Looking for an Ethical Beater

SIG96

SIG96

Joined
Jun 8, 2018
Messages
90
I honestly don't know what I should have titled the thread, but I hope it gets the members of the Porch looking. I think I am nearing a point of stasis in my knife journey after having spent more money than I would like to admit and thus have more or less refined my tastes and figured out my preferences. Before I start spending again, I have come to the realization that I lack a beater knife. Something I don't have to baby and can buy again without worrying about the price or availability. The problem for me is that I have found most of the best budget knives to be sourced or manufactured from China. I would not consider myself a patriot of the US in anyway and I would buy these knives since apparently WE knives treats their workers well but then my money would go to... China.

What I'm asking is if you lads could recommend me a good beater knife from a country where they don't treat their citizens and workers like doodoo. I would prefer the blade to be between 3-3.5 inches and am willing to go up to $80, also the Kershaw Bare-knuckle is already off the list. I was hoping it would be the beater for me but I just received my order and found that I don't fancy the handle ergos.
 
My toolbox/garage/car beater knives are Svörd Peasants. Made by a small shop in New Zealand out of tough carbon steel. You can buy 5 or so for $80.
 
Many Buck and Case models fit the bill. If Taiwan (Nationalist China) is acceptable Ontario RAT 1 & 2 in D-2 are great bargain beaters. As someone else pointed out Spyderco's Seki City, Japan Endura, Endela, Delica, et al line are great knives fitting your size and budget. One of my favorite cheapies that I carry regularly is a Buck 289 Fluid. USA made, 3" BOS 420 HC blade, back lock, thumb opener, GFN scales, a pivot that is on bearings. I believe the Fluid runs about $35.
 
Turn on the subtitles and watch this. It's completely mind blowing and amazing.

How's this for something that you can beat on!? :eek::eek::thumbsup:

 
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If $80 is your limit I’d go with a Delica or an Endura... or even an Endela. All cheap enough where you don’t need to baby them, but sturdy and thin enough to be a great user. Maybe even a serrated Tasman Salt if you want something different, but awesome nonetheless. A serrated Tasman has actually become one of my favorite beater knives lately.


If you wanted to shop around a bit you could probably find a Manix 2 or a Lightweight model on the secondary market for around that price as well, and it’s tough to beat a Manix when it comes to a quality folder.
 
Like McFeeli, I was going to suggest the new Spyderco Endela. Great size, right at your price point (ok a few dollars over with tax and shipping), and made in the USA.

If you have a big hand like I do, the Gerber Gator is a very comfortable handle. 3.75" blade and made in the USA as well.
 
gazz98 said:
Like McFeeli, I was going to suggest the new Spyderco Endela. Great size, right at your price point (ok a few dollars over with tax and shipping), and made in the USA.

If you have a big hand like I do, the Gerber Gator is a very comfortable handle. 3.75" blade and made in the USA as well.
Click to expand...

The Endela is made in Seki City, Japan for Spyderco which is US company. I believe mine was $81 - $82 delivered, but I added a 1" x 4" KME 100 grit diamond hone to the order to get the order over $100 for free shipping.
 
Rat 1. Made it Taiwan
Giving your money to the chinese through buying a knife shouldn’t be a worry. Plenty of other things you buy give them way more of your money.
 
Considering your criteria I would not hesitate to buy a Spyderco and or purchase or trade off the BF exchange.
There is also the PIF thread to look at - where you can get a knife in exchange for putting up a knife or item of your own. A great way to find knives for hard use without a second thought. :thumbsup: My 2¢.

Ray
 
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