What would be the best knife under 30 dollars

I don't mean to be flippant, but 'best' is such a relative term as to be almost meaningless. Best to me may be 'worst' to you. That said, for quality of construction and price, I'll offer up a Byrd Cara Cara.

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What do u need the knife for? It's hard to speak in terms of "overall quality" if comparing different knives for different purposes...
 
I need a heavy duty knife that i can use at my ranch. It needs to be a tank. Folder though.
Given these criteria, my recommendation would be the Ontario RAT 1. Honorable mention goes to the Spyderco Tenacious and Kershaw Nerve.
 
I think, that in that price range, a definite possibility would be the Ontario rat 1. it is cheap, solid, and has secured the approval of many on the forum. for other options, you could look to the lower end of kershaw. Some options from them include the chill, the od-2, the oso sweet, the clash, and the volt 2. their customer service is amazing, and their knives are solid. the kershaw skyline is a solid little knife that is commonly available in wally world, and it slices like a dream, holds a edge, has a decent handle, a great pocket clip, and is a very good overall value. As the others have said, there is no best, but there sure are a lot of choices.
 
A heavy-duty folding knife that can be used for ranch chores for under $30.

As APF said, much of what makes a knife feel good in the hand is a matter of personal preference. I'd go with the Byrd line from Spyderco, if only because they produce a lot of designs in that price range. Then you can choose a size or blade shape that suits you. The Byrds are well made and would stand up to your usage.
 
Thanks the rat 1 looks solid and at 5 ounces it is a tank. I love my Skyline its quick opening and ergonomic, but why did they forget the chimping
 
+ 1 for the Ontario RAT 1.
It's the latest knife I bought and I love it. It's the first knife of this kind I get (I used to have fixed blades to go camping and hiking) but I guess it would be really hard to find a more solid folder for that price. Personally, I'm more than satisfied with it (I use it for heavy duty tasks when I camp and hike). Even if the material isn't really that high-end, the handle fits my hand, lock is strong enough, blade is thick enough (and it came really sharp), not that light but I assume that shouldn't be a problem for u.
If u have the opportunity to do it (I hadn't and was lucky with the RAT 1 - trusted other people's opinion of course) I would check it out personally as long as Kershaw's, Byrd's, and so on. Only by handling it u will know if it's good for u...
 
How about a Kabar Dozier or a Boker Trance? Both are well built for the money. Kershaw Volt II, Kershaw Clash, and the Kershaw Chill are all well made for the money. They have several others coming out if you want to wait awhile. The Ontario Rat 1 is also very well made. Another Kershaw that is very well made for the money is the Vapor. It is very tough and a framelock too. Hope you find one you like. Kevin :D
 
i personally recomend the spyderco tenacious. i have one myself and have beat the crap out of it...so to speak...and it has withstood everything i can throw at it...
 
I am thinking about this knife and i love it thanks for you alls input. I really want the Benchmade 940 but ya its a benchmade so pricey. Thank you!
 
Of the affordable knives that I own myself I can recommend the Spyderco Tenacious, EKA Swede 60 or Buck 110 as big strong knives. Is there a reason why you prefer a folding knife for your work? The Buck 110 for example is not a knife that I would carry in my pocket, but in a sheath on the belt. If you don't mind having a sheath on the belt, you could also look at the smaller fixed blade knives to increase your options.
 
Ontario RAT 1 is an excellent suggestion as is the Byrd line of knives. I don't have experience with the other brands recommended but I would wager the Buck 110 has probably ridden longer on the belts or in the pockets of ranchers,cowboys and outdoor workers than any other folding knife in history. It too, would make an excellent choice for your needs.
 
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