Favorite $20-$30 pocket knife or less.

[Ton ton]

I like my CRKT lock back pretty good. Sorry I don't have a pic. $20 before tax. It's black with a steel handle. Some of the other knife threads are old so I decided to start a new one. Feel free to post pics. Have @ it.

 

[seber]

CRKT philosophy is that a pocket knife is a statement. To that end virtually all of their knives are designed to look cool first and function second. For me, that does not work. Also, most of them are flippers. That's a no go for me. I don't carry a knife because i like how it looks. I want one that does a job day in and day out. If it is attractive, that's a plus but not required.

 

[measuredtwice]

Vintage USA knives new old stock, Victorinox, new old stock Schrade USA (closed), Opinel, Mora, Moki fish owl, Case ** USA, Buck stockman or folding hunting or fixed blade... might be able to get a used Spyderco for around $30 also.

 

[mike93lx]

a little over your price range, but I have a couple Kershaw Leeks that I like. assisted opening, thin, and available in any color you want. mine are stainless, partial serrated.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have a Gerber 3 blade stockman lockback that I like. If I ever see them again I'll buy a few more.

 

[Jazz1]

I have a Kershaw Burst,,,it was only $20. Its excellent knife, partially serrated blade, been my everyday carry for a few years

 

[exmaxima1]

Kershaw makes alot of budget-friendly knives, and are mostly very competitive in your price range. If I needed a cheapy knife for a gift I would possibly buy the Kershaw "Emerson" model. If you don't mind a ruddy brown color, it's right at $30:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XT231KB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[snickers muncher]

Ontario Rat 1 or even cheaper for an actually decent Chinese knife Sanrenmu 710.

I stopped carrying Sypderco and Benchmade for those two.

 

[Retroman]

CRKT philosophy is that a pocket knife is a statement. To that end virtually all of their knives are designed to look cool first and function second. For me, that does not work. Also, most of them are flippers. That's a no go for me. I don't carry a knife because i like how it looks. I want one that does a job day in and day out. If it is attractive, that's a plus but not required.

Don't you "flip" open your Spyderco with the hole? or is it the flipper tab you don't like on other flippers?

For $30.00 bucks or less your not getting much of a knife and some pretty soft steel.
I am not wealthy enough to buy cheap Chinese disposable items. That being said China does produce some high end quality knifes on par with or better than some American companies.

 

[EZ_Garage]

I have a bunch of Kershaw models... my favorite is probably the LINK. It's a little large for some but for me I really like it. The LEEK is slightly smaller and a lot of folks like that knife as an EDC. Prices fluctuate but both can be had for around $30 ona deal. I know some of the newer model Kershaws are imported so, I'm not sure if all of the LEEKS and LINKS are still made in USA. Mine were.

 

[LonestarLando]

Kershaw Shuffle II. The size, price and function have made it my EDC for years now. A benchmade would be sweet, but the way I am with knives, it's best that I stick with affordable and functional. I currently have 3 of these at home right now, so if I lose one, I just grab one of the extras.

My Pros:
Price
Size
Tonto Blade
Bottle Opener (good for opening primary beverages of beer and topo chico)
Phillips/Scull Craker **** End

Cons:
Made in China
Hardness of Blade

 

[Dave455]

There are some pretty good inexpensive pocket knives out there, and you certainly don’t have to buy Chinese!

Cheapest option, how about an Opinel? French made (sure, the steel isn’t the hardest) but the blades are very well ground (better than some costing far more) and they take a good edge. I have a couple of Number 10’s and they’re great for when you need something more than a Stanley knife, but don’t want something you need to baby. Not sure about U.S. availability, but these sell in the U.K. for the equivalent of $11

What about a Swiss Army Knife? Really decent steel, and again decently ground blades. Provided you don’t want one loaded with different blades, I can get a basic model, like the ‘tinker’ shown, for the equivalent of $20 and I’d hope they’re not much more costly in the U.S.

Alternatively, what about an army jack knife? The one shown is a British Army pattern, and the quality varies with the contractor, but decent ones can be had for the equivalent of $20 here. I quite like these as working knives. The blade shape is rugged, they take a reasonable edge, and the all stainless construction makes them easy to clean!

 

[exmaxima1]

Don't you "flip" open your Spyderco with the hole? or is it the flipper tab you don't like on other flippers?

For $30.00 bucks or less your not getting much of a knife and some pretty soft steel.
I am not wealthy enough to buy cheap Chinese disposable items. That being said China does produce some high end quality knifes on par with or better than some American companies.

The Spyderco "Gayle Bradley" shown in that post was indeed made in China (many consider Taiwan part of China).

 

[Kenstone1]

Any of the Kershaw "flippers" with some contoured handle profile.
I dislike slab sided knives with sharp edges.
Yeh I know made in china.

But like everything I buy they need some modifying, like adding jibbing
OSO Sweet Kershaw, 1776 Kershaw.
In the pic you can see where I tried to jib the top of the blade, nope, too hard
I'm not a fan of serations but only sharpen with the course stone in my sharpening kit.
This results in a micro serated edge
Try it, works for me for the stuff I cut,

 

[bobcatdan]

For about $40, the Buck 110.

 

[mrjaw14]

Ontario Rat 1. AUS8 steel, and G10 handle, which is about as good as you can get for a ~$30 knife.

 

[seber]

Don't you "flip" open your Spyderco with the hole? or is it the flipper tab you don't like on other flippers?

For $30.00 bucks or less your not getting much of a knife and some pretty soft steel.
I am not wealthy enough to buy cheap Chinese disposable items. That being said China does produce some high end quality knifes on par with or better than some American companies.

Flipper refers to the tab that sticks out the base of the blade. I find it unhandy and unreliable. Tried both and inexpensive one and then Spyderco's best. Hated both.

 

[Lisamelting]

Good timing for me with this thread. I don't have any knives that one would call high end. I keep a Kabar fixed blade in the car and carry either a Sog Trident or Cold Steel Prolite at work.

The Sog is okay, but totally beat up and the handle has partially melted. Never liked the Cold Steel, but at $25 I got what I paid for.

Based on this thread I'm going to order the Ontario Rat 1 today.

 

[lardy1]

Buck 186C. Cheap. Practical. Made in the U.S. of A. Mine survived twelve years of Marlinspike Seamanship and is still going strong.

 

[Retroman]

Flipper refers to the tab that sticks out the base of the blade. I find it unhandy and unreliable. Tried both and inexpensive one and then Spyderco's best. Hated both.

I have never owned a Spyderco so I am not familiar with their flipping action. I only buy quality knifes that have a super quick and smooth opening action. I know some are clunky and don't open quickly and fully. Try a Shirogorov Neon and it will quickly change your mind about flippers.

 

[Legion Prime]

The Spyderco "Gayle Bradley" shown in that post was indeed made in China (many consider Taiwan part of China).

Hooray, another unnecessary introduction of politics into a thread that has nothing to do with politics! You even managed to do it without adding anything constructive to the conversation, I applaud you sir! You are who make this board an enjoyable place to visit, I and your post count thank you for all your hard work!

 

[Rabid Badger]

Hooray, another unnecessary introduction of politics into a thread that has nothing to do with politics! You even managed to do it without adding anything constructive to the conversation, I applaud you sir! You are who make this board an enjoyable place to visit, I and your post count thank you for all your hard work!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[measuredtwice]

The Spyderco "Gayle Bradley" shown in that post was indeed made in China (many consider Taiwan part of China).

Hooray, another unnecessary introduction of politics into a thread that has nothing to do with politics! You even managed to do it without adding anything constructive to the conversation, I applaud you sir! You are who make this board an enjoyable place to visit, I and your post count thank you for all your hard work!

COO is important information... even required by law.

Buh mo teefs iz mo bedduhs!

without adding anything constructive to the conversation

I'm not sure what this post added to conversation. Haha.

 

[measuredtwice]

I have a bunch of Kershaw models... my favorite is probably the LINK. It's a little large for some but for me I really like it. The LEEK is slightly smaller and a lot of folks like that knife as an EDC. Prices fluctuate but both can be had for around $30 ona deal. I know some of the newer model Kershaws are imported so, I'm not sure if all of the LEEKS and LINKS are still made in USA. Mine were.

Hadn't heard of the Kershaw Link. I've been meaning to take a look at the Kershaw Leek and will have to look at the Link as well.

 

[twistedstang]

Hmmm. How about a used Kershaw USA made knife.

 

[Robinson1]

Buck 110/112 Slim, Buck 110/112 Lightweight, Buck 283, Buck 284, Buck 285

Literally take your pick of Victorinox models.

It's still possible to buy a Case USA knife in this price range if you are happy with composition handle materials

 

[tarbellb]

Kershaw Leek-


Can often be found in the $30s, and considered a industry standard for EDC by many. The cheapest USA made Kershaw as well.

 

[bob15]

Swiss Arm Pioneer. Been carrying one daily for over 30 years. No issues, no problems.

https://www.dlttrading.com/swiss-army-metal-series

The Pioneer is your basic jackknife.

 

[toolmutt]

Flipper refers to the tab that sticks out the base of the blade. I find it unhandy and unreliable. Tried both and inexpensive one and then Spyderco's best. Hated both.

I have thumb issues (long story) so the flipper tab is a godsend for my one handed knife opening ability.

 

[dubdoc]

I carry a Kershaw Cryo. Great little knife I picked up off ebay used for &25.

 

[liliysdad]

I am an unabashed knife snob....but I also like to find bargains. I would love to see you increse your limit to $50....but if $30 is your hard top....Kershaw is going to be your easiest path. I am not a huge fan of their knives, but they offer a solid value and decent materials.

Other options, which I prefer, include the Ontario Utilitac
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON8908/Ontario-Utilitac-II-Folding-Knife-3-12-inch-Satin-Plain-Blade-Highly-Textured-Handles

ESEE Zancudo

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RCBRKR1CBB/esee-knives-zancudo-folding-knife-black-blade-coyote-frn-and-stainless-steel-handles

Buck Vantage
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BU345BKS/buck-vantage-select-large-linerlock-folder-420hc-blade

There are definitely others. For example, both the Zancudo and the Utilitac are on sale on KnifeCenter in different styles for less than $30.

 

[Ton ton]

$30 is my hard top, unfortunately. My finances are tight right now.

 

[Rabid Badger]

This is a hell of a lot of knife for $30:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9ZRHVP

Or if you're afraid of knife snobs accusing you of buying a ZT knock off, dig another $5 out of your couch cushions and buy one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1WJWYT

 

[liliysdad]

This is a hell of a lot of knife for $30:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9ZRHVP

Or if you're afraid of knife snobs accusing you of buying a ZT knock off, dig another $5 out of your couch cushions and buy one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1WJWYT

I don't do Chinese knives....

Both the ESEE/BRK Zancudo and Ontario Utilitac have an AUS8 Blade, and are made in Taiwan. The Buck Vantage uses Buck's 420HC steel, and is made in the USA.

With these offerings, among a multitude of others, there simply isn't a reason to go cheap, or Chinese.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I don't do Chinese knives....

Both the ESEE/BRK Zancudo and Ontario Utilitac have an AUS8 Blade, and are made in Taiwan. The Buck Vantage uses Buck's 420HC steel, and is made in the USA.

With these offerings, among a multitude of others, there simply isn't a reason to go cheap, or Chinese.

The Zancudo and Utilitac aren't bad, but that Buck is a mess of low-mid grade steel, roughly finished metal components and cheap molded plastic.

As far as going cheap, this is a thread about $20-30 knives. Cheap is literally the name of the game.

Also, while Samrenmu may not charge a ton for their knives their manufacturing facilities are state of the art and they take pride in producing a quality product. Fit and finish is on par with products costing 10x as much.

 

[liliysdad]

I can't argue on the Buck...I was not impressed, but its made in the US, and that's important to some folks. 420HC sure ain't great...but its easy to sharpen and hard to break...good traits in a knife thats likely to be abused.

I have had some Sanrenmu stuff, and it is nice..not sure about "par with products costing 10x"....its also completely Chinese, and a large portion of their product line are blatant copies of known designs. I can handle imports...I refuse to stoop to Chinese.

For me, the Spyderco Endura is the cheap knife to have. If I need a beater, that's where I go.

 

[snickers muncher]

Also, while Samrenmu may not charge a ton for their knives their manufacturing facilities are state of the art and they take pride in producing a quality product. Fit and finish is on par with products costing 10x as much.

I have had some Sanrenmu stuff, and it is nice..not sure about "par with products costing 10x"....i

I switched from a Benchmade to a Sanrenmu 7010. The blade grinding on the Sanrenmu was better than on the Benchmade that literally cost 10x more. The blade steel/hardness/geometery on the Benchmade is far better and the whole knife would probably last longer.

I switched from the Sanrenmu 7010 to the Rat 1 because the Sarenmu's handle was just too small for hard cuts. I bought both for $7!!! (gearbest.com and walmart clearance)

 

[seber]

The Zancudo and Utilitac aren't bad, but that Buck is a mess of low-mid grade steel, roughly finished metal components and cheap molded plastic.

As far as going cheap, this is a thread about $20-30 knives. Cheap is literally the name of the game.

Also, while Samrenmu may not charge a ton for their knives their manufacturing facilities are state of the art and they take pride in producing a quality product. Fit and finish is on par with products costing 10x as much.

All Buck knives are made with 420HC and hardened to a better state than almost any similar priced import. Finish is good for the price and value is outstanding. Only a few of them have plastic scales. I would be happy to carry a Buck if they came with a better opening and lock system similar to Spyderco.

 

[liliysdad]

My personal opinion is that, whether its tool, knives, guns, or whatever, folks love to think they found something better than the best for 1/10th the cost. Its normal human nature, and we are all guilty of it to some extent.

The Chinese knives have come a long way, but its still a complete mystery what steel they use...yes, they tell you its something, but who really knows? The vast bulk of their designs are blatant copies of known companies, and I have to see one that is "better" than a Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, etc.....

To each their own, however....carry what you want. When I can get a VG-10 FFG Endura for under a hundred bucks....I don't have any need to shop elsewhere for a cheap knife.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

kershaw blur....all day long on ebay for under $30. Best knife I have owned...I have 2, and try to find them on ebay for cheap. And USA made!!!