Value knives that are a cut above?

[allenC]

Also the Ka-Bar Dozier...

https://www.kabar.com/products/4062CB

 

[evilgreg]

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

It's not bad, about the same pocket feel as a large micarta inlay Sebenza 21. It's a bit thicker, but the handles are contoured very round and it only weighs 4.4oz, not bad for a 3.9" blade. The other best comparison with knives I carry regularly would be that it feels like a shorter ZT 0454 in the pocket. I'd say a shorter 0452, but it's more round like the 0454 than flat like the 0452.

Mechanically mine is just about perfect. Fires hard, it falls shut, and it's centered and has no blade play. The liners are thick enough to make a stout liner lock but they're chamfered all the way around on the inner side (nice detail) and skeletonized to save weight. The fit between the wood and cf/G10 bolster is pretty bad, though. There's a gap between on the presentation side big enough to see the liner through. I don't mind though, it's a big wood & cf handled flipper with fantastic action for $108.

 

[Connor_MacLeod]

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:

+1 on the Ascot. I have the $88 version without the deluxe scales, and it is a great knife. My two criticisms would be to lose the lanyard hole and make a nicer clip, and both of those problems are solved in the version with the burl wood scales.

Also in this category, I like the RAT1 and the Ruike P801.

 

[evilgreg]

+1 on the Ascot. I have the $88 version without the deluxe scales, and it is a great knife. My two criticisms would be to lose the lanyard hole and make a nicer clip.

Also in this category, I like the RAT1 and the Ruike P801.

The fancy version has a nicer clip:

 

[afishhunter]

Standard production Buck 110 and 110LT. I'm not sure about the standard production 112/112LT and 113, since I don't have one of them.
In my experience, the offshore Buck 373 stockman and 389 canoe are daRn good economy knives as well.

Rough Rider/Rough Ryder Traditional knives.
Words to the effect of "... a great knife especially at the price" and "... would be a bargain at twice the price ..." are common comments over in the 'Rough Rider and Related Slipjoints' thread over in the Traditionals sub-forum.

The new Marbles D2 with black canvas Micarta covers Sow Belly stockman is a daRn good knife at under $20.
(I have not tried any of the other Marbles D2 with black canvas Micarta series knives, so I cannot comment on them.)

"Old Fashioned" carbon steel Old Hickory and Russell Green River fixed blades like the Buffalo and Sheep Skinner, Pig Sticker, "Sheath Knife", and Butcher Knives.
I am also rather fond of their carbon steel 3.5 inch paring knife, and 7 inch cleavers.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Every single sub $100 knife to leave Bucks post falls factory.

 

[guy g]

As well as every sub 50$ knife from post falls.
And several under 30$

 

[Eli Chaps]

As well as every sub 50$ knife from post falls.
And several under 30$

The Mini Spitfire is an excellent knife and I think far too overlooked due to the steel.

 

[evilgreg]

Every single sub $100 knife to leave Bucks post falls factory.

As well as every sub 50$ knife from post falls.
And several under 30$

The Mini Spitfire is an excellent knife and I think far too overlooked due to the steel.

Generally agree with you guys on this. I'm currently in love with this <$30 110 Slim Select:

 

[Eli Chaps]

 

[ktataragasi]

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:

I'll definitely give Bestech a look. They keep popping up and look pretty good.

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.

I have yet to own or try a Spyderco. If you could recommend one from the whole line to try would the para 3 lw be it ?

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.

What Spyderco model would you recommend for someone to try?

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.

All pictures are welcome and help keep the post fun.

 

[Cvrobinson]

Nothing screams value like a fine American made gas station knife

 

[cchu518]

As an all around knife...the Para 3 LW is it. I had a Rex 45 Para 3 and wasn't impressed.
The Para 3 is almost Delica compact. But it's almost fairly full sized too. Weighs nothing, feels great in hand, the compression lock is nifty The new version of BD1n steel is as tough as 440c and maintains a keen edge with real ease and is very rust resistant. The frn handles are no maintainance and it's at a sub 100 price point that you won't feel bad about scratching the blade or putting it through it's paces.

I love lockbacks and for me I love the LW format and especially the Manix 2 lw thanks to @bikerector.

The Baby Jess Horn @Velitrius is another favorite. It's a tiny knife so it's less useful than the Manix2 lw and Para 3 LW.

For the money they're hard to beat. The Delica and Endura would be my suggestion if you like lockbacks. My favorite lockback would be the Caly 3.5 but they're harder to come by these days.

Less cheap but to most ppl the penultimate Spyderco is the full size/full prices Para 2 in G10 Around $150 they're great a great all around knife and come in a million different steels. I would recommend the s35vn myself.

I'll definitely give Bestech a look. They keep popping up and look pretty good.


I have yet to own or try a Spyderco. If you could recommend one from the whole line to try would the para 3 lw be it ?


What Spyderco model would you recommend for someone to try?


All pictures are welcome and help keep the post fun.

 

[pcgolfer]

For a small EDC, I really like the Civivi Brigand. It has a wharnecliffe point in D2 and G10.

I really think the new Cold Steel Recon 1 and Lawman in SV35VN with the DLC coating are a bargain. The DLC coating is much more durable than the old coating. Both can be had for around $80.

 

[cchu518]

Check out how close in blade shape this $60 Mini Copper Natrix in D2 steel is to an Insingo Inkosi. And you can't forget the larger Bareknuckle.

 

[Cvrobinson]

$64.99 MSRP, could pick one up for under $45 dollars. Ugly clip, beast of a knife

composite blade extra

 

[DangerZone98]

I'll definitely give Bestech a look. They keep popping up and look pretty good.


I have yet to own or try a Spyderco. If you could recommend one from the whole line to try would the para 3 lw be it ?


What Spyderco model would you recommend for someone to try?


All pictures are welcome and help keep the post fun.

Hey man. You’ll get plenty of other recommendations here from wiser and more experienced forum members than me, but here are my two cents:

1. Para 3 LW - It’s compact, lightweight, and fairly inexpensive. If you’re looking for just an EDC knife, this is an excellent choice. This is NOT the knife for tactical/hard-use/tomfoolery purposes.

2. Endura 4 - Longer than the Para 3, but slim and still quite light. Also usually cheaper. The vanilla Endura 4 comes in VG10 which is a decent mid-tier steel, but there are other more expensive versions in ZDP189 and M390. The VG10 version was my first knife and served me well ever since.

3. Delica 4 - More compact version of the Endura 4.

4. Manix 2 - A solid all-around knife. One of the most ergonomic knives I have. Comes in CTSBD1, S110V, S30V, etc. Any of those steels will serve you well, but do research which fits your needs best and what sharpening gear it requires.

That’s it from my end. Any of these knives should serve you well, partner. Hope that was of help. Happy hunting.

 

[DangerZone98]

Check out Cold Steel too. Spydercos, CRKs, and Benchmades are all very fine racecar knives. Pristine designs, wonderful craftsmanship, good fidget factors, etc. It’s a pleasure to own and use these knives.

But Cold Steels are the undisputed trucks in the folder world. If you plan to go offroad, take the Recon 1.

 

[ktataragasi]

Thanks to all who have posted. Hopefully others will continue to post some cool and interesting little gems.

As an all around knife...the Para 3 LW is it. I had a Rex 45 Para 3 and wasn't impressed.
The Para 3 is almost Delica compact. But it's almost fairly full sized too. Weighs nothing, feels great in hand, the compression lock is nifty The new version of BD1n steel is as tough as 440c and maintains a keen edge with real ease and is very rust resistant. The frn handles are no maintainance and it's at a sub 100 price point that you won't feel bad about scratching the blade or putting it through it's paces.

I love lockbacks and for me I love the LW format and especially the Manix 2 lw thanks to @bikerector.

The Baby Jess Horn @Velitrius is another favorite. It's a tiny knife so it's less useful than the Manix2 lw and Para 3 LW.

For the money they're hard to beat. The Delica and Endura would be my suggestion if you like lockbacks. My favorite lockback would be the Caly 3.5 but they're harder to come by these days.

Less cheap but to most ppl the penultimate Spyderco is the full size/full prices Para 2 in G10 Around $150 they're great a great all around knife and come in a million different steels. I would recommend the s35vn myself.

Yeah I keep thinking of the Para 3 LW but something seems to stop me.

Is there a reason you don't like the Native 5 as a lockback option? That one has intrigued me also.

Hey man. You’ll get plenty of other recommendations here from wiser and more experienced forum members than me, but here are my two cents:

1. Para 3 LW - It’s compact, lightweight, and fairly inexpensive. If you’re looking for just an EDC knife, this is an excellent choice. This is NOT the knife for tactical/hard-use/tomfoolery purposes.

2. Endura 4 - Longer than the Para 3, but slim and still quite light. Also usually cheaper. The vanilla Endura 4 comes in VG10 which is a decent mid-tier steel, but there are other more expensive versions in ZDP189 and M390. The VG10 version was my first knife and served me well ever since.

3. Delica 4 - More compact version of the Endura 4.

4. Manix 2 - A solid all-around knife. One of the most ergonomic knives I have. Comes in CTSBD1, S110V, S30V, etc. Any of those steels will serve you well, but do research which fits your needs best and what sharpening gear it requires.

That’s it from my end. Any of these knives should serve you well, partner. Hope that was of help. Happy hunting.

Thanks for the detailed response. I keep thinking on a Manix LW.

I only want to own one spyderco and don't really want to get a bunch of models of any one brand. I don't know why but that's just my strange thing...

Check out Cold Steel too. Spydercos, CRKs, and Benchmades are all very fine racecar knives. Pristine designs, wonderful craftsmanship, good fidget factors, etc. It’s a pleasure to own and use these knives.

But Cold Steels are the undisputed trucks in the folder world. If you plan to go offroad, take the Recon 1.

What model would you recommend more as an edc role?

 

[Mako109]

Brad Zinker Dogtooth, made by WE, sold by Drop. About $120 for the all titanium version. While not exactly cheap, it's a bargain compared to a US made BZ which runs somewhere in the $600 range. Brad Zinker and WE knocked the Dogtooth out of the park. Fabulous little EDC.