Cheap, small, beater knife

L

lee12

Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
48
I recently got a worksharp and I am wanting to get a small ( 3 inch or less) beater knife that is under $30 that I would not mind throwing on the worksharp. So far I am stuck between three: Byrd Meadowlark II, Kershaw Cryo, and Kershaw Pico. I have a Delica but find myself not using it as hard as I want to because of the price and the fact I don’t want to use a worksharp on it, so that is why I was looking at the meadowlark since it’s similar. However, I have heard great things about the Cryo and it looks solid. I just saw the Pico today and I love the look of the blade shape but know knowing about it. I am basically wanting a tough knife that I wouldnt feel bad about abusing, throwing on the worksharp, yet will hold up nicely. Any advice?
 
L lee12 Cryo's are Amazon "Deal of the day".....

I was just told no links to Amazon, so I removed them. I'm sure everyone who wants to find it on Amazon can search for it.
 
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Never owned a Meadowlark, so I can't say which. I have owned a Cryo before and it's a cheap but sturdy knife. Personally, I'd get the G-10 variation because the all steel is kind of heavy.
 
Yeah, and for only $4 more for the G10, not bad. If I don’t hear any opposing arguments, that most likely will get ordered tonight.
 
I like the Cryo and the Meadowlark, but the point is to practice with the Worksharp so the ML would be a better choice.
 
Vote for the meadowlark as well. It will be similar to your other Spyderco so when your a little more confident in your sharpening skill set the transition should be easier.
 
Just visit Walmart and buy something cheap to practice on. I have never used mine and that sounds like a good idea for me.
 
I have a few Byrds and like 'em. Big fan of the Raven 2, though it's just a bit above your price point and possibly length limit (if you count the choil). You might also look at the Rat II if you haven't yet.
 
For $30 you could get a stainless and a carbon Opinel #6. Then you can experiment with which takes a keener edge, etc. Plus they are very good slicers, so the edge will really shine on them.
 
The Ontario Rat2 is an outstanding knife especially for the price. No arguments against the Cryo, but I would take the Rat2 aus8 over 8cr13mov any day.
 
I like(d) the above suggestion. An Opinel is what I cut my teeth on when I was first learning to sharpen freehand. Having both a stainless and carbon model will give you an idea of how both types of steel sharpen up.

That said, I don't personally my Opinels , nor would I really. I keep em' around the house because they are great "everything" knives. From apples to electrical tape(though not necessarily the same knife, haha). I was able to get 2 number 8's(one stainless one carbon) and one 7 for $13.

I would probably get a Rat II or Tenacious if I wanted a knife to carry around as well. They're not much less than your Delica, though.
 
10after10 said:
L lee12 Cryo's are Amazon "Deal of the day".....

I was just told no links to Amazon, so I removed them. I'm sure everyone who wants to find it on Amazon can search for it.
Click to expand...

I was wondering about that so I didn't post the Amazon deal...but hard to beat the price today for Cryo or Cryo II and wanted to share.
 
I have been blown away by my Byrd! The edge holding is amazing, especially for a $20-ish knife, incredible. I just went and bought 4 more online to keep around for the truck, fishing bag, etc. Hopefully they all hold an edge as well as the one I have. If they do, Byrd(Spyderco) really does 8Cr13MoV perfectly!
The one I have is the Meadowlark 2, but the 4 I bought is all different models. Really hoping they all perform as well.
 
Have you considered a Cold Steel Tuff Lite? They are really good little knives. Decent steel, useful blade shape, super strong lock and comfortable handle.
 
Also worth mentioning that Buck has a few US made knives that might meet your criteria if you haven't looked at 'em (like the small Vantage).
 
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