Best inexpensive folder

F

fishbulb

Joined
Sep 18, 2001
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This is my first post, so I apologize in advance for any dumb questions/comments that may be contained within. I am about as big of a knife nut as my college student budget (and "what would you ever need a knife for" residence hall) will allow. I've been a frequent reader of bladeforums for several weeks, and seeing people toss reccommendations for multiple hundred dollar blades around left and right made me think about the other end of the spectrum. Although I am a believer that you get what you pay for and I am sure that many (if not exactly all) of these tools are worth every penny and then some to a dedicated "hard user", I would like to hear some picks among cheaper knives for everyday use. Feel free to define "inexpensive" any way you choose. My personal reccommendation is the Gerber Harsey Air Ranger, I picked one of these up a few weeks ago and for the price it is absolutely phenomenal. Aluminum handle, AUS-8 blade, and a lockup like a bank vault on a light, small, sheeple friendly package. If not the best value in the price range you could certainly do a lot worse. So what else should I be looking at?
 
I am also a college student, yet have no problem dropping a few hundred dollars for a nice folder. I think if you looked at any of the Microtech knives you wouldn't be disappointed. They are a great value for the money. Also if you want something at a lower price you can check out the Kershaw Scallion and Chive. They are both excellent knives, and the prices held low due to their small size.

Although I have no experience with any Spyderco knives, they have a very good reputation as good value for the money. They seem to be very good knives, and I plan on buying some myself.


Erik
 
Spydies Kick @ss!

I've been a spydie user for 2 yrs now(aug '99) and have yet to have a major prob(had a loose clip, but the bluelocktite fixed that).

They offer a great knife for any budget.
 
Spyderco is one way to go. I just picked up the Meerkat today. What a cool little folder for the price. :)
CRK&T also has a few fine choices. There is always Opinel. :)

Blades
 
I guess I dont see too many below 50 buck knives I would want. The new benchmade griptillian(spelling?) with axis lock and the spyderco calypso, delica, or endura are all very nice in their price range.
 
That CRKT apache III is hard to beat on closeout at Smokey Mountain Knifeworks for fifteen bucks. They also had the spyderco centofante for under fifty, which is a phenomenal deal. Both are ats-34 steel. A 420 steel Camillus EDC is also a bargain. Heck, I'm leaving out a lot of good knives just to give the others a chance.
G:p
 
Spyderco Calypso Jr. with FRN handle. This has to be the sharpest knife I own, and the blade is smaller then 3 inch's. Go to www.spyderco.com You can look at their many knives, and talk to people about Spyderco's on their great forum.
 
Spyderco Calypso Jr. in VG-10
Benchmade Griptilian
Spyderco Delica/Meerkat (3" and 2", respectively)
 
Spyderco Native Lightweight, certainly one of the best inexpensive folders.

If design/look doesn’t matter, I go along with Blades, Opinel series!
 
Gee, it's hard to define "inexpensive" now since it differs amongst a lot of people. To a newbie, $50 might be considered expensive. On the other hand, a $50 may be nothing to someone who buys high-end limited editions, and collectibles.

A year ago, I would have said most of the CRKT knives were amongst the best in entry level knives. However, they are going higher-end these days. I still think a lot of their low end blades offer a good bang for the buck.

If I had to choose one, I would also choose the Spyderco Native FRN; and I'm not even a Spydie-phile. What a steal (or should that be "steel") for about $50 or less. A well heat-treated CPM 440V blade, a handy size, and useful blade geometry (as long as you don't pry with it). Looks good to boot!

I think you should get the best you can afford, whether it be $30, or $300. Why? Because you'll regret it if you don't in the future. I still regret not having paid a little more for an M-2 version of the Benchmade 710 Axis. Two years since it was released and still one of the best designs on the market IMO (regardless of what you think of Benchmade the company). The ATS-34 version is incredible, but the M-2 would have given it that "rare and exotic" factor.
 
For less than $100, get a Spyderco. I've bought several (20-30)knives in the past couple years, but the one I always end up carrying is my Military. For less money, I'd go back to a Native.
 
thanks for the suggestions. I was looking at spyderco (love my spydercard) but since I don't really like lockbacks that eliminates a good portion of their catalogue. Some of those benchmades and microtechs are looking pretty good. My main reason for staying near the budget area is the ever present possibility of confiscation, since an "acceptable knife" is determined by nothing more than the RA's opinion. I'd say that the most I'd go would be 150, and I prefer metal handles. Does anybody have an opinion on the Ka-Bar D2 folder series?
 
No lockbacks...Steel handle...Under $100...

Easy choice: Camillus Cuda EDC.

Your search is over.:).
 
My first recomendation is the Spyderco Native. But since you don't want a lock back, the Camillus EDC and Edge Tech Paragee are both good choices. Opinels are simply great knives.

Paul
 
I don't know what your blade length limit is.

As a Spyder-Man, I have to recommend either the Spyderco Walker Lightweight (linerlock)- discontinued, but readily available on Ebay for about $35.

If you like a metal handle, I would take the Vapor over the Camillus EDC.
 
I'll second the suggestion of the Camillus EDC. It's one of only a few inexpensive knives that really enjoy and haven't given away to friends. Great carry.
 
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