Cheap and Different EDC?

The CRKT Ripple in the smaller size liner lock is 1.8 ounces so it won't pull your khakis down, and it will let you compare the assisted opening Cryo to a manual opening flipper with a ball bearing pivot.
 
Kershaw Link. Just a little more than you wanted to spend at 40 bucks but a great knife. You won't be dissapointed.

Mike
 
How about a Nura?
[video=youtube;nHa3_O-BVsg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHa3_O-BVsg[/video]

TripleB67 said:
Recently received a Kershaw Cryo from a board member here and am loving it...first 'bigger' and better quality knife I've owned and find myself looking for more and more ways to use each day. After only having it a week I can already tell that the purchase of many more knives is in my future...so many knives out there to choose from and you don't have to spend $500+ to get great quality like I would with my firearms.

One thing I haven't determined with the Cryo yet is if I prefer using thumbstuds, the flipper, or opening it manually...or maybe some other way found on other knives.

Another board member made what seemed like a great point: instead of purchasing a more expensive knife any time soon, why not get a couple less expensive knives just to figure out why type(s) of knife I prefer.

With Valentine's Day coming up and my wife telling me she needs to spend between $25 and $35 more on me, I'm thinking now might be a good time to go ahead and try out another type of knife.

I would like something 'different' from the Cryo, still would like a 3" or less blade, would prefer something a little lighter (Cryo is perfect everywhere except with my work Dockers), and maybe something that allows for deep carry.

Any recommendations on a knife that would fit that criteria (3" or under blade, on the lighter side, possibly deep carry, under $35, and somehow different than the Cryo)?

edit: anything that requires a fingernail to open is out...40 year old habit won't die

Thanks for the input!

TripleB67
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-Ontario Rat 2
-Spyderco Persistence of Ambitious

Or you can just look at CRKT. They have tons of models and different styles but cheaper steel. The fit and finish on these knives are great though. I also really like the Veff serrations.
 
I appreciate all the help so far!!!

In taking a close look at about every knife you've mentioned, there are four that are really standing out right now:

- Buck Vantage Small (2.6" blade/3.8"/2.3oz/420HC/$24)
- CKRT Pazoda (2.6" blade/3.8"/3.1oz/8Cr14MoV/$20)
- Ontario Rat II (3.0" blade/4.0"/2.8oz/Aus8/$28)
- Kershaw 1987 RJ Tactical (3.0" blade/4.0"/2.8oz/8Cr13MoV/$26)...this one wasn't mentioned by anyone but love the looks

Anyone had experiences with any of the above knives?

Thanks again for all the input!!

TripleB67


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I'll throw the Kershaw Injection into the list of great recommendations.

With a little searching you can find a Spyderco Dragonfly for just over $40.
 
Op I would highly suggest looking at the spyderco persistence. The quality of that knife is on par with some of the high end knives on the market. I personally wasn't a fan of the look of spyderco knives at first but I gave the persistence a shot and ever since I have become a huge fan of their knives and own several. I even made sure to buy the Benchmade "Mini Griptilian and full size Griptilian" that have the flipper hole "like Spyderco" instead of the posts. Do yourself a huge favor and go with the Persistance.
 
If you're just trying to try out different types of knives I'd get a couple Chinese knives with the different locking mechanisms and blade shapes. Maybe an axis lock with a tanto and a lockback with a sheepsfoot or wharncliffe blade. You can try out the features on a budget and then invest in a quality piece that ticks all the right boxes.
 
I gave a few of the kershaw RJ tacticals as gifts and they all really liked them.Nice knife for the price,
 
Get a kershaw/emerson collaboration cqc-2k or 3k. Everyone needs a "waved" blade in their collection and it seems you're interested in different methods of deploying a blade. YouTube is your friend to see reviews and learn how to open a wave properly. They are emerson designs but made by kershaw. Excellent values with a patented emerson deployment feature. Right in your price range too. Having said this, the rat 2 has the smoothest action of any knife mentioned. Great quality control. Always come perfectly centered when closed. Phosphor bronze washers, full flat grind (ffg is great for slicing) The Buck vantages are hit or miss with blade centering but otherwise is a good value. I'm not a crkt fan really except for a few higher dollar models. The kershaw 1987 isn't anything special and I dont like the blade shape at all. I'd go Rat 2 if you don't want to try a waved kershaw/emerson. Also you should spend $10-$12 and get a kershaw crown. Best value folding knife in the world in my opinion. Stainless bolsters, genuine micarta in black or blue (I like the blue), tip up carry, and is a true gentleman's folder for times you want a classy looking knife. It's my go to gift blade and everyone loves them. Another amazing value is the kabar dozier hunter 4062 ($20). If you search these names on google you will see the Bladeforums reviews and youtube vids as well. Good luck and welcome to the addiction
 
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blades&wrenches said:
I'll throw the Kershaw Injection into the list of great recommendations.

With a little searching you can find a Spyderco Dragonfly for just over $40.
Click to expand...

Not sure if it's still running, but knifecenter had a great price deal running on the Kershaw injections.
 
Grandmaster said:
the Buck Vantage is pretty good, but under $35 I would go for a Rat II, the Byrd line has some nice folders too
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Not really sure of the quality of the Buck Vantage (Small), but it definitely checks a lot of the boxes for me as far as a knife to carry to work everyday: light (2.3 oz), small (2.6"/3.8"), holes for opening (although in looking at a video on this knife it seems the holes and the flipper are tough to use), cheap ($24), and allows for deep carry.

Thanks again to all the input so far!

TripleB67
 
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Someone already mentioned the spyderco dragonfly and ill second it. I found it for $42 quickly and you might be able to find it for less. I bought one of theese in ss handles for my pops and he loves it, uses it every day for all manner of things and raves about how well it slices and holds an edge
 
CRKT Drifter is a great knife for little money.

BUT, I agree you should just buy a Spyderco Dragonfly now. You'll own one eventually and have no idea why you waited.
 
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