Quality, resonably priced folders?

Lots of great options from Spyderco, Benchmade, etc. but I am a huge fan lately of Steel Will.

I have a D2 Cutjack and a couple of Roamer fixed blades that were all under $50 each. Great knives.

My Italian made Gekko is the best made backlock I have ever tried but was around $150. Just an incredible value IMO.
 
Kershaw Leek in 14c28n can be as low as $50 if you don't mind the aluminum scales, they are strong and (imho) a better slicer than Opinel's.
For a little more (like $75) you can get all steel scales, which is ultra durable and rather good looking

kershaw-1660cbbw-leek-composite-black-wash.jpg


if you're into the more thick blade styles, there are too many choices to bother listing, pick your style then look around since at least 3 companies will have something similar
 
Spyderco Tenacious
Real Steel Sea Eagle
Byrd Meadowlark II
Ontario RAT 1&2
Benchmade Griptilian
 
SharpieB said:
Lots of great options from Spyderco, Benchmade, etc. but I am a huge fan lately of Steel Will.

I have a D2 Cutjack and a couple of Roamer fixed blades that were all under $50 each. Great knives.
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I'm far from being as knowledgeable as the majority here, but I agree on the Cut Jack. I've been looking for excuses to use it since it arrived late last week. Heck of a folder for the money.

Some great posts. With great suggestions. You guys are giving me all sorts of alternatives to explore.
 
For Under $100 (if you shop around) I always recommend the Buck Vantage Pro in my list when people ask for a folder.

S30v
Made in USA
Bucks Warranty
 
I was pretty impressed by the Kershaw Link I picked up at Menard's last year. Pretty darn good quality and made in U.S.A. for $35. It's only 420HC but it's held up pretty well.
 
For a good hard-use edc folder I seem to reach for the Manix 2 most often. I have two of the older school saber grind models in S30V, one plain edge and one DLC combo edge. Built like a tank and not too bad in weight or size in pocket. I also have a fitted leather pancake sheath that gets a good amount of belt time.
 
FN in MT said:
But...I still enjoy a quality, reasonably priced folder, talking under $100. And steel capable of a decent edge, easily touched up, yet sturdy.

I'm not abusive to folders, but they DO get used between general day to day stuff on the property, Range/shooting time, hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. They do get used, but generally NOT abused.

Just discovered the Steel Will, Cut Jacks. I'm impressed. Have a few BOKER's too that have performed very well for me.

What are some of your favorite reasonably priced folders?
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I second the Steel Will Cutjack as a quality value priced modern folder in D2. I have the Mini Cutjack in M390 and love it.

The Kizer Dukes seems to be a reasonably priced and reasonably good flipper in VG-10. Still messing with it as I just got in in the last week or so.

The Boker Urban Trapper is another modestly priced flipper that is a joy to carry. It is in my pocket as I type this. I wouldn't call it a hard use knife, but I would bet money it will take a lot more punishment that I'll ever give it.
 
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Deinos said:
Rat 1 and 2 in D2
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That s a good recommendation.
Deinos said:
Go check out “The Goodfella” over at skblades too! Buck 501 in cpm 154 /w burlap micarta. Comes in just under your budget criteria. (Couple other really nice bucks under and around that budget over there too...)

EDIT: Almost forgot the Maverick over there too. Under $100 and a super steel (also a super “steal”...) in 20cv
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More good recommendations that aren t too well known.
 
Buck 110 (brass and wood; around $28 at that store everyone loves to hate but still shops at)
Buck 112
Buck 110LT just 3.4 ounces if a standard 110 is "too heavy" (I always wonder how 7.4 ounces can be "too heavy" for an adult ... maybe they should go to a gym ...)
SK Blades is coming out with an SFO blue handle drop point 110LT with CPM-154 blade steel soon.
Ontario Rat 1 (no experience with the Rat 2, so I cannot recommend it)
 
FN in MT said:
I'm not abusive to folders, but they DO get used between general day to day stuff on the property, Range/shooting time, hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. They do get used, but generally NOT abused.
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A lot of good suggestions have already been made for folders. I would say based on what you're using knives for why not consider a fixed blade in 1095. There are many good very affordable knives that can be had in 1095. Keeps an edge decent, is very tough and very easy to sharpen. IMO one of the 1st things a knife user should learn is sharpening and a 1095 fixed blade is a good tool to learn with.
 
With criteria like that, the only question is how sturdy?
Steel Will Cutjack, Ontario Rat 1 & 2, Spyderco Dragonfly - heck even the Byrds & the Tenacious series, Kizer Beglieter, any number of Trapper variations as well as Peanuts and Stockmans.
Depending on how sturdy, Victorinox's and the Moki Fishowl.
 
Some great suggestions here. About the only thing I can add that I haven't seen is the tuya talisman or bruiser. They are a little big (slightly larger than a rat 1) but d2 steel, g10 scales, bearing flippers with smooth action.
 
Almost all of my <$100 knives are Spydercos. My favs in this category are the Native 5 Lightweight and the Endura 4. If you don’t like FRN I would urge you to give it a shot. If you have tried carrying and using an FRN knife for a good amount of time and still don’t like it I would recommend checking the exchange here often for a PM2.
 
Spyderco makes the Delica in various colors, the Native 5, and the larger Endura. They also make the Salt, Salt 2, and Pacific Salt that are completely rust proof. All of these are within your price range.
 
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