View Full Version : 3" folder, US steel, budget friendly for carry?
Can anyone recommend a good daily carry folder? Must be made in the US and ideally less than $50. No tanto style blades either.
If you have a place to buy online that might be cheaper than Dicks etc, that would help too.
Thanks.
ETA: Lock open a must. Not sure if that needed to be said or not.
ETA2: I guess I want something like a drop point. At least some type of curved edge, not a straight edge.
Ok, these are some of the knives I'm looking at. Let me know what you think. Let me know if you know they're not made from US steel.
CRKT M21
http://www.knifeworks.com/crktm21spearpointgreyanodizedaluminumhandleplainedge1.aspx
Boker Plus Cera-Tac
http://www.knifeworks.com/bokerpluscera-tacplainblackceramicbladeg-10handles.aspx
Boker Plus M type.
http://www.knifeworks.com/thehyperblackg-10scalesblackbladecomboedge-1-1.aspx
Boker Plus CLB
http://www.knifeworks.com/bokerplusclbdirektg-10handleplainedge-1.aspx
How firm is that $50 price point? The reason I ask is because I just bought one of these from knifeworks.com
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmademinigriptilianblacknorylgtxhandlebkcoatedcomboedge-1.aspx
When you place it in your cart and apply the coupon code BR549 during checkout it drops the price to $70 and some change. Still over your stated budget, but a great knife as I understand it.
How firm is that $50 price point? The reason I ask is because I just bought one of these from knifeworks.com
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmademinigriptilianblacknorylgtxhandlebkcoatedcomboedge-1.aspx
When you place it in your cart and apply the coupon code BR549 during checkout it drops the price to $70 and some change. Still over your stated budget, but a great knife as I understand it.
Well, I'm an engineer. Most of what I'll be using this for is cutting tape off boxes, maybe a zip tie or two. Not really any hard use. I want a decent knife "in case," but don't want to spend a lot for something that's more than I need.
My top pics right now are the M21 and M Type mostly because I like the grip and blade style.
lovetashoot
08-02-11, 15:16
+1 for the Benchmade. I've been carrying the BM mini griptilian for about five years. It has been a great knife. Plus, being a lefty, I really aprreciate the true ambidextrous operation.
the Buck Vantage Pro caused quite a stir on the knife websites when it was introduced as the best value available at the time. I don't have one so I can't give personal experience...
they come with several different variations of blade steel and handle material, serrated or straight blade, and come either 2.5" or 3.25". I like the 3.25" with S30V steel with G10 handles. you should be able to get it close to your price if you shop.
the other blade choices are 420HC and 13C26 Sandvik steel with aluminum or plastic handles at quite a bit less...
http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3653
Buck Vantage all the way. They have 3 versions that increase in price. I have the Select, which is the cheapest one, and it is a great knife. I think it was around $25.
Another great knife is an Ontario Rat Model 1. I think it is US made. It is another fantastic knife that only costs about $25.
lifebreath
08-02-11, 18:06
For a tad more, I love the Kershaw Ken Onion Speedsafe knives. The 1660 series is a 3" folder and easily opens with one hand with a sweet spring assist. Made in USA and the steel is Sandvik 14C28N stainless. The easy one handed operation is not only fun, but very useful.
lifebreath
08-02-11, 18:09
Whoops ... You can get the Kershaw for under $50.
Thanks for the info guys. I'll definitely check out the Buck.
If you are gonna use it for box and zip tie duty just get a folding utility knife and a box of blades.
I have quite a few knives and like a quality blade. I found a SOG Trident in my wife's stuff and promptly adopted it. :D
Here is a good video review that addresses blade to grip size ratios that you may have never considered. The blade is a little longer than you like but it is an assisted opener and it works well. The clip allows the knife to be carried very low in the pocket. You can get the basic model for $60 and camo or Ti models for a little more. "Mine" is a desert digital and I carry it at work and home, even in slacks, without noticing it. The grip seems large but it actually works very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbhA0ppF-ag
Went to Bass Pro. They only had the 3". Anyone know the cheapest place for the Vantage small?
I want a 2.5" now. 2.25 is fine too. 3 was too big.
ETA: might not get the Buck, the handle is pretty long compared to the blade.
Alright, I'm placing an order for two Vantage Smalls. One for me, one for my wife. The ones I saw in Bass were the large, so this size should be fine. Thanks for all the help!
You might also look at the Bucklite line. The 3" is under $20 last I looked. I had a 4" for a while, it was a very good knife.
Does the Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian have the type of blade you're looking for available?
Reagans Rascals
08-03-11, 21:06
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/SWCKG103S/smith-
that's what I carry daily... I know its a tanto but it works great for me
titsonritz
08-03-11, 21:08
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica-Folding-Plain-Knife/dp/B000PL5C84
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica-Wave-Model-C11PGYW/dp/B0016CPHMM
lethal dose
08-03-11, 21:13
Kershaw blur.
I've got several Kershaw models - hold an edge reasonably well, strong pocket clip, screws never came loose, they do have several models made in the US, the Speedsafe line is fast, inexpensive enough that you woun't cry if you loose it (Cabelas usually has them on sale) the made in China models can be even less expensive. Good bang for the buck.
askani79705
08-04-11, 08:32
If you go to Walmart they are clearing out Kershaw Blackouts and Skylines for $30
Does the Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian have the type of blade you're looking for available?
I thought about the Griptilian. Looks like what I wanted, but so does the Buck.
Spyderco Endura 4; it's an amazing blade for a decent price.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Endura4-Lightweight-Ground-PlainEdge/dp/B003CH1SQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312477256&sr=8-1
The blade MAY be Japanese, but they're normally better quality anyway.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica-Folding-Plain-Knife/dp/B000PL5C84
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica-Wave-Model-C11PGYW/dp/B0016CPHMM
VG-10 is Japanese steel, the OP wants US steel.
You could get a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in CPM-S30V for ~$100 if you want good US steel (Crucible is in PA) and made in USA (Spyderco in Golden, CO).
Lots of good choices ~$50-60 if you will accept Japanese or Swedish steel though.
Exiledviking
08-04-11, 16:52
Lots of good choices ~$50-60 if you will accept Japanese or Swedish steel though.
Which ones use Swedish steel?
Here's the most comprehensive steel article I have found; it led me to my decision. http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml
I have the Spyderco Endura 4 FFG and absolutely love it. It is a far far better knife than any of my Kershaws in my opinion. And I was very skeptical of the Spyderco, until mine arrived and I held it.
That said, I didn't recommend it because he wants American steel. I won't fault him for that one bit, I suppose- my suggestion? Griptilian!
tsunami105
08-04-11, 20:35
If you go to Walmart they are clearing out Kershaw Blackouts and Skylines for $30
you can also take a look at the kershaw blur, i've had mine still for about 2 years now and had no problems.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk
Which ones use Swedish steel?
Sandvik is a Swedish steel company. They make 12c27 and other well known knife steels. Uddelhom is another one, but I can't name any of their steel "spec names" right off the top of my head.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.