S30V Entry Knife

[skidoosh]

I'm looking for suggestions for entry level (cheaper end) on a knife with s30V.  I have looked at the spyderco native and have to say it qualifies as one of the ugliest knives I have seen despite having s30V... thoughts? 

[jekostas]

The Buck Vantage Pro series are getting generally good reviews across the board right now, and they come in two sizes.  S30V steel, Made in the USA.  A wee bit cheaper than the Native as well.  Also comes in Buck's heat-treaded 420HC (which is pretty good) as well as Sandvik 14Cr26.

[David Bowen]

I second that notion, I have carried a Buck Vantage Pro off and on now for as long as it's been out and it's a heck of alot better than my S30V Native. It's got all the stuff you find in a $100+ dollar knife at a $50 and under price.

[Sean]

The Spyderco Cat, and Chicago are two recently discontinued smaller knives both with s30v
that are still available you might want to take a look at and under $50.

[Anthony]

I'll third the Buck Vantage line.  I've got the "base" model and not the S30V, but the design is great...really smooth opening and closing with one hand, and the flipper opens it like a switchblade.

[Ashley]

This is just a FYI Spyderco S30V is easier to sharpen and holds a better edge then the BM S30V I've read and been told.

[skidoosh]

This is just a FYI Spyderco S30V is easier to sharpen and holds a better edge then the BM S30V I've read and been told.

Interesting- so for instance the UKPK vs. the Ritter BM mini-grip, different steels even though they are both S30V? 

[Ashley]

I was told that Spyderco did a much better heat treat on there S30V then BM. I don't own a spyderco with S30V but I do own a BM with it and its super hard to get a nice edge on.

[skidoosh]

What I'm looking for is
Steel: S30V
Grind: Flat
and something that is more "sheeple" friendly.   I have a spyderco dragonfly that has really grown on me but would like a bit larger knife for multiple tasks.  thoughts?  I was really leaning towards a benchmade ritter mini-grip, however the steel comment is throwing me. 

[David Bowen]

Full flat grind huh? You think like me  I don't own any that are that way, the Benchmade 940 has a nice profile and stays sharp for me for a long time. I can't think of anything flat grind unless it's an S30V Spyderco. They IMHO are synonymous with flat grind blades. My Paramilitary cuts like one mean devil!