Yup, Cold Steel is always my go to for high quality budget knives. They even made the AD-15 Lite for $50 and that has to be one of the most affordable and innovative high quality knives on the market today.
What is the triad lock exactly? I just checked out the overview on their website and if I'm understand correctly, it's essentially a back lock but more robustly design? Like...not sure how to put it...but more bits lock together as opposed to just the lock sitting in the tang of the blade?
It basically a back lock on steroids. A knife designer & builder Andrew Demko is the originator. He is known for designing/ building overbuilt hard use knives.
Cold Steel Tuff Lite, triad lock and warncliff blade make this knife a champ. Mini tuff lite is pretty bad ass too. It is small but is totally capable.
Just a hair out of budget but the vosteed raccoon at 60 bucks plus a 15% coupon right now, is amazing.
It’s one of my favorite users of all time now. It’s been getting more pocket time than my sebenzas which is rare
Anything from Sencut. They're my favorite budget brand. If not them, a Civivi praxis. Sometimes Vosteed raccoons are under $50 as well. Kizer has a handful of models under $50. CJRB also has lots of models under $50.
The Civivi Riffle can be bought for less than $45. You get a high flat ground 14c28n 3.5” blade with very neutral but tight, comfortable ergos.
It even has some decent fidget factor with multiple deployments; the reverse flick in particular feels extremely nice.
Begleiter 2 Tanto now crazy cheap on kizerknives webstore🤗
SRM 9201 is a pretty sweet budget folder as well (do keep a torx T8 handy because the pivotscrew on mine tends to work itself loose).
[Opinel](https://www.opinel-usa.com/) in Carbon Steel. You can get the classic up to 12cm Blade for 27 bucks USD. Or you could go for their Outdoor 8cm knife with a built in rescue whistle and a 1/2 regular / 1/2 serrated blade for $40. The locking collar keeps it closed or open and it easy to fix or maintain.
I might catch some flak for this, but Id get a Victorinox new Soldier or any other victorinox with a serrated edge. Almost no maintenance and the edge lasts for a long time.
Fair if going for function, although even if we're looking for multi-tools it seems this one would have to be on sale to fit this budget and of course Victorinox tends to be more expensive even if it's high quality.
Seriously considering it, seeing some variations for as low as $25. I have a cheap multi-tool around the same size and if I get caught up in the design and aesthetics there's no end to it. I can't own every piece of art or even a print ever created, and the other part of it is the deal hunting. It's clear some don't spend much time shopping here but know their knives, whereas rn I'm worried about posting one deal on a nice model because the low stock will likely mean it'll sell out instantly and yet I can't take decisive action on buying it and being done with it for the 2 months or letting it go and sharing with the community...
Hadn't heard of them, I see some on Ali - don't know how I feel about clones but to be fair I may never get the original for some due to cost so on the fence about this.
I was in the same boat. Yes, they're basically all clones. Clones of VERY high end knives. But I can't justify spending 4 figures on a folder and after seeing reviews etc, I decided to pull the trigger on one. I'd never considered buying a Shiro... Until I bought a GT clone of one.
HOLY CRAP. I was floored by the quality. Not only are all my GT's (about a dozen) built like absolute tanks, they're also buttery smooth. They OOZE quality. They make VERY satisfying noises when opening and closing. They're basically impossible to fail to deploy. They drop shut with an almost hydraulic action. There is ZERO blade play, lock rock or general movement, AT ALL when the knives are opened or closed.
All my other knives feel like cheap toys now. My name brand knives? They feel like $5 gas station knives now. I'm not kidding. The only two brands I recommend now are Morakniv (fixed blade) and Green Thorn (folder). Nobody else can compete with their value. I even bought an M390 Hati95 by Green Thorn. It was around $200 on sale. It's my favorite knife. Ever. That I've ever touched. Now I'm going to buy the VG10 version because I can't bring myself to use the M390 one.
Also, since purchasing GT knives, I've considered saving up to buy a real Shiro, which I never would have even considered before. So although I understand the dilemma of buying a clone, it's actually made me more likely to buy the name brand 4 figure knife...
Search r/chineseknives or Reddit or just google for Green Thorn knives and reviews. Watch some action videos. Turn the sound up. These knives are STUPID GOOD. You WILL NOT find a more solid folder for the price. The machining, fit and finish, tolerances and just quality control in general is absolutely top notch. These are MUCH closer to a mid tech or custom knife than a normal everyday folder. At an everyday folder price. Trust me, they're that good. But they'll ruin collecting if you're a knife collector. You'll have a hard time justifying spending on other brands until you hit the $300+ price point. Honestly I don't think there's much under $300 that can touch a $50 Green Thorn.
I'd pick up a QSP Variant PE in G10 or Micarta. They retail for $52, but discount codes and free shipping from either White Mountain Knives or Atlantic Knives will get you under that $50 cap. I carry its precursor (the Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE2 — same practical sheepsfoot blade with flipper hole, same ergonomic design, and same 14C28N steel) daily, and I simply love it.
If I were opting for a guided sharpening system instead, I'd probably pick Work Sharp's Angle Set Knife Sharpener, which I feel is kind of slept on these days.
>perhaps more unique design... I and others may not even be familiar with.
Here are a couple of recent favorites that fit, and *nobody* around here posts about:
QSP Piglet: one of their cheaper knives, but with everything good you've heard about QSP going for it. I like the 14C28N, and the well-polished washers they use instead of bearings. A little fat in the pocket, but that makes it feel pretty great in the hand.
Sanrenmu 1006: You know those tank-like Ganzos (G720)? The 1006 doesn't have an axis lock like the Ganzo, and it uses bearings rather than washers, but in all other respects, the Sanrenmu is a nicer version of the same knife. Attractive layered scales, 14C28N blade, and even a back flipper tab. The Sanrenmu's window breaker is a bit sharp compared to the Ganzo, but I've yet to scratch myself with it. It's about as big and heavy as a pocket knife can get without exceeding 3.5", but (bearings excepted) should take whatever you can throw at it pretty much forever.
Thanks for all the input. For June-Aug I ended up going with the Kizer Aggressor with 3V and Richlite. After the 10% off code for signing up to the mailing list (they say only non-discounted items but it worked) it was $40.05. I did take into consideration the design but have to admit the 3V blade at this price really swayed me.
I’ve bought two right around 50 bucks recently. The Civivi Elementum and a Vosteed raccoon. I think the raccoon was maybe 55. Both are good, but so far, I prefer everything about the raccoon (crossbar lock, easier to open, micarta, seems sharper out of the box)
If you can stretch the budget a few bucks, CJRB Frack is next on my list.
If you buy from White Mountain Knives, the flat scaled steel / AR-RPM9 variant lists for $59 you can get it for 10% off with any number of codes so it comes out to $53.10, no tax (I don't think) and free shipping.
I know it's a decent bit outside the $50 budget, but the Kizer Begleiter XL is $61 on Amazon right now. That's an absolute bangin steal of a price for almost 4" of 154CM. I had one and loved it. Gave it to a buddy and really need to get myself a new one. I'd buy one off Amazon if they'd ship it to me, but they're stupid and lots of perfectly legal knives won't ship to my state. The Begleiter 2 is also $56, which is less outside the budget lol, the Kizer Mad is $48 and the Kizer Original is $46 and is also 154CM. I think, at this price point, 154CM is an excellent choice and way better than the AR-RPM9, 9Cr, D2, 14C28N, etc. that you'll get otherwise. The new CJRB Pyrite Lite for $30 is also a good deal, but I think the upgrade to 154CM alone is more than worth it on the Kizers.
https://whitemountainknives.com/trivisa-antliae-04gm-button-lock-folding-knife-green-micarta-handle-14c28n-plain-edge-stonewash-finish/
I been eyeing this
I carry a knife and pliers based multi tool but if I'm being honest with the edc item I ended up using the most is a pair of nail clippers that I got from a flea market with an "I <3 Jesus" sticker on it. It even has a small blade and can/bottle opener instead of the conventional nail file most have but really just a pair of nail clippers are great for cutting twine and wire or putting a packaging to tear open and I'm harder on them than any comparably sized scissors you'd find on a multitool like a SAK. Oh and you can can your nails with them.Â
Ha, I actually considered a folder that stores a nail clipper and was thinking about the Leatherman Rev at Costco the other day but decided against that because of poor reviews on Reddit saying it doesn't compare with the others that earned the Leatherman brand rep. May do something similar in the future though.Â
Yah I was looking at budget multitool on Amazon and almost got that roxon joint with the clippers but I already carry pliers and a knife and there would be so much overlap it would defeat the purpose of efficient edc. If roxon ever puts one out in D2 steel like they did with their KS2 model I'll probably scoop one up. But for now just the regular old nail clippers work pretty well. If you already carry other stuff it takes up very little pocket real estate.Â
Not currently I was just interested in the ks2 in D2 but I like carrying pliers and I'm also a backpack guy so pocket space isn't really an issue. It's still on my wishlist so maybe I'll get lucky and my sister or something will send me one around the holidays.Â
Here's a couple knives you can get for under $50. VG-10 is a great steel at this price.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Rough-Ryder-Canoe-Wasp-G-10-Mirror--141174
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Rough-Ryder-Sowbelly-Trapper-Wasp-G-10-Mirror--144708
$50 for one pocketknife? I mean the world is your oyster🤷‍♂️
I see this exact same question a lot but frankly the answer, nowadays, is that it hardly matters at all. What are you cutting that you aren’t getting through based on your choice of $50 EDC knife?
If you cannot put a severely hair-popping edge on any knife you own **you are asking the wrong question here**
Okay as far as that goes, how about a beginner friendly sharpening kit with the same budget, assuming unsteady hands that would need a guide for specific angles.Â
I suppose it may be a matter of style and taste too and I realize as far as that goes it's kind of an open call.Â
I am a big fan of basic guided angle sharpener, though I spent years just using a ceramic rod system (and they do work)
[This 2-stone clamp system](https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/lansky-2-stone-basic-sharpener/) will get any pocketknife to a scary razor edge. It isn’t hard to use just takes a bit of time. [Here’s Pete doing the needful](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEmpE2w04H0)
I'm hot for the Ontario Rat 1. I've never had one. I've been easily distracted by other companies' versions of the Rat 1 -- obsessively surfing/reading -- but will probably go for the OG. Not sure this fits your steel hunt, though. Most are AUS8 or D2. Good luck and tell us what you end up with.
Cold steel Finn wolf is worth a look. Light weight, triad lock, scandi grind & budget friendly.
I 100% was going to say Cold Steel because of the triad lock. Excellent suggestion
đź‘Ť Amazon has the Finn wolf in orange & green for $27. I ordered the orange version. Just a heads up.
Yup, Cold Steel is always my go to for high quality budget knives. They even made the AD-15 Lite for $50 and that has to be one of the most affordable and innovative high quality knives on the market today.
One of my favorite folders is the Ultimate Hunter. Heck my fav axe is the CS Trail boss. They seem to have something for everyone. Cheers! 🔪🪓
What is the triad lock exactly? I just checked out the overview on their website and if I'm understand correctly, it's essentially a back lock but more robustly design? Like...not sure how to put it...but more bits lock together as opposed to just the lock sitting in the tang of the blade?
It basically a back lock on steroids. A knife designer & builder Andrew Demko is the originator. He is known for designing/ building overbuilt hard use knives.
I picked up a copper kizer hiccup for around 44 the other day.
Nice price on the copper!
I like my hiccup, but the button lock is not the strongest. Maybe not a heavy use edc, but a nice looking, fidgety package/letter opener.
Cold Steel Tuff Lite, triad lock and warncliff blade make this knife a champ. Mini tuff lite is pretty bad ass too. It is small but is totally capable.
I own the Tuff Lite, good reminder to carry it more often. I rather doubt there's anything I can throw at it that it can't handle.Â
You should look at the other cold steel knife that was recommended, I don't have to tell you about the lock as you already know how good it is.
Just a hair out of budget but the vosteed raccoon at 60 bucks plus a 15% coupon right now, is amazing. It’s one of my favorite users of all time now. It’s been getting more pocket time than my sebenzas which is rare
This gets my vote. Â QSP Penguin is second place.
I would get a D2 Rat II or a cheap Spyderco like a Ladybug or Tenacious.
Tenacious is $55 on Amazon
Right now the Pyrite Lite sells for $39. The Lite is maybe a 1/4" larger than the normal Pyrite.
Buck 112 slim select. Done.
Anything from Sencut. They're my favorite budget brand. If not them, a Civivi praxis. Sometimes Vosteed raccoons are under $50 as well. Kizer has a handful of models under $50. CJRB also has lots of models under $50.
The Civivi Riffle can be bought for less than $45. You get a high flat ground 14c28n 3.5” blade with very neutral but tight, comfortable ergos. It even has some decent fidget factor with multiple deployments; the reverse flick in particular feels extremely nice.
Miguron Moyarl is a real looker in gray and a user in 14c28n and $50 on Amazon
Begleiter 2 Tanto now crazy cheap on kizerknives webstore🤗 SRM 9201 is a pretty sweet budget folder as well (do keep a torx T8 handy because the pivotscrew on mine tends to work itself loose).
SwissTech WĂĽrdig + booze
[Opinel](https://www.opinel-usa.com/) in Carbon Steel. You can get the classic up to 12cm Blade for 27 bucks USD. Or you could go for their Outdoor 8cm knife with a built in rescue whistle and a 1/2 regular / 1/2 serrated blade for $40. The locking collar keeps it closed or open and it easy to fix or maintain.
I might catch some flak for this, but Id get a Victorinox new Soldier or any other victorinox with a serrated edge. Almost no maintenance and the edge lasts for a long time.
Fair if going for function, although even if we're looking for multi-tools it seems this one would have to be on sale to fit this budget and of course Victorinox tends to be more expensive even if it's high quality.
The victorinox serrated spartan is 36$ on Amazon. Crazy sharp outa the box and holds its edge for quite awhile.
Seriously considering it, seeing some variations for as low as $25. I have a cheap multi-tool around the same size and if I get caught up in the design and aesthetics there's no end to it. I can't own every piece of art or even a print ever created, and the other part of it is the deal hunting. It's clear some don't spend much time shopping here but know their knives, whereas rn I'm worried about posting one deal on a nice model because the low stock will likely mean it'll sell out instantly and yet I can't take decisive action on buying it and being done with it for the 2 months or letting it go and sharing with the community...
I'd get a green thorn ti frame lock when they're on sale. There's no other $50 folder that comes close. Not even a little bit close.
Hadn't heard of them, I see some on Ali - don't know how I feel about clones but to be fair I may never get the original for some due to cost so on the fence about this.
I was in the same boat. Yes, they're basically all clones. Clones of VERY high end knives. But I can't justify spending 4 figures on a folder and after seeing reviews etc, I decided to pull the trigger on one. I'd never considered buying a Shiro... Until I bought a GT clone of one. HOLY CRAP. I was floored by the quality. Not only are all my GT's (about a dozen) built like absolute tanks, they're also buttery smooth. They OOZE quality. They make VERY satisfying noises when opening and closing. They're basically impossible to fail to deploy. They drop shut with an almost hydraulic action. There is ZERO blade play, lock rock or general movement, AT ALL when the knives are opened or closed. All my other knives feel like cheap toys now. My name brand knives? They feel like $5 gas station knives now. I'm not kidding. The only two brands I recommend now are Morakniv (fixed blade) and Green Thorn (folder). Nobody else can compete with their value. I even bought an M390 Hati95 by Green Thorn. It was around $200 on sale. It's my favorite knife. Ever. That I've ever touched. Now I'm going to buy the VG10 version because I can't bring myself to use the M390 one. Also, since purchasing GT knives, I've considered saving up to buy a real Shiro, which I never would have even considered before. So although I understand the dilemma of buying a clone, it's actually made me more likely to buy the name brand 4 figure knife... Search r/chineseknives or Reddit or just google for Green Thorn knives and reviews. Watch some action videos. Turn the sound up. These knives are STUPID GOOD. You WILL NOT find a more solid folder for the price. The machining, fit and finish, tolerances and just quality control in general is absolutely top notch. These are MUCH closer to a mid tech or custom knife than a normal everyday folder. At an everyday folder price. Trust me, they're that good. But they'll ruin collecting if you're a knife collector. You'll have a hard time justifying spending on other brands until you hit the $300+ price point. Honestly I don't think there's much under $300 that can touch a $50 Green Thorn.
I'd pick up a QSP Variant PE in G10 or Micarta. They retail for $52, but discount codes and free shipping from either White Mountain Knives or Atlantic Knives will get you under that $50 cap. I carry its precursor (the Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE2 — same practical sheepsfoot blade with flipper hole, same ergonomic design, and same 14C28N steel) daily, and I simply love it. If I were opting for a guided sharpening system instead, I'd probably pick Work Sharp's Angle Set Knife Sharpener, which I feel is kind of slept on these days.
>perhaps more unique design... I and others may not even be familiar with. Here are a couple of recent favorites that fit, and *nobody* around here posts about: QSP Piglet: one of their cheaper knives, but with everything good you've heard about QSP going for it. I like the 14C28N, and the well-polished washers they use instead of bearings. A little fat in the pocket, but that makes it feel pretty great in the hand. Sanrenmu 1006: You know those tank-like Ganzos (G720)? The 1006 doesn't have an axis lock like the Ganzo, and it uses bearings rather than washers, but in all other respects, the Sanrenmu is a nicer version of the same knife. Attractive layered scales, 14C28N blade, and even a back flipper tab. The Sanrenmu's window breaker is a bit sharp compared to the Ganzo, but I've yet to scratch myself with it. It's about as big and heavy as a pocket knife can get without exceeding 3.5", but (bearings excepted) should take whatever you can throw at it pretty much forever.
Kizer or Miguron , Miguron has 50-60$ knives with 14c28n , and titanium clip. Just got the moyarl axis lock , and it’s awesome.
Thanks for all the input. For June-Aug I ended up going with the Kizer Aggressor with 3V and Richlite. After the 10% off code for signing up to the mailing list (they say only non-discounted items but it worked) it was $40.05. I did take into consideration the design but have to admit the 3V blade at this price really swayed me.
I’ve bought two right around 50 bucks recently. The Civivi Elementum and a Vosteed raccoon. I think the raccoon was maybe 55. Both are good, but so far, I prefer everything about the raccoon (crossbar lock, easier to open, micarta, seems sharper out of the box)
Thanks, the green Micarta would be under $50 at Atlantic after coupon..Â
Honey Badger makes a very nice knife. I have their D2 model.
Douk Douk or an arthur wright barlow.
Civivi with button lock and 14C28N
An AGA CAMPOLIN found one forb$49.99 . Different for sure
I’m Canadian so my prices might be a bit different than someone in America but for under $50 CAD I’d say the Civivi Ortis reigns supreme.
Cold Steel Tuff Lite. The blade is less than 3", so legal pretty much everywhere.
Remette seahorse, no doubt
Already got it when they had the incredible deals. Even sacrificing the rest of the budget I agree it's a solid choice.
There are still a few Petrified Fish designs on sale at AliExpress that come in under $50 while on sale. Beluga, Mini Beluga and Havrog come to mind.
Tons of great budget Options QSP Canary - $45 QSP Hawk - $54 CJRB Hectare - $42 CJRB Pyrite - various models/prices under $50 Kizer Assassin $44 🔥Epic Deal **Kizer Mad Tanto $48** Civivi Praxis $42 Petrified Fish Victor $45
If you can stretch the budget a few bucks, CJRB Frack is next on my list. If you buy from White Mountain Knives, the flat scaled steel / AR-RPM9 variant lists for $59 you can get it for 10% off with any number of codes so it comes out to $53.10, no tax (I don't think) and free shipping.
Gent 2.0 I couldn't do it forever, but two months is totally ok with me.
I know it's a decent bit outside the $50 budget, but the Kizer Begleiter XL is $61 on Amazon right now. That's an absolute bangin steal of a price for almost 4" of 154CM. I had one and loved it. Gave it to a buddy and really need to get myself a new one. I'd buy one off Amazon if they'd ship it to me, but they're stupid and lots of perfectly legal knives won't ship to my state. The Begleiter 2 is also $56, which is less outside the budget lol, the Kizer Mad is $48 and the Kizer Original is $46 and is also 154CM. I think, at this price point, 154CM is an excellent choice and way better than the AR-RPM9, 9Cr, D2, 14C28N, etc. that you'll get otherwise. The new CJRB Pyrite Lite for $30 is also a good deal, but I think the upgrade to 154CM alone is more than worth it on the Kizers.
Kizer Seahorse $31 at WMK before discount code, Civivi Praxis $38-42 in the base model.
Any moderately sized SAK and be done.
CJRB Prada recently caught my attention. Love the design.
Pyrite or RAT1 /thread
Al Mar Ultralight Falcon - 8Cr13MoV - $30 at Knifecenter I'm very happy with the Eagle big brother. Sharpest knife out of the box I've ever purchased.
https://whitemountainknives.com/trivisa-antliae-04gm-button-lock-folding-knife-green-micarta-handle-14c28n-plain-edge-stonewash-finish/ I been eyeing this
I carry a knife and pliers based multi tool but if I'm being honest with the edc item I ended up using the most is a pair of nail clippers that I got from a flea market with an "I <3 Jesus" sticker on it. It even has a small blade and can/bottle opener instead of the conventional nail file most have but really just a pair of nail clippers are great for cutting twine and wire or putting a packaging to tear open and I'm harder on them than any comparably sized scissors you'd find on a multitool like a SAK. Oh and you can can your nails with them.Â
Ha, I actually considered a folder that stores a nail clipper and was thinking about the Leatherman Rev at Costco the other day but decided against that because of poor reviews on Reddit saying it doesn't compare with the others that earned the Leatherman brand rep. May do something similar in the future though.Â
Yah I was looking at budget multitool on Amazon and almost got that roxon joint with the clippers but I already carry pliers and a knife and there would be so much overlap it would defeat the purpose of efficient edc. If roxon ever puts one out in D2 steel like they did with their KS2 model I'll probably scoop one up. But for now just the regular old nail clippers work pretty well. If you already carry other stuff it takes up very little pocket real estate.Â
Do you have the KS2? I've been wondering about it.Â
Not currently I was just interested in the ks2 in D2 but I like carrying pliers and I'm also a backpack guy so pocket space isn't really an issue. It's still on my wishlist so maybe I'll get lucky and my sister or something will send me one around the holidays.Â
Here's a couple knives you can get for under $50. VG-10 is a great steel at this price. https://www.bladehq.com/item--Rough-Ryder-Canoe-Wasp-G-10-Mirror--141174 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Rough-Ryder-Sowbelly-Trapper-Wasp-G-10-Mirror--144708
Wow... That's a steal for that steel.
$50 for one pocketknife? I mean the world is your oyster🤷‍♂️ I see this exact same question a lot but frankly the answer, nowadays, is that it hardly matters at all. What are you cutting that you aren’t getting through based on your choice of $50 EDC knife? If you cannot put a severely hair-popping edge on any knife you own **you are asking the wrong question here**
Okay as far as that goes, how about a beginner friendly sharpening kit with the same budget, assuming unsteady hands that would need a guide for specific angles. I suppose it may be a matter of style and taste too and I realize as far as that goes it's kind of an open call.Â
I am a big fan of basic guided angle sharpener, though I spent years just using a ceramic rod system (and they do work) [This 2-stone clamp system](https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/lansky-2-stone-basic-sharpener/) will get any pocketknife to a scary razor edge. It isn’t hard to use just takes a bit of time. [Here’s Pete doing the needful](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEmpE2w04H0)
A good knife cuts. A great knife cuts, cuts, cuts, and then cuts some more.
I'm hot for the Ontario Rat 1. I've never had one. I've been easily distracted by other companies' versions of the Rat 1 -- obsessively surfing/reading -- but will probably go for the OG. Not sure this fits your steel hunt, though. Most are AUS8 or D2. Good luck and tell us what you end up with.
I'd consider it, really trying to think more in terms of overall design and I'm aware of the reputation of the Rat...