Looking for a folder to pass the time

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
923
Hey everyone! So it's been a while since I've bought a new knife mainly because I'm in the middle of a semester and only work on summer/winter breaks. So instead of looking at ZT, spyderco, benchmade, etc. I'm looking for something under the 50$ mark. (Preferably in the 20-30 range).

I'm really open to suggestions considering most of the blades in this price range have budget steels like 8cr13 and aus8. Anyways, here's some specifics (more like broad generalizations) to help narrow things down.

-No slipjoints
-no recurves please. My s30v blur is frustrating to sharpen (im an amateur in sharpening)
-folders or fixed
-if fixed, I'd like something that has a sheathe with a belt attachment and something low profile
-if folder, no lockbacks, they either have such a strong detent that you can't close easily with one hand, or as soon as you disengage the lock, the blade is free and cuts your fingers (cold steel recon 1 for example) this is just my preference though, I know many of you love frame locks.
-Kershaw, CRKT are my main choices. The knives I already own (so there's no repeats and so you can try to determine something different than what I already have) are as follows:

-Spyderco Paramilitary 2
-Spyderco Delica 4 FFG
-ZT 0350
-Buck 110
-Ontario Rat 1
-Ontario Utilitac 2
-Cold Steel Recon 1
-Kershaw Blur s30v
-SAK Fieldmaster II
-Mora Bushcraft Black
-Kabar Mark 1 (partial serrations)
-DPX HEFT 4


I'm looking at the kershaw Emerson collaboration since it will be a long time before I can get an Emerson, but I've also looked at the leek, link and a few others. CRKT has the fossil which looks fun to say the least, and I've also been wanting to try the Veff serrations. I've heard good things about them.

As always, I'm open to suggestion. Thank you for your time.
 
Last edited:
JDX said:
-if folder, no frame locks, they either have such a strong detent that you can't close easily with one hand, or as soon as you disengage the lock, the blade is free and cuts your fingers (cold steel recon 1 for example) this is just my preference though, I know many of you love frame locks.
Click to expand...

Do you mean back locks? The recon 1 is not a frame lock.

How about the Piston or knockout from Kershaw? Just about $10 more. Decent steel. USA made.


Edit: Looks like they are either discontinued or more expensive :grumpy:
 
- Kershaw Link
- Spyderco Persistence/Tenacious
- older AUS8A blades from Cold Steel i.e. Hold Out 3, voyager series can be had on ebay for ~$30-$40
- SOG Salute Mini (I've come to love as of late)
- Ontario Rat 1 or 2
 
For a CRKT maybe take a look at the Outrage?
Kershaw Piston or Knockout? Link or Skyline?
I encourage you to check out RealSteel knives. The H6 is a great knife, Sea Eagle, Griffon. They offer really great quality for a great price.
 
craytab said:
Do you mean back locks? The recon 1 is not a frame lock.

How about the Piston or knockout from Kershaw? Just about $10 more. Decent steel. USA made.


Edit: Looks like they are either discontinued or more expensive :grumpy:
Click to expand...
Yes sorry about that, I meant lock backs.
 
Leek. I am not too fond of CRKT Veff serrations. One coconut and they need to be remanufactured.
 
My current favorite EDC is the Spyderco Tenacious, the quality of construction exceeds its price. For an office carry knife, the Kershaw Skyline is hard to beat and it's US made.

Either can be had around $40 (Skyline blems for even less)
 
Stockman, Barlow, Canoe, Trapper, Moose, Scout/ Camp knife for multi-blades.
Opinel, or sodbuster type for a single blade.

FWIW, multiple blades can come in handy, since no one blade profile is ideal for all purposes. Also, it lets you have a blade for "dirty work" and a clean blade for food prep. The old style slip joints are also people friendly, and not likely to be considered a "weapon" by the average LEO. (or employer)

EDIT:
If it matters, my EDC is a Buck 110 or Schrade Old Timer 7OT, along with a Buck 301 stockman, and a Marbles rendition of the old Camillus 4 blade Army utility knife, or a 4 blade scout knife.
 
Last edited:
I couldn't pass up purchasing a black leek for $25 shipped. Thanks for your help
 
You've got a RAT-1, so why not try a RAT-2? It's not just a smaller version of the Model-1. It has a completely different role in your EDC. I love 'em.
 
20160307_135917_zpsrpjq4ozl.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
20160307_135858_zpsukxul3gk.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

New Buck Auto?
20160307_161327_zpsyy6vinhw.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
I really liked my CRKT Endorser before I lost sometime during a moose hunting trip last fall. It was a great knife for $40ish. I'll be replacing it soon : )

 
I will second the Spyderco Tenacious, Resilience, Persistence, or Ambitious, depending on which size you want. They feel WAY more expensive than they are. They are part of Spyderco's Chinese-made line. Their steel is in line with AUS8 (I think they use 8Cr13MoV). They are super smooth liner locks, have really good looks, weight, G10 handles, and are butter smooth. I have always been super tempted to get one, but always get snobby and spend more for a "better" steel. I will own all three in that line eventually, I bet. You can get them in black or satin. The satin version has satin liners, which looks really good in my opinion.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top