$50 or less knife ideas please

[lovenhim]

Hello everyone. My birthday is coming up on 5/24 and I would like a new pocket knife. My EDC for 2 years now has been the Leatherman e33, it is a great knife for the money. I like the knife a lot, but want to have something else to switch off with. I have no idea what I am looking for, maybe something more traditional this time. Here is what I THINK I want:

costs $50 or less
older more traditional look (not the modern "tac-ti-cool" look)
folding knife, not fixed blade
tension/spring lock or lockback design, not liner/frame lock
2.5-3.5 inch blade
made in the USA
the goal here is not hard core use, but to have it when you need it

Please feel free to ask questions, I am just not sure what is our there so I can narrow things down to put on my birthday wish list that I am being asked to make. I am trying to keep the price down while getting a quality knife.

[kkokkolis]

If you change the made in the USA and lockback with something exotic and unique, with 50$ you get 2-3 Opinels.
Otherwise some Spyderco, if you find one that costs that much.

[Stormdrane]

I recently bought a , nice EDC backlock folder, made in the USA.  Can be found for around $30 - $35.

[Gareth]

I love my Buck 110 that fits your search nicely I think; http://www.amazon.com/Buck-110-Folding-Hunter-Lockback/dp/B000EHYZKK/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_z

[Gareth]

Ooops, the 110 might be a little long.  So how about the 112? http://www.amazon.com/Buck-112-Ranger-Lockback-Folding/dp/B000EHWWJG/ref=pd_sim_sg_3

[lovenhim]

I do own a Buck 110. It is a great knife but rather big. The Buck 112 is a thought. Please keep the ideas coming.

[hennypenny]

I've just bought three Sanrenmu knives and they are FANTASTIC. Why can't Leatherman use the same Stainless steel on their multitool?
These are the model numbers:
939
763
T21

[Gareth]

How about a Case knife?  Too many options to list but there has to be one that would suit you.

http://www.wrcase.com/index_en.php

[jerseydevil]

How about a Case knife?  Too many options to list but there has to be one that would suit you.

http://www.wrcase.com/index_en.php

+1 I agree absolutely.  In fact, looking at your requirements, I'd say take a look at the Sodbuster Jr. 

[kirk13]

I recently bought a , nice EDC backlock folder, made in the USA.  Can be found for around $30 - $35.

(Image removed from quote.)

 

[kkokkolis]

That was my reaction too. It looks a great EDC.

[dks]

Since you want something traditional also look at GEC. Some of their knives, like the Farm and Field line are below $50. They are, mainly, non-locking though (slipjoints).

You can also look at Queen, Buck and some of the older US Schrades too.
For the same money I would go with GEC or the US Schrades.
If possible see it and use it before you buy it as the quality, even with GEC, can vary between samples.

[jzmtl]

Buck 112 is still pretty heavy, I'd go with the ecolite version (essentially paper micarta handle).

[Namsob77]

Spyderco Delica 4 FFG

[sawman]

Have you considered the Buck 110 or Bantam?

[jekostas]

Buck 55?  A touch under your minimum blade length but a great knife with a ton of history.

[lovenhim]

Have you considered the Buck 110 or Bantam?

I have a Buck 110 which I like but it is a big and heavy knife. I would prefer a smaller knife than the Buck 110.  I realize that there are good knives out there that are not USA made, but as I have gotten older....I am starting to become more USA focused so to speak. I just do not want to support China if I can avoid it. That is why I am not looking at certain brands. Heck quite a few of the well known brands have China made knives now.