$30 Knife for a Friend

Leo Greer

Leo Greer

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
865
Exactly what the title says! I’m looking at buying a knife for a friend whose birthday is coming up quickly. He mentioned something about how I’m always carrying like four knives, and him wanting something like that, so I thought, “I can find that..”

But after about 30 minutes of research, the only potential candidate I’ve found has been the Civivi Fracture.

What would y’all suggest?

This guy probably wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference between a nice knife and crappy one, but I like getting people quality items and not just sporting goods store crap.

That and I love the look people get when they flip a budget knife on bearings and go “What?? How much did this cost?”

What do y’all suggest? 🤔
 
I rec the RAT 2 in D2, the finest version is black blade/bone white handle, nicer than a Bugout, but they don't sell them like that, you need to take a black blade and switch it. Either way, the RAT2 is GREAT.
Does he like bigger knives? The Rat 1 is a two dollar diff. Sometimes cheaper on Ontario, got mine for less than 30 there over holidays. Should have bought more bone white.

Cold Steel Tuff-Lite is also good, it isn't bad, but it feels like a Milwaukee type thing to me. That's JUST me.
Byrd Cara Cara? It's the Byrd PM2.
 
Any blade length restrictions we need to know about?

Ruike P801. Classic blade shape and 14C28N is a great steel at this price point. Ruike has some other styles too.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--RUIKE-P801-Frame-Lock-Knife--60856

Kabar Dozier is another classic solid budget knife.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-Dozier-Foliage-Green-Folding--16581

Let's not forget a SAK. If he is kinda a tool guy, maybe the extra tools might suit him.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Victorinox-Swiss-Army--2087
 
Last edited:
No limitations on size other than it should probably be larger than 3.25”. When you don’t know much about knives, bigger just seems better.

He doesn’t have a taste as far as I’m aware.
 
gazz98 said:
Is there any size limitations on the blade size we need to know about?

Ruike P801. Classic blade shape and 14C28N is a great steel at this price point. Ruike has some other styles too.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--RUIKE-P801-Frame-Lock-Knife--60856
Click to expand...
That P801 looks pretty darn like what I’m looking for… and yeah, I’m a big fan of 14C28N.

It’s basically LC200N with a tiny bit less edge retention and a tiny bit less corrosion resistance, and more toughness.

I own one Ruike and for $20 used it’s amazing… the P121.
 
blue333 said:
Like the above few mentioned, I say a Ontario Rat 1 or 2 is a solid choice! I like that they have their own unique sound when flicked open.
Click to expand...
This, too. He specifically mentions that he enjoys it when a quality budget knife has an action like a more expensive knife, and the action on both RATs is great, they make a wonderful, pleasing, loud click upon opening and they open so smoothly, the action is smoother than on some knives that are $200 that I have. It was actually the RAT 1 that I was sitting, flicking open and thinking to myself, "It really sucks that I can't just carry autos, but wow, look at that!".
 
Zulus said:
RAT I or II
Click to expand...
Probably hard to beat the Rat 1 for how solidly they're built at that price point.

If you're looking for a classier look, you could go with the QSP Penguin in D2 steel with denim micarta. It's another good knife available for a low price.

51755094386_e5718acf32_b.jpg
 
Last edited:
Lots of great options here. If you are looking for something that is a decent size I agree with others that looking at the RAT 1 is a good bet. Strong, decent action despite not being on bearings, and if not abused it will last years easily. If you were willing to spend another 5-10 bucks your world opens up significantly.

The CJRB large Feldspar can be had with bearings and D2 right now for under $40 (right around 35 most places I think) and that is another great bang for your buck.

Within Civivi's lineup you can scoop up a Praxis in 9Cr which is going to be way more rust resistant than the AUS8 on the RAT and far more stainless than the D2 on most other budget offerings. They can be had right now for about $42 which is a bit over what you are looking to spend but you are getting a lot for your money including contoured scales.

Personally I would steer clear of the Civivi Fracture since you mentioned that you are looking to impress with the action and I believe that is a slip joint knife so its not going to lock up for an inexperienced knife user and the action is not going to be anything to write home about. Instead, I may suggest the slightly smaller Civivi Badlands Vagabond which can be had right now for $40 even OR if you want to go a bit bigger the Civivi Governor which is right around $45 making it the most expensive of my suggestions tho still very affordable.
 
Last edited:
Well, I'd like to help more, but it sounds like all of my best suggestions have already been mentioned.lol. At that budget the CS Tuff Lite and Ontario Rat one are the first ones to come to my mind too. Great budget blades that'll do alot of work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top