Best 'less expensive' folder?

[ChrisinHove]

I know some people won't count this, but my choice is Victorinox SAKS. …

Jim

Me too!

[kennethsime]

I think that Civivi seems to have the market cornered on affordable folders that still come with all the bells and whistles. They have a Micarta/D2 Elementum that retails for $50.

[Diamondback]

I would say for a $50 workingman's folder it would be hard to beat the large Cold Steel Voyager...three blade shapes to choose from and with Japanese AUS-10A steel that outperforms VG-10. Not the most handsome of folders, but certainly a knife that far outperforms its modest price tag. Very reliable.

[TomAiello]

I think I'm going to have to buy 6 or 7 of these and check them out for myself. Bunch of enablers here... :)

[PocketShredder]

Case Sodbuster and Sodbuster Jr. have never let me down and are more than affordable.

[SG89]

I carried a Buck Redpoint for years before I discovered spyderco. Served me well working in a warehouse environment

[knivesandbooks]

I can't remember the name of the model, but Buck makes a wood handled Stockman. I bought one for my dad and was very surprised at the quality for the price. Even the fit and finish was good, better than a Case. The knife and blades felt on the heftier side for a stockman, not one of the more delicate kinds. I think they're $40. Then again, classic combo for me is Rat Model 1 and a SAK. Cold Steel Tuff Lite for a Wharncliffe

[prndltech]

Outside of Byrd or Spyderco budget line of course as you asked…. The rat model 1 or model 2 in aus 8 is hands down one of the best of all time. It’s performance beats their D2. I’ll say it again, their D2 sucks, I own both. Plenty of tests have been done outside my own experiences on YouTube. For the money I feel one of these is the best for a locking blade. Outside of that, can’t beat a good SAK. Pioneer or electrician being being my favorite, tinker is a close runner up and a classic is always with me.

Then there’s Buck knives with The ultimate 420hc heat treatment… tons of good options assuming you get a good one. Love a 55, squire or prince in the pocket.

[ladybug93]

spyderco: i really like my resilience and astute.
other brands: it's hard to beat cold steel for value. i also really like both the avispa and zancudo produced by brk for esee. victorinox is always a good budget option as well.

[R100]

Kabar Dozier is solid value for $25 if you just want something to throw in the glovebox.

[Doc Dan]

The Buck Ranger Select comes to mind. It is very light weight and a proven design. It comes with a removable clip. It is only around $26.

[Paraguy]

I really like Opinels, but they're definitely an acquired taste.

Have you tried Svords?

[Paraguy]

I have a few Civivi models that I really like. The Elementum is great. And now I'm really liking the Altus. I know I have at least one more but I can't remember which one at the moment

+1 for the Altus. I've had my eye on this model. It looks like a really fun knife - ya cant go wrong with a Civivi in this price range!

Good brands for the money in the 25-100 range:
Civivi
Qsp
Sog
Cold steel
Cjbr (or however you say it)
Ontario
Kershaw

[Paraguy]

If I had to pick one standout in my lists above, I would chose the CS Tuff Lite.

Ooh- good choice.

[Paraguy]

Slightly upscale in price are the Kershaw Link, Dividend, and Skyline. All good knives & made in USA.

Aren't they 20cv as well?

20CV for $84. Nice! https://knifeworks.com/kershaw-link-oli ... um-handle/

Meh. Kershaw has a pretty soft HT. It wont perform like Spyderco's 20cv

[bleasure]

i don't think you can get a better inexpensive knife than an opinel. you can always add a pocket clip to them if you like! i am also very fond of my mercator - despite how thin it is, it's always been comfortable, and you can get the smaller one for ease of carrying. i'd also agree about whatever SAK of choice, or picking up an old, quality jackknife or barlow for $20 on ebay.

[Evil D]

I really like Opinels, but they're definitely an acquired taste.

Have you tried Svords?

Yeah I've got one, they're not bad for what they are but are also priced around the same as an Opinel and the Opinels are arguably far better, they definitely have way better blade/edge geometry and they have a lock if that makes a difference for you.

[Ramonade]

It depends on the wanted blade shape and locking mechanism.

For me, at 65 € the Kizer Sliver is a really good linerlock with a superb (and almost full) hollow grind. S35vn and aluminium handles.
A really good knife for the price.

[Paraguy]

I really like Opinels, but they're definitely an acquired taste.

Have you tried Svords?

Yeah I've got one, they're not bad for what they are but are also priced around the same as an Opinel and the Opinels are arguably far better, they definitely have way better blade/edge geometry and they have a lock if that makes a difference for you.

Opinel has a better fit and finish but I actually feel more confident using a Svord despite it not having a lock. (You don't need one because of the tang) It feels more sturdy. I also like how easy it is to disassemble.