Favorite EDC folders

[Anthony]

I've been trying to EDC a folder lately, which is as sharp as a peice of driftwood (Gerber Paraframe).  I left that home after a while (couldent cut through 2 layers of thin plastic bag) and started carrying a Husky folding razor...until I broke it trying to adjust the tension.  Apparently the bolt that looks like it SHOULD adjust the tension is just a static bolt...once I popped it the knife was never the same   It still works, but it's not smooth opening...another one relegated to the toolbox.

So now I'm back at square one..I'd like a nice sharp, durable folder for under $50. 

Spydercos look nice, but even used ones are expensive.  There are so many companies out there it's hard to just jump into it and know whats good/decent/bad.  The SOG Flash II looks nice, but they just break that $50 limit...

Any suggestions?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Under $50 huh?  Cold Steel's Voyager line used to have a couple of models below that, but I see they aren't listed anywhere near that anymore.  CRKT had some stuff a while back too, but I can't seem to find anything in particular. 

You might want to check out some of the kit knives at www.linvilleknifeandtool.com, www.knifekits.com, www.texasknife.com or www.jantzsupply.com since they all have some really nice kits that make beautiful (an customized!) knives for well under $50.

I have one of the Linville kit knives and I really like it.  At least as far as dedicated knives go, which to be honest I really don;t care for them much nowadays.

I do also have a LM knife listed in the For Sale forum right now for well under $50 too.

Def

[Tom Munch]

I like the Leatherman folders - especially the ones with the finger launcher.  I also have a couple Kershaw Ken Onions with assist that I like to carry.  I also like AG Russell basic folders.  Spydercos aren't bad, but I find the one-hand opening a stretch for my hands.

[parnass]

I have a collection of over 100 folders, most dating back to the 1980s.  I have been carrying just a few of them lately.

Most often, I use a Spyderco Native folder, plain edge - S30V steel - FRN handles.   Made in USA.  I bought it for $40 US at a Super Walmart.

See:  http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=20

Sometimes I carry a Victorinox One Hand Trekker, but it is much heavier due to the extra blades.

The small Master Mechanic MM3 lockback was manufactured by Schrade.

[Anthony]

That Spyderco looks like something I'd buy and use...now to find a good price...

Keep 'em coming..

EDIT:
Super Wal Mart eh?  One just opened nearby...I might take the 2 mile hike from the front door to the knife counter..hopefully they carry that knife.

[prime77]

I like the Leatherman folders - especially the ones with the finger launcher.  I also have a couple Kershaw Ken Onions with assist that I like to carry.  I also like AG Russell basic folders.  Spydercos aren't bad, but I find the one-hand opening a stretch for my hands.

I second the comments about the LM folders. I've been carrying the one with the "finger flipper" that as a phillips and flat head drivers as well as the carbiner/bottle opener.  I got mine at a pawn shop for $15 other wise I don't think I would have given it a chance. I'm glad I did though it's been a great knife. If  used it pretty rough at work cutting open boxes and rope and        its performed great. It's nice to have those drivers around to complement your multi has well and the flinger launcher works nice and smooth.  I have two SOGs with assisted opening and I find that having to unlock the safety to launch the blade takes away from the one handed opening feature.  With the LM you just take it out of you pocket and flip it open

[David Bowen]

I EDC a few knives that I rotate around, I go from my spyderco endura, to my Native or even my small salsa depending on my mood. What I carry all depends on what I am doing that day and what kind of knife I need, the Kershaw Storm II is pretty sweet too. For fun I carry blades like the CRKT Snap Lock. Overall though, I would go with the Native, the S30V is second to none and you can't beat that price, it's hard to get a good folder with a premium steel at a good price.

David

[joebw]

Take a look at the Byrd line from Spyderco.  The FRN Meadowlark is a joy to carry.  Quality seems to be OK in the opinion of many.  I like the line.

Joe

[hawkchucker]

Kershaw Mini Cyclone. You will love it. I  have the Native from spyderco also but I really like the cyclone better.

[NutSAK]

Prime77, that picture just doesn't look right.

Most people carry a Victorinox knife and a Leatherman multitool, don't they? 

[Anthony]

ha, that's true...whatever suits you best I guess.

As for me getting a new knife...I might get a small fixed blade instead.  Has to be under 3" here in RI (and MA I think, I go up there quite a bit).  I'm thikning of getting a Buck Hartsook neck knife and get some hardware to attach it to the inside of my pocket or belt.  It is TINY   Has anyone handled one?

Features:
1.88 in. blade
2.37 in. handle of S30V steel with black oxide coating.
Lanyard holes sized for parachute cord.
4-1/4" Overall
1/2 oz. in weight

[J-sews]

Whoa! That thing looks cute and wicked at the same time!

[Anthony]

Whoa! That thing looks cute and wicked at the same time!

S30V is apparently a really good steel, and I love the black oxide (on anything really) and the skeletonized handle...I read that the sheath sucks though, but that's the price you pay for a "cheap"* knife.  Same thing with the Mora knives..people bitch about the crappy sheath...but they paid $8 for a great knife, you can't complaign! 

*by "cheap" I mean $25-$30 shipped on ebay...I might just go ahead and get one.

[Anthony]

Another pic, just to illustrate how small it is:

[Tom Munch]

Have you considered a waved folder?  I got a Spyderco Delica lately that I've really been enjoying the last week or so.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=227