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

[King of the Cheese]

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.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Probably a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. A Tinker or Spartan are great deals, and even greater knives. Other good options are an Opinel if you dont mind having that bulbous handle in your pocket, or a Case Sodbuster (or Jr.) which is just a great knife.
My pick would be a Buck 110 though, as they are under $40 and an incredible knife that will cut like crazy and never let you down. Beautiful too!

 

[Drop bear]

Which one? Finn Wolf? Bush Ranger?

I am still holding out for the click and cut to be awesome.

I don't know the tough lite?

 

[Ajack60]

Kershaw1515 Random Task II

 

[Sergeua]

Umm. What's up doc. Error post.

 

[eveled]

The Mercator k55 knife is a great knife.

 

[Sergeua]

This one is almost the cheapest Ruike.

https://imgur.com/a/IdYz5P6

Put crk clip on it that's more extensive than the knife. It's got roller bearings, everything is solid and .4 mm BTE sickness. I don't always carry it, but when I do it's awesome.

 

[Lesknife]

Several places where you can get a Buck 110 LT for $29 , occasionally there are sales for $19.99. Standard size but light FRN handle. I have a couple of them in my pickups for times I need a bigger blade and as backup. They really do handle the tough jobs. I also have the red and blue ones from SKBlades with cpm154 blades I picked up for around $35 but they’re no longer available.

 

[B_Cridhe]

What do you want it for?
Self-defense role? I don't know, I don't buy cheap for that, I went with Benchmade Barrages, which are anything but cheap.

Bunch of uses, but don't want pliers? A Swiss Army Knife. I use the Victorinox Outrider. Gives you the long blade, saw, and important to me, scissors, among other tools. This model is in the $60 range.

Want something just for general purpose and just want a knife, no other tools on it? I probably have bigger hands than the guys above, and prefer the Opinel No. 12. Typically in the $25 range

 

[celticrogues]

I’ll add to the Buck 110 crowd.

 

[jbmonkey]

lots of options, but some Buck models


Buck rival line.

Buck bantam line

vantage selects when ya got a good one.

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

Ontario RAT 1 & 2
Still the best bang for your buck. Even in AUS 8

NEXT!!!

 

[fowlintent]

Impressed by the Civivi knives. Also bought a couple of Sanmenru knives about 6 years ago. Both are great knives for the money.

 

[mmyron1]

SAK Vic Tinker is my choice. Mine was in the ball park of I think $25.

If the price stayed the same as when I got one for $35 I would say the Spyderco Tenacious.

 

[scdub]

I’ve said this in several other threads, but the Cold Steel Tuff Lite is an awesome knife - especially for the price.
Right now Jeff Bezos is selling the blue handled one for ~$30.
I use this knife frequently for leather cutting and various craft projects, and I pocket carry it occasionally when wearing light shorts or just around the house.
Very easy to sharpen and gets very sharp, tri-ad lock, and handle ergos support use as a mini SD knife.

 

[bigsurbob]

A lot of great knives are mentioned, some of which I own including an Opinel, Case Sodbuster, Buck 110 and Vantage rosewood, Cold Steel ProLite and SAK Tinker.

To me it looked like a toss up between the ProLite and the 110. So I started comparing things like blade shape and dimensions, weight, what minor blade wiggle there is, and feel in hand.


The one handed opening of the ProLite makes me lean toward the Cold Steel for my vote for EDC. But the sturdiness, BOS heat treat and tried and true reputation of that venerable 110 makes me lean toward the Buck as my outdoor/survival option. Since this is "... for the LEAST amount of money" --land, I guess I can't have everything. Guess I have to pick one, eh Paratrooper06!?

My winner: Buck 110.

I shall carry it tomorrow!

 

[David Mary]

Another vote for Tuff Lite. I might have said Pro Lite, but the thing is disco'd!?

 

[David Mary]

Bob your inbox is full, but I wonder if you'd consider emailing me instructions on how to snag that blue Pro Lite from you?

 

[MolokaiRider]

Here is a few inexpensive but good options. I actually see a lot of folks carry an OH paring knife or similar in a cardboard/duct tape pocket sheath.

 

[MolokaiRider]

To answer the question directly, I get the most utility out of an under ten dollar Old Hickory.

Heat up and flatten some plastic tubing for a free"ish" sheath.

*edit*

Oops....the OP asked about folding knives, not fixed blades.

 

[Zulus]

Sorry to woke up you guys,
but
Buck 110 MAP is now $60

You talking about dream prices from gone era only !
Some leftovers available (maybe) in stores, not sold yet old inventory ...
That's All Folks