Value knives that are a cut above?

[ktataragasi]

A recent post on here was about expensive knives that look cheap. So my question to all of you are what are some budget or value knives that look and perform above their price tags?

I'll go ahead and put up the Kershaw Atmos as on of my picks. It is lightweight, a great ball bearing flipper with a nice thin grind that allows it to cut well despite having a budget steel. It comes with a deep carry clip and the carbon fiber and knife profile make it look much more expensive.

 

[evilgreg]

This is a 3.9" blade, and the burl wood has that shimmery chatoyance that gives the pattern depth that shifts around in the light. For a big knife with wood + CF scales with a bronze colored clip and pivot ring, IMO this Bestech Ascot punches above its weight at $108:

 

[DangerZone98]

For me, the Rajah 3 is an amazing low-cost utility knife. Cuts like a dream, tough as nails, and the new model now comes in Aus10a. One of the more overlooked Cold Steel folders.

I suppose compared to other outrageously priced Spydercos, the Para 3 LW is also a superb budget model? The Para 3 is a fantastic compact EDC option. It’s no small feat to translate the already winning ergonomics of the PM2 into a smaller package.

 

[tinfoil hat timmy]

Cold steel

 

[el gigantor]

Cold steel

This.

The Cold Steel Recon 1 looks utilitarian for sure, but you get a hell of a knife for the money.

 

[DocJD]

This is a 3.9" blade, and the burl wood has that shimmery chatoyance that gives the pattern depth that shifts around in the light. For a big knife with wood + CF scales with a bronze colored clip and pivot ring, IMO this Bestech Ascot punches above its weight at $108:

Have you tried it out worn as a neck knife yet ?

 

[comis]

Here are a few that just happened to be handy:

Buck112, Kershaw Dividend M390, Ruger LCK

WE Rustic Gent is pretty nice too

 

[DangerZone98]

Wanted to mention the Spyderco Resilience too. In terms of “finish,” it’s behind the Japan-, Taiwan-, and US-made Spydercos. That’s to be expected since it’s only a fraction of the price of the Military and Paramilitary 2.

But in terms of “fit,” it was surprisingly good. No bladeplay and fairly smooth deployment. If you’re looking for a low-cost beater knife, the Resilience is pretty good. Not as tough as a Tri-Ad knife, but it works.

 

[specgrade]

Ontario Rat Model 1 or 2.

 

[JPD1998]

Anything from Artisan.

 

[cchu518]

I have to say the Gerber US1, US made 420HC steel.

I'm not a Gerber guy, but the knife was $3.50, sitting on a Wally World clearance rack. It's only 1 ounces and is turning into my strop once a week, use everyday lightweight summer knife. And below it are my regular priced knife nut favorite value knives. Just pick your lock mechanism or size and each one of them make for a fantastic edc.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

The lower-end Civivi knives are a great value at $42 (Baklash and Praxis), and they also some good models around $50 (Elementum). CJRB Feldspar has great reviews, and is pretty cheap for a D2 knife ($35ish). The RAT 1 and 2 are classics, as is the Victorinox Alox Cadet.

 

[Eli Chaps]

The Buck Vantage line is an outstanding value.

 

[MacLaren1]

I've had awfully good luck with Bestech

 

[Sergeua]

Ruike

 

[babykujo]

Here are a few that just happened to be handy:

Buck112, Kershaw Dividend M390, Ruger LCK

WE Rustic Gent is pretty nice too

Nice looking line up! Many a young knife collector started out with them buck 110's and can't go wrong with them even today. Love them!

 

[Yo Mama]

This is a 3.9" blade, and the burl wood has that shimmery chatoyance that gives the pattern depth that shifts around in the light. For a big knife with wood + CF scales with a bronze colored clip and pivot ring, IMO this Bestech Ascot punches above its weight at $108:

Its on my list, love the look, wondering how big in the pocket it feels?

 

[Silent H]

The ESEE Avispa and Zancudo in D2 are awesome knives that punch well above their $30-35 price. They're very similar to the Ontario RAT series, but I like their thinner profile and slightly different blade shape. I've traveled with these knives and given away a bunch of them too. They also just came out with one in SK5 steel, I'd like to try that out.

Pic shamelessly stolen from Blade HQ because I'm too lazy to go find one of mine right now.

 

[allenC]

Cabela's has a few Buck knives that are great deals...

Alaskan Guide Vantage Pro large for $76.49 bucks.


Alaskan Guide Buck 110 for $80.74 bucks.

 

[deadzonepatrol]

Ontario Rat Model 1 or 2.

Definitely, and I would add their Utilitac II as well, for those who want a little more of a heavy duty look and feel.