Budget Beater - $50 or less?

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Jan 4, 2014
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Good morning,

I'm looking for a budget folder in a decent steel for a true beater knife. I've got my eyes on the Ontario Rat 1. It has good reviews, is a big blade, and seems to be a good value. With that being said I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of it at all. I'm wondering is there something better out there? Better looking, better steel, better lock, etc. that I'm not thinking of or missing. I'm looking for something along the lines of the Rat 1 - not looking for small knives.

I appreciate the input!
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Good morning,

I'm looking for a budget folder in a decent steel for a true beater knife. I've got my eyes on the Ontario Rat 1. It has good reviews, is a big blade, and seems to be a good value. With that being said I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of it at all. I'm wondering is there something better out there? Better looking, better steel, better lock, etc. that I'm not thinking of or missing. I'm looking for something along the lines of the Rat 1 - not looking for small knives.

I appreciate the input!
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I agree that it is odd looking. But those odd lines translate into really superb ergos. You should really try a RAT-1 unless others can recommend better value.
 
cashville said:
Used Cold Steel Code 4 can regularly be found at that price point. I’m not a cold steel fan but that value is hard to argue against.
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This is true. It's a great knife and good steel.

Tenacious/Resilience came to mind as well. Spydercos 8cr is pretty great.

Kizer Intrepid G10 is a good option (used).

Kershaw is always a great beater. CryoII, Thermite, Knockout, Blur

Probably not what your looking for, but the Bestech Kendo blew my mind for the price.
 
I love my RAT 1. It truly is a great knife for the $$$.

For a couple of bucks more (maybe $60US?) the Manly Peak in D2 is an amazing knife. The Peak is almost identical in size as a Buck 110 but with a modern spin. The Manly Wasp is cheaper but may be too small for you.

A USA Kershaw Link is a pretty beefy knife as well and well under $50.
 
Durham68 said:
Tenacious is my go-to beater. The steel might not be up to your expectations, but it touches up easily and the knife has been up to anything I've thrown at it.
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+1 on the Tenacious. Until some $%#@!!! busted a window in my car and stole it, the Tenacious was my go to beater.
No experience with the Rat1, but it has a great reputation.
 
Buck 110, shield or smoke jumper their cpm-154 for $40. Havent had a chance to put my Shield through it's paces but so far it looks promising.

AG Russell has a one handed folder made in VG10 which may be worth looking into.
 
RAT 1 in D2 hands down! Great ergos and super smooth action. In my opinion it simply cannot be beat at the price point. I use mine often and I’ll admit I get bored looking at it from time to time but it’s a workhorse. I’m going to give mine a makeover one of these days.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Good morning,

I'm looking for a budget folder in a decent steel for a true beater knife. I've got my eyes on the Ontario Rat 1. It has good reviews, is a big blade, and seems to be a good value. With that being said I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of it at all. I'm wondering is there something better out there? Better looking, better steel, better lock, etc. that I'm not thinking of or missing. I'm looking for something along the lines of the Rat 1 - not looking for small knives.

I appreciate the input!
Click to expand...

Steel Will Cutjack seems to be where I would spend my money at this price point. There is also the beautiful Real Steel Sea Eagle which is another good option.

An option newer on the market thay has been getting rave reviews is the Civivi line from WE knives.

Although as you specified a “beater” knife the Cutjack is still my first recommendation due to the D2 blade steel.

Good luck! I believe there are certain knife dealer websites that allow you to filter options based on a price point. That might expand your options greatly.
 
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