The best question ever asked in the history of bladeoforums.

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What is a good folding EDC knife for around 30 bucks? Looking at a buck 110 or a spyderco ladybug so far. the spydercos seem to look decent and can open up with one hand without any modifications to the knife which I like. Any information is appreciated.
 
Those two knives aren't even remotely comparable, the ladybug is a key chain knife, and the 110 is a large, heavy, traditional lock back designed to be carried in a belt sheath. Exactly what kind of knife are you looking for? Or are you just looking to blow $30? In which case you definitely need both are at some point. The ladybug is perhaps the best performing key chain knife out there, and I truly believe every knife enthusiast should own a buck 110 of some variety.
 
I'm a total Spyderco devotee but I'd recommend the Kershaw Cryo or Ontario RAT1 for around 30. Perhaps a Byrd as well.
 
CRKT M16-01KZ I think. Light, shaped very well, slim, better than plain liner locking mechanism, has bushings to smooth the opening, feels like it's got a detent to keep it safe in the pocket, I really like these.
 
Oh man here goes. How bout I just list the knives I personally enjoy?

Spyderco Cricket
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Salt 1
Kershaw Leek
Opinel #8 you can buy multiple of these for that price
CRKT Ripple
Wenger Traveler/Victorinox Tinker
Buck Rush
Sarenmu 905/905's another couple of knives that can be bought for alot less than $30, on par with Spyderco quality IMO

Anyways, there's a huge selection out there for around 30 bucks, I suggest you find a brand you like and start looking in that price range, you'll find most knife companies have a budget line of quality knives for every day consumers. These are just what I EDC.
 
As you listed two knives that are very different sizes, I'll sort my suggestions by size:

~$30 budget folding knife options:

Kershaw Tremor (3.75") - if you need a big, assisted flipper, hard to beat the Tremor at this price (big & heavy, though)
Ontario RAT-1 (3.5") - best option at his budget for a heavier duty folder, IMO
Spyderco Tenacious (3.375") - a bit over budget, great knife that should be considered, though
Kershaw Chill (3.125") - lightweight non-assisted flipper
Kershaw Clash (3") - bigger, chunkier, assisted flipper
CRKT Drifter (2.875") - Comes in a stainless steel frame lock version and a lighter G10 version, almost buy 2 for $30
Kershaw Cryo (2.75") - Small, tough, assisted flipper (very heavy for its size, heavy as the RAT-1)
 
How about a D2 composite leek blem from kershawguy.com for a smoking $39 buck?
 
I should have mentioned that this will be my knife for heavy use that I won't be afraid to damage. I should have mentioned that originally. I also want to practice free hand sharpening with the knife I purchase, thanks for all your input so far, and at the moment I'm leaning towards a lower end kersha, a byrd from spyderco or just a regular buck 110. because the other knives above 30 dollars unless you hit 50 all seem like chinese steel, which the byrd uses and for around 20 bucks instead of 30, and of course the buck with it's 420HC.
 
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