Looking for a knife with great ergonomics >$75

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I'm in the market for a folder and fixed blade that are just really comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. As for the blade steel, the lowest quality steel id be interested in is aus8 and 8cr13mov, although I prefer superior steels. (Given my budget, I assume s30v will be my only option)

But I want you all to focus more on the ergos. The fixed blade would be used for camping. Either making kindling (slight batoning), making tent stakes, feathersticks etc. mostly heavy duty tasks.

The folder would be used around the house and in public, just basic stuff, opening boxes, packages, cutting rope and cord, possibly food prep if it's convenient.

So if you can give me a folder and/or fixed blade which has great ergos and decent blade, I'd appreciate it. I'm a huge fan of drop point, but It's not a big deal.
 
For the fixed blade I suggest a kabar becker bk 2 or bk 10. Blade steel is 1095 cro van and the handle ergos are great imo. The bk 2 should run you $65 to $80 depending where you get it. The bk 10 is a little more and should run you $75 -$90 or so, again that depends on where you buy it. Keep in mind that the bk 2 has a 1/4 inch thick blade and weighs approx. 15 or 16 ounces but will take whatever abuse you throw at it. The bk 10 has either a 1/8 or 3/16 inch thick blade( cant remember) and weighs around 12 ounces. Both blades are approx. 5 inches long.

For a great budget folder check out the kabar dozier. It has an aus8 steel 3 inch long blade and only costs $15-$20 dollars. For a little more knife I recommend the spyderco endura 4. Approx. 4 inch blade made of vg-10 steel and comes in either a full flat grind or a saber grind. This one runs around $50-$80 depending on the vendor.
 
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The Endura is always a good suggestion. I've carried one since 92 and the latest version with liners and FFG VG10 is my favorite. The Stretch actually has better ergonomics for me though and I feel sometimes like it ( as well as most of Sal's designs) are designed around my hand. It's ergonomic, tough, yet a great slicer, good blade shape without too thin a tip ( still no excuse for prying) and I can use it hard without the cramping in my hand I get when I clamp down on too small gripped knives. The Stretch is about $90 ( FRN & VG10) on up depending on the version ( $125 FRN British racing green & ZDP) up to ($255 Blue Nishijin Glass fiber, Damascus VG10 limited run of 600)

The Stretch's blade is about 3.5 inches compared to the 3.75" Endura. .125 inch thick blade Stretch and Endura. 3.6 oz endura, 4.4 oz. stretch both FRN versions.

Either one is an excellent choice.
 
For folders I would recommend (budget) Ontario RAT 1, Spyderco Tenacious or Kershaw Skyline and (midrange) Kershaw Blur, Spyderco Stretch or Sage 1.

For fixed blade I've always really liked the Ontario TAK 1...
 
Benchmade Griptilian. I've got far more expensive knives, and it's not even my favorite Benchmade, but it's probably the most ergonomic folder Ive ever handled.
 
glocker199 said:
Benchmade Griptilian. I've got far more expensive knives, and it's not even my favorite Benchmade, but it's probably the most ergonomic folder Ive ever handled.
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If only they were <$75 now.

Gotta keep an eye on the exchange for one for <$75
 
For a folder I like spydercos with a choil and the one that comes to mind is the Native Lightweight. Fills the hand and great blade.
 
I'll go in on the Endura 4 vote. One of the most comfortable slim folders I've handled. Very pocketable too.
 
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Folder: Endura or Delica. Griptilian if you can get one on the forum or on sale.

Fixed blade: A Mora.
 
Would say a new or used ZT 0700 or BM Griptilian around that price range or less for a folder. Fixed definately can't go wrong with Becker. Take your pick their models are around $75 or less. Have a BK9 and BK2 for big Beckers and had a BK7. I like the 2 alot but if could have only one would go with the 9 or 7. Good luck choosing.
 
Off hand,

Cold steel American Lawman or Mini Lawman
Spyderco Delica or Endura
Ontario Utilitac 2, round handle version
Buck 110 Hunter, finger grooved version

FB's
Mora or almost any flavor and well below your budget
Condor Rodan or some other Conder FB
Buck FB's
 
While maybe not exactly what you're looking for, there's an easy way to get both for well under $75. Moras have great ergos and can handle light batonning. I went a little different direction. I love my Mora Companion, but wanted something really HD. I discovered the Hultafors GK in SK-5 carbon steel ( I heard it's AKA Hitachi Blue, tough steel no matter what it's called). I've had great experience with this steel and the knife is $14 shipped on the 'Net. I later picked up more in bulk for $10 each shipped from England. The handle was fine, but large. I spent an hour carving, filing, and sanding and have a wonderful HD woods knife. The abuse videos online will show how indestructable this knife is. Paired with my Rat 1 in AUS 8 ($27), which has great ergos, I'm in for around $45 and have two outstanding blades. They won't win any "my knife is cooler than yours" contests, but they'll do anything I need with ease. Spend the other $30 on a Fiskers hatchet, machete, or Condor chopper and you have every base covered:) It's just another option. Good luck!

This is my altered Hultafors below a factory version.
Hultaforshandlemod_zps79fcc1c6.jpg
 
IMG10289.jpg

IMG10303.jpg


Mora 911 Qucksnap (goes under another few names now) is best in hand that I own. Got a leather sheath to replace the plastic it comes with. $20 for knife from a local seller, $15 for sheath from Texas Knifemakers Supply, and I'm happy.

Zieg
 
Be careful if you decide to purchase an Endura or a Delica. They're gateway knives. :D
 
Another vote for the Ontario Rat 1. Its $30 and the most comfortable knife for that price in the world IMO. Full flat grind and just awesome!

Any $75 spyderco (of course)

Fixed blade I would say... Hmmm... $75 max... SOG Seal Pup Elite. Just have a look at these Ergos!

 
If I had to use a folder for long periods I think I would forgo the convenience of my modern one hand clip on folders and instead rely on a #8 or #9 Opinel (easily modified to a drop point if you'd like).

An Opinel and a Mora for under $30.00 total and your good to go.
 
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