Looking for a new inexpensive knife...

S

sh00ter01

Joined
Sep 26, 2007
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Hey guys, this is my first post but I’ve been around the forums for a little while now (this place is great by the way).

So, I’m looking for a new inexpensive knife for edc. It’d be for simple everyday task like letter/package opening, cutting rope (nothing to heavy), and so on… Anyhow I was at Wal-Mart the other day looking and noticed they had a CRKT M16 for just $20. I liked the slim profile of the knife and I’ve wanted to give a tanto style point a try for some time. After looking around online, it seems like $20 is a good price for the knife (around $30 plus shipping was the best I could find online).

Anyone have any experience with this particular knife? Pros? Cons?

I was also looking at the Spyderco Byrd Meadowlark w/ G10 handle, but haven’t decided on anything yet. I’m open to any suggestions.

-sh00ter

Oh and here a link to the specific M16 model: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CRM1610KZ
 
go to the local hardware or electrica wholesaler's and look at Klein knives. great quality at very reasonable prices--made for hard use, and several models all acceptable for EDC (and they don't scream "tactical" if you take one out to use).
 
It looks like your interested in a single blade folder rather than a SAK or multi-tool. One knife that seems like an exceptional value is the Ka-bar Dozier folder for around $20.00.

Also I have EDC'd the Spyderco Delica and Native and would recomend them both. I think Walmart carries both and deciding on which one might be a matter of handling them for awhile.
 
sh00ter01 said:
Hey guys, this is my first post but I’ve been around the forums for a little while now (this place is great by the way).

So, I’m looking for a new inexpensive knife for edc. It’d be for simple everyday task like letter/package opening, cutting rope (nothing to heavy), and so on… Anyhow I was at Wal-Mart the other day looking and noticed they had a CRKT M16 for just $20. I liked the slim profile of the knife and I’ve wanted to give a tanto style point a try for some time. After looking around online, it seems like $20 is a good price for the knife (around $30 plus shipping was the best I could find online).

Anyone have any experience with this particular knife? Pros? Cons?

I was also looking at the Spyderco Byrd Meadowlark w/ G10 handle, but haven’t decided on anything yet. I’m open to any suggestions.

-sh00ter

Oh and here a link to the specific M16 model: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CRM1610KZ
Click to expand...




The M16 is an okay place to start , depending on the model the steel is different , Aus4 on your model.
A lot of folks will poopoo Aus4 and of course there are better steels but Aus4/6/8 are all easy to sharpen and take a nice , crisp edge.

I would suggest the Spyderco Native , great steel , solid construction and light on the pocket and pocketbook.

You actually have a lot of decent choices in your price range.

There is a place online that sells the CRKT Contrail ( small model) for the ridiculously cheap price of $9.99 , G10 handles and excellent steel (Z60DCV14) , made in Italy , one of the lightest folders I've owned , you cannot go wrong on this knife if it is what your looking for.

Kershaw makes some models in that price rance , also do not overlook the Benchmade mini Pika , a fantastic bargain , 440C steel , very solid , and cost effective.

Good luck and post back what you bought , feel free to include pics :D
 
I promise you that you will be happy with a G10 meadowlark. Get one from GPknives, and don't look back. If your budget is 30ish dollars, the meadowlark gives you an easy to sharpen steel, and a handle that feels great in the hand. I was hard-using mine in the Coast Guard before my friend bought it off of me, and he is still using it. The grip is fantastic, I don't know if dropping your knife is a threat, but working over the water it constantly is, and the G10 is awesome to grip (also doesn't get cold like the m16 will). Granted, since selling mine, I'm now using a benchmade 14210 (also G10). The point is, until I see something better, I won't buy a knife that isn't G10, it just feels right, where aluminum feels slippery, and FRN, while awesome in its own rights, feels cheap to me.
 
Thanks for the responses guys!

The CRKT Contrail looks pretty nice, it’s defiantly a possibility. I just got a flier in the mail for a gun show this weekend. I’ll probably check out what they have at the show and then decide.

Keep the suggestions coming!

Thanks again.
-sh00ter

rebeltf - I’ll make sure to post a pic when I get it (whatever it is)
 
Get yourself a real nice stainless (13C27) steel Opinel. my Number 8 always makes it way back to my pocket. A variety of woods can be had and they are NKP friendly.

Good luck in your search and welcome to the forums!
 
The Spyderco S30V Native for $40 is the best bang for the buck around.
 
Spyders or Byrds are all good suggestions but how about something traditional too? Something from CASE such as Mini-Trapper or Sodbuster?
 
It's only been in the last couple of years that reputable companies have used AUS4, 420J2, 420 and other junk steels. AUS6 has been the traditional starting point, then comes 440A, 420HC, AUS8, VG1, AUS10, VG10 and so forth. But the real el cheapo steels were used for liners, clips and components other than blades.

So if you like CRKT, ensure that the blades are AUS8. The M21-04 or 02 might be a good place to start. I also think the M16-04LE has an AUS8 blade.

If you live near a Wal*Mart, by all means check out the Native for $40. I'm going to get one myself one of these days, but I have to give my wife the slip long enough to purchase it.

Good luck, and welcome.
 
A Spyderco Native w/ S30V blade for only $40!

Sounds good, but I’m not sure if they have one at the Wal-Mart closest to me. Maybe I’ll double check and maybe check with the next closest Wal-Mart if the first doesn’t.

I’ll check it out, thanks again guys for the suggestions.

-sh00ter
 
Hey guys, I’m glad I went to the gun show today. I got a chance to handle a lot of different knives:D Ended up leaving the show with a new Kershaw junkyard dog. The knife is nice and solid, feels great in my hand, and the price was right!

Here’s some pics as promised:

100_0165.jpg

100_0168.jpg

100_0169.jpg


Thanks again guys for the recommendation!
-sh00ter
 
Kershaw Storm is another great low priced knife. Very thin SS handled, strong frame lock, with decent steel. Wal-Mart sales them for a tad over 30 and if yours doesn't you can order one for not much more.
 
Nice pics... I like how they finished the JYD. I picked up a Kershaw Vapor 2 at wallys about a year ago for 17.00. Its a great knife, carries good to. Most of the time I forget its even there.....
 
The $20 Kabar Dozier spearpoint knife is a great value. There are several models, depending on whether you prefer thumbstuds, thumbholes, etc...
 
sh00ter01 said:
A Spyderco Native w/ S30V blade for only $40!Sounds good, but I’m not sure if they have one
at the Wal-Mart closest to me.
Click to expand...
ShOOter: Your best bet would be to go to the Wal*Mart website, buy it there for $39 and
have it shipped free to the store nearest you. That way, you can just pick it up. Some Wal*Marts
charge up to $43 for the knife, but if you do the free ship thing, then you get it for the $39 everyone
else paid. Tax is still applicable.


Shadow-Spyderco-Native-08.jpg
 
I really like the look of the Kershaw junkyard dog. Thanks for the pic! Might pick it up for my brother who was in the Air Force. This may and probably is a dumb question, but would that "flipper" opening thing be legal in Michigan?
 
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