Good, Cheap, Knife Brands?

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bcknives

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Jun 22, 2012
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I have been told a lot that I don't have a very large span of knives. I can admit that I am stuck around KA-BAR, Becker, and Ontario... Which I don't think is a bad thing bad... What are some good brands of knives, that are different and unique? I need to expand my interests.
Help a (some what) noobie?
 
Well the real question is how cheap is cheap? To some people, $50 is ridiculous to spend on a knife, and to others, $200 is a bargain. For the sake of playing it safe, i'm gonna assume cheap means $50 or less. In that price range, at least in terms of folders, you're gonna want to take a good hard look at kershaw. They have A TON of models in the $30-50 range that offer a ton of knife for the money. In particular take a look at the skyline, Leek, Shallot, and upcoming cryo as tremendous values. Really though, most everything that kershaw makes is of excellent quality so just pick something you like the looks of and go from there. Another company to look at would be the lower end spyderco knives like the ambitious/persistence/tenacious/resilience. They offer excellent build quality for the price and are a bargain favorite of knife nuts everywhere.
 
So here's my chance to stick in a vote for Columbia River Knife & Tool.

Wide range of prices and styles means something to appeal to most any taste and budget. CRKT has, arguably, the most collaborations with custom makers. This is one of the reasons they have such a wide range of styles.

Although the online MSRP is rather steep, I can typically find them for 40% to 50% off. I buy from dealers at larger flea markets, and as soon as they realize I know what I'm talking about, they drop the BS and the price.
 
This.^ And, The Boker CLB line of folders. Also, check out the AGR Rancher and Cowboy.
 
the budget Kershaws have some of the best dollar to value ratio of anything on the market. i have been pleasantly surprised with the build quality and fit/finish of their sub $50 knives. the fact that their customer service/warranty department is one of the best out there doesn't hurt either. :thumbup:
 
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Although they are not tactical-style knives, my vote goes to Victorinox, hands down. I've been carrying some type or other of Victorinox product for around 30 years now, and they are incredibly useful, and the quality and consistency are amazing.

Jim
 
I have found interesting knives from CRT, kershaw, kabar, Ontario, spyderco/Byrd. My $14 Byrd seems like a very good knife.
 
For great lo priced cutters that perform out of proportion to their cost, try Opinels, Douk-Douk's, mora's, Mercators, and Eka's.
 
Many well established brands offer good value knives for under $20. Among those not yet mentioned are Buck, Case, Boker, along with newer brands such as Sanrenmu, and Rough Rider that can be found sometimes for less than $10.
 
Victorinox
Kershaw
CRKT
Buck
Byrd
Spyderco
H&K

Also.. these aren't big brands but...
Enlan
Sanrenmu
Navy
Inron
 
ZT, for what your getting from them, I find them the best knives (production), you can get.

The best warranty, very good materials, and relatively cheap.
 
CRKT offers some very good quality knives, but beware their chisel grind knives. They're very difficult to cut with because the bevel is at the wrong angle to the cutting plane (if you're right handed). They also tend to be heavy. One of my favorite CRKTs is the M21-04, which is a beautiful spear point. Their titanium tantos are very nice too and are double grind, but again, a bit heavy when compared to G10 and FRN handle knives. Kershaw, too, is excellent.

I'm a great fan of Cold Steel knives. Its Trailmaster fixed blade knife is a classic and the new Voyagers are Recon 1 folders, with their Tri-Ad locks, are the strongest in the world. The Voyager features clip point, Vaquero, and Tanto blade configurations. The blades also go up to 5.5 inches, which are monsters. The 4-inch may be ideal. If so, the Recon 1 might be the way to go. The clip point and Vaquero blades are flat grind and the tantos are a nice hollow grind with a thick spine that makes them great for prying and batoning.

Finally, Spyderco Enduras, Military, and Police models are outstanding. Many like the VG10 steel, which has excellent edge retention and anti-corrosion properties. These can start at about $55 and go up to more than a hundred. The new Endura 4 FRNs come in varying colors and with nice flat grind blades that can whittle wood or slice tomatoes. Me, I'm not a huge fan of flat grind knives, but I have nothing against them, either. Since people who know much more than I do about knives love them, I defer to their greater knowledge and experience.

Again, take a look at the Cold Steel Trailmaster. Look up some reviews on YouTube. Also, do a search on the other knives recommended in this thread. I've seen many good reviews there.
 
Some of my favorite bang-for-buck companies:

Condor
Mora
Opinel
Svord
Douk Douk (M.C. Cognet)
Mercator
Victorinox

All produce high quality knives that perform well outside their price range. Other brands have many excellent values, but I find the above consistently deliver tremendous performance across their entire range of products, and for very little money.
 
Considering $50 as a possible boundary for inexpensive (perhaps not "cheap") knives, I agree that CRKT, Kershaw, Victorinox/Wenger, and Opinel are good choices, all with different models to choose depending on your needs and intended use. I would also suggest taking a look at Meyerco Blackie Collins knives, Timberline, and Camillus. You can also check out Remington, Colt (look for Taiwan made blades), and even Smith & Wesson; you can find some good blades in their offerings if you pick with care. And don't forget Buck and Gerber; they still have some good cutlery in their product lines. Do remember that in the lower priced range choosing well is critical for good performance from your selection if you have to depend on your blade. Enjoy your search.
 
I'm probably gonna get flamed for this, but some gerbers are good if you're careful what you go for. Things like the Paraframe 2, Bear grylls scout and the Gator tend to be Ok and a good value. Bear and sons hasn't been brought up, but they have the only good Butterfly under $100. Don't forget good ol' Case either. Go to (( not a BF Dealer )) and look up the Yellow synthetic CV handle patterns, and most will be between 20-35 dollars, and will outlast you if you treat them right. Unless it's humid in your environment, then go for the SS version. Good luck, and happy slicing! :D :thumbup:
 
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These two lists cover all the best bang for the buck knives I know of and some that I don't.

Personally, I think an Opinel, Mora, or Victorinox can't be beat for the price.

FortyTwoBlades said:
Some of my favorite bang-for-buck companies:

Condor
Mora
Opinel
Svord
Douk Douk (M.C. Cognet)
Mercator
Victorinox

All produce high quality knives that perform well outside their price range. Other brands have many excellent values, but I find the above consistently deliver tremendous performance across their entire range of products, and for very little money.
Click to expand...

dakine said:
Condor
Aranyik
Byrd
Mora
Opinel
Boker
Click to expand...
 
I also REALLY like the Aitor Castors. Their "survival" knives may be silly but their utility folders are actually pretty boss! Carbon steel, full flat grind, splinter-picker tip, great ergos, firm snap, and a good half-stop. It's like what you'd get if an Opinel and a Douk Douk had a Spanish baby.

aitor-pocketknife-castor.jpg


Edit: Oh yeah--don't forget EKA! :p
 
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