Short Budget Folder?

X6488 - uh, something we should have asked in the beginning is, what will you mostly use this knife for? Does it need to be big & burly or a fine slicer? Are you using it in the office, where a benign appearance is important, or out in the field/on the docks etc.? Do you prefer wood handles, or is plastic ok? More specific info will get you more specific recommendations. This group can deluge you with information!
 
Your right about avoiding the really cheap knives like S&W-that sort of thing always leads to dissatisfaction-then you buy another shiny bargin-experience satifaction for a few days and then disapoinment. The most informative post I've ever read was this guy veiwing all the sub $100 folders he'd bought over a 2 year period and then having a Sitori "I could have had a Sebenza!!!!!!!!!!!!"
So this is my advice-get a sub $10 knife to use while you select your main knife. Try Smokey Mountanin KnifeWorks. You might also try flea markets-WallyWorld-hardware stores wherever. Once you've got your beater-check out knife shapening on the web and get it as sharp as possible.
Now put the extra $50 in a mason jar and begin researching your good knife. Read reveiws-ads-search the web-visit knife stores and discover what you really want. While your researching add extra money to the mason jar and this is important-DON'T REMOVE ANY.
When you've chosen your dream knife-start looking for a price. Best deals are frequently from collectors selling used stuff-place an ad in knives wanted-check out the prices offered by the various internet stores. If your patient & do your home work, you can get a great knife at a great price. Just my 2$
 
You don't have to speand alot of money to buy a good knife that will serve you well for years. On an extremely low budget, I would recommend the Ka-Bar Dozier folding hunter or something along the lines of a Victorinox Tinker. If you're looking for an affordable high quality knife check out some of Spyderco's lightweights. I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Endura, and I think it's an excellent choice with it's VG-10 blade, slim profile and lightweight FRN handle. If the Endura is a bit too big for your intended use, then the Delica is the prime choice.
 
A little more detail, eh?

I'm planning for it to be used for camping.

I usually like nice handles that are not wood (not a big fan). I also like them to be very comfortable in your hand. Another ver big detail I'm looking for is a nice look. I enjoy the Colombia River M18 look; something along those lines.
I'm going for a plain edge. I'm not a big fan of serrated, too much of a hassel to sharpen out on the field.

Looking at this, I was going to get the CRKT M18. Is that a good idea?
 
CRKT M18 is reputedly a good knife, BUT you want to be sure it has an AUS8 blade, not AUS6 because that's (IMHO) lame steel. Check out CRKT's website to see all their options, & confirm blade steels for each model. If you can spend a little more, the Spyderco Persian is getting raves for comfort, function & looks. Any Spydie is a good blade. Benchmade also makes a good knife, but generally more expensive, however they just came out with the "ambush" model which might appeal to you aesthetically, and which is $50. Check the websites for ideas (and sometimes specials):
www.crkt.com
www.spyderco.com
www.benchmade.com

another knife you should really take a look at (also a Carson design like the M18) is the Outdoor Edge Magna:
http://www.outdooredge.com/magna.html
I had an OE Impulse and I was simply amazed at the quality for the price. Great stuff!
 
I'm with Godot on this one. Get a really cheap knife, save the rest of the loot, and get as much of an education on knives and sharpening as you can before you make your "big" purchase. That purchase may be $65 or $10,000.
 
They are versatile lockbacks with a thick FRN handle and VG10 steel. They have excellent reviews on BF. You can pick one up on the net for around $45. See what you think.

Tom

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