Collecting knives on a small budget

I made my first purchase since beginning this discussion thread. I ordered a ...
"Morakniv Craftline Robust Trade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade and Combi Sheath (3.6-Inches)"

There were many excellent suggestions in the discussion thread. This will by no means be my final purchase. (This may not even be my final purchase tonight ... LOL)

After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that folding knives simply do not offer any advantages to a small fixed blade knife. (Other than concealment.) I looked at a $100 folding knife several days ago at a local retailer here in the Austin, TX area. This brand is very highly respected. The blade was noticeably off center when it was closed. This had an s30v blade and one of the best locking mechanisms in the industry. But the blade was off center. I have decided to focus on small to medium fixed blade knives. I would like to purchase a good skinning knife. Buck makes a skinning knife ("Buck 0537RWS OPEN SEASON") that has a full tang s30v blade. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend. However, it looks really well built.
 
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Not to be a total bad influence, but for your $100 mark there are a lot of custom makers here that make awesome fixed blades. Take a look I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
 
weezer919 said:
I made my first purchase since beginning this discussion thread. I ordered a ...
"Morakniv Craftline Robust Trade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade and Combi Sheath (3.6-Inches)"

There were many excellent suggestions in the discussion thread. This will by no means be my final purchase. (This may not even be my final purchase tonight ... LOL)

After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that folding knives simply do not offer any advantages to a small fixed blade knife. (Other than concealment.) I looked at a $100 folding knife several days ago at a local retailer here in the Austin, TX area. This brand is very highly respected. The blade was noticeably off center when it was closed. This had an s30v blade and one of the best locking mechanisms in the industry. But the blade was off center. I have decided to focus on small to medium fixed blade knives. I would like to purchase a good skinning knife. Buck makes a skinning knife ("Buck 0537RWS OPEN SEASON") that has a full tang s30v blade. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend. However, it looks really well built.
Click to expand...

I’ve seen that buck for under $80 on secondary market. I have both the folder, the full size and the small game and they are all excellent(and beautiful) knives. The s30 stays sharp forever. The Robust is an excellent knife for under $15. I used to carry one at work, and even after work if I left it on the belt nobody ever noticed.
 
You could build up a huge collection of knives for under $50 each, and not used knives or cheap junk knives either. There's plenty of great stuff out there in your price range. It just depends what you're interested in.
Mora knives, Victorinox, USA Old Timers, Opinel, vintage knives...

I collect original Made in USA Old Timers, for example. You should have no trouble finding the more common models, even new-in-box, for under $50 each.
And more recently I loaded up on Wenger Swiss Army knives when they were on closeouts after being bought out by Victorinox.

Just some examples, Good Luck!
 
I am surprised that no one has suggested the Victorinox Alox series. If they did, I missed it. IMHO, the OP should at least try something in the Alox line. Pioneer, Farmer, Cadet, something...

It would make a wonderful addition to the fixed blades being purchased.
 
Response to JupiterPaladin ...

Are you referring to "custom makers here that make awesome fixed blades." ... that can be found here in BladeForums?

If so ... Where can I find these custom fixed blade makers? ... And more importantly ... Which ones would you recommend?
 
Response to Bob W ...

You mentioned ... "I collect original Made in USA Old Timers, for example. You should have no trouble finding the more common models, even new-in-box, for under $50 each."

Where could I find an original made in the USA Old Timer Sharpfinger new in box for under $50?

I currently own an Old Timer Sharpfinger that I purchased at a large department store in Cedar Park, TX for about $16 ... It is my favorite cheap knife of all time ... If I could find an original USA model for under $50 ... I would probably purchase it.
 
Tell the wireless phone company to can your account like I did.
LOTS of money for knives suddenly and magically seems to collect and overflow from ones pockets.
;)
 
Once you’ve acquired a few more knives, hold of for a while. Enjoy them. Then tell youself that in that time you would’ve bought 3 or 4 more $50 knives and treat yourself to something a little more expensive.
 
For a small Fixed blade under $100 look at the Giantmouse Knives GMF1. It has an incredible leather sheath and N690 steel.
 
weezer919 said:
Response to JupiterPaladin ...

Are you referring to "custom makers here that make awesome fixed blades." ... that can be found here in BladeForums?

If so ... Where can I find these custom fixed blade makers? ... And more importantly ... Which ones would you recommend?
Click to expand...

Here is a link to our custom makers' fixed blades:
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-fixed-blades.754/
Most are expensive, fair warning, but you can find some sweet blades in your $100 limit. Some of my favorites include:
@nighthaxan
@Austin Goldman
@duckchildress
@G L Drew
@HardedgeKnives
Just scroll through a few pages and check out these dudes, or everything! If I make a substantial fixed blade purchase, it will definitely be to our BladeForums talent.
 
Before I start recommending these blades, don't forget that knives eventually need to be sharpened. I am still looking for cheap full sharpening system with reprofiling and high grit sharpening (I think it might have to be mousepad+sandpaper, but don't quote me on that yet)
Now for knives:
Under 50? Rat 1 d2 /Steel will d2 knives. Both great bang for buck riding close to 50 and their praises have been sung far and wide. (I have not had any experience with either, but IMO d2 is the most 'super' steel reasonably under 100$)
If you're feeling spyderco, my recommendation is that the cheapest you should buy (as an edc size) should not be below 50$
If you're going delica- look for s30v versions
If s30v is out- Manix 2, Native 5, zdp 189 delica
Why no endura? zdp 189 is just a little above 100$, but if you're feeling like a big blade, go for it!
 
weezer919 said:
Response to Bob W ...

You mentioned ... "I collect original Made in USA Old Timers, for example. You should have no trouble finding the more common models, even new-in-box, for under $50 each."

Where could I find an original made in the USA Old Timer Sharpfinger new in box for under $50?

I currently own an Old Timer Sharpfinger that I purchased at a large department store in Cedar Park, TX for about $16 ... It is my favorite cheap knife of all time ... If I could find an original USA model for under $50 ... I would probably purchase it.
Click to expand...

I see some right now on a large auction website for $60-70.

To buy original Old Timer knives for under $50 and still in new condition, look for the smaller and more common folders. 34OT, 108OT, 104OT, 12OT, 18OT...
 
about this: https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-fixed-blades.754/

you know what's really annoying about the forums... people who insist on 'signing off' as Dozier (or adding it to every post they do). Even if it's someones name, imho trying to search for one, and being able to find an actual dozier made d2 blade & HT, is impossible the way it is now. (Dozier was one of the first D2 specialists that had a really good HT, if someone knows who was doing such things before him, please educate;)

... end of day, there are ton of great makers around now, it's really somewhat of a golden age for blades, looking around is half the fun
 
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