What is the best EDC knife under $50?

L

Lasador

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Sep 11, 2019
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What is the best EDC knife under 50 bucks? I have the Ontario Rat II, Civivi Ortis, Civivi Baklash, Kizer Begleiter, Kershaw Leek and Kershaw Skyline as some of best knives that I have in that price range. You can no longer get the Spyderco Tenacious or the Kershaw Blur for under 50 bucks----at least I can't. I collect knives so I'm always looking for new EDC knives to add to my rotation. Anyway, I'm just looking for new ideas or general discussion on the topic.
 
Rough Ryder traditionals? These two were delivered the 15th, I got them this A.M. The pair set me back under $25 with shipping.
Diamond shield has T10 carbon steel blades. Badge shield has 440A blades.
You could add a large 4.25 inch closed matching diamond shield (RR1740), and Badge Shield (RR603) stockman (4 knives total) and still be at under your $50 budget, with free shipping, provided you shop at the right place. :DView attachment 1492646
 
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Wel
jackknife said:
theres gonna be a lot of variance in there. The best knife for a office cubicle guy working in Manhattan and going home at night to a condo in Brooklyn is going to be a lot different than some rancher in Montana or a guy on a ship boat out of Biloxi Mississippi.
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Well, I'm looking for a wide range of responses based on different needs and experiences, so that would be just fine by me.
 
if you dont mind spending a few extra bucks i think you can find the 4 inch cold steel counter point 1 for $57 or so, if you really need it to be under $50 you can go with the smaller cold steel counter point 2, and for less you have the cold steel kiridashi and tuff lite which are also great edc knives

 
For me, it's been the Riuke P-108. The Buck 110 is a close second, and a classic.

I should mention, the only reason the 110 comes in second is that my EDC is a fixed blade, 95+% of the time. But to carry a 110 means leaving my FB at home, they occupy the same spot on the belt.
 
Lasador said:
What is the best EDC knife under 50 bucks? I have the Ontario Rat II, Civivi Ortis, Civivi Baklash, Kizer Begleiter, Kershaw Leek and Kershaw Skyline as some of best knives that I have in that price range. You can no longer get the Spyderco Tenacious or the Kershaw Blur for under 50 bucks----at least I can't. I collect knives so I'm always looking for new EDC knives to add to my rotation. Anyway, I'm just looking for new ideas or general discussion on the topic.
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Spyderco Astute
Spyderco Efficient (multiple color combos)
 
my delica in vg10 steel was under $50, at retail ; )

... but yeah, I got it almost 20 years ago ...


outside of that, kershaw leek and most of the ones listed in the op are great
since you mention collecting, you should get some of the ones with old history,

the mercator kat55 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercator_K55K

the french douk douk

...
 
You've got some of the best listed. The Civivi Baklash might be my pick for "best". I also like the Naja but it is discontinued. Civivi does a stellar job with their 9Cr18Mov. It's like the difference between average 420HC and Buck's 420HC with the Bos heat treatment, only from a better starting point. I definitely prefer it to D2.

I finally had a chance to try the Ortis. I really wanted to love it but a single issue prevented me from doing so. The lock bar has toothy jimping that stands proud of the scales. During use, it routinely caused a major hot spot for me. I also have this problem with my Rat 2 but it's nowhere near as bad.

Overall, the Rat 2 is a good knife at a great price in AUS-8. It snaps open nicely. The blade is thin and slicey. They do a nice job with their AUS-8. (Their D2 doesn't offer enough of an increase in edge retention to offset the higher price and loss in corrosion resistance.) Other nit-picky issues that hold this one back are sharp riser jimping and lack of skeletonization. The closest competitor in the $20-30 range is the Tangram Santa Fe by Kizer.

The Santa Fe is a wonderful little knife. The ergonomics, thin slicey blade, action, and steel performance keep it in my EDC rotation despite owning more expensive knives. It uses Acuto 440, a Japanese steel with similarities to 9Cr18Mov. While not as good as 14C28N, it's easily better than AUS-8. I've taken several of these apart and given them out as gifts. The only issue with Tangram seems to be a little hit or miss QC. For instance, the grind on one was a little off and one had its washers the wrong way. (They should be three per side but one was four and two from the factory.)

Another notable but seemingly obscure knife under $50 in AUS-8 is the Harnds Talisman. It has fantastic ergonomics and honestly some of the best action on any sub-$100 knife. They do a nice job with their AUS-8 but it is still AUS-8 for $40-something. While still better than the 8Cr13Mov in a Tenacious, that is the only thing that keeps this from being a "best" for me. If that isn't an issue for you, it's worth checking out.
 
If you can go up to $100 you will open up a lot more options, Seki made Spydercos, Steel Will models etc

If saving up for this, maybe wait a little longer and be able to get a higher quality knife that will be of more value to you long term with better steel etc
 
CWL said:
Agree.

What if you're a carpet layer? I'd say for him/her, a $5 Stanley is the "best".

Define what your "best" need is and ask again.
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I think he's leaving it open to whatever you think "best" is. He mentioned he is interested in seeing the different responses. What is best for you?
 
That is correct!!! I don't have a particular need in and of itself. I am just asking what everyone's favorite EDC under 50 bucks is. I have lots of EDC knives in my rotation.
 
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