Low Cost Folding Knives

[ZeeOSix]

Anyone else here into buying/collecting inexpensive folding knives? I look for decent quality, typically made in China or Taiwan folding knives - and mostly the spring assisted ones these days. There are some pretty nice knives out there for $10 to $15. Here's just a few of mine. All three of these were ~$10. The bottom two are pretty new and "spring assisted" The top one is old (around 2005), and is not spring assisted, I don't recall ever seeing spring assisted folding knives back then. The middle one is probably the nicest one I've found so far. Post up a photo or two of your favorites if you're also into buying these kind of knives.

 

[Silk]

Best low cost folding knife is an Opinal, I've always had one on me for 40 years.

 

[SpitFire6]

 

[AZjeff]

I like knives that cost more than $10 but I've never owned a flipper and picked up a Kershaw Zing on a Black Friday deal for $20. Decent knife with 3" stainless steel blade, thin steel handles, reversible clip for tip up or down carry, easy to keep sharp, blade decently centered, tight pivot, enough spring tension to keep blade protected. Not a Benchmade but not bad.

 

[jhs914]

Originally Posted by AZjeff

I like knives that cost more than $10 but I've never owned a flipper and picked up a Kershaw Zing on a Black Friday deal for $20. Decent knife with 3" stainless steel blade, thin steel handles, reversible clip for tip up or down carry, easy to keep sharp, blade decently centered, tight pivot, enough spring tension to keep blade protected. Not a Benchmade but not bad.

I agree. I have had several Kershaws in that price range and they have all been good values. I don't buy expensive carry knives anymore because I am too prone to loosing them.

 

[buck91]

Personaly speaking, I prefer a quality folding knife. My favorite is Spydero. If I was forced to go cheap I'd pick up the nicest folding razor blade knife I could find or order something like an Opinel or Victorinox. Spyderco actually makes a very good budget line called "Byrd." Chinese made with lesser fit and finish than their main line but still well made with good heat treats on the steel.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I have a handful of budget folding knives. The Ganzo FH21 with a D2 blade is probably my best (the one on the left). But the one that I typically EDC is the CRKT one on the right due to size. Most recent purchase is this Ganzo cleaver:

 

[ZeeOSix]

QP - I like that orange & black SHRADE. Is that one spring assisted? Those all look good.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. None of these are spring assisted, but the flip action on the FH21 is so smooth, it feels as if it was. The Schrade one is this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TUXZIHI

 

[wymi516]

I like Kershaw knives, I switch between these two for daily carry.

 

[Linctex]

I also bought one of the Smith and Wesson "Homeland Security edition" knives in the 2005-era .... It's been a good performer. I have also had very good luck with the "Tac Force" brand on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PC-WHOLE...-Folding-Blade-EDC-LOT-SALE/172187938252

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by wymi516

I like Kershaw knives, I switch between these two for daily carry.

Looking good ... I like the zebra blade.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by Linctex

I also bought one of the Smith and Wesson "Homeland Security edition" knives in the 2005-era .... It's been a good performer. I have also had very good luck with the "Tac Force" brand on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PC-WHOLE...-Folding-Blade-EDC-LOT-SALE/172187938252

Yep, that S&W Urban Camo is built like a tank. Think I paid $10 at Big 5 way back when. Speaking of Tac-Force, got this off Amazon for $10. Seen it on eBay for $9. I like the "stiletto" blade since I didn't have anything like it so what the heck. It's spring assisted and pretty decent. Aluminum handle.

 

[uc50ic4more]

As far as "bang for the buck is concerned" it's probably hard to beat those little Opinel's for $15 or whatever they are; and for $50 or so it's probably hard to beat a Buck 110. I either carry a tiny Cold Steel Recon 2 on my key chain or a specially-made-for Canadian-Tire Buck "Kingsman" that "retails" for $50Cdn but goes on sale quite often for about $10Cdn.

 

[ZeeOSix]

A few more of my el cheapos. Top $14. Middle $7 and Bottom $10. Bottom two are spring assist, top one is a flicker.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Nice! What do you use the serrated blades for?

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete

Nice! What do you use the serrated blades for?

I buy a few that way mainly because of the looks, but the serrated part can be used to saw through tough stuff like small diameter branches or bone, etc https://knife-depot.com/pages/serrated-vs-plain-edge-knives

 

[Bighorn2500]

+1 for Kershaw, been carrying one for years.

 

[UG_Passat]

I have a CKRT knife I got from SteepandCheap over 10 years ago Also have a Kershaw Onion, but Kershaw doesn't make them anymore because Ken Onion is employed by CKRT

 

[emg]

I have a Chinese one I bought for $20 at a gun show last year, just because I thought it looked cool. It's actually proven to be my 'go-to' knife for most things around the house since then.