The thread about the MTech Kerambit kind of inspired me to post this.
I understand and appreciate all the implications that can go into producing a quality knife. Often I hear people say, "Well, this knife costs 100$ but the materials to make it only cost 20$!" I think they fail to realize a lot of the extra costs such as wages, shipping and receiving, R&D, market testing, customer support, machining equipment repair and replacement, royalties etc. For instance the talk about G10 being more expensive than FRN. I'm no expert, but I know a little about injection molding and such. Just looking at a Delica and a Manix, I would think some injection molden FRN would be cheaper to produce than G10, which needs to have texture machine grinded onto its surface. This is all fun to think about and discuss, but this is a hefty digression and I'd like to keep this thread from getting as political as the Mtech thread.
That being said, what are your favorite knives in the under 20$ category?
One of my first choices would be an Opinel. In fact, not only do these knives fit the requirements for this thread, but they're one of my favorite knives to own and use out of any price rang. The wood lacks the finish a Buck 110 has on it, so while its more vulnerable to the elements, you get a very nice feeling handle. Wood has a feeling that FRN cannot hold a candle to in my eyes. The lock is robust enough for everything I use a knife for, though that may not be the case with some of you. I really enjoy the overall stylings of the knife, they have a distinct old world feel that I much prefer to the tactical style thats currently vogue. Like with SAKs, their thin blades are pure cutters, easy to put a hair popping edge on.
SAKs are another obvious choice. I won't elaborate much on them, much has been said about them. Going back to the manufacturing discussion, I'm simply amazed at how good their QC is, as well as their replacement policies. I sent in a Classic that my brother had used for some odd purpose involving a candle, which left the blade soft, bent, blackened and covered with wax. Sitting before me is completely NIB classic shipped to my doorstep, no questions asked. One of the best bargains and most practical folders to exist in the world today.
I understand and appreciate all the implications that can go into producing a quality knife. Often I hear people say, "Well, this knife costs 100$ but the materials to make it only cost 20$!" I think they fail to realize a lot of the extra costs such as wages, shipping and receiving, R&D, market testing, customer support, machining equipment repair and replacement, royalties etc. For instance the talk about G10 being more expensive than FRN. I'm no expert, but I know a little about injection molding and such. Just looking at a Delica and a Manix, I would think some injection molden FRN would be cheaper to produce than G10, which needs to have texture machine grinded onto its surface. This is all fun to think about and discuss, but this is a hefty digression and I'd like to keep this thread from getting as political as the Mtech thread.
That being said, what are your favorite knives in the under 20$ category?
One of my first choices would be an Opinel. In fact, not only do these knives fit the requirements for this thread, but they're one of my favorite knives to own and use out of any price rang. The wood lacks the finish a Buck 110 has on it, so while its more vulnerable to the elements, you get a very nice feeling handle. Wood has a feeling that FRN cannot hold a candle to in my eyes. The lock is robust enough for everything I use a knife for, though that may not be the case with some of you. I really enjoy the overall stylings of the knife, they have a distinct old world feel that I much prefer to the tactical style thats currently vogue. Like with SAKs, their thin blades are pure cutters, easy to put a hair popping edge on.
SAKs are another obvious choice. I won't elaborate much on them, much has been said about them. Going back to the manufacturing discussion, I'm simply amazed at how good their QC is, as well as their replacement policies. I sent in a Classic that my brother had used for some odd purpose involving a candle, which left the blade soft, bent, blackened and covered with wax. Sitting before me is completely NIB classic shipped to my doorstep, no questions asked. One of the best bargains and most practical folders to exist in the world today.
