I think we can call this: Taking the next step.

[cybrok]

I always loved knives, but started to collect them this year.

Last weekend, I searched for a new blade in local stores, asking for something "not made in China or Pakistan"

I'm not ready to pay 200$ for a knife yet, but I think I'm on the right path

 

[Bob W]

So did you buy anything?

There's no reason to spend $200 on a quality knife, unless you're shopping for a custom. Even then, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind customs and batch-made customs for under $200. If you're looking for examples, someone made a list of budget-priced quality knives a few months ago. That list pops up from time to time and can probably be found with the Search function.

Happy shopping!
-Bob

 

[T.K.C.]

You can get some awesome Benchmades or Spydercos for a little money.

 

[Vince-Corto]

An Opinel is really cheap but it's still an awesome knife ! One of the best i know (considering the price of the object...)!

 

[cybrok]

It was for a most "innofensive looking" knife, so I got a Laguiole type at 50% off

 

[Bob W]

Those are nice knives, some are nicer than others but I've never seen an ugly one. One thing to watch for on the Laguiole-style knives, often the blades rest on the backspring when the knife is closed, so you may not want to let it 'slam' closed or it could dent the blade. Some brands do, some don't.

-Bob

 

[Native Justice]

Your prescription for under $100 knife nirvana.

Run don't walk to your nearest knife shop and get a Spyderco Native in S30V. At $40 (Wally World ) - $60 (virtually everywhere else), can you say SWEEEETTT!!!!! ?????

Just what the doctor ordered.

 

[Walking Man]

There's no reason to spend $200 on a quality knife, unless you're shopping for a custom.

I disagree. Different people have different wants and needs, and I'd happily shell out $200 for a nice made, well built production knife. Because of their machining limations, it's not cost effective for most knifemakers to make an axis lock, for example, but a well built one, like the Rukus, is totally worth it to me. When you're talking about folders, how nice of a custom knife will you get for $200, I've gotten a couple cheaper custom linerlocks, and I've been SORELY disappointed.
One of my VERY favorites, and worth every penny is Camillus's Dominator.
Good Luck.

 

[rowdy27]

You spend what you can afford or save up for the ones you really,really desire. Never buy second best!
Do your homework & you will end up with a beautiful collection that is useful & fun.

 

[Ebbtide]

Around $75

Around $50

Around $10

There's quality stuff at all price levels.
Ya just gotta look.
And the hunt is half the fun!

 

[Chadilac]

You should look into the Benchmade Griptilians--lots of options in the $50-$100 range, and they are all US-made and guarateed for life.

 

[valleytinworks]

the ontario randall series... great quality and reasonable

 

[puukkoman]

If you're looking for an "inoffensive" knife, Ebbtide hit the nail in the head.
Check out folders made by Queen (or their higher-end label Schatt & Morgan), Case, Boker/Tree Brand, or German Eye Brand. These will all be similar to your Laguiole. They're pretty to look at, traditional, have no lock, etc. These brands are also very reliable, made with excellent materials, and have great customer service (by and large).

If you're going for a fixed blade, check out the knives offered at www.ragweedforge.com. I've ordered a few things there and have always been pleased with the quality of the products and the service. Ragnar is a really decent guy. The scandinavian knives he sells are excellent quality. You can't go wrong.

Peace.
Alex.