Sorry to inject gloom into the frivolities, but in my experience, getting into fairly large group situations means at least one thing -- besides not dropping your soap -- theft. Expect to lose things to sticky-fingered peers. So, indeed, I'd go as cheap as you can, w/out getting out of the realm of usefulness. Too bad they have to be folders. Otherwise, I'd suggest Frosts Clippers in SS. $8 a pop at SMKW.
Unless you get a blade coating that you know works well, I'd invest in a Sentry Solutions Marine TufCloth. Treat your knife several times before heading to the academy, then treat it weekly.
ALmost forgot to welcome you to the forums, celticjedi. Hope you'll hang around and enjoy yourself. Much to learn here, plus some fun to be had.
Also, welcome to reality, in terms of knife prices. Think of it this way -- a knife is a tool. A good tool should last for several years, perhaps a lifetime. Surely worth more than the cost of a couple-3 CDs or whatever. Definitely more than the cost of taking a girl to a movie and for burgers. So, just have a summer of ascetism, and you'll have plenty of bread for a good knife or two.
Try to buy on the Internet if you want the best prices. It's not necessarily fair to the brick and mortar stores, but some folks go there to check out knives in the flesh, so to speak, then order over the web. Many threads in this forum, more in G,B,&U re better dealers/sellers.
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Asi es la vida
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