Severely underrated knives

Rough Ryder Reserve patterns, if you're into modern traditionals, and the A. G. Russell Barlow. Classic looks, and one of the few knives that isn't spoiled by the addition of a pocket clip.

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By the high standards of these forums, most knives are underrated. I say that because most posters here are aficionados with a refined interest in knives. . . .and are aware of the better knives available.

The best knife to have is the knife you actually do have when you need a knife.
 
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How about a crkt m16sf with the 3.78 blade? One of my boys got one and he likes it. Just wanted to throw that one out there
 
So many underrated and underappreciated knives that don't last long.

ZT0095, especially the black S90V version. Perfect balance between medium and hard use capability.

Hogue, in general, though the Ritter and deka have brought more awareness to the brand.

There are also popular designs that just don't last, and I don't know why. Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 and Southard are 2 for example.
 
tony281sc2 said:
When they were on sale I remember some ZTs being ridiculously inexpensive…. Like $200 for a 0630, 0804CF, even less for the 0909 and 0808 - which I think is the most underrated Zero Tolerance knife….full ti, S35VN, great action etc..for $200. I like the blade shape and the ergos on that thing much more than the popular 0450.
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All it’s needs is a deep carry clip ;-)
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The 0808 was a great one…except for being a bit heavy for what it is. I kinda regret not picking one up when they were live.

ZT’s are commonly underrated IMO, but I think that’s largely due to the design language often being polarizing.

The 0850 and 0460 are amazing and grossly underrated.



OTOH, the only way I would buy and carry a 0456 is in a ‘last knife on earth’ scenario! :D
 
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Vlade said:
How about a crkt m16sf with the 3.78 blade? One of my boys got one and he likes it. Just wanted to throw that one out there
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The CRKT I have now sits in a drawer. The textured button is great for opening the knife, but also great at wearing a hole through your jeans pocket in the place it sits. They need to fix that opener design.
 
What surprised me was this Bear Ops Rancor. I know the brand may not be extremely popular around here but this little knife hasn't really been booted out of the pocket much since getting it several months back. The satin finish on the blade is very impressive, the knife hasn't developed any type of blade play at all. Really happy with this one.

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BD_01 said:
The 0808 was a great one…except for being a bit heavy for what it is. I kinda regret not picking one up when they were live.

ZT’s are commonly underrated IMO, but I think that’s largely to the design language often being polarizing.

The 0850 and 0460 are amazing and grossly underrated.



OTOH, the only way I would buy and carry a 0456 is in a ‘last knife on earth’ scenario! :D
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The 0808 was a nice design. I had hoped that would come out with a CF scale version. I dislike full titanium. I never bought one because of that.

Slice O Life said:
Nowadays, most everything with VG-10, Nitro-V or S30v/S35vn for less than 100 dollars. It is yesteryear's super steel but honestly still better than most people need.
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I used to hate on S30V. It turned out to not be an issue with the steel, but either an issue with a particular batch of steel from around 2014 from what I've heard.

While it's not my favorite, it's perfectly fine. S35VN however, I've had mixed results with, but mostly that it is easier to sharpen than S30V, but has less edge retention. Obviously this depends a lot on blade geometry as well.

Civivi's damascus is really impressive. The edge retention has surpassed expectations hugely, I'm guessing this is a combination of heat treat and thinly ground blades.
 
Ones from better known brands I'd say are underrated are the: Morakniv Kansbol, Boker Plus Pry Pro, and Spyderco Byrd Raven 2.

More obscure underrated knives I have would be the: Grohmann No1, Real Steel Luna Lite, QSP Neckmuk, Pivot Caliper Blue, Cudeman MT-5 Survival Knife, Kellam Tracker, and Joker Trampero.
 
As others have mentioned Ruike both my folder in 14c28n and the Jager are great knives period.

I also went on an extended camp with just a Lionsteel M5 (in sleipner). I really tested it, batoning heavy hardwood up to 4" thick (with just perhaps 1/2" of the tip protruding). Not being an expensive Knife I did things with it it isn't designed to do such as prying etc... just to see what it was capable of of which it did without any trouble. Also only required a quick strop after 3 days of heavy use and was shaving hair again. Very impressed with it.A tough little knife with great steel.
 
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Hmmm... I'd say my most loved, yet more inexpensive knives are older US made Kershaws and Kizers. I haven't had any current Kershaws except for a couple Blurs, and they seem to still be made very well. Especially the aluminum scaled knives have excellent fit and finish and just work very well for me. Kizer, I think had a shaky beginning which knocked down it's reputation a bit, however since I got back into knives last year, they have made the best value knives I've had in the fit and finish department. All their Ti framelocks have been just amazing for the price, and even the Begleiter 2 that I got on sale for$35 has a similar level of fit and finish, amazing action, and holds an edge very well.
 
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