Looking for a slim folding knife to clip in my back pocket. Not very expensive, under $30. I would like for it to be easily opened with one hand, but don't want a switchblade. I recently got a CRKT M16 and really like the size but it is not easily opened with the flipper. Mainly use it to cut things I don't want to use my other pocket knife to cut so I have a "clean" and "dirty" knife.
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Kershaw makes quite a few flippers, imported and homegrown. I have carried a US made scallion for years and it just keeps going. It has assisted opening, which I find very helpful, by pushing on the flipper (it's not a switchblade). Many other Kershaws do not, if you wish to avoid.
toivo
Member
+1 on Kershaw. The "Oso Sweet" sounds like it would fit your requirements.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...per-knife-satin-plain-blade-black-gfn-handles
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...per-knife-satin-plain-blade-black-gfn-handles
Double_J
Member
The kershaw leek is not too far out of your range at $40-45. I have carried one for several years and love it for daily slicing tasks.
Nothing wrong with Kershaw, I just like the budget Spyderco's better. All of them at that price point are made in China. I like the hole in the blade for fast opening a lot better than the flipper style.
https://www.amazon.com/Harrier-Ligh...&keywords=spyderco+byrd&qid=1593046613&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Harrier-Ligh...&keywords=spyderco+byrd&qid=1593046613&sr=8-2
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,294
Another Kershaw fan. Two of my favorites are the Scallion and the Leek.
Armored farmer
Member
I like the looks of a CRKT CEO.
I think I will soon own a microtech utx85, bu it's an auto.
I think I will soon own a microtech utx85, bu it's an auto.
tactikel
Member
What size blade? Spydercos' are great, Ken Onion's Shenanigan-Z is a good work knife. My CRKT M-16 is my favorite work knife, clean and lube it , use it and in a short time it will break in, and will open in the blink of an eye.
sparkyv
Member
The Kershaw Scallion is a bit small and chunky. The Leek is a good size and slim and the clip can be positioned point up or down. Both made in the USA. The Leek can be had for under $39.
I prefer the Kershaw Blur, also made in the U.S. and has a bigger blade. It's also an assisted opening blade, which is faster than a switch blade.
Been carrying one for years, most of the time I forget that it's even there. If you like Kershaws, check out the Blur!
Been carrying one for years, most of the time I forget that it's even there. If you like Kershaws, check out the Blur!
FL-NC
Member
Spydercos are hard to beat, but not sure what they cost now. The models with the Emerson "wave" feature when carried in the front pocket are actually FASTER to deploy than a switchblade, with a little practice.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
I own a couple of the Leeks and would recommend them. Light,handy and sharp.
Speedo66
Member
I think Kershaw makes a good product for the money, especially being Made in US.
OP, your screen name have anything to do with the Brit TV comedy of the same name?
OP, your screen name have anything to do with the Brit TV comedy of the same name?
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I like the Kershaw Leek and have a couple. They are above the OP's budget. I have seen several Smith and Wesson knives that I like the looks of. They are more reasonably priced than the Leek.
My favorite pocket knife is the Victorinix Officer Suisse. About $20 for a good little tool.
My favorite pocket knife is the Victorinix Officer Suisse. About $20 for a good little tool.
Sovblocgunfan
Member
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- Jan 24, 2014
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- 1,482
Another OsoSweet fan here. Nice blade shape, good size, and stays pretty sharp. Good quality Bargain!
however, watch excessive tension on the clip. the clip came off of mine and i lost one of the screws. Kershaw sent me some more, but i discovered i had actually stripped one of the screwholes. So, no more clip for now.
however, watch excessive tension on the clip. the clip came off of mine and i lost one of the screws. Kershaw sent me some more, but i discovered i had actually stripped one of the screwholes. So, no more clip for now.
Double_J
Member
I avoid the Smith and Wesson knives as the quality is typically not there as far as steel used or fit/finish. I would rather save a few more dollars and get a better quality blade or wait for a sale/coupon and buy then. A friend of mine has a couple blisters pack smith and wesson knives he uses for loaner/beater knives while driving his dump truck.
Greenwing like a Teal Drake, one of my favorite ducks to look at and eat.
I wouldn't choose a Leek, even if it fit into your budget, because it is a very skinny, slippery knife, at only .31", with a slick metal handle. (There was a G10 version, but that seems to be discontinued.)
If you need/want a fast knife that doesn't have to be tactical, the Kershaw/Al Mar AM-3 might be a good choice. It's a slender, attractive assisted opener. A heavier, sturdier choice would be the shorter Cryo (there are multiple options. I would choose G10 for the grip).
A different, more defense-capable choice would be a Byrd Meadowlark 2 or larger
Byrd Harrier. These are part of Spyderco's value line, so you get decent but not premium steel, made in China, but Spyderco's excellent quality control and customer service. (The opening hole
is more suited for defensive use, since you don't have to completely reposition your hand to get a good grip after opening.). The back/mid lock is also inherently stronger than the liner-locks used on some of Spyderco's other Chinese-manufactured knives.
John
If you need/want a fast knife that doesn't have to be tactical, the Kershaw/Al Mar AM-3 might be a good choice. It's a slender, attractive assisted opener. A heavier, sturdier choice would be the shorter Cryo (there are multiple options. I would choose G10 for the grip).
A different, more defense-capable choice would be a Byrd Meadowlark 2 or larger
Byrd Harrier. These are part of Spyderco's value line, so you get decent but not premium steel, made in China, but Spyderco's excellent quality control and customer service. (The opening hole
is more suited for defensive use, since you don't have to completely reposition your hand to get a good grip after opening.). The back/mid lock is also inherently stronger than the liner-locks used on some of Spyderco's other Chinese-manufactured knives.
John
Lots of Kershaws are made in China.
For a 'dirty' knife I use a boxcutter style:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00UZHT...colid=YE2PTD5V2CJI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RILCLY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For a 'good knife' I have moved to a Kersaw Launch 1 which the Lockout is the non-automatic version (slightly smaller):
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0RUCXK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00UZHT...colid=YE2PTD5V2CJI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RILCLY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For a 'good knife' I have moved to a Kersaw Launch 1 which the Lockout is the non-automatic version (slightly smaller):
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0RUCXK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Knockout. It's a good knife*- I gave mine to a Soldier in my unit just before COVID interferred with Battle Assemblies- but over double what the OP wants to spend.
*Like all of these AO Kershaws, not "tactical", because a grip change will be required before use.
*Like all of these AO Kershaws, not "tactical", because a grip change will be required before use.
daniel craig
Member
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- Dec 23, 2009
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- 2,815
Kershaw cryo can’t be beat when you need small.
oh, The kershaw shuffle too
oh, The kershaw shuffle too
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It has always amazed me how much knife $20-$30 will buy, but if I want made in US and/or better steel, it's $80+! Was looking at a griptilian, but plastic handles for $120 seems crazy. If I encountered one with the spidey hole, decent steel and G-10 or micarta for <$100 it would be a tougher decision no matter the color or finish.
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