Budget Beauties

NeilB said:
I've been doing a bit of exploring in the lower cost, higher value space. I've come to have a lot of respect for the Rat 1 and Rat 2. Beautiful, flow through designs with pillar construction. Decent blade steel in a useful form and size.

Does the Elmax version of Kershaw's Knock Out count? Just over a hundo, but it feels like a lightweight ZT in the hand.
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Gotta agree with the Rat models. Super cheap. Super usable, if a little plain looking. I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE KNOCKOUT IN ELMAX. GOING TO BUY IMMEDIATELY!!
 
Tripton said:
I have one. Just a heavy ugly gas station knife to me.
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I resemble that remark! I have an X9 in my pocket right now. :grumpy: To each his own, I guess. :D I really do like the X9, though, and also the World Legal and Madrock I got along with it. Amazing knives for the price, though it's gonna take a while to get used to the springs on the two slip joints. I thought Douk Douks had heavy springs...:eek:
 
Bantam BHW



While not uncomfortable to grip at all the handles do feel kind of cheap, and they feel a bit blade heavy, but...
They do actually balance okay, come in a variety of different designs incl. Mossy Oak and Real Tree, or even plain black, so there's something for everyone, they come with Buck's lifetime warranty, and at just over 3.5" it's a lot of steel for $20.
 
Great idea for a thread Comeuppance! There are plenty of great looking knives that won't break the bank.

Boker Plus Elegance Titanium Blues - Carbon Fiber, titanium, and 440C with a good HT for $65


Case Mini Copperlock in smooth chestnut bone for $40


Case Sodbuster Jr in jigged chestnut bone $45


Alox SAK's, these are all Cadets. Some colors are spendy and hard to find but there are plenty of others (silver, black, red) that are around $30.


Kershaw Cryo
 
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For $13 each delivered the SanRenMu 9051MUC-GPH and the M1 are exceptional value for money, beautiful sculpted G10 scales that fit the hand just right and a very clever Détente liner system that holds the blade open without locking but very securely.
 
bravodelta said:
I ordered an Urban Trapper after seeing one and reading multiple threads. For $65 it seems like too good of a deal to pass up, Ti, VG10 and bearings in a small package is worth $150 easy.
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The Urban Trapper I ordered finally arrived. I have to tell you, for $62 delivered (amazon), I am very impressed. I have heard mostly positive and a few negatives. The sample I received is sharp, perfectly centered with no blade play and a great detent. The small flipper which i was concerned about is fine and the little knife flips with authority. Ti with VG10 for $60, come on!!!

Ever since I have stopped buying $500-$1000 knives+, my eyes have been opened up to these $50-$150 "budget beauties"
 

Bos ht'd s30v
Rosewood handles
Buck LT warranty
Made in the USA
Both blades right around 4"
Under $80/per

It's a lot of knife for the price for sure...

(Edit, the folder is listed at 3.75" and the fixed is listed 4.25". I didn't measure them, but you can see from the picture it doesn't appear to be a half inch in favor for the fixed blade?)
 
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Great thread, finally something I can relate to, my budget for knives is usually around 60 to 150 at most.
 
Knives & knife collecting is such a sick addiction. Just 2 short years ago, what you guys consider as "budget" knives to me was expensive. I wondered why anyone would spend more than 30 bucks on a "pocket knife". You guys all have some very nice knives.
 
$36, made in USA. Thick spine all the way to the tip, but still thin enough to slice effectively. Comfortable grip, easy to open and close. Purty wood scales set in black. Buck knows how to make me happy!



If I remember correctly I paid $11 for this amber bone Rough Rider Electrician. I wanted to try out my own TL-29 after seeing relatives use theirs they got during military service. It was a toss up between this, red bone, and a Marbles version with black micarta. I'm very happy with my decision as it is both beautiful and very functional when I can't carry a multitool and want a more traditional knife than a sak.



I'm pretty sure most of my knives fit in the category of "Budget beauties," at least to me! :thumbup:
 
Pulled this little guy out of the box today...at 2.75" it is smaller then what I typically carry, and "only" 440a, but it certainly is a handsome little gentlemen's folder for $15.
 
Miguel Nieto Navaja, sorry for stock photos (I have one in natural wood and one in fake bull horn, both look much better), IIRC they cost $15-ish and come in improved 440C... They come in three sizes, mine are middle (around 4").

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