Fun with cheap knives

[Bearzilla911]

Every so often it’s nice to give a cheap knife some field time. When not doing pure edge retention testing it can be impressive to see what some of these cheaper knives can accomplish, while still maintaining a decent edge and not rolling or chipping.

Recently, I’ve been playing with a Ganzo in 9Cr13 steel. Cost under $20 and I’d put it up there with the Mora companion HD in terms of quality, minus the Scandi grind, but added edge retention.

(Some feather sticks)


(My boy batoning)



What are your favorite cheap users?

 

[KentuckyBlackBird]

RR up top and a couple of no names. The middle is a knife Boker commissioned….after it had been in production (I suspect). The RR is a favorite edc of mine. It’s sharp and holds a good edge, and smooth as silk.

 

[scorpnsnake]

Opinel is my favorite inexpensive knife. Not for processing wood but stripping bark and carving walking sticks mostly. They're awesome.

 

[ShaiHulud]

Cheap isnt always "cheap"
Got a few gerber lst's I've been carrying
Cheap but not "cheap"
To me anyway

 

[SALTY]

I have a bunch of inexpensive knives that are quite good - provide value.
There are also some expensive knives that are very knice (see what I did there?), but don't provide so much value.

 

[kobold]

I like the entire Hultafors line. Have multiples of GK (SK5 IIRC) and the blue handled stainless ones. Plus a Mora Bushcraft Triflex, a few carbon Opinels, a Ruike Hornet and some skeletonized ones Brisa Bobtail, Wharncliffe..

 

[donnord]

I just disposed of an inflatable hot tub and a giant box from a shed kit. I took the opportunity to play with my toys and test a 440c kit knife, Kershaw D2, Spyderco Manix cruwear, and CRKT D2, along with 3 Mules 2 in Magnamax one in Spy27. All tree of the lower end knives held there own remarkably well. The CRKT D2 took a slight bend to the tip? The kershaw was a bit duller but still working sharp. The Magnamax in spyderedge, holy smokes that thing can cut. The plain edge MM came with a less than shaving edge which it maintained well.
The cheaper knives are fun cause they allow to check out different designs and locks and steels without breaking the bank.

 

[SALTY]

Call me a Fan Boy (OK, admitted) but all of my Becker knives are still taking a licking and keep on ticking. The ergonomic handles and old-school proven 1095 work for me. Wonder steels notwithstanding, I like 1095 -its price point, forgiveness in the face of abuse and ease of sharpening all work for me.