replacing a cheap knife

[Velitrius]

I have both the Kershaw Link and the Gerber Air Ranger, I think either would probably suit your purpose well. However the Aluminum handles on the Air Ranger nick and scratch fairly easily if dropped from pocket height onto sidewalk. So if you want a knife that keeps on looking good.... Probably not the best choice.

Nicks, dings and scratches look great on a knife if you ask me... (and most folks do )

 

[JDX]

I think the Ontario rat 1 is the best choice. I love mine. It has such a smooth action. Comparable to my spyderco paramilitary 2. Not as smooth, but definitely close. Aus 8 leaves more to be desired but you can opt for the D2 version which would be even better as a hard use folder. The ergos are great, the only thing I don't like is the jimping, it's smooth and doesn't grip your thumb that well, but it's better than no jimping at all. I also took it to a grinding wheel to give it more of a clip point to make it more effective in piercing tasks. Overall very good knife. The only knife I've ever bought two of. Highly recommended

 

[bdmicarta]

The Ontario Rat-I is a good quality knife for a good price.

Many people consider the Ontario Rat-1 to be the best low price work knife. I like the Spyderco Tenacious for that myself.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Buck Lite Max Medium ain't bad at all.

I love my buck 482 and wil never hesitate to recommend them.
I may be the only one, but I won't spend 20$ on a Chinese knife when I can get an American made one for the same price. One good thing about the buck 482 is the fact that it doesn't have screws to loosen up.
Whatever you chose, if it has screws you need blue locktite.