Budget Folders - I can't stop buying them up!

aleforme

aleforme

Joined
Feb 21, 2013
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So far the last couple of months of so, I have been really intrigued by the “budget” folders out there. The “Bang for your Buck” knives. I have obtained a few over the years and a few more recently. To date, I‘ve got the Case Sod Busters (Standard & Jr.), Opinel No. 8 Carbone, the Rat 1 & 2, SAK Farmer & Pioneer and now the Spyderco Delica 4. I know the Delica is stretching the “budget” definition but you definitely get a lot of bang for the buck w/ this knife.

I’m no knife reviewer but I want to maybe do a hands on review of maybe 8 to 10 of these types of knives in the future and want to obtain a couple or few more. Just want to do some simple test like cutting cardboard, feather sticks, slicing, etc. I have been looking at the ESSE folders and will likely pick up a KaBar Dozier Folding Hunter soon. What others might be worth a look? I want to try and keep each knife around or under $40 or so. I know there are a ton of Kershaw models that fall into this category but will have to narrow it down to 1 or 2 at most.

Just got the Delica 4 last night and so far I’m really impressed. Had to do a minor pivot adjustment but will let it break in for a while now.

So, what are some others to consider? Just looking for some ideas. Feel free to give any thoughts are those listed about as well.

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Given what you've tried already, you should check out some of cold steel's stuff. Some of their knives are at or near that price point and will give you a beefy/overbuilt end of the spectrum for your tests.
 
I am really enjoying the Svord Peasant knives. Cheap, easy to use, and slicey! I also just picked up my first Sodbuster so I know how you feel, its really nice for the price.
 
Muaddib1116 said:
Given what you've tried already, you should check out some of cold steel's stuff. Some of their knives are at or near that price point and will give you a beefy/overbuilt end of the spectrum for your tests.
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Especially the discontinued models that are still readily available.

I would also suggest a Kershaw Link. I prefer the one with the aluminum handles. I own a few very nice knives and the link punches way over it's weight class in fit, finish, looks, and overall niceness.
 
Check out the MAM folders, an inexpensive higonokami, Svord Peasant, Douk Douk, and Mercator Black Cat.
 
My Case Sodbuster is sitting in my mailbox for me when I get home from work. Really excited to check it out! Do you like the standard or the Jr better?

As for a recommendation? hmm...that's a good question...What about ultimate cheap and go SanRenMu 710? Would be good to throw it in there against the other knives in your collection!

Crkt M-16 is a really nice knife for around $40 I think.

I have a Kershaw OSO Sweet that was cheap. around $22 and is actually a pretty cool little knife.
 
The RAT-1s and the CS Voyagers (AUS8) are my favorite budget beaters; good value and they score very high in the no worries category.
 
If your budget is elastic enough to reach between $50 to $60, depending upon the seller, I highly recommend the CRKT M21-14SFG. It's a monster. Heavy and solid, with an approximate 4" deep bellied blade length. In fact, it is my only folder with a true guard, guaranteeing your hand won't slide on to its ridiculously sharp Chinese factory edge. Lol. No joke, though. Its Carson flippers allow the blade to be engaged as fast as any other knife in my collection, including my folders that are 10x it's price. When the blade is engaged, the Carson flippers form the guard, which is truly unique and instills a sensation of wielding a mini sword. The only downside of the knife is edge retention, which is mediocre, but incredibly easy to sharpen, even in the field or on the fly.
 
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Kershaw Skyline. It is a nice knife, just a step below the Delica IMHO. It's pretty light in weight, too.
 
Since you like the Delica, you should check out Spyderco's Byrd line. Very budget friendly, and good quality.
 
adubbz said:
My Case Sodbuster is sitting in my mailbox for me when I get home from work. Really excited to check it out! Do you like the standard or the Jr better?

As for a recommendation? hmm...that's a good question...What about ultimate cheap and go SanRenMu 710? Would be good to throw it in there against the other knives in your collection!

Crkt M-16 is a really nice knife for around $40 I think.

I have a Kershaw OSO Sweet that was cheap. around $22 and is actually a pretty cool little knife.
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I love the standard Sod Buster but it's a pretty big knife for normal pocket carry without a clip. Been thinking about modding a clip onto it somehow.

The Jr. is a great little knife. Just a tad smaller than the Rat 2. I carry it much more than the standard. The standard has been relegated to my daily backpack for the most part and for some kitchen duties. It's a great slicer.
 
Claude_88 said:
If your budget is elastic enough to reach between $50 to $60, depending upon the seller, I highly recommend the CRKT M21-14SFG. It's a monster. Heavy and solid, with an approximate 4" deep bellied blade length. In fact, it is my only folder with a true pommel, guaranteeing your hand won't slide on to its ridiculously sharp Chinese factory edge. Lol. No joke, though. Its Carson flippers allow the blade to be engaged as fast as any other knife in my collection, including my folders that are 10x it's price. When the blade is engaged, the Carson flippers form the pommel, which is truly unique and instills a sensation of wielding a mini sword. The only downside of the knife is edge retention, which is mediocre, but incredibly easy to sharpen, even in the field or on the fly.
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I think you mean guard.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I'll start looking into them.

It will probably be a few monthx before I can do any type of review but want to get some knives lined up now. Plus, I get to but new knives so that's always a plus.
 
Love the Utilitac 2 and have several options of this knife. I would recommend staying away from the squared off handle version and get the rounded one.
 
Claude_88 said:
If your budget is elastic enough to reach between $50 to $60, depending upon the seller, I highly recommend the CRKT M21-14SFG. It's a monster. Heavy and solid, with an approximate 4" deep bellied blade length. In fact, it is my only folder with a true pommel, guaranteeing your hand won't slide on to its ridiculously sharp Chinese factory edge. Lol. No joke, though. Its Carson flippers allow the blade to be engaged as fast as any other knife in my collection, including my folders that are 10x it's price. When the blade is engaged, the Carson flippers form the pommel, which is truly unique and instills a sensation of wielding a mini sword. The only downside of the knife is edge retention, which is mediocre, but incredibly easy to sharpen, even in the field or on the fly.
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Claude! I totally agree...
I have the CRKT M21-14SFG with VEFF serrations.
I think it is a great choice, for the price especially.
One of the more common injuries I witnessed working at a packing plant (slaughterhouse whatever you call the dang place), was stubbing. As in you are trying to stab the knife hits something and stops and your hand keeps going...
Happened a lot maybe not considering how many people there with knives.
Anyway, it has made me very partial to knives with top & bottom guard, to the point that I eliminate almost
all knife designs without such a guard...
I think they made a desert version as well...
Thanks Claude! Nice knife!
 
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