Dollar for dollar heroes:
1. Real Steel Megalodon 2017. .14” thick, full flat ground M390, great in hand, action on par with $500+ knives. Can be had brand new for $170-$208. One site also has an N690 version for $99.99.
2. Massdrop x Laconico Keen. $139.99-$159.99 depending on handle style. Original design from a highly regarded designer, built by WE. S35VN, .155” thick at the spine, super aggressive ffg primary bevel angle, thin behind the edge. This one has taken over pocket time for a few of us.
Now, let’s throw value for the dollar away and look at the absolute best knife under $500:
It’ll be the Alliance Designs Ray Laconico Jasmine, because ... opinion and preference.