knives under $150

G

gary74

Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
16
I am looking to buy a knife under $150 dollars. I use my knives mostly for utility. Cutting anything from cardboard, rubber, plastic, wiring, anything. I need the knife that will hold the best edge under these conditions. Thin knife too. No I don't want a utility razor. I know knives aren't prybars, but a warning like a slight bend instead of just snap would be nice. I'm not really asking for a steel type because of different heat treatments. Ok maybe under $200. All opinions appreciated. Thanks.
 
Lots of carbon steel customs fixed blades for sale here in Makers and custom forum.
Just have to keep looking and be patient.
 
Well, since you're cutting pretty sturdy materials, perhaps a hawkbilled spyderco folder? They're designed for this type of work, and at roughly $50 a pop you could buy a handful so there wold be backups.
 
In your price range there are hundreds (thousands?) of options. To narrow it down a bit, you need to think about what you really need. As TemplarKnight started to say above, answers to the following questions will help a lot in narrowing the field down:

Fixed blade or folder?
Blade length?
Blade thickness?
Steel type? (carbon or stainless
Handle material?
Plain edge, serrated, combo edge?
Blade type (drop point, spear point, wharncliffe, hawkbill, sheepfoot etc.)
Blade coating- yes or no?
Weight restrictions?
Lock type (if a folder) slipjoint, axis, liner, backlock, framelock, bblock, etc.
Where will you carry/ use the knife the most?
Do you have blade length restrictions where you live?

You can get a lot of different knives in your range. Offhand, I'd suggest looking at Spyderco, Benchmade for folders and Swamp Rat or Scrapyard for fixed blades. Though Spyderco and Benchmade make some good fixed blades, too.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums!
 
I do need to give more details. A folder under four inches. (the blade) Don't really wan't serrations. I do like Spyderco, because of the big opening hole. I'm a lefty so If no opening hole, a thumb stud on the right side. Probably a drop point. I really prefer the blade grind to start close to the top of the knife. Don't care if it is stainless or not. Handle just needs to have good grip so I don't cut my self. If not stainless a coating would be nice, but not a must. I do have a Spyderco ATR:) in VG-10. Got it so sharp it will shave facial hair. Does anyone know if it is brittle? Been scared to really use it. All of your opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Gary,
Look at the Zero Tolerance ZT0200.
It has all of your requiremments.
Take Care,
JGarth
 
gary74 said:
I do need to give more details. A folder under four inches. (the blade) Don't really wan't serrations. I do like Spyderco, because of the big opening hole. I'm a lefty so If no opening hole, a thumb stud on the right side. Probably a drop point. I really prefer the blade grind to start close to the top of the knife. Don't care if it is stainless or not. Handle just needs to have good grip so I don't cut my self. If not stainless a coating would be nice, but not a must. I do have a Spyderco ATR:) in VG-10. Got it so sharp it will shave facial hair. Does anyone know if it is brittle? Been scared to really use it. All of your opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Your ATR should stand up to plently of abuse!:D As for a suggestion: I would reccomend a Spyderco Yojimbo or Caly3. Their full flat grind and fine points should serve you well as a utility piece. I'm also fairly confident that VG-10 won't just snap on you. Not so sure about S30V. Good luck and welcome to the forums!
 
I just got an Emerson Commander, and it is by far the nicest working knife I've ever owned. I've had spydercos and benchmades, which were very nice knives, but I won't be carrying them daily anymore.

The Emerson feels like a fixed blade when opened, but is comfortable and concealable to carry. The "wave" feature that automatically opens the blade when drawn from the pocket is amazing. The blade looks, feels, and is tough, I won't hesitate to abuse it when I have the chance.
 
The Spyderco Manix is a hell of a hard use knife. The benchmade 710. The Benchmade ritter griptilian or D2 Griptilian. They all should stand up to whatever you can throw at them.
 
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