EDC Knife Suggestions for =<$30

[ElectroPulse]

Hello, all!

I'm new to knives... I've owned knives quite a bit of my life, but they were always just cheap $5 ones from Walmart, and I did no research before purchasing them.

At this time I am interested in purchasing one for EDC. Main uses for having one for EDC are just opening boxes/cutting zipties (I work in IT). Secondary uses would of course be for self-defense as well as camping.

I got a cheap auto knife in Russia when I was visiting there a couple of years ago, but the quality is very poor. At least it gave me a taste of what auto knives are like. I like the idea of being able to easily open it with one hand (and I've got to admit, it looks fricken' cool when opening it). However, due to legality issues in some states, I'd prefer to go with an assisted opening for EDC.

I really like the look of Tanto blades (sort of a tactical look), but I've read they aren't as useful as other blades... Why would this be? (I could understand for whittling, but not sure of other situations where this would be the case).

On the note of looks, I've always liked the look of tactical knives... So am looking for one that is all black, and just has a sort of "tactical look" to it.

A clip would be a nice feature to have as well... Not sure whether I'd use it (haven't carried a knife), but would like it if I do end up liking the idea.

I'd imagine that serations could come in handy for cutting zipties and rope, so partially serated is another feature I may be looking for. I could go either way for this, though...

Good ergonomics (feeling good in the hand, as well as positioning of the assisted-opening-activator-thingy (not sure what it's called)), as well as grippiness of the handle would be great as well

Now for budget. I'm not currently rolling in money, so am going to try to keep it at $30 or less.

And of course build quality. This would include durability, finish (not coming off when being constantly rubbed against keys and other random items in my pocket), and staying sharp through use. I'm not sure how much quality I can get for =<$30, but am hoping for some.

So to recap, here are the requirements:
Assisted opening
Note sure about a tanto blade or regular at this point
Tactical-ish look
Clip
Partially serrated (maybe)
Good ergonomics
$30 or less
Good quality

I am not sure what brands are considered "better," so I will leave that up to you guys...

Thanks!
ElectroPulse

 

[Cereal_killer]

Welcome to BFC, your name sounds like a 1960's ladies "medicine": electro pulse- "cures what ails you" (just joking with you, please don't take offense)


First I'll address the tanto part of your question. I actually think a tanto blade would be better for you as an IT tech, they excel at the "pencil grip" (where you hold onto the blade and cut with just the tip with the handle resting on the web of your thumb). This type of grip can be very useful for delicate work such as stripping open bundles of wires and the like.

Now onto recommendations- the best sub $30 tanto knife I know of is the Ontario utilitac 2 (there are a total of 8 different configurations, 4 of which are tanto's) so with that one recommendation you have a lot of choice. I carry one daily along with my Sebenza if that tells you anything about their quality.
Other obligatory mentions in the <$30 category are the ontario rat 1 (3.5") or rat 2 (3"). All of these are non A/O but you really won't believe the ease/speed at which they "flick" open (with zero wrist movement, just push the thumb stud and the blades flip out).

There are also some kershaw offerings in your price that may even be A/O but I'm not big on the brand so I'll leave that to someone else.

 

[d0nut]

I still think the Ontatio Rat II is the best value for less than $30.

See my mini review and comparison here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-comparisons-mini-review-and-lots-of-pictures!

Not assisted opening, but you don't need it with this knife. It slams open so fast and effortlessly.

If you like the tactical look, it comes in a variety of colors and serrated too.

 

[liamstrain]

I would look at Kershaw's offerings at this price point (Cryo, Zing, Volt - and for a few bucks more, there is a Tanto Blur, or the Thermite) as well as the Ontario. Between them, you should find something that floats your boat.

 

[DonDinero]

I will second the Rat II rec.
I also like the Kershaw flippers for ease of use. Check out the Kershaw Chill.

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

Rat 2/1 or a Kershaw. Can't go wrong with either! If you want a cheap, tanto, A/O EDC blade, you'll be hard pressed to beat the Kershaw Brawler.

 

[Franciscomv]

If you really want an assisted opener, look at some of Kershaw's budget offerings. I don't think there's another company that offers such variety in AO knives at that price point. You could get a Leek or Blur blem from Kershawguy for around $30, great US made knives.

Other options, non-assisted, would be the Ontario Utilitac, RAT-1, Buck Nobleman, Byrd Cara Cara, Spyderco Tenacious.

 

[ElectroPulse]

Thanks for the replies! I'll start going through the suggestions shortly

Rat 2/1 or a Kershaw. Can't go wrong with either! If you want a cheap, tanto, A/O EDC blade, you'll be hard pressed to beat the Kershaw Brawler.

Heh, that was actually the knife that got me started on this topic... I ran across it while looking at the Iain Sinclair Cardsharp. I thought it looked like a cool knife, read the reviews, and liked what I saw. Usually when I just randomly run a product, it turns out there are far better ones for the same price, so figured I'd ask on here. Funny that particular knife came up

 

[ElectroPulse]

Thanks for the replies! I'll start going through the suggestions shortly

Rat 2/1 or a Kershaw. Can't go wrong with either! If you want a cheap, tanto, A/O EDC blade, you'll be hard pressed to beat the Kershaw Brawler.

Heh, that was actually the knife that got me started on this topic... I ran across it while looking at the Iain Sinclair Cardsharp. I thought it looked like a cool knife, read the reviews, and liked what I saw. Usually when I just randomly run a product, it turns out there are far better ones for the same price (despite good reviews), so I usually ask about them on the item-type's forum. Funny that particular knife came up

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

It was my third single blade knife after a Gerber Paraframe and a Buck Nobleman. It got me hooked on Kershaws and good-quality knives in general.

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

The Thermite is a step up from the Brawler IMO. $10 more, satin blade, G10, frame lock, still assisted, spanto (modified tanto) grind, Hinderer design, etc. If you HAVE to stay under $30, Brawler. If you can go $5 over $30, Thermite.

 

[powernoodle]

Why do you guys keep saying Rat 1 when its not an assisted opener?

Electro, any of the budget-priced Kershaws will do the trick for you. They rock.

Just an example: Kershaw Burst, at around $20.

 

[JD Mandrell]

Kershaw Thermite

 

[craytab]

Kershaw Thermite for assisted or Ontario Utillitac II. I have both, like both, but the Utilitac a bit better. It is just as fast or maybe faster and is non-assisted. It has kicked knives 5-6 times the price out of my pocket. Also it comes in a variety of handles, blade shapes, serrations, and coated or not.

 

[uxo2]

Kershaw's.

I like the Cryo's

 

[Inazone]

As a fellow IT guy who uses a knife for the same sorts of tasks you mentioned, I have to agree with the Kershaw and Ontario suggestions. I have a small EDC rotation consisting of various Kershaws (One Ton, Vapor III, RJI) and a Gerber Armor tanto among others. When friends ask for inexpensive EDC recommendations, I usually steer them toward Kershaw. I also have a Utilitac tanto, and although I don't carry it, I wouldn't hesitate to do so if my current rotation wasn't sufficient.

Today, I have the One Ton in my pocket, and it has fared the best for things like cutting cables and cardboard. However, it has a pretty beefy blade and may be a bit slower to open than you prefer.

 

[AddictedToGear]

For that budget I would recommend many of the value Kershaws or Ontario knives. There are many options from both brands that will serve you well as an EDC.

 

[SURVIVAL&WEAPONS]

Maybe the kershaw kuro. It use to be about $15 but up'd in price about $6-$10 so you can get it for about $30 shipped at bladehq.

 

[CDKJudoka]

IT Guy here as well. I used to carry a CRKT M16, a little out of the price range, I know, but I carried a RAT 1 for a while and it served me well for work.

 

[EZ Bake]

Lot of good ones mentioned so far.

Check out the Coast FX350 as well (it's really surprising me):