Budget Folders

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Vivi

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Dec 4, 2005
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I'm looking for opinions of good folders under 50$. I'm still pretty new to knife buying and collecting, and don't want to spend too much at this point.

I just picked up a fixed blade that caught my eye, the Ontario SP1-95. I have a couple of low-quality folding knives....generally carry one with me, keep one in the car and have some at home.

I'm just looking for something with...

-nice and smooth opening
-a secure and reliable lock
-comfortable grip
-blade length between 3 and 5 inches
-little to no unwanted blade movement in the locked position or when opening
-Prefer non-serrated, anti-corrosion coatings and black coloring

If you can think of a quality folder that'd suit me for just general purpose use for under 50$, please tell me some recommendations.
 
The best deals I can think of off the top my head are:

Spyderco Delica
Anything in the Spyderco Byrd Line
Benchmade Pika
Benchmade Monochrome
Kabar Dozier

I own or have owned all of the above except the Byrd Line and Pika. They are currently on order as a gift, but I will be able to check them out before I give them away. All of them are a steal for the money.
 
I just ordered 4 different knives to give as Christmas gifts all at or under $50.00. I haven't received them yet so I'll have to report as to the fit and finish later this week. It gives me a chance to check out some new knives at the same time I'm getting my shopping done. Here is what I ordered:

Benchmade Model 555 Small Griptilian plainedge. The one with the opening hole.

Buck 889 Tan G-10. This is the economy Strider folder with a plainedge and Desert Tan Handles.

Spyderco D' Allara Drop Point plainedge. Should be a winner.

Spyderco Salt I plainedge. Looks like a great utility folder.

I'll add a comment or two to each after they arrive.
 
The rat-1 and benchmade monochrome have already caught my eyes. I'll google the rest of these models and see what I like. The rat just looks like it'd fit me comfortably.

That one of the AG russel looks pretty nice too. I prettymuch always take off pocket clips, so that's not an issue.

Something I should mention is I do have slightly large hands.

I'm about 6'4 myself
Tip of my hand to the base is just over 8 inches
Palm is just over 4 inches wide
Fingers are somewhat long but average in width

I don't know how much that'll affect recommendations, but figured the more info the better. Thanks for the assistance so far everyone.
 
Spyderco makes a good line of knives if you don't mind smallish blades. My everyday carry knife is a 4-inch blade Cold Steel Voyager. Whether you like serrations or not is a personal choice. Cold Steel has serrations that are, I think, better than usual. It's not a bumpy cut like most; it has the best attributes of a plain blade and a serrated blade. Still, it's a personal matter.

CRKT also has a nice M16 series of knives. I like the titanium tantos or the M21 Spear Points. Just make sure you get the AUS 8A blades; Columbia River is trashing the rest of their line with cheaper steels which they're doing with no publicity. For that reason alone I'm loath to recommend them.

I have a very nice Spyderco Byrd, which a bit heavy, being all stainless. My personal choice is a 4- to 5-inch blade. The Cold Steel Voyager with plain blade seems to be the best bet.

For a car knife that can be kept in the trunk or the glove compartment, I like the Maxam SKLARGE. It's a very large folder that can be made very sharp and yet is very cheap. I've tested the liner locks on them and they're adequate for most situations. The large blade also makes it very intimidating and, if it's stolen, so what? Replace it with another. I've also opened a number of cardboard boxes and heavy rubber tubing without having to resharpen it. If you know anything about firearms, it would equate to a good .25ACP Raven.

-Confed
 
Kabar Dozier designed folding hunters. Any one of the three or four models is a great buy at $20 plus shipping.

Any of the Salt knives from Spyderco are great. I carry one a lot and find it to be hard to put down and miss it when I don't have it. It is perhaps the most maintainance free knife you can own. Nothing can hurt it really. Clean it off in a nearby puddle or stream without worry. I clean mine under the facet outside all the time. Forget it and leave it outside overnight? Not a problem. It will be unaffected. The next best thing to this kind of care free knife is a David Boye folder for $135.

For a bigger premium grade folder at a economy price check out the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. 3.5" blade. Outstanding value for the $50 purchase. This is a very well made heavy duty folder and steel lined with thermorun handle scales like those seen on high dollar Fallkniven knives. It has an AUSA blade and a great design for everyday carry, not just for hunting. I can't say enough good about this knife. I'm getting another one just to have it in my safe unused incase something happens to this one. Its that nice!

STR
 
You can get two Buck 110 Folding Hunters for less than $50 at a variety of places right now.
 
Check your local Wally Mart supercenter for a Spyderco Native, I read they were selling them so I checked it out, saw it, handled it, had to have it. Great knife, Great steel, Made in the USA, reasonable price for a quality folder, rides well in the pocket, under your 50.00 requirement, not sure if the blade is 3 inches but I think its close. I just got one and it immediately became my EDC. I highly recommend it.
 
I'll throw in another vote for the Native. The cutting edge is a little less than three inches, but it's an excellent knife that feels and performs like a bigger knife. Some people like the Native III's handle better and VG-10 is as good as S30V in my book. Both can be had in your price range depending on which handle design you like better. There's a black coated version of the Native out there somewhere (I've never really seen the point in coating S30V, but to each his own I guess).

That Ka-Bar looks mighty nice for the price too... I may have to pick one up.

A Kershaw Hawk would make a fine knife in your price range if you can find one. Three inch ATS-55 blade with G-10 handles makes a fine package for around $40-$50 (the G-10 is a little too rough for my tastes, someday I'll get around to smoothing it out). There's also a titanium version out there for a little bit more money, but both models been discontinued and seem to be getting harder to find. They pop up on Ebay from time to time though. It doesn't have a black coating on it, but if you keep it clean and dry ATS-55 doesn't rust too easily (it will develop surface rust a lot quicker than some stainless steels though). Good little knife though the liner lock could be a bit thicker.

In my opinion a coating on a stainless steel blade is just there for looks. Make it black so it'll pretend to be more tactical. Even carbon steels don't need a coating if you take care of them.
 
Looks is the only reason I prefer black blades, assuming the coat doesn't impede on performance enough to make it not worth it. I don't expect to ever have to use any of my blades in a fight, so how easily it can be seen isn't much an issue to me.
 
I got my order from New Graham today...right on schedule. Here are some additional first thoughts on the knives I ordered to give as gifts.

Benchmade Model 555 Small Griptilian plainedge. The one with the opening hole. Wow-First rate fit and smooth opening with perfect lock up. Seems like a bargain for the price. A bit smaller than I expected.

Buck 889 Tan G-10. This is the economy Strider folder with a plainedge and Desert Tan Handles. Man what a cool way to try out a Strider design on a budget. A well made heavy duty folder. The liner goes over just over half way which is OK but more than I would want if I had a choice.
Spyderco D' Allara Drop Point plainedge. Should be a winner. Very nicely made knife. I was not able to disengage the lock with one hand but maybe it is just because I am new to this lock. A big folder...fortunately I am giving it to a big guy.

Spyderco Salt I plainedge. Looks like a great utility folder. I want one of these for myself. A Delica like folder with a nice utility edge that won't rust. Nice and light and slim...perfect Summer knife.

I can't wait to see how everyone likes their knife. You can't really go wrong with any of these. Of course I haven't cut anything with them but design and quality wise they are nice.
 
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