Cheap Folder

[Ditchfield]

I'm looking for a locking folder with a 3" blade for around £60. I would be using it for everyday carry

 

[trane fan]

Edited to say, oops I didn't notice that you were talking UK £ instead of US $. I stand by the Spyderco FRN/PE Delica but you could also look at the Spydies and Benchmades listed below. However, I thought that locking blades were illegal in the UK. Isn't that correct? Is so, go with a Victorinox SAK such as the Soldier or the Spyderco Pride.

 

[TheMightyGoat]

Kershaw Leek, Kershaw Vapor, CRKT Lightfoot M1, Spyderco Delica, or maybe a Benchmade Mel Pardue.

 

[Nimravus]

60 pounds that's 130 US right? So I would say BM 350, 55X, 705, 805 81X,905, 910.

Kershaw I would ad the Blackout.

 

[The Tourist]

With any import duty needing to be paid, could a Buck 110 be purchased for this amount?

It's a classic, and it will out-live both of us.

 

[knifelife]

http://www.britishblades.com/ have a look here

 

[bladefixation]

in the UK you cant beat a large non locking SAK

a whole range of tools and different handles to choose from and also 100% legal

excellent quality (especially for the price) ok the blade steel isnt the best but its more than adequate for general use

I use a SAK solder for EDC when I cant justify something bigger.

 

[glockman99]

Get the FRN plain-edge VG-10 Delica.

 

[Dragon_Man]

I'll second the BUCK 110. Not trendy, but the most bang for the buck by a long shot.

 

[J. MacDonald]

The man wants less than 3" blade. Benchmade 705 jumps to mind. Camillus EDC as well. Maybe a Buck 112?

jmx

 

[fishface5]

benchmade mini-griptillian! About $55 USD and really a great little knife. With an axis lock.

 

[UnknownVT]

will make you cry - but since cheap is a relative term
(are your relatives "cheap" too? )

Here are my choices:

SAK since these are generally recognized and not usually mistaken for "weapons" - this is a particularly elegant and slim/thin model:

Victorinox Silver Alox Bantam:

.Large blade
·Cap lifter with with can opener, screwdriver and wire stripper
·3-1/4" closed
·Stainless steel blade and tools
·Ribbed silver Alox® handle
in the USA this sells for about US$13

For a one-handed Frame-Lock the Kershaw (Ken Onion designed) Vapor:

.2.9" Stainless steel blade
·Frame-lock
·Thumb stud
·Stainless steel handle
·Removable pocket/belt clip
·4" closed
in the USA this sells for under US$20 in local Wal*Mart stores

or even the venerable Opinel
(the No.8 is the most popular size, BUT it has a 3 1/4" blade - so the next size down the No.7 has a 3" blade in plain carbon steel or Inox/stainless steel)

.4" closed
.3" blade
.beechwood handle
about US$8

 

[sorridsky]

Hey Ditchfield,

It's illegal to carry a locking knife in the UK unfortuneatly.
I only recently found out to my horror.

Since then It's been a SAK / opinel.
but the Spyderco pride is the other option, the only non locking one handed opener I can find.

For me, I'm still on the hunt for a 4 1/8 Trapper with a wharncliffe and clip blades in a good steal, and a strong spring.

Another thing, I heard the Kershaw Vapor got a convex grind, Is that right? that means no benchstones

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

are an SAK or a mid sized Stockman. They both have non locking blades so they wont land you in trouble and neither one is likely to bring a lot of attention to you (they don't scream WEAPON). Both can be had for as low as $20US for basic ones. Plenty handy. Good luck.

Frank

 

[tardis]

I'd like to say Spyderco Delica but UK knife law prohibits such blades. So I'd go for either a Pride or SAK Soldier.

 

[J-man_the_jet]

Actually, I've studied British knife law in depth and you can carry a locking folder as long as it complies with the 3" law... there was a case trying to restrict locking folders but it didn't follow through. I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice (hell, I don't even live in the U.K.) just what I know of... but I recommend you check out the British Knife collecters guild, And check out the law section.

 

[Nimravus]

BM 81X Mini TSEL or Mini AFCK what more do you want plain strong and never breaks.

 

[UnknownVT]

Originally posted by sorridsky
Another thing, I heard the Kershaw Vapor got a convex grind, Is that right? that means no benchstones

No, not that I've seen.

The blade is flat ground with a distinct edge bevel.

The steel is AUS6A (roughly the same as 440A) - ie: not exotic or premium - but pretty good as a general purpose blade steel.

They are now made in China of Japanese steels (the early ones were made in Japan) - however on my very limited sampling I found the Chinese versions seem to have even better action than the already very impressively smooth action of my one Japanese sample.

This is why I regard the Vapor at just under US$20 (that's about 12quid) a veritable bargain of the first magnitude.

Here's a thread in the Knife Reviews & Testing section with lots of references to the Kershaw Vapor:

Frame-Locks (ala Sebenza)

 

[Mr. Bombastic]

I'd like to advise against checking BKCG for information on knife law in this country. The pages are simply the opinion of a guy named Mike...he is the whole 'Guild'.

And this sentence on the 'Law' page is a piece of crap:

'Despite what you may have been led to believe, our knife laws are amongst the most sensible in the modern World.'

Case law does state that locking blades are illegal (though police officers I have spoken too can't locate the exact case). Written law however specifically states that 3" folding knives are legal.

And technically, even when locked, a folding knife will fold if enough pressure is applied.

Personally, I'm waiting for a Benchmade 555 Purple Mini Griptilian.

 

[The Tourist]

Jmxcpter,

Thank you for correcting me. Often I forget that Buck also offers a smaller version of the 110 in the well made 112.

And I call myself a knut.