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Etched1

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Jun 13, 2021
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I’m looking to purchase a few new EDC knives. Most likely folders but maybe a fixed blade. So, let’s say I happen to run into some hardware store and I see 40 knives in one of those rotating cases. The heavy yellow lights are directed into the case and making me woozy. What name brands should be catching my attention at $20-$50?
 
In a brick and mortar? Hard choice on that budget, Buck, Cold Steel, idk.. I would avoid the temptation of going with the low hanging fruit like Gerber or Schrade, the majority of their stuff now is hot garbage, especially in that price range.

Even with shipping, $50 bucks is gonna go alot farther online. Brands like Civivi, CJRB and Ontario are your friend..
 
Going to mimic Corton93 here, at that price you would only want to go with buck and cold steel, and perhaps kershaw for an in person store. Online you can get a lot more bang for your buck, and I think buck is going to give you a lot of bang online as well.
 
There's really not that much out there for that kind of money. I don't like them but perhaps a crkt? This is a hard question I need more data
 
Generally speaking I would be looking at a single blade folder. Maybe 2.5-3.5 inch blade. I’m more interested in a nice wood scale than some shiny or colored light weight metal or plastic.
 
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I have no clue what you will use the knives for, but if you could increase your price slightly per knife (maybe only buy 3 to start), you will notice a much bigger choice in that range that will serve you well.
 
Can you live with a 3.78-in blade? If it was me I would go to knifecenter.com and buy a new buck 110. They have them in stock for $65. It has wood handles. It has hc420 which I kind of like for blades steel And it's made in America. That's the best I could figure. But for that $65 you're getting a quality knife. With a lifetime forever guarantee.
 
If you're willing to just go up a little bit more, the civivi elementum 2 button lock flipper is fantastic. It's civivi's most popular knife, if you really can't go up higher just pick up the elementum 1 as that usually is cheaper last I checked. It's a normal flipper but no button lock which is popular feature for civivi knives these days.
 
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The hardware stores around here that have a couple hundred knives in stock carry Buck, Case, Kershaw, plus a lot of junk in that price range. No Civivi, CJRB, Cold Steel, Mora, Opinel, or Spyderco. I think Buck or Kershaw would be your best bets.
 
$20-50, now that is my domain ;)
Everyone needs a good SAK. That would be my first recommendation.
A Buck 110 or 112 slim select would also likely be in a hardware store.
Mora, Opinel are also good, but less likely to be in a brick and mortar store.

Personal favorites from my collection are: Victorinox Classic SD, Victorinox Camper, Svord Peasant knife, Mora 2/0 (any inexpensive Mora really), Buck 303 Cadet.

Dogstar
Cheapskate Club #1
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SAK Electrician and Opinel #6 are in my pocket right now, and everyday. You can have them both for under $50. If you want one-handed opening, the Buck 284 Bantam is a nice unobtrusive pocket knife. About $20.
 
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