Ozark Trail worth?

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WILLIAM BOTTS

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Jan 29, 2020
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27
I used to only buy low cost knives as I am on a fixed income and tight budget, however I always passed on these for $4-$5 as Camillus S&W, Gerber, ect were very close to them in price. My wife got me a Buck for Christmas and now I am buying inexpensive U.S.A. and maybe imported made Bucks. However my local Wal mart is now put on clearance these Ozark Trails for $1.50-$2, where on quality do these fall? I know they can't be super quality but would you get them at that price to keep? Thanks for any help.
 
Check the links the other guy posted, but I can't imagine a $2 knife would be anything more than disposable. The description on Walmart.com doesn't say anything more about the steel than that it's stainless, which is almost always a sign that they're using some extremely subpar generic steel, like 3Cr13, which won't hold an edge for more than a few cuts. And that point, you're probably better off getting a box cutter that uses disposable razor blades.

For very inexpensive (sub-$20) folding knives, your best bet would probably be the Opinel No. 8. French-made, available in either carbon or stainless. I believe they used 12C27 as their stainless steel, which is pretty good.

Buck is an excellent choice for budget knives - their 420HC steel isn't high-end, but they do an extremely good job getting the most out of it. I've never gotten a good answer on whether Buck's Chinese-made knives go through the same heat treat protocol as their American-made ones, so I can't say definitively whether you should expect the same performance from the Chinese ones.
 
I wouldn't take them if they were free.

I have an ozark trail multitool that was given to me as a gift a while ago. The backspring that provides tension to the tools (including the blades) in the open and closed position broke not too long after I got it. The blades would just swing out if you picked it up, so I threw it out.
 
tyyreaun said:
Buck is an excellent choice for budget knives - their 420HC steel isn't high-end, but they do an extremely good job getting the most out of it. I've never gotten a good answer on whether Buck's Chinese-made knives go through the same heat treat protocol as their American-made ones, so I can't say definitively whether you should expect the same performance from the Chinese ones.
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As I posted my wife got me a USA made Buck maverik 877 and ever since I have been buying a few Bucks. I own several Bantams and a couple Rivals. The Bantams are in a two for one package at Rural King for $20, I am planning on getting a few of those which has the 285 and nano Bantam. The Bucks hold a much better edge than my Camillus knives do and since I am on such a tight budget and the Ozarks are so cheap, I wondered about their worth as I do use my knives. Mostly for skinning and cleaning game and doing a lot of farm chores. thanks
 
Well it sounds like you already have a bunch of knives and not a lot to spend.

Short answer is no; they're not worth it. Don't waste your money.

You're not missing out on anything.
 
They aren't great knives but may be worth the $2. You may have to sharpen them more frequently than some other knives. Personally I have other knives and will not buy an Ozark Trail knife in Walmart unless I am working out of town, forgot my knife, and can't find a SAK.
 
WILLIAM BOTTS said:
As I posted my wife got me a USA made Buck maverik 877 and ever since I have been buying a few Bucks. I own several Bantams and a couple Rivals. The Bantams are in a two for one package at Rural King for $20, I am planning on getting a few of those which has the 285 and nano Bantam. The Bucks hold a much better edge than my Camillus knives do and since I am on such a tight budget and the Ozarks are so cheap, I wondered about their worth as I do use my knives. Mostly for skinning and cleaning game and doing a lot of farm chores. thanks
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For hunting, have you looked at Havalon Piranta knives, with the disposable blades? It's a bigger upfront cost, but the blades themselves are less than a dollar.

I guess my point is - I understand that you're looking to minimize overall cost. I'm sure you've heard the saying: buy once, cry once. Something like the Ozark Trail will probably last for a few weeks, even months. It will also - undoubtedly - get dull faster than a Buck 110 would, and eventually break. I wouldn't consider them more than disposable.

Sure, you can buy multiple Ozark Trails for the price of one Buck 110. You'd probably need to carry several with you in the field, in case one breaks while you're using it. Is it worth the hassle, compared to just sticking with the Bucks you have, or picking up a few more, if you need them? With a good sharpening stone, they should last you a much longer time than even a handful of Ozark Trails would.
 
$1.50 for a knife? And you want to know what quality they are? Buy one and try it out?
I've never had one but I'm pretty sure it's a piece of garbage, because they are selling it for $1.50.
 
Ozark Trails knives are similar in quality (and cutting ability) to the cardboard backing they come clamshelled on. Save your money and spend it elsewhere.
 
The Ozark Trail knives are strictly disposable knives.
I have a few and use them if there's any chance I might break or lose my knife. Definitely not a good choice for a dependable hunting knife.
But as a few have mentioned , the Buck 110 is a fine knife and it will not break the bank. Plus they're guaranteed for life.
 
WILLIAM BOTTS said:
skinning and cleaning game and doing a lot of farm chores.
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I seriously recommend to you a fixed blade , sheath knife for these uses . Stronger , cleaner and much safer .

Lots of threads here on good inexpensive ones .

And consider the medical expensive and loss of work from injury . Being too cheap can be very costly !
 
My advise is instead of buying a bunch of cheap knives.. Save your money and buy a good one.. JMO!!!:D You will get much better service and wont be disappointed in performance..;)
John
 
I own a few of them, great actually, especially for the price. I use them without worrying about the cost, and they have stayed sharp long enough.

The locks have held fine for normal cutting. I have one just for the pool and I'm not worried about it rusting (but it's still rust free!)
 
The pricetag tells you everything you need to know in this case. Sometimes you get a pleasant surprise in quality for a bargain price, but not with this brand. Spend elsewhere.
 
Honestly I'd save a few more bucks for something better. Rough Rider is ok and the Mora fixed blade is also a great deal on a tight budget.
 
It's not just about edge holding. Those things will collapse on your fingers pretty easily if you aren't careful and that $2 knife will be a hospital bill. Don't put too much trust in any lock but really watch those bottom dollar ones.
 
WILLIAM BOTTS said:
I used to only buy low cost knives as I am on a fixed income and tight budget, however I always passed on these for $4-$5 as Camillus S&W, Gerber, ect were very close to them in price. My wife got me a Buck for Christmas and now I am buying inexpensive U.S.A. and maybe imported made Bucks. However my local Wal mart is now put on clearance these Ozark Trails for $1.50-$2, where on quality do these fall? I know they can't be super quality but would you get them at that price to keep? Thanks for any help.
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Better than you'd expect for the price and not totally worthless, but not great.
They work and I have been tempted a few times, I was surprised at their higher than average quality compared to most $10 junk knives but that's not really saying a lot.
 
My local Wil-Murt have the Ozarks on clearance for $4. I happened to find an old gift card with $5 on it a few weeks ago. I got the folder with the 3" blade and faux stag handles. My expectations are realistic, it will be used for light cutting chores (i.e. opening boxes, etc). I definitely wouldn't put it through any torture tests or heavy duty work. Was actually going to post a new thread today and ask any of the Ozark owners on this forum how long their knives have lasted.
 
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