Budget Knife

[Sentinel641]

Hello BladeForums! I just started to get into knives when my friend gave me an Opinel no.8 this past Christmas. I'm looking for a more modern folder for EDC that won't break the bank, my budget is about $60. Seeing as this is my second knife I'm not very knowledgeable yet about steels etc but I'll likely read up on my spare time. Preferably no serrations please for the recommendations, thanks!

 

[Bob W]

Tell us a little bit more about what sort of knife you have in mind.

Fixed blade or folder?
What sort of materials do you like? Plastic? Wood? Bone?
Pocket knife, sheath knife, pocket clip?
What sort of environment are you going to use the knife? Suit and tie office? Factory floor? Deep woods?
Any particular blade shape?
One hand opening, yes or no?
Blade length?
A handful of a knife, or a fine cutting instrument?
Something to carry and use, or something for the collection?

You can get some nice imported 'modern' tactical knives for $60 of course, but also many great traditional pocketknives, hunting knives, multi-purpose knives, survival knives, vintage knives, bayonets...

 

[Sentinel641]

Definitely a folding knife.
I'd like G10 or something similar.
A pocket clip is a must.
I'm going to be using it in an urban environment. Probably nothing more than opening mail, cutting up boxes, food prep etc.
No particular shape.
Yes one handed opening
3.5" or less.
Doesn't really matter to me as long as it cuts!
Definitely something to carry and use.

 

[Heathen619]

Recon1 (big and scary)
Rat1 (perfect size edc in the city)
Spyderco Tenacious (personally not a fan)
+++If you are lucky maybe find a Benchmade Griptilian +++
Those were some of my budgets over the years I really enjoyed. The Recon1 (My Favorite, still in my rotation with knives hundreds of dollar more) will scare people when you pull it out because its black and tactical looking so maybe not good for the urban areas. I would steer you to finding a Benchmade Griptilian on sale somewhere!

those are my top 4

 

[jc57]

Some of the standbys are:
Spyderco Delica
Kershaw Skyline

 

[StinkyTool]

I would check out a Kershaw Needs Work for just a good all-around knife that won't break the bank. I'm probably in the minority on this one. Let's see if anyone backs me up. the previously mentioned knives above are all excellent options though.

 

[Sentinel641]

I'll definitely check all of those knives out! Could anyone tell me if there are any companies that sell knives to watch out for?

 

[Rasco]

I would check out a Kershaw Needs Work for just a good all-around knife that won't break the bank. I'm probably in the minority on this one. Let's see if anyone backs me up. the previously mentioned knives above are all excellent options though.

My co-worker has one of those, and I got to check it out, and I will say, it's on the heavier side for EDC.
Also, the blade shape is one you either like or don't.

That being said, Kershaw makes about 50 budget folders that are all pretty awesome.
Anything in the 8Cr13MoV steel should be in the $20-30 price range, and I think the "speed-safe" flipper is amazing.
I have several of these little Kershaws (Clash, Oso Sweet, Volt, etc) and for the price, you can't go wrong.

 

[Heathen619]

I agree with jc57 when it come to his picks. For a second knife a Skyline may be perfect for you.

You may like the Voyager line by Cold Steel,but it may be bigger than you are looking for. They are in your budget and can get off Amazon for under $50 but i would save a little more and get the Recon1

Kershaw assisted opening will have a lil blade play, but great knives for the price. I always liked their "ONE TON" but keep it oiled it with get stain spots of rust


KNIVES I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH:
MTECH=junk
GERBER=rough opening close lockup
SOG=look cool but disappointing
Camillus=lock fails

 

[nwmetalbug]

S30 Blur cant be beat for the money. If you dont like the assist it can be done away with.

 

[Ace Krampus]

Check out Kershawguy.com's blems. Some damned fine deals that guy has. Lots of quality stuff that comes in under your budget.

 

[immolatus]

chicaaaaago spidy.

 

[Franciscomv]

Here are some that are pretty good for the price:

-Spyderco Tenacious (or another model from the Tenacious family)

-Böker Trance

-Cold Steel Voyager (3", there are three sizes)

-Cold Steel Tuff Lite

-Cold Steel Code 4

-Cold Steel American Lawman

-Ontario RAT 1

-Kershaw Leek

-Kershaw Skyline

 

[Freman Bloodglaive]

The large Buck Vantage would probably fit in there. For $60 you might be able to get the Pro S30V version.

G10 handles
Liner lock
3.25" S30V blade
Deep carry pocket clip

It's a nice hollow grind blade.

 

[gytheran]

I've had the leek... it made me not like speedsafe knives. Mine got gummed up(would not deploy fully) after very little use and will be sent back to be fixed by Kershaw. Speedsafe is a neat feature, but if it fails, it will drive you nuts(well me at least).

My pick for a full size EDC with premium materials would be the Buck Vantage Pro. It comes with S30v Steel, G-10 handles, steel liners, a manual flipper design(no mechanisms to fail), a very deep pocket clip, made in the USA, and is covered by their lifetime warranty for defects. I currently have their Large Vantage Force Pro(slight difference in blade shape) and a full set(of 4) of their Vantage Small line(I prefer the smaller knife for EDC, as it is completely disappears in pocket). For the price, they're hard to beat IMO.

 

[Tallahassee]

Buck 110 is classic Old School quality in a single blade.

Look at vintage pocketknives from the 40s-80s. Great shapes, built to be used, not scary tactical looking to scare the squeamish, great ergonomics, and a piece of Americana for small change. Instant heirloom.

In a folder look at the Swiss Army Knife range. On eBay they go $15-40 shipped. SwissChamp is the deluxe ultra , Explorer is more compact but still has all you need for urban EDC.

Walmart sells a $1.97 Ozark Trails knife with all your specs list. No kidding. Have fun!

PS this gets addictive. No need to overspend while you're exploring around.

 

[thragdar]

I'll second the American Lawman. Even though it's a black on black G10 handled "OOOH SCARY TACTICAL" knife in terms of looks it's a straightforward traditional lockback in terms of usability. Mine's taken over EDC duties from several much more expensive US produced knives.

I don't think it's been mentioned, and it's often overlooked, but the Spyderco Centofante 3 is about the best damn EDC knife they produce. Super lightweight, better looks than the Delica (IMO), rides invisible in the pocket, rides DEEP in the pocket so won't pop out and get lost, has completely unintimidating looks, and is much faster to deploy and stow than the Lawman. Excellent light-duty EDC and this was my EDC for quite some time until the Lawman came into town with sixguns blazing.

As far as companies to look out for... there really aren't any these days. Aside from the obvious shovelware like Frost Cutlery or BudK everyone seems to produce at least a few solid knives. It's more down to individual models than entire manufacturers.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I am impressed by the Ontario Rat 1. Blade is AUS-8 and 3 1/2" long. Great folder; held in high esteem by folks on this forum.
About $30 or so...cheap, but good...very good.

 

[Bob6794]

The large Buck Vantage would probably fit in there. For $60 you might be able to get the Pro S30V version.

G10 handles
Liner lock
3.25" S30V blade
Deep carry pocket clip

It's a nice hollow grind blade.

Took the words right out from under me I was going to recommend that. It seems to fit the bill quite nicely.

Though Kershaw also makes several knives that fit the op's requirements quite nicely as well, I would go to their website and just narrow it down and look at what they have to offer. Keep in mind they show retail price, street price is different.

 

[Mossyhorn]

I agree about the Kershaw Blur. If you're on a budget, it is would be a fine choice.