recommendations for a cheap, but decent quality folder

rdangerer

rdangerer

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May 26, 2000
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I'm looking for recommendations for a cheap folder ($20 to $35), prefer a 2.75" to 3" blade, but would look at anything in the 2" to 3.5" length range. With a locking blade. Don't care if it's a liner lock, a spine/rocker lock, frame lock, etc.

One that caught my eye is this... the Ka-Bar Dozier lockback, item "B" the dropped point:

ka4062.jpg


Good things:
1. cheap
2. blade profile
3. it locks
4. small-ish

Mediocre things:
1. AUS-8 at only Rc56-58.
2. Zytel handle
3. not sure if the spear point and drop point have pocket clips

Any other cheapo ideas welcomed. Needs to be a locking knife that is 2" to 3.5" long, and generally inexpensive ($35 to maybe $40 max).

This Gerber isn't too bad either... ATS-34 and supposedly at Rc60-62 per AG Russell:

ge6768.jpg
 
Don't have any experience with the knives that you posted but do have a suggestion. Top choice for me would be a FRN Spyderco Delica. This is the ideal edc, inexpensive, excellent quality and cuts like heck. Add in a pocket clip and one hand opening and I think its the perfect edc.
 
The FRN Delica is a good choice. Maybe The Buck Odyssey. The Buck 110 is a little longer than your spec but at 29.99 at wal mart worth a thought.
guy
 
I really like the Kershaw Vapor series in thie price range. Seems much more solid than similarly priced knives.

If you look you can sometimes find a Gerber Air Ranger in the upper range you posted. These are excellent knives.
 
I'm a big fan of the Gerber EZ out.
Nice and light, and a decent size blade on top of the that.
 
New Kerhaw Vapor, Opinel, CRKT, Schrade, Buck.

Used on EBay, almost anything, I just picked up a used Black Lip Pearl Gerber Silver Knight for $12 with S&H. I picked up a new Gerber CF SL 3.25, for $40, serveral other $100 to $100+ production knives for under $50.

Shop around there are lots great deals out there, and if your not picky about buying used blades the options are even better.

Good hunting.:)
 
RD, I've had the Dozier Spearpoint from AG Russell for 3 weeks as my current EDC. The entire line has a reversible tapered clip and it's tip up carry.

Lock up is pretty smooth and strong, in fact the spring pressure is as strong closing as it is opening. It's handled all general cutting tasks well though I haven't tortured it. I do wish it had an ambi thumbstud and I plan on getting another actually. The Delica is a good buy as well especially for harder tasks.
 
I'd go with Kershaw also, Leek, Blackout, Whirlwind. Assisted opening is a great feature.
 
A Delica can be had for $40 if you find the right dealer. The Buck 110 and 112 are good choices too.
 
Depends on the retailer greed factor. I'm in Oz, but I reckon you could get one of the many CRKT's for the $25-$50 range and get very good service. So too the Kershaw Vapour II - $??? 40. I've carried mine for a while and use it daily. A very nice knife you'd expect only as a custom...

Of course, you could get one of the Taiwan/Chinese knockoffs, but why ??? Pay a few more dollars and get some quality to start with. Jason.
 
Check CRKT Apache on A.G.Russel site - they all on sale. Good knife! My favorite, for a while.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
I'd go with the Delica or the Endura. However, if you don't want to get anything in that $ range then I'd say get the Vapor. One can be purchased at Wally world for a good price.
 
Gotta go with the Delica/Endura...Among the best bang for the bucks out there. Well worth the little bit of extra cash.

Paul
 
funny, before i even read your whole post, those two came to mind immediatly. i simply do not know how you can beat the kabar folders.
 
Originally posted by rdangerer
Good things:
1. cheap
2. blade profile
3. it locks
4. small-ish
Click to expand...
This might be a little too small, but the Spyderco SS Cricket is an awsome little knife. The reverse S blade and especially the tip are quite useful depending on what you're using it for. It also fits the category of a 'dress knife' making it among other things pretty sheeple friendly if that's even an issue. And at $25-$35 it's one of the few knives in that price range I'd even feel a need to take along when I also have a Sebbie, William Henry or the likes on me.
It's fun to play with, great to use, it's very easy on the eyes and you don't really get any looks when using it in public.

If that's too small then I 6th the Delica. And there's a reason so many people are suggesting it. :)
 
Great knife, can't go wrong. If that is out of your price range... how about a S.S. Dragonfly or S.S. Cricket? Maybe even an S.S. Jester?
Still, for a pure user, I would pick the FRN Delica over any of those S.S. models. Lay out the extra cash and go for it.
-Kevin
 
Of those two, I would pick the Gerber EZ-Out with ATS-34. I like the way Gerber heat treats their 154CM in the Yari, so their ATS34 should be pretty good too.
 
As much as I love Spydies, I'd easily take one of the Kabar Doziers over an FRN Spydie. The Kabar Doziers don't have that cheap feeling than the Spyderco FRNs have. The Kabars feel much more solid, and as far as I can tell, have just as good quality control as the Spydies. I've tried the Kabar Dozier drop point, and it's a steal for the price.

My father-in-law used to a carry a Delica. It went into the knife drawer as soon as he got his Kabar Dozier, and hasn't seen the light of day since. This is man who once swore he'd never carry anything but a Spydie.
 
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