Recommendation? Looking for a budget EDC knife

I

ilovelicorice

Joined
Dec 28, 2017
Messages
5
New to the forum, was hoping for good answers from people who have experience. I don't know much about this category. I'm trying to find a good EDC knife under $50 USD, with a flat grind, just over 3 inches or so, and an ok steel, hopefully better than AUS 8 or 8CR13MOV. I was in between two knives but before I posted this I jfound two more. The first two I was looking at where:
The Spyderco Raven 2
Steel Will Tenet F30-33

The spyderco is a bit on the small side regarding the cutting edge and the Tenet (my personal favorite in aesthetics) is D2 steel. Is D2 really that hard to sharpen? I will be using a budget sharpening stone from KING 240/1000 grit (I'm also new to sharpening, will more than likely get a higher grit down the road). The second two I just came across on MassDrop are:
The Kizer Vanguard Gemini
Bestech Warwolf
The Gemini looks really nice, any thoughts? Is VG-10 a decent budget steel? Again, the Warwolf also has D2 steel.
 
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VG10 is most certainly a decent steel... as is D2. Personally, I wouldn't bother going to 1000 grit on D2 (I use 400-600)
 
The Vanguards are neat knives. I really like the Dukes. I’d have one, but I’m kinda full (and broke) at the moment.
 
ilovelicorice said:
New to the forum, was hoping for good answers from people who have experience. I don't know much about this category. I'm trying to find a good EDC knife under $50 USD, with a flat grind, just over 3 inches or so, and an ok steel, hopefully better than AUS 8 or 8CR13MOV. I was in between two knives but before I posted this I jumped on MassDrop and found two more. The first two I was looking at where:
The Spyderco Raven 2
Steel Will Tenet F30-33

The spyderco is a bit on the small side regarding the cutting edge and the Tenet (my personal favorite in aesthetics) is D2 steel. Is D2 really that hard to sharpen? I will be using a budget sharpening stone from KING 240/1000 grit (I'm also new to sharpening, will more than likely get a higher grit down the road). The second two I just came across on MassDrop are:
The Kizer Vanguard Gemini
Bestech Warwolf
The Gemini looks really nice, any thoughts? Is VG-10 a decent budget steel? Again, the Warwolf also has D2 steel.
Click to expand...

Don’t get the Byrd raven, it is not up to snuff with the other ones you listed. Of the other 3 the Steel Will stuff is out of this world. It is just amazing for what you pay.

I have also heard great things about the bestech warwolf and Kizer gemini vanguard.

Let me add this recommendation. This one blows me away.

Ruike 801
ruike-p801-ss-sw-BHQ-60856-dl-back-large.jpg
 
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Lapedog said:
Don’t get the Byrd raven, it is not up to snuff with the other ones you listed. Of the other 3 the Steel Will stuff is out of this world. It is just amazing for what you pay.

I have also heard great things about the bestech warwolf and Kizer gemini vanguard.

Let me add this recommendation. This one blows me away.

Ruike 801
ruike-p801-ss-sw-BHQ-60856-dl-back-large.jpg
Click to expand...
I was looking at that as well (the ruike) but I think the others might be slightly better quality. It's probably down to either the steel will or the Gemini.
 
Two posts edited. Do not link to non-BF dealers.

If you quote a post and know that the post in question breaks our rules, either modify the post so that it does not break the rules, or don't quote it. Quoting an errant post verbatim doubles the work for the mods when we clean up.

VG10 is not considered a "budget alloy". It is one of the finest performing melt alloys available. It won't match the edge retention of PM alloys, but it's not a cheapie by any matter of means.
 
knarfeng said:
Two posts edited. Do not link to non-BF dealers.

If you quote a post and know that the post in question breaks our rules, either modify the post so that it does not break the rules, or don't quote it. Quoting an errant post verbatim doubles the work for the mods when we clean up.

VG10 is not considered a "budget alloy". It is one of the finest performing melt alloys available. It won't match the edge retention of PM alloys, but it's not a cheapie by any matter of means.
Click to expand...

Ohh sorry I didn’t know what you were talking about at first. Sorry I will be sure to check my replies for links to non member dealers. Thank you for pointing that out.
 
I had the Titanium Gemini and it was a great knife just a bit small for me. As for steels, D2 is a tool steel and will rust or pit (not as bad as some others though) if not maintained, but it is a really good EDC steel if you keep up with it. However, for a person newer to knives you really can't beat VG-10, and like mentioned above it is certainly not a lower end budget steel. It's a very solid all around steel, while it's not a "super" or even a "premium" steel it is one of the best for EDC in my book.
 
Seneca18 said:
I had the Titanium Gemini and it was a great knife just a bit small for me. As for steels, D2 is a tool steel and will rust or pit (not as bad as some others though) if not maintained, but it is a really good EDC steel if you keep up with it. However, for a person newer to knives you really can't beat VG-10, and like mentioned above it is certainly not a lower end budget steel. It's a very solid all around steel, while it's not a "super" or even a "premium" steel it is one of the best for EDC in my book.
Click to expand...

Vg10 is a great steel to learn on. Good for learning sharpening. Even as a not beginner I love vg10.

Vg10 and 154cm will always hold a special place in my heart.
 
Ruike p801 or OKC Rat 1 in D2.
Both are under $50, have full flat grinds, 3.5 inch blades and both blade steels are better than aus8 or 8cr13mov.
 
buy something made by BUCK, their knives are excellent with a good warranty and of course it always feels great to buy American whenever possible.
 
I have the WarWolf and it is awesome for the price. Kizer has a new budget line that runs between $30 & $50 called the Tangram, I have the Santa Fe and I think it is a great knife. They now have new models. The Ruike line of knives is also great. You can also look @ the Spyderco Tenacious line, OKC Rat 1 in D2, Bestech has a few more styles in the G-10 series all are $52, Boker Plus has quite a few under $50 but make sure you check the reviews on you tube. They have some great ones and some real dogs. Kershaw Blur is a Great knife for real EDC use and If I was getting it I would splurge and get The S30V model. There are other really good Kershaws such as the Leek, Knockout, and a few others that are really good. Real Steel has quite a few Models in Your racket I recommend the H6 series It is basically the same knife in different iterations, Liner Lock, Framelock, Different grind and slightly different. I have the H6 Plus, H6 Bluesheep and the S6 Framelock TI. I also have a few other's, great action, solid knife, It's pretty much a workhorse. Their are a few Spyderco's that are in FRN and some in G-10. Stedemon has alot in you price point just make sure you check the reviews. the best thing to do is pick one of the retail stores that are recommended in BladeForums, We like to promote business for our retailer members. Go to their website and put in the parameters for what you are looking for, in your case I would just pick $100 and below because some really good knives are 2 or 3 dollars over $50.
If anyone tells you to go to the Chinese websites for a knive do not do it, You really have to know your stuff to buy from them and for someone just starting out stay within the reputable stores, Also do not buy on Amazon or Ebay, their are many counterfeits on both and very unscrupulous vendors on both, you really have to know your stuff so stay away from them. If the price seems too good to be true move on.
I hope this has been more helpful than confusing. By the way I forgot to mention Steel Will The tenet has a painted blade which will look like crap in a short time I would recommend the CutJack in D2,It comes in 2 sizes and different colors It is a great knife made to be used.
If you want great info on knives and people you must join BF, A gold membership is really inexpensive. It gives you access to thousands of knife people and you will be able to communicate with them on a 1 to 1 through the private message feature. If you do join please feel free to PM me with any questions and I will try to help you and if I can't I will try to steer you in the right direction.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with it.
 
emjay4248 said:
I have the WarWolf and it is awesome for the price. Kizer has a new budget line that runs between $30 & $50 called the Tangram, I have the Santa Fe and I think it is a great knife. They now have new models. The Ruike line of knives is also great. You can also look @ the Spyderco Tenacious line, OKC Rat 1 in D2, Bestech has a few more styles in the G-10 series all are $52, Boker Plus has quite a few under $50 but make sure you check the reviews on you tube. They have some great ones and some real dogs. Kershaw Blur is a Great knife for real EDC use and If I was getting it I would splurge and get The S30V model. There are other really good Kershaws such as the Leek, Knockout, and a few others that are really good. Real Steel has quite a few Models in Your racket I recommend the H6 series It is basically the same knife in different iterations, Liner Lock, Framelock, Different grind and slightly different. I have the H6 Plus, H6 Bluesheep and the S6 Framelock TI. I also have a few other's, great action, solid knife, It's pretty much a workhorse. Their are a few Spyderco's that are in FRN and some in G-10. Stedemon has alot in you price point just make sure you check the reviews. the best thing to do is pick one of the retail stores that are recommended in BladeForums, We like to promote business for our retailer members. Go to their website and put in the parameters for what you are looking for, in your case I would just pick $100 and below because some really good knives are 2 or 3 dollars over $50.
If anyone tells you to go to the Chinese websites for a knive do not do it, You really have to know your stuff to buy from them and for someone just starting out stay within the reputable stores, Also do not buy on Amazon or Ebay, their are many counterfeits on both and very unscrupulous vendors on both, you really have to know your stuff so stay away from them. If the price seems too good to be true move on.
I hope this has been more helpful than confusing. By the way I forgot to mention Steel Will The tenet has a painted blade which will look like crap in a short time I would recommend the CutJack in D2,It comes in 2 sizes and different colors It is a great knife made to be used.
If you want great info on knives and people you must join BF, A gold membership is really inexpensive. It gives you access to thousands of knife people and you will be able to communicate with them on a 1 to 1 through the private message feature. If you do join please feel free to PM me with any questions and I will try to help you and if I can't I will try to steer you in the right direction.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with it.
Click to expand...
I'll second that, on the Kizer Santa Fe. I picked one up as soon as they came out and am very pleased. The handles are nice and grippy, and I love their take on the wharncliffe blade. Stonewash Acuto 440, (basically 440C stainless, which I find to be a fine steel). The price is right too, and easy to find online.
 
emjay4248 said:
I have the WarWolf and it is awesome for the price. Kizer has a new budget line that runs between $30 & $50 called the Tangram, I have the Santa Fe and I think it is a great knife. They now have new models. The Ruike line of knives is also great. You can also look @ the Spyderco Tenacious line, OKC Rat 1 in D2, Bestech has a few more styles in the G-10 series all are $52, Boker Plus has quite a few under $50 but make sure you check the reviews on you tube. They have some great ones and some real dogs. Kershaw Blur is a Great knife for real EDC use and If I was getting it I would splurge and get The S30V model. There are other really good Kershaws such as the Leek, Knockout, and a few others that are really good. Real Steel has quite a few Models in Your racket I recommend the H6 series It is basically the same knife in different iterations, Liner Lock, Framelock, Different grind and slightly different. I have the H6 Plus, H6 Bluesheep and the S6 Framelock TI. I also have a few other's, great action, solid knife, It's pretty much a workhorse. Their are a few Spyderco's that are in FRN and some in G-10. Stedemon has alot in you price point just make sure you check the reviews. the best thing to do is pick one of the retail stores that are recommended in BladeForums, We like to promote business for our retailer members. Go to their website and put in the parameters for what you are looking for, in your case I would just pick $100 and below because some really good knives are 2 or 3 dollars over $50.
If anyone tells you to go to the Chinese websites for a knive do not do it, You really have to know your stuff to buy from them and for someone just starting out stay within the reputable stores, Also do not buy on Amazon or Ebay, their are many counterfeits on both and very unscrupulous vendors on both, you really have to know your stuff so stay away from them. If the price seems too good to be true move on.
I hope this has been more helpful than confusing. By the way I forgot to mention Steel Will The tenet has a painted blade which will look like crap in a short time I would recommend the CutJack in D2,It comes in 2 sizes and different colors It is a great knife made to be used.
If you want great info on knives and people you must join BF, A gold membership is really inexpensive. It gives you access to thousands of knife people and you will be able to communicate with them on a 1 to 1 through the private message feature. If you do join please feel free to PM me with any questions and I will try to help you and if I can't I will try to steer you in the right direction.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with it.
Click to expand...
I've noticed the Rat series is very popular, I just haven't taken a liking to the design. The Santa Fe looks like an interesting choice.
 
ilovelicorice said:
I've noticed the Rat series is very popular, I just haven't taken a liking to the design. The Santa Fe looks like an interesting choice.
Click to expand...
Do a search for the tager line they just came out with some others between $30 and $45. Considering that they are made by Kizer you get their high quality standards in a much more budget series. If you decide that you want to up the ante look at their Vanguard line. They are all very good VG-10. and also look at the Bestech they are a super value for the money with very nice designs. By the way I only told you to look at knives that I have either own or have owned in the past.
 
You can also go to YouTube and type in "best folding knives Under $50, And between $50 to $100 and it will open your eyes to quite a few more knives and the ones in these vids have all been reviewed by other people too.
 
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