knives with surprising quality

[hank_rearden]

this: my hard use knife at the moment. never under-estimate having more than 1 blade in 1 knife.

 

[claymoore]

perdue knives

 

[SOC_MRN_Leon]

For me it is my kershaw Volt II and it was a knife to try out a new brand of knife (my first kershaw) . For the price I didnt expect to much but when i got it, it came extremely sharp, centering was perfect and the lock up was solid even better than my higher end Benchmades and Spydercos.. I was very impressed for my first cheap $30 knife.

 

[Bill1170]

In economy folders the Ontario Rat-1 really impressed me, as did a Kershaw OD-2 I bought on a lark. I have gifted two of each to friends; they are great starter knives.

Economy fixed blades, the clear winner is Mora. So cheap yet so good.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Ontario utillatac 2
kershaw JYD (I picked up in a trade.I love this knife!!!!!!)
enlan el-02 (seriously for under 15 bucks?! with a AXIS lock)

 

[BladeChick777]

If we're talking cheaper chinese company knives:
Enlan knives are extremely well made for the money.
Another under $20 knife that surprised me was the Inron MY803 - This knife is very good for the money, Can't beat it for the cost, I have two and have used them extensively. Really impressed on the fit and finish and how they stand up to regular EDC.

If we're talking a more well known company:
The Spyderco Tenacious has to be one of my favorite budget knives, it's just good(as a matter of fact I carry my blue one with my Large Sebenza). It's overall build, fit and finish, good materials, and quality make me wonder how they get away with selling them for so cheap.
The Spyderco Native also gets a nod from me, excellent materials, quality, and fit and finish for the money.

 

[The Logical One]

For me, it would have to be the Spyderco Yojimbo 2. $110 I wasn't really expecting much, but everything about it just blew me away. It easily rivals if not surpass some of my $300+ knives.

 

[GatorFlash1]

Benchmade Ascent and Pika models. Benchmade quality in a folder who's price made it very attractive for an EDC. Unfortuanately you can only find these on the for sale forum as they were discontinued some years ago. I always like those octopus sucker pattern scales they used on these. I could work for hours with these without any hand discomfort. The had a lifetime warranty and free regrinding/sharping at the factory if necessary. I think the new Benchmades still have this great customer service.

 

[Jack Black]

I've been impressed by all the Boker Plus knives I've had. Also the Cold Steel Roach Belly, originally bought one for my girlfriend, and liked it so much I bought one myself. Cost virtually nothing, but is a surprisingly versatile knife.

 

[apintandafight]

this: my hard use knife at the moment. never under-estimate having more than 1 blade in 1 knife.

I am sure I will get flamed for this, but I am just getting into traditional slippies, and I don't really understand the point of having several plain edge blades in one knife. Is it just an aesthetic thing? I can't imagine gaining much in the way of utility.

 

[humblerodent]

In terms of surprising quality, for me it is the Spyderco knives produced in Taichung, Taiwan. You think Taiwan, you thing China, but these knives have the best fit and finish I have seen in any full-production knives. Equal to or better than USA made Benchmade, better than USA made Kershaw and Buck, better than Seki-City Spyderco, MCusta, etc, and light years above Chinese made. When you think that most of Spyderco's line comes from this factory, and the variety of materials, locking mechanisms, and designs that they are asked to produce, it's quite remarkable that they can churn out the consistent quality that they do, and for a very fair price at that.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I am sure I will get flamed for this, but I am just getting into traditional slippies, and I don't really understand the point of having several plain edge blades in one knife. Is it just an aesthetic thing? I can't imagine gaining much in the way of utility.

Not to derail the thread, but the different blade shapes are each better for different cutting tasks. It's hard to explain, but easy to experience. Try carrying around a Rough Rider stockman and you'll "get it" pretty quickly.