so this is my first post. thanks.:p
 
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Any particular characteristics you like or dislike? Size? Opening & locking mechanisms? Carry options? What knives do you have experience with, and what did you like or not like about them?
 
Lionsteel Opera in od green g10. I've seen it for $80, but you may find it less if you shop around. Great blade and ergo's. Solid back lock. I think it is one of the best bang for your buck knives going. Very underrated company for some reason. They produce fine knives.

I've one in green and tan and am quite pleased with them.

And welcome to the forums btw!! :)

Joe
 
I can't say enough about the level of value for money that Ontario knives offers. I recently picked up a RAT 2 and am thoroughly impressed by its F&F and overall quality for the $25 i spent to get it. They feel like budget ZT's, without a sacrifice in quality (obviously they don't use super steels, but AUS 8 is fine and the price is right.) There's NO PLAY whatsoever in the blade and it snaps open like a champ.

There are plenty of offerings in your budget, this is one of many reasonable recommendations for you. Good luck with the search - may you find the perfect knife on your first purchase!
 
flarp said:
Any particular characteristics you like or dislike? Size? Opening & locking mechanisms? Carry options? What knives do you have experience with, and what did you like or not like about them?
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I REALLY like the axis lock, mostly tip up, I own a Spyderco Tenacious, Cricket, and a Gerber Fast draw. Im looking to get one really good knife, instead of a bunch of cheap ones. :D
 
flarp said:
Any particular characteristics you like or dislike? Size? Opening & locking mechanisms? Carry options? What knives do you have experience with, and what did you like or not like about them?
Click to expand...
I REALLY like the axis lock, mostly tip up, I own a Spyderco Tenacious, Cricket, and a Gerber Fast draw. Im looking to get one really good knife, instead of a bunch of cheap ones. :D
 
SteelStickler said:
may you find the perfect knife on your first purchase!
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That never happens!

OP, there are plenty of really good knives out there in the $75 range... not sure what size knife you're looking for - around 3.25" there is the Kershaw Blur BDZ-1. Slightly larger at close to 3.38", the Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight in CTS BD1 is a good option. the Just under 3" there are lots of Spyderco Delica 4 variants in VG-10 steel.
 
+1 on the Blur. $66 on Amazon right now. I agree with danthaman, you'll never find the perfect knife on the first purchase. I'm not too sure if there's a perfect knife or if I'll ever find one. You'll always find something you like better. All I know after purchasing knives in many of the main brands, I keep going back to Spyderco. The Para 2 is my near perfect knife currently, but is pretty much perfect for me. I've got my eye on some ZT's, maybe a 566.
 
I hope you understand that that won't be first nor last "good" knife purchase. There are a lot of knives in your relative price range, plus you could probably pick up something that's usually more expensive in the for sale section (Especially used). I bought a very lightly used (Excellent condition) Spyderco Native 5 with S35VN steel for $50 shipped. That was a good deal, but my point is is that there are deals out there.
 
I don't know if there are any Axis lock knives new from a dealer for under $75 anymore (well, legally licensed ones anyways). On the secondary market, Griptilians and Mini-Griptilians still sometimes pop up for under that, as well as the occasional Bone Collector. I managed to pick up a lightly used H&K 14715 a while back for under that mark too.

There are some others that are similar to the Axis lock - Spyderco's CBBL (caged ball-bearing lock) or SOG's Arc lock. There is a variation of the Manix2 lightweight that can be found for under $75 (model C101BL2). I've never handled one personally, but it is a generally well-liked knife.

Here is the Tenacious next to a couple of Grips and the HK I mentioned above.

Tenacious_MiniGrip_Grip_14715_800x557.jpg
 
Delica 4 FFG is VERY hard to beat as an EDC no matter the price point. I find myself carrying that over more expensive knives with "super steels". VG-10 is amazing as well especially done by Spyderco
 
+1 for the Blur.
Also, since you said 'small' knife, I'd say the Kershaw Leek would be a solid choice as well. Should be able to find it for about $50 or so, if not less. 3" blade is just right.
 
Ontario Utilitac II. Best deal in your price range at half of your budget and will leave enough over for a good Victorinox multitool -or some savings toward your next last knife.... :D

Edit to add photo:

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Delica 4...save yourself some money and get it first. There's a reason it's by far the most mentioned knife on BF.
 
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