Help for finding EDC Knife for under $30

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lprevs

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Jun 29, 2016
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Hi guys, I'm new to bladeforums and I thought it might be helpful to get some input on what knife to buy as my new EDC for $30 or less. I currently have the Kershaw Thermite and am not a big fan - the handle width and length does not fit the blade. I'm a fan of knives that have a blade of about 3.25" and more of a traditional cut (don't really like the sloping down design of the thermite, although I hear it's pretty effective). I've already taken a look at some of the most popular EDC folding knives, including the Ontario Rat 1 & 2, CRKT Drifter, Kershaw Cryo I & II, and a few other Kershaws. I like assisted knives very much, but a knife with a smooth opening and a fast flick is great too (the break-in period doesn't matter much to me). Also, I prefer thumb studs or a flipper - not a big fan of spyderco. I love the look of the Ontario Rat 1 & 2 but I'm afraid the Rat 1 will be too big and the Rat 2 will be too small (especially seeing as how the Rat 1 is larger than the Thermite). Also like the polished look of the blade. A straightforward knife cut like the Drifter is good with me as well.
I know that's a lot of specifications, but in the end I'm just looking for a good, solid knife. Thanks for your help! :)
 
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IMHO, the Rat 2 or the Kershaw Oso-sweet. Both excellent knives - the OsoSweet is an assisted opener; the Rat 2 is a manual linerlock. I have them both and either can go with me anywhere.
Rich
 
Welcome aboard.
For low cost traditionals, you'll get recommendations for Rough Rider and Opinel, for sure. For thumbstuds and clips, you'll want to talk to the General Knife discussion forum.
A moderator will probably move you there.

I've been tempted by the drifter.
 
Hey mate welcome aboard,
this subforum is only about traditionals, that means no clip or one hand opening around here. Don't worry almost everyone of us have done it before.
here is what I'd do:
- use the advance search function of the forum looking in the general subf. you'll find a ton of threads asking about edc of all ranges of price
- study the internet dealers looking for the ones you liked during your search
- come back with a more concrete question about 2,3 ,4 or 5 knives, that you have doubt between.
far easier to answer for us and much more fullfiling for you.
Hope it helps.
regards and welcome again
by the way (RAT2 for me)
Mateo
 
This one looks like it belongs in General Knife Discussion. I'll move it there. Good luck!
 
Oh sorry about that, I guess by traditional knife I was thinking just folding knives in general. I like the OsoSweet but I feel like the scale finish on it looks a little bit strange. Any other recommendations are extremely helpful! The RJ II is a good looking knife but in my opinion it's just a bit too thick and doesn't fit as well as I want in the hand.
 
Kershaw Skyline. On sale or a blem can be around $30. Sandvik steel is a huge upgrade from 8Cr13MoV, non-assited but buttery smooth, slim and great handle to blade ratio.
 
I can honestly tell you the best sub $30 knife I have used is the Real Steel E77
-3.23" blade with a little recurve
-Solid and comfortable G10 scales
-Solid liner lock
-Smooth flipper (unassisted)
-Under 4 oz

REjZ9BSm.jpg
 
I vote, Kershaw Injection 3.5
Have knives that cost 20 times more, but I'm real impressed with it. $20
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Kershaw Skyline definitely is my favorite knife I've read/heard about so far. I love everything about its design, but does anyone know where I can get it cheaper than $40? I've heard good things about it, and not just from abbazaba. Also I like the design of the Real Steel E77 CascadianAaron posted above, does anyone else have experience with this knife? Teudy is that pictured next to the Rat 1 or 2
 
The knife I carry the most is a Kershaw Zing. Current production is made overseas if that sort of thing is important to you. It comes in stainless steel with a thumb stud and a flipper. Only three inch blade though. Fits well in your pocket and the handle is very comfortable. A great little knife that most people don't even consider because of the cryo series.

You should be able to find it for under thirty dollars without any problem. I have seen them go for as little as $15. They can be found for 20 bucks quite often. Try one. If you like it, then pick up an older version. The older ones like I have were made in the US and prices are starting to climb on the used market.
 
Maybe the Schrade sch404 or 404l if you are up for ceramic. I do not currently have one, but would like to before too long.


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How about a Buck Spitfire.

It's right at your $30 limit when ordered online, made in USA, and blade is exactly that 3.25" length you described wanting. It's a fairly traditional look with the lock back and medal handle scales, with options for scale colors that are fairly non-threatening looking to coworkers and the public, and it has Buck's excellent 420HC.

I know you mentioned wanting thumb studs, so that's something you'd have to compromise on. Otherwise, it sounds perfect for your purposes.
 
lprevs said:
Kershaw Skyline definitely is my favorite knife I've read/heard about so far. I love everything about its design, but does anyone know where I can get it cheaper than $40? I've heard good things about it, and not just from abbazaba. Also I like the design of the Real Steel E77 CascadianAaron posted above, does anyone else have experience with this knife? Teudy is that pictured next to the Rat 1 or 2
Click to expand...

Skyline is a nice knife, I like mine but it is a light duty knife. Might find blems on Ebay for near $30.

I came across the RS E77 on accident when trading knives with a guy. Had never heard of them but when I pulled it out of the box I couldn't believe how smooth the action was and how comfortable the handle. There are some good reviews on YouTube that also give the same type of reviews. The heat treatment on the 8cr14mov is very good, the blade holds a solid edge. It's a more stout knife than the Skyline, medium duty or more IME.
 
Try the buck 482 bucklite Max for 20$, it's American made and doesn't have any parts that can get loose and fall apart. It's also lightweight and has a deep carry pocket clip.
The Steel isn't fancy, but Buck's 420hc holds a perfectly adequate edge for edc and is easy to sharpen.
 
At this point I think my best option is the Kershaw Skyline, but if anyone knows of a similar knife for cheaper I would love to know about it. Can't seem to find it anywhere for under the $39 on amazon, even in the exchange section. I found a few sites that were selling it at $30 after shipping, but it seems that they've all been sold out :/ .
 
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