Looking for not to expensive knife

M

mach

Joined
Jul 14, 2002
Messages
7
I'm looking for a knife - a quality one, but not one thats over $25. I want a knife that is sharp and whose blade won't snap, and is not stiff (can flip out easily, but locks into place). Also, under 4" would be cool so I can carry it around.
 
http://dirtcheapknives.com/ursharlin314.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/skeet234stan.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/poinguarlaws.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/drag314stane.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/jesblacplain.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/kenonchiv278.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/kenonscal314.html
http://dirtcheapknives.com/kenonvap3sta.html

Don't be put off by stiffness in a new folder....they ALL benefit from a short "break-in" period. I think the Vapor (last listed) may be available at some of the larger Wal-Mart stores. Hope these help.

Good luck and "Welcome Aboard"! :-)

Larry S.
 
Of those I own a Chive and a couple Vapors.

The Ken Onion Vapor has got to be the best cheap knife ANYWHERE.

You can get one at Wally World for <$20 (not a lot less but less).

You will probably get one built in China. My two Vapors are Japan models, my Vapor II is China. Maybe just a smidgen less sharp but locks up just the same.

My Chive is sharp as a tack! It's just a bit too small for most uses. It sure is fun to play with though!

I own two CRKT products too, and find them just great!

I am a very cheap dude, and you can take what I say just that way.
These knives ain't got the latest wonder steel, but they are way better than the China clones I have.

The Vapor is my recommendation based on what I have found in carrying and using my knives.

Joe Shmoe - as Che@p A$$ed @ B@st@rd @s you will EVER find!!!
 
Here's a great, quality knife deal: The Spyderco Calypso Jr. serrated edge.

Plain edge would probably be better, but for $24.99 (about $31 delivered), you can't go wrong. This is a discontinued knife and the deal won't last long.

Go to http://www.eknifeworks.com and search for Calypso.

The blade is only 2 7/8" long, so if you have a limit of 4", you might want to go larger. But I think you will not regret the Calypso Jr. for one minute, especially on your budget.

It's quick to open, but you probably won't be able to flip it very easily with your wrist. It's tip-down, by the way.

Regards,

Johnny
 
For my money, you can't go wrong with the tried and true - a plain-edged lightweight Spyderco <a href="http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SP11P98">Delica</a> or lightweight <a href="http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SP13PBK">Pro Grip</a>. You could carry and use either or these knives for a long long time.
 
Damn you Larry S! I followed that link and orderd 2 not so "dirt cheap knives" (though they were at very good prices!).:eek: :D

Added that to my "favorites" list...
 
1) Kershaw Vapor at WalMart. As stated in a previous post, a great knife for $19.96.

2) Try a gun/knife show. You have to weed through a lot of crap, but there are usually a few guys selling quality stuff (that means you Ted if you're reading this!). I really like this option versus mail order as you can handle what you are buying before you get it to see what feels good to you. Plus, these guys tend to be more willing to give you the straight dope on knives since they don't have their manager over their shoulder or something.
 
Larry S.,

Do you have any experience with Dirt Cheap Knives? I am not having any luck getting the knives I order from those guys. I would suggest going to Walmart if you want to actually have a knife and not just place an order.
 
You didn't specify folder or fixed, so let me throw out a excellent fixed blade knife for $20. The Camillus Cuda Arclite neck knife. Its a Darrel Ralph designed knife out of 420HC with a nice Kydey neck sheath. My wife and I recently got them and they came with an outstanding edge and have been holding it really well. The sheath is also Tec Loc compatible, so we got the Tec Loc buckles for it and now use belt cary. You can arrange the buckle in many configurations including horiz., vert. tip up, or vert tip down.

Also, for the price of some shoestring you can wrap the bare metal handle and creat a comfortable grip and a nice lanyard.

I bought this while I wait to receive my Dozier Straight Personal and am surprised by what a nice knife it is....especially for $20.
 
There are lots of "cheapies" on the market, but I also recommend the Kershaw/Onion Vapor. If you want you could check out eknifeworks.com and look at the CRKT Mirage. The last time I checked they had them for $10.00 US. Can't beat that price!
 
Thanks for all the sugestions! I'm just checking them out now because i have been extremely busy...
 
Just one thing more, keep in mind that internet dealers do not always have the lowest prices. Just the other day I was in a large sporting goods store in Atlanta, and saw a Chuck Buck ATS-34 hunting knife selling for $68. When I had seen that knife advertised on some internet sites, the price was around $100. Awhile back I found a discontinued Blackjack knife in a local gun shop for $35 less than charged by an internet dealer. Similarly, I have seen some of the knives Walmart carries advertised at higher prices by internet dealers.
 
Sounds like you've had a lot of good suggestions from folks already. Here are a few others to consider.

1. Spyderco Jester - Small, but a nice everyday user.

2. Spyderco Ladybug II and a Victorinox SAK Pocket Pal - These would cost you closer to $30, but would give you a nice combination of blades. The Ladybug II may be discontinued now and is a little hard to find, and the Pocket Pal is a slipjoint. Still, this would be my choice if I was in your shoes.

3. Four Victorinox SAK Pocket Pals, one for each of your pockets...:)
 
Originally posted by mach
I'm looking for a knife - a quality one, but not one thats over $25. I want a knife that is sharp and whose blade won't snap, and is not stiff (can flip out easily, but locks into place). Also, under 4" would be cool so I can carry it around.
Click to expand...

Warning: Asking for a cheap knife on BF is not a good idea.

This is how it starts!

First you posting on BF that you are looking for a cheap knife.

Then you start to read on the post about knives that are just a little higher then what you thought you wanted to spend.

You get one of these higher priced knives in your hands and think dam this was worth the extra money.

Then it happens again and again.

Then befor you know whats going you are opening up another box that came in the mail with a knife in it that is way more then you ever thought you would pay for a knife.

You try and tell yourself that its ok because this is the knife you really wanted and it will last you a long long time.

You log on to BF to post about your new knife only to find out there is something better that you just got to try.

When does it end?

I just can't stop, all I wanted was a good cheap knife. :D
 
While the folder I usually carry in my pocket is my Gerber Ranger, my next pick would be the Ken Onion Vapor. For the price you are getting a real value. I was so impressed with the design, quality and function, that I ended up buying a Vapor at Walmart ($19.96) a while back, even though I am happy with my Gerber Ranger.

For the slim profile flip out folders, I would stick with a model that has metal scales for the handle. The plastic handles and thin steel liners just don't seem to provide enough rigidity and structural support. The Vapor has good sturdy steel scales/frame.
 
Thanks, TT2Toes,

Now I will have to stay away from Walmart until I have forgotten about your post! A good knife for $20 - is there anything more tempting?
 
you can get a crkt mirage for about 10.00 at smoky (smkw.com), some larger models are around twelve I believe right now, they're ok, but remember, you buy a knife for under $25 thats what you get.
 
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