Deciding on a cheap folding knife.

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sonar87

Joined
Dec 27, 2013
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34
[Edit: Now vs the RAT 2 and the Utilitac 2. ]

I'm looking for my first folding knife, and trying to find the best one around $20-25 that I can. I know that much, but for what I'd use it, I haven't been able to justify spending any more at first short of suddenly finding extra money lying around. I've spent some time browsing the net attempting to get an idea of what some of the better choices are, and thought I'd stop in here for a few more opinions.

The two I've been eyeing the most right are are the Kershaw Chill and the CRKT Drifter G10. Right now I'm almost of leaning more towards the Drifter, as it's gotten better reviews, and I think that's the sort of opening method I'd like best. On the flip side, as is, I have no problem with that of the Kershaw, and I do like the thinner handle - and just the overall design. Also, the length... we have a cheap kitchen knife that happens to be the same exact length as the Kershaw, the things a perfect fit for my hand, and just feels right. The size of the two knives aren't that different, so that shouldn't really matter much either way but... Anyway, yea, complete noob to this, and when it comes to the sort of differences between these two, I'm not really sure what I'll like best. So, any advice on choosing? Complaints about one or the other? Another, better, model of a similar style/length that I'm missing?

Like mentioned above, whatever I get won't get that heavy of use, part the price reasoning. Hell, I could probably either, really like it, and be fine. But hey, even if it's just $20-25 there's no reason not to try and get the best for the money.
 
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Disclaimer: I only own the RAT myself, the other two got good Reviews on here though.

As for "Folder on a budget" there are mostly these three recommended:

1. Ontario RAT 1 (or look at the RAT II for a smaller Version)
2. BRK / ESEE Zancudo
3. Ka-Bar Dozier

All under $ 30,- and all offer a lot of knife for the money.

Can't go wrong with the Kershaw Chill either imho, don't know about the CRKT.
 
I use to own a Drifter. I was not very impressed with it. CRKT used so much locktite on the hardware that the screws stripped while trying to take it apart.

Check out the Enlan Bee EL02. Dirt cheap, but also a really well made knife.
 
Kershaw-OD-2
od1.jpg

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/885952-Kershaw-OD-2
 
Thanks for all the other suggestions guys, and thanks Nal0n for pointing out the RAT 2. I'd seen the RAT 1 mentioned and lot and read a lot of good stuff about it, but wasn't sure I wanted to go that big.
 
The Chill is a nice knife. Very thin and light, and pretty addictive to flip. I have the framelock version of the Drifter. It feels a bit more stout than the Chill on account of the solid steel handles. Personally, I like the design of the Chill more than the Drifter.

The three tha NalOn mentioned are also good, although the RAT-2 and Zancudo are just a bit over $25. Check out this post for a side-by-side of those three.
 
Ontario Utilitac, great knife for price, comes in tanto and non tanto point, black or satin finish, and plain, half serrated, or full serrated blade. All for around $25, little more, little less depending on where you shop.
 
Nal0n said:
Disclaimer: I only own the RAT myself, the other two got good Reviews on here though.

As for "Folder on a budget" there are mostly these three recommended:

1. Ontario RAT 1 (or look at the RAT II for a smaller Version)
2. BRK / ESEE Zancudo
3. Ka-Bar Dozier

All under $ 30,- and all offer a lot of knife for the money.

Can't go wrong with the Kershaw Chill either imho, don't know about the CRKT.
Click to expand...

Good recommendations. I carried a Chill for 3 years and didn't buy another knife. I bought a second Chill for backup. Very slim and lightweight, perfect ergos for me. Very fast out of the pocket (tip up). Just got a RAT 2, and a Zancudo. Both are well-built and a hell of a good deal for under $30. The RAT 2 was super sharp out of the box.
 
Aleous said:
Ontario Utilitac, great knife for price, comes in tanto and non tanto point, black or satin finish, and plain, half serrated, or full serrated blade. All for around $25, little more, little less depending on where you shop.
Click to expand...
This. Best sub $50 knife you'll find in my opinion.
 
I have a Rat and 3 Zero Tolerance knives and I think the Rat is much sharper out of the box but the steel used on the Rat is not as good either.

The Rat is sharper and better for slicing because the blade is much thinner then the ZT knives,the ZT's edges feel every bit as sharp but they do not slice threw stuff as well a the Rats thinner blade.
 
Ok. I've got to stop looking at so many, this is getting out of control. I started off with "Oh hey, I kind of need one these, I'll grab a cheap $15 or whatever one at walmart."; then thought, "Eh, I want it to last and be a little decent, I won't be a cheapskate and up it to $20.". Seen the Kershaw Chill on amazon for $21 something, close enough. As I started this post with, decided last minute to keep looking found the Drifter for $24 something, "Oh hey, it's $3 if I like it that's worth a few more.". Now I both love and hate the person that showed me the RAT 2 that's $27. It's pretty, it's the right size, perfect shaped handle, like the blade shape. But no. Just no. Do not need. Must detox from knives for a week.... Come on brain. Fight it.
 
Nal0n said:
Disclaimer: I only own the RAT myself, the other two got good Reviews on here though.

As for "Folder on a budget" there are mostly these three recommended:

1. Ontario RAT 1 (or look at the RAT II for a smaller Version)
2. BRK / ESEE Zancudo
3. Ka-Bar Dozier

All under $ 30,- and all offer a lot of knife for the money.

Can't go wrong with the Kershaw Chill either imho, don't know about the CRKT.
Click to expand...

I own the Ka-Bar Dozier,awesome knife,especially for the sub-$20 price tag on Amazon as we speak,leaving you a couple bucks for a budget sharpener too :)
 
If you are only getting one, make it worthwhile. Get what you want. Nobody stops at one.
 
Don't fight it! Embrace it! Join the knife side....we have cookies. But seriously buy the RAT 2 if that's what you liked.
 
I don't have the Rat II but I do have the Rat I so it seems like that quality and useful lenses will be there, but I'm going to recommend the ESEE Zancudo. They can be had for under $30 and is a great little knife with a frame lock, and a FFG blade. Available in an assortment or colors with black coating or stonewashed.
 
I bought a Kershaw chill a few weeks back as a beater. I have yet to find a single flaw for it's price point. I'd highly recommend it. If you spend a little more you could pick up a Kerhsaw Cryo or a Rat II which are both great also.
 
Aeolus said:
Don't fight it! Embrace it! Join the knife side....we have cookies. But seriously buy the RAT 2 if that's what you liked.
Click to expand...

No! Not cookies... If they're peanut butter, all is lost!


@The DC: Yea, just now thought of that possible addition. Part of what made me realize how far past my original intentions I was going.

@Mike: Eh, I don't really care for the Spyderco designs. They're... weird. And Not a weird that I like.

Anyway, think I'm going to still wait a while, till next pay or two. If I still want that RAT 2 by then, with a little more money to spare, then I'll go ahead with it.
 
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