Best knife under $50 (or close)

For under $50 I would definitely recommend the Spyderco Delica. Believe me, it's very easy to close it one handed.

But I suggest you spend $60 and get yourself a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian.
 
You could check out the buck alpha hunter, comes with rubber or rosewood grip with a ATS-34 blade and holds its edge very well i recommend it for prices between 44-68 on www.thebladeshop.com

Doesn't come with a clip but with a sheath.
If you go higher up, check out the BM grips (full and mini)
 
therulebookman said:
I've heard the Spyderco's are great, but i don't want a lockback, I need to open and close one handed, not to mention, I'd DEFINITELY nick myself.
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I open and close my Delica 4 one-handed all the time. And between that and my three frame-locks, I'd say I've come least close to nicking myself with my Delica 4.
 
For a medium-size folder (all prices are +shipping):

1. Boker Trance - for $22-$30 on the net, this one is tough to beat. Probably my favorite in this size considering quality, blade steel, and price.
2. Benchmade HK30 - $40, I like the design, tho many do not because of the bull-nose grind. Linerlock.
3. Kershaw JYD, NRG, Mini-Cyclone - $30-$45, all are great knives, great quality, 13C26 steel is SHARP!, and all well made. The Mini-Cyclone is assisted if you like/want that.
4. Spyderco Native and Delica - $40-$45, I prefer the Native (had both). If you don't mind the hole-open, additional width (because of open-open), and relatively short blade and cutting edge (Delica only), they're great knives. And lockbacks are easy to close 1-handed also.
5. CRKT Mini-MyTighe - $43, very stylish and attractive, well made, decent steel, super fast AO and looks virtually identical to the custom. Solid framelock that won't wear like the liner M16s.
6. Benchmade Mini-Grip - $56, a bit over your limit, but well made and smooth.

For a large folder (all prices +shipping):
1. Kershaw JYDII, NRGII, and Cyclone - $45-$50, same as above for the smaller versions. The JYDII in person will amaze you at how well everything is made (the grey G10 is very nice), and the sharpness of any will also amaze you.
2. Benchmade Vex - $40, G10 feels nice, decent blade steel, a bit stiff on the one I handled, but pretty nice overall. Has the spyder-hole, but w/o the additional width most spydies have, which is nice.
3. Spyderco Endura - $45-$50, larger version of the Delica. Not my preference, but if you like.
4. CRKT MyTighe - $53, a bit over your limit, but like the smaller version, very nicely made, attractive, looks just like Brian's customs, and feels good in hand.

Lots of good options in the $50 price range and below.
 
In addition to the ones listed before, I'll add two:

Browning Ice Storm: VG-10 blade made by Mcusta, sharp blade as well as sharp looking, on ebay in the $30-$40 range (not sure if they are made anymore). I really like the one I received a short while ago. Nice fit and finish and super sharp 3.5" blade.

CRKT M1 Lightfoot: AUS-8 blade, heavy duty (with a bit of an emphasis on the heavy), four position clip and definitely in your price range. I like this one for backpacking trips because it's useful, stout and comfortable and I won't cry all the way home if it gets lost in the woods given the price.
 
Spyderco C78, Native III. 3 inch blade, VG-10 steel, nice blade profile, lightweight, fills your hand and you can pick one up for about $40-$45.
 
-Boker Trance: One of the most amazing bangs for the buck
-Spyderco Delica: See above ^^^^
-Spyderco Native S30V Walmart: See above ^^^^ (also some of THE most affordable S30V out there)
 
Look at the Buck 179 or the slightly shorter 174. I open and close either of them one handed.
Both are frame locks and seem to be strong knives. Light, easily clips in a back pocket
I edc the 179
 
zulu45 said:
Without a doubt, I'd go for a Blackwater Gear 04140 Noryl Folder. It's, pretty much, a Benchmade Griptilian, made in cooperation with Benchmade, and unlike many of the BM red line, it's actually made in the USA. It's the exact same thing, and yet, I only paid $50.00 for mine (labeled $49.95).
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Where did you get it at...they are $120+ on blackwaters website and $100 on ebay!

P.S. I went with the Kershaw Storm II cause I was sick of not having a knife and it was 30 bucks at Wally-World, so I'm gonna give Kershaw a shot.
 
I have lots of $100 knives but the one I use the most when I am not at work (work knife is a BM 921s) is my Centofante 4 from Spyderco. It is one of the best medium sized knives out there. The the Centofante 3 is the same knife but with a more traditional blade shape.
 
I agree with TKC,

Spyderco Endura. Sure it's a lockback, but put a drop of Militec or FP-10 in the bearing and it will open very easily, smoothly, and reliably.

It's really well made and superbly sharp right out of the box.
VG-10 stainless, steel lined FRN handles, great QC, made in Seki City.

You can buy it for $50.00.
Nothing else really compares in all aspects with the Endura at that price, in my view.
 
Junglee "Marshall" or "Tri-Point" series gets my vote. Several in you price range and a few well under all come with either AUS-10 or ATS-34 blade steel.
 
pkdmslf said:
Spyderco C78, Native III. 3 inch blade, VG-10 steel, nice blade profile, lightweight, fills your hand and you can pick one up for about $40-$45.
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Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. (That is "yes" to each statement made above.)

Aside from pkd's comments, I would add that the blade locks totally solid, that the fit and finish are very good, and that the knife feels very solid in your hand.

I much prefer my Native III to any other knife in that price range that I have tried for EDC. (That includes the Delica. The Delica is nice. The Native III is better IMHO.)
 
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