Recommendation? Favorite thumb stud knives under $200

[ktataragasi]

As the title says I'm looking for some recommendations for thumb stud opening knives under $200. Feel free to go as low as you want if it really stands out. I prefer knives under 3.5" blade length. Not very picky on handle materials but I prefer slimmer knives both in height and thickness.

 

[jlauffer]

As the title says I'm looking for some recommendations for thumb stud opening knives under $200. Feel free to go as low as you want if it really stands out. I prefer knives under 3.5" blade length. Not very picky on handle materials but I prefer slimmer knives both in height and thickness.

Demko AD20.5
Cold Steel Mini Recon 1

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

MBK-Mini old guard

 

[Fixall]

I’ve gotta give it to the Benchmade Mini-Grip or Hogue MK-1 version simply because it’s the only thumb stud knife under $200 that stayed in my collection (albeit highly modified).

I will say that I think the CJRB Pyrite and the CJRB Feldspar are among the best value thumb-stud knives I’ve experienced. Amazing action, and lots of cool options for handles/steel.

 

[Another Shepherd]

EDC: The old, blue Bugout with S30V at 15 degrees per side from the factory. Great action and cuts better than anything else I have.
Hard use: Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter S35VN. Almost as good as a fixed blade.

 

[el gigantor]

Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter is a fantastic package for the money. Great ergos and a slicey but strong blade.

EDIT: Another Shepherd beat me to it!

 

[oldmanwilly]

In no particular order:

Hogue Deka (Magnacut or 20CV)
Cold Steel American Lawman
Cold Steel Voyager
Cold Steel Recon 1
Kershaw Blur

 

[Boattale]

How about under $50? Great knife, I kid you not.
View attachment 2415005

 

[hkssr20det]

I really like the QSP Penguins, especially the Kaviso full Ti ones:

 

[Bob Denman]

Anything with a Butterfly on it...

 

[AntDog]

I’ve gotta give it to the Benchmade Mini-Grip or Hogue MK-1 version simply because it’s the only thumb stud knife under $200 that stayed in my collection (albeit highly modified).

I will say that I think the CJRB Pyrite and the CJRB Feldspar are among the best value thumb-stud knives I’ve experienced. Amazing action, and lots of cool options for handles/steel.

I’ll second this and add the bugout. They’re both great if you replace the cheesy plastic scales.

My wife carries a CJRB mini feldspar. It’s a great knife.

 

[kobold]

Doug Ritter RSK and the Mini RSK.

 

[KenHash]

Benchmade Bugout or Mini Bugout.
Suggest the carbon fiber scales as the standard grivory kinda sucks.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM535BK2/benchmade-bugout-cf-elite-axis-folding-knife-324-s30v-black-cerakote-plain-blade-graphite-black-cf-elite-handles

 

[Drop bear]

I am still enjoying my civivi elementum wharncliffe.

 

[LimpCroissant]

For more on the value end, I really love my Kizer Begleiter 2. Especially with the linen micarta scales. They are fantastic, and you can get them with a liner lock, or a button lock.

 

[Chronovore]

The Sheepsfoot Domin might be on the larger end here but it's one of my favorites. (Pictured below.)

The smaller Kizer Yorkie in S35VN is another great choice.

 

[ktataragasi]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

Is there a clear winner between the Deka and Bugout? I know it is easy to get hung up on blade steel. But unless I find a great deal on the bugout the Deka seems better value.

 

[RoyalHolic]

How about under $50? Great knife, I kid you not.
View attachment 2415005

This ^^^^ if you want a functioning knife with no frills or thrills that just works...... this takes the cake.

 

[hhmoore]

Doug Ritter RSK and the Mini RSK.

This^

And, if you don't mind buying secondhand, the Southern Grind Spider Monkey pops up regularly on the Exchange.

 

[w]

View attachment 2415403