Need a great hard use knife under $40

[Ten4leader]

I work on a ranch over the summers, and I'm needing a good hard use knife. I already have the BK24, but I want something else for those days I feel like carrying something else. Any recommendations?

 

[xxratchetxx]

Can't beat the RAT1 for a folder in that price range. I have beat the hell out of my RAT and it still has no blade play. People have been talking about the Utilitac II as well. The Delica is pretty awesome but I haven't tested its "hard use" qualities. For a fixed blade you have already delved into Becker territory so my suggestion of an 11 or 14 is pretty void.

 

[Inazone]

Some flavor of Ontario, perhaps? You could probably find something from their Spec Plus line around $40, especially if you're open to buying used. Condor is another brand I'd suggest you check out. Most of their knives are pretty inexpensive for what you get.

 

[LM82ZA]

Ontario utilitac 2

 

[grownstar]

Ontario utilitac 2

This! Look into it, man. You won't be disappointed. I've had one for a while and it hasn't let me down.

Or maybe even a Cold Steel Large Voyager. Their Tri-Ad lock is plenty strong.

 

[Ten4leader]

Thanks! I think I might have to go with the Rat 1...

 

[SteelStickler]

+1 for ontario products. Got a utilitac 2 for $26 and it feels a smooth and sturdy as some of my $200 knives. I'm itching to try the rat 1&2 as well.

 

[OrdnanceBubbaUSMC]

I second a large Voyager from Cold Steel if you want a folder. I would choose it over a lot of more expensive knives. Even half-way assembled the lock is more reliable than most.

 

[The Zieg]

At my farm I'm carrying a Buck 110 or a 112 most days. Ecolite 112 is under 40. And some days I slip an Opinel No. 9 into my pocket and I call it good. Fixed blade? I'm all over the place, but I've had a Mora on my belt a lot.

FWIW, the 110 is shaving sharp after having been handed down from my brother, who carried it daily since the late 1970s, and from my use from when I got it in the early 90s. The 112 is in equally good shape since I received it as a bachelor party gift in 1998. Both have seen it all and never let me down, never closed accidentally, never failed to sharpen up, and still look good.

Zieg

 

[skyhorse]

The Buck 110 with it's belt sheath is hard to beat.

 

[pinnah]

I've found that Opinels take a lot more abuse than the Buck lockbacks. Well, any lockback that I've tried. YMMV.

 

[mk.ultra]

Cold Steel Recon 1

 

[lac1]

2 x Glock 78

 

[shuutr]

Ontario Utilitac is a great option. Cold steel recon 1 is another if you can find a deal.

 

[TheBombDiggity]

I'd say Voyager as the tip on the Recon 1 is a bit more delicate. The choices from Ontario are also very good.

 

[Sande5412]

Cold steel voyager or any cold steel! Cant beat the triad lock for the price!!

 

[maverick3981]

Enlan EL02B, you can buy 2 of these and they have a much better lock (Axis) than a RAT1. Holds an equally good edge. A winner anyday for $20 roughly.

 

[Twank69]

Victorinox Sentinels are really nice, amazingly sharp and lock up solid. Instead of buying a RAT 1 I bought a Victorinox Soldier reg. $64.57 on sale for $32 and I couldn't be happier I also EDC it everyday, it's amazing that you can forget about having such a tool in your pocket.

 

[theAntihero]

If its something bigger you are looking for check out Aranyik

 

[AntDog]

Cold Steel Recon 1

I would definitely second this! They are excellent folders - they can be had for around $40, and they are an incredible value.

I'd also recommend the Condor Rodan for a fixed blade in that price range.