Newbie needs knife help

[sweefu]

Hi all

I'm sure there are plenty of threads similar to this one, but could not find one with info for Australian sites/stores.

I have very little experience with knives, other than swiss army knives when I was a kid.

I am looking for a general purpose folding knife to carry when hiking and climbing.

I would like something which is simple, inexpensive and durable.

I have been looking at opinel, kershaw, victorinox, and gerber.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which models would be best for a budget of around $30?

Also, any hints as to the best sites to buy knives online (which can be shipped to australia)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mossyhorn]

In your price range the venerable Buck 110 fits in nicely. You'll have to do your own search for sites that ship to Australia. Welcome to the forum. It's a great place to learn.

 

[sweefu]

In your price range the venerable Buck 110 fits in nicely. You'll have to do your own search for sites that ship to Australia. Welcome to the forum. It's a great place to learn.

Thanks for that, will check it out. There is a crazy amount of info on this forum!

 

[Tsujigiri]

Ontario RAT-1, Spyderco Tenacious, Kershaw Skyline, Byrd Cara Cara, and Ka-Bar Dozier.

 

[Dagon]

Also investigate a modern one hand opening & locking Victorinox, such as the One-hand Rucksack (model 0.8361.C):

This packs a lot of functionality in a very portable package and it will work well.
You should be able to find this popular brand on your local market, I expect. And it is approx. in your price range.

Afterwards, you might want to save up a bit and add a compact, light yet very sturdy fixed blade, such as the ESEE Izula 2. The combination of a well-chosen SAK and a small fixed blade will work well for all normal hiking activities (I mean except extreme survival).

 

[rainermh12]

Ontario RAT-1. Sizable knife and excellent for the money:

And +1 on the Izula 2, absolutely can't go wrong with one of those.
Good luck, and welcome to Bladeforums