What is the very best folding knife for the least amount of money?

King of the Cheese

King of the Cheese

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For this thread, I’d like to identify the very BEST folding knife for the LEAST amount of money, to see what offerings are out there that BladeForums participants have found. I know there are a few obvious choices that are heavily reviewed, like the Ontario RAT series… but I’m curious to know what you all have come across and personally used that may not have gone viral or trended in popularity. Feel free to leave the name of the knife and company that makes it in the comments, and a note about what makes it so special. Remember: Less $ is “more”. I’m really wanting to focus on that sub $50 range. The more money you save while still having a fantastic knife, the better.
 
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Tyson A Wright said:
Opinel #08. $17.00 Big enough blade to cut anything you're going to cut with a folding knife, but very lightweight.
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Yes, this, amazing original design as well...

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sgt1372 said:
It's just my opinion but, while Opinels are great for a picnic basket or even a tool kit , they're not so great as an EDC that you carry in your pocket.

If they were, you'd see alot more of them carried in pockets because of their extremely low price.
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I think if more people tried one, and got by the fact it's two handed opening and takes 1 more second to open, they'd be pleasantly surpriced.

The pivot end of the handle is heavier so the knife sits nice upright if you put in pivot down into your pocket.
 
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sgt1372 said:
It's just my opinion but, while Opinels are great for a picnic basket or even a tool kit , they're not so great as an EDC that you carry in your pocket.

If they were, you'd see alot more of them carried in pockets because of their extremely low price.
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I've heard that it's one of the best-selling knives in the world, so I think it is carried in a lot of pockets - if you hang out in other subforums, you'll see lots of people carry these regularly. I carried one as an EDC for a while, and it worked great. It's mostly relegated to picnic basket duty now, so I think I get what you're saying. But the OP asked about "...for the least amount of money" and if that's a driver, I don't think you can beat the Opinel - the nearest possible competitors are at least twice the price, and honestly I'll take the Opinel over most of those. Once you get to 3x the price of Opinel, other things start to look better.

If one-hand opening is part of your EDC needs, this doesn't work. If you think a knife is also a prybar, this doesn't work. But I carry slipjoints for EDC, so one-hand opening is never a priority for me, and I use knives for cutting. The Opinel is a great slicer, and has a comfortable handle. The 08 is very lightweight, but maybe a little big (but my preferred slipjoint is the same size and many times heavier). This is a very competent EDC knife, and it is inexpensive due to its design, not due to being made poorly or with bad materials.
 
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Tyson A Wright said:
I've heard that it's one of the best-selling knives in the world, so I think it is carried in a lot of pockets - if you hang out in other subforums, you'll see lots of people carry these regularly. I carried one as an EDC for a while, and it worked great. It's mostly relegated to picnic basket duty now, so I think I get what you're saying. But the OP asked about "...for the least amount of money" and if that's a driver, I don't think you can beat the Opinel - the nearest possible competitors are at least twice the price, and honestly I'll take the Opinel over most of those. Once you get to 3x the price of Opinel, other things start to look better.

If one-hand opening is part of your EDC needs, this doesn't work. If you think a knife is also a prybar, this doesn't work. But I carry slipjoints for EDC, so one-hand opening is never a priority for me, and I use knives for cutting. The Opinel is a great slicer, and has a comfortable handle. The 08 is very lightweight, but maybe a little big (but my preferred slipjoint is the same size and many times heavier). This is a very competent EDC knife, and it is inexpensive due to its design, not due to being made poorly or with bad materials.
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The Opinel #8 outdoor edition even comes with a whistle… so you can attract the attention of someone with a Buck 110 😁

I kid.

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Paratrooper06 said:
Nothing wrong with country of origin. We are talking about pinching all the pennies we can here while still getting work done.
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It depends on the country of origin and on the work you're looking to get done.
What I do is completely different than what you are probably doing, there is no standard for this,
nor exact bottom number of $$ because your $12 gas station knife might do your job, but will never do mine.
Anyway, it's you thread, and your opinion, the only nuisance I got with this is to read all of your answers to everyone who posts,
but there is an easy cure for this :thumbsup:
 
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POCEH KOCEB said:
It depends on the country of origin and on the work you're looking to get done.
What I do is completely different than what you are probably doing, there is no standard for this,
nor exact bottom number of $$ because your $12 gas station knife might do your job, but will never do mine.
Anyway, it's you thread, and your opinion, the only nuisance I got with this is to read all of your answers to everyone who posts,
but there is an easy cure for this :thumbsup:
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Thanks for stopping by :)
 
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You might take a look at the Artisan Cutlery Biome: easy-to-sharpen 12C27 takes a fine edge; good factory grinds and a great slicer; nice action; slim and extremely lightweight (1.3 or 1.4 oz.); comfortable in hand; simple, handsome lines; choice of 4 covers (3 G-10 and 1 carbon fiber). Around $30.
 
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I know this recommendation is out of your range, but I would strongly recommend the Cold Steel Recon 1. The S35VN version has to be one of the best deals out there when you consider the blade material, handle material and locking system. The Triad lock is legendary in regards to it’s strength and the knife is a total beater ( plenty of video reviews online over the years that support this ). I recently purchased the Clip Point version on sale for just over $80 out-the-door. If you were to get only one blade shape, then Spear Point would probably be the best choice since it can perform a variety of tasks. The Recon 1 should last you a lifetime, it’s pretty much indestructible if used within reason.
 
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I like the Opinel #7 in carbon steel at just $15. This gives you a very lightweight and compact knife that is also a wicked slicer and that can handle most normal tasks with ease. Another option is the Case Slimline Trapper with chrome vanadium blade and yellow Delrin scales for around $30. It's lightweight, traditional in style, and built just like the other more expensive Case offerings.
 
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sean2021 said:
I know this recommendation is out of your range, but I would strongly recommend the Cold Steel Recon 1. The S35VN version has to be one of the best deals out there when you consider the blade material, handle material and locking system. The Triad lock is legendary in regards to it’s strength and the knife is a total beater ( plenty of video reviews online over the years that support this ). I recently purchased the Clip Point version on sale for just over $80 out-the-door. If you were to get only one blade shape, then Spear Point would probably be the best choice since it can perform a variety of tasks. The Recon 1 should last you a lifetime, it’s pretty much indestructible if used within reason.
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Can get the Mini for right around $50
 
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