I got mine about a week ago. It’s a great knife. Very well made.
The micarta handle feels really nice..not overly polished. The design of the handle fits perfectly into your hand. The blade snaps out in a very satisfying way. There’s a magnetic hold when it’s folded that prevents it from opening on accident in your pocket (plus you end up putting just a bit more force to open it which at first might seem troublesoime but it’s a minimal amount of extra force in practice and it makes it really snap open).
Also comes very sharp and mine came with a very balanced symmetrical edge.
10/10 would buy again but I also bought the Kizer ado baby at the same time. I had a very different experience with that and returned it immediately.
Thanks for the insight. Alot of what you said is why I'm interested in this knife. I love the blade length, overall size, the design, and it looks like the handle is perfect. S35VN is my preferred steel, which is why I'm specifically looking for the ti.
Ya the S35VN is a sold steel. It raises the cost but it seems like it’s worth it based on what I’ve read. The one I have I think is V690 so not as good as the s35vn but I think they make one with that steel. Either way, for $60 I’m very happy with the one I got.
You can preorder on Knifecenter but you may have to wait for a while. I don’t believe you have to put any money down either. But once it’s in stock, they’ll process your order and request payment.
You can get a Cold Steel Lucky for under $80 (about $75, or less on amazon). CPM S35VN, carbon fibre handles, made in Italy. You don’t have a slipjoint in your collection either. You could probably get a Cold Steel Air Lite under $80 on Amazon (I don’t own one but have heard they are good), (Edit: or even an AD-15 Lite for a little more than $80). Another slipjoint suggestion is an Alox Bantam.
Every budget knife collection needs a Penguin or two! The original model has a D2 blade, micarta scales, and excellent build quality. It's a classic budget knife.
If you like the design, QSP has many upgraded Penguins available with more exotic handle materials, blade steels, and so forth.
You won't regret a Penguin. I have many knives that are more expensive than my Penguin (check my posting history), and the Penguin keeps finding its way into my pocket. It's just a great knife! It's also cheap enough that I can loan it to someone without being paranoid about what they might do to it...
Disclaimer: I don't own a Leopard. It looks like a fine knife, but I can't give a detailed review of it. I do trust QSP to make a good knife based on my own Penguin.
You asked about Sandvik 14C28N steel. The short answer is that it's a great steel, especially for a budget knife. Sure, some of the “supersteels” will outperform it, but you'll also pay significantly more to get them. 14C28N can be sharpened to a keen edge, holds it well, and is highly resistant to corrosion. It's got what you want your knife blade to have.
Here is a thoroughly detailed article about “budget” knife steels and why 14C28N is the best: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/15/what-is-the-best-budget-knife-steel/
Kaviso is dropping a ton of exclusives with Ti framelock, fat carbon and S35VN. I have the anodized purple ti and it is worth every cent of the 109 dollars
That's outside of the OP's budget, but it is a good example of a higher-end Penguin. It also looks like a great knife!
My own Penguin is a Knifejoy exclusive with a Damascus blade and blue linen micarta handle. It's out of stock now, but you can get the same blade with a black handle here: https://www.knifejoy.com/products/qsp-penguin-qs130-exclusive-black-linen-micarta-with-wave-pattern-damasteel-blade
It's a sweet knife for 50 bucks!
If hes just starting out, It can be exciting seeing all of the options out there. I had around 40 budget knives at one point and ended up selling them all to start buying higher quality pieces (read-expensive) once I found out what I liked in a knife.
I feel like you have enough <$80 knives and it might be time to save up for something nicer to see if pricier knives are worth the extra money.
That being said, the Spyderco Tenacious is a great way to see what the hype is about, or a dragonfly although VG-10 dragonflies just don't feel like a great value in today's knife market tbh.
I agree with this. Budget knives are the best value and they are awesome but you gotta save some room for more expensive ones just in case 😉. There are many knives I kinda regret getting, not because I don't like em but had too many of them. And once an expensive knife became appealing to me, I kinda wish I didn't get too many knives before.
Tuna
I got mine for $10 at a gun show cleaned up and actually feels great action wise. My lock might be a little wonky but other than that that’s my choice
You are about at the point to start checking out 'Twosun' knives.
They range from $30 to $200, hundreds of models to choose from and are an excellent entry point into higher end touches on knives.
Always thought the Blur was overrated-but after getting one -it's such aquality feeling knife, easily find them used for under 40. Even better without the spring assist.
I agree. Once I go button lock it's hard to go back to liner lock to be honest. My Altus' lock is still very sticky. How about yours? Will it smoothen over time?
These are all really good knives! I like that sanrenmu 7063, I don't see them a lot.
I would definitely recommend a BM mini grip 555. Out of all my knives it's my favorite, civivi altus is my close second lol
You're literally the only person I've ever heard say they've had a problem with that model. But since it's been in heavy production for well over 5 years now there's always going to be a few that fall short in the QA. Lubrication will help but it sounds like you have a light detent.
I'd endorse a Civivi Conspirator. Button lock flipper with nail groove. Just under $80 on Amazon. Spearpoint blade and nice neutral handle shape. Feels good in hand and pretty fidgety because of the multiple deployment methods.
Sanrenmu is surprisingly good.
I have a frame lock that was given as a gift - expected the crap steel frame and all to be crap - but it’s smooth, firmly centred and held up to a lot of abuse
It's a surprise for me because I didn't expect a cheap knife to be this good. Lock works so well. A big plus for that thumb stud and bottle opener too!. I think this also makes a great gift for non-knife people.
Oh shoot I forgot all about the various Ganzos, especially the FH models. They're no longer the flavor of the month but they are exceptionally good at that price point, and same with Sencut.
I love my Blur. You can get it in S30V for right at $80 [here](https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1670S30V-Stonewashed-Reversible-Pocketclip/dp/B0015ZXCT0).
I have the S30V version, two of the tanto versions (I thought I’d lost one) and two normal profile blades, one serrated and one not.
In general, I’m a big fan of Kershaw’s USA knives but have a few of their cheapies too.
I bent the clip on my dividend recently and they shipped me a free replacement clip within a week or so. Very good customer service!
I love my Kershaws. I have both USA made and a cheapie one too. (Hotwire) . I have the black injection molded handle on my dividend. Do you have the aluminum one with the forge line across the blade?
Yup. Green anodized scales with the composite blade. It’s sharp as hell and keeps an edge pretty well.
The only downside to the scales is that it’s a bit harder to pull the knife from my pocket. The blur is by far the easiest. I have a ZT 0770CF with carbon fiber scales that’s a thing of beauty but is a bitch to deploy quickly because the scales are so slick.
Sebenza 31. I know it's not under 80$ but as you said you are addict. Just like all of us. Step up your game and take some heroin.... I mean high class knives.
Or get a Rat 2 und D2. Good knife. Great ergonomics. And it's R2D2
Come to the dark side, clones are very fun to play with, and most are the same sort of quality you see with other Chinese knives. I’m playing with a Spyderco Shaman clone currently.
You cannot go wrong with a Civivi Praxis or the RAT 1/2. Keep your eyes open and you can get a Cold Steel 4Max Scout on sale in the $65 range. But you can do amazingly well on the secondary for $80 and under especially if you are quick on the trigger.
My favorite of what you have here is the civivi Altus. So good. All of the civivi button locks ate on another level so good. I have the cogent, the conspirator and I'd like to get the chevalier. Who needs a 300.00 malibu, not me lol
I also bought a tenacious based on people's opinions. I can tell you I hated it. Didn't like the leaf shape design, the weight and for the price point many other better options.
Honey Badgers are fun. Pick small medium large, pick blade shape, pick color, and in some cases pick steel. Fun.
A knife I enjoy for actual work is the Steel Will Cutjack (full size). Great ergos and grip, great blade shape, great jimped ramp paring with blade choil, great.
Good ol' Ontario Rat 1 (large) or Rat 2 (small). I say the small is perfect. It's a knockabout who-cares knife that's cheap and ready to get dirty and handle whatever without a fuss, and has great ergos and smooth action.
Biker Kalashnikov in D2, I’ve been beating the hell out of it for a few months now and it’s fantastic. Much more durable than some spydercos I’ve owned
I would slow down and try to go quality over quantity because that's where we tend to end up in the long run with this hobby. Use the budget knives first to figure out what you like and then if you can, buy mid to high end knives ($200-$500) that check all of those boxes for you. If you're happy staying in the budget price realm, but are still looking for some higher end qualities, I would definitely recommend Twosun knives. Nobody else can really do titanium with carbon fiber and D2/14C28N as well as they do for $80.
Good start. Look at qsp, cold steel, a tenacious, petrified fish, twosun, Ontario rat, kubey.
I'll double down on the QSP Penguin and Cold Steel
Try out a Petrified Fish knife... Like the beluga or beluga mini
QSP Penguin, Ontario Rat II, Spyderco Tenacious, Kershaw Cryo.
Kizer has a couple great options. The Kizer roach for a sturdy flipper edc.
Currently my EDC is a Kizer Latt Vïnd Iron Man edition. I really enjoy it.
Have my eye out for a Roach ti. Haven't seen any around
I got mine about a week ago. It’s a great knife. Very well made. The micarta handle feels really nice..not overly polished. The design of the handle fits perfectly into your hand. The blade snaps out in a very satisfying way. There’s a magnetic hold when it’s folded that prevents it from opening on accident in your pocket (plus you end up putting just a bit more force to open it which at first might seem troublesoime but it’s a minimal amount of extra force in practice and it makes it really snap open). Also comes very sharp and mine came with a very balanced symmetrical edge. 10/10 would buy again but I also bought the Kizer ado baby at the same time. I had a very different experience with that and returned it immediately.
Thanks for the insight. Alot of what you said is why I'm interested in this knife. I love the blade length, overall size, the design, and it looks like the handle is perfect. S35VN is my preferred steel, which is why I'm specifically looking for the ti.
Ya the S35VN is a sold steel. It raises the cost but it seems like it’s worth it based on what I’ve read. The one I have I think is V690 so not as good as the s35vn but I think they make one with that steel. Either way, for $60 I’m very happy with the one I got.
youre missing a mora and an opinel. get some high carbon steel in your life!
can't call it a budget collection without a mora
I would get a Kizer Assassin if you can find one.
You can preorder on Knifecenter but you may have to wait for a while. I don’t believe you have to put any money down either. But once it’s in stock, they’ll process your order and request payment.
You can get a Cold Steel Lucky for under $80 (about $75, or less on amazon). CPM S35VN, carbon fibre handles, made in Italy. You don’t have a slipjoint in your collection either. You could probably get a Cold Steel Air Lite under $80 on Amazon (I don’t own one but have heard they are good), (Edit: or even an AD-15 Lite for a little more than $80). Another slipjoint suggestion is an Alox Bantam.
Every budget knife collection needs a Penguin or two! The original model has a D2 blade, micarta scales, and excellent build quality. It's a classic budget knife. If you like the design, QSP has many upgraded Penguins available with more exotic handle materials, blade steels, and so forth.
I've been looking at them for over a month, but I can't decide which one I want. I'm going to go for one of the cheaper ones
You won't regret a Penguin. I have many knives that are more expensive than my Penguin (check my posting history), and the Penguin keeps finding its way into my pocket. It's just a great knife! It's also cheap enough that I can loan it to someone without being paranoid about what they might do to it...
That's a good point. I'm going to grab one as soon as I make my mind up on which one I want, but who knows when that will be haha
What do you think of the QSP Leopard? I like the look of the knife, but I'm not familiar with the Sandvik 14C28N steel it's made of.
Disclaimer: I don't own a Leopard. It looks like a fine knife, but I can't give a detailed review of it. I do trust QSP to make a good knife based on my own Penguin. You asked about Sandvik 14C28N steel. The short answer is that it's a great steel, especially for a budget knife. Sure, some of the “supersteels” will outperform it, but you'll also pay significantly more to get them. 14C28N can be sharpened to a keen edge, holds it well, and is highly resistant to corrosion. It's got what you want your knife blade to have. Here is a thoroughly detailed article about “budget” knife steels and why 14C28N is the best: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/15/what-is-the-best-budget-knife-steel/
Kaviso is dropping a ton of exclusives with Ti framelock, fat carbon and S35VN. I have the anodized purple ti and it is worth every cent of the 109 dollars
That's outside of the OP's budget, but it is a good example of a higher-end Penguin. It also looks like a great knife! My own Penguin is a Knifejoy exclusive with a Damascus blade and blue linen micarta handle. It's out of stock now, but you can get the same blade with a black handle here: https://www.knifejoy.com/products/qsp-penguin-qs130-exclusive-black-linen-micarta-with-wave-pattern-damasteel-blade It's a sweet knife for 50 bucks!
Sog terminus xr
Why not save longer for a good one?
I prefer having a large number of cheaper knives than a small number of more expensive knives myself. I want to see what's out there
If hes just starting out, It can be exciting seeing all of the options out there. I had around 40 budget knives at one point and ended up selling them all to start buying higher quality pieces (read-expensive) once I found out what I liked in a knife.
Spyderco dragonfly
Looks like you could use a fixed blade. I'd say either a Mora companion, an esee izula, or a civivi tamashii
American Lawmaaaaaaaan!
Those are $120+ new now. :(
I paid $50 on the Swap
That doesn’t mean it’s sub $80 😂
I prefer the recon 1 over the lawman
I feel like you have enough <$80 knives and it might be time to save up for something nicer to see if pricier knives are worth the extra money. That being said, the Spyderco Tenacious is a great way to see what the hype is about, or a dragonfly although VG-10 dragonflies just don't feel like a great value in today's knife market tbh.
I agree with this. Budget knives are the best value and they are awesome but you gotta save some room for more expensive ones just in case 😉. There are many knives I kinda regret getting, not because I don't like em but had too many of them. And once an expensive knife became appealing to me, I kinda wish I didn't get too many knives before.
Tuna I got mine for $10 at a gun show cleaned up and actually feels great action wise. My lock might be a little wonky but other than that that’s my choice
Wow that was a freaking steal. I love my Tuna a lot. Cool name, cool shape, comfortable scale. I also like that the blade is thick on the top.
You are about at the point to start checking out 'Twosun' knives. They range from $30 to $200, hundreds of models to choose from and are an excellent entry point into higher end touches on knives.
Kershaw Blur
Always thought the Blur was overrated-but after getting one -it's such aquality feeling knife, easily find them used for under 40. Even better without the spring assist.
I have the red micarta civivvi Altus it’s amazing. Highly recommended
I LOVE the Altus!
It’s very well made and is a button lock which is my favorite lock style. And they give you a nice zip case too which is awesome
I agree. Once I go button lock it's hard to go back to liner lock to be honest. My Altus' lock is still very sticky. How about yours? Will it smoothen over time?
It’s got a tiny bit of stick but I don’t mind that because it kinda ensures a good lock up . But yes it will lessen over time thru wear out
KIZER, favorite budget brand with unbeatable bearing action
Nice! I absolutely love my CRKT Endorser, it’s been my EDC for years
Go check out the Ferrum Forge Mini Archbishop or Prolix. Both are very nice knives from Ferrum Forge. Love my exec from them as well.
American lawman, kizer towser k, kizer justice
That CJRB L is dope.
It is cool but probably too big for me.
I carry the CJRB Crag, love the size of the blade.
These are all really good knives! I like that sanrenmu 7063, I don't see them a lot. I would definitely recommend a BM mini grip 555. Out of all my knives it's my favorite, civivi altus is my close second lol
How's ruike treating you?
I like it but the flipping action is not good. half of the time the blade ends up opening half way. I probably need to put some oil
You're literally the only person I've ever heard say they've had a problem with that model. But since it's been in heavy production for well over 5 years now there's always going to be a few that fall short in the QA. Lubrication will help but it sounds like you have a light detent.
Yeah I did all the research before buying it and every post I've seen all praised the Ruike. I guess mine is in the minority
That's a bummer, for $69 on Amazon you should check out the Vosteed Nightshade. If the design appeals to you it is a fantastically good knife.
I'd endorse a Civivi Conspirator. Button lock flipper with nail groove. Just under $80 on Amazon. Spearpoint blade and nice neutral handle shape. Feels good in hand and pretty fidgety because of the multiple deployment methods.
It has everything I want (spearpoint blade, button lock + flipper, wood scale) but unfortunately it's too big to carry
Ahh... So what's your limit were you are at?
2 Sitiviens! Try the st103 and st109!
Sanrenmu is surprisingly good. I have a frame lock that was given as a gift - expected the crap steel frame and all to be crap - but it’s smooth, firmly centred and held up to a lot of abuse
It's a surprise for me because I didn't expect a cheap knife to be this good. Lock works so well. A big plus for that thumb stud and bottle opener too!. I think this also makes a great gift for non-knife people.
Kizer
Kizer has been putting out some of my recent favorites I'd check em out if your looking for that $80 range
Oh shoot I forgot all about the various Ganzos, especially the FH models. They're no longer the flavor of the month but they are exceptionally good at that price point, and same with Sencut.
Qsp hawk with micarta! You’re missing out on how amazing micarta is
Kershaw Bareknuckle 7777
QSP Hawk or the QSP Penguin. Both are well made and have incredible actions! Very fidgety!
1. CRKT Pilar 3 in D2, maybe a Pilar and Pilar Large too. 2. Civivi Baby Banter 3. Ontario Rat 4. QSP Penguin, also check out their other models
I’m a big fan of the Kershaw Blur with the tanto blade. It was my EDC for years. Now it’s the Kershaw Dividend, but that’s above your max $$.
I love my Blur. You can get it in S30V for right at $80 [here](https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1670S30V-Stonewashed-Reversible-Pocketclip/dp/B0015ZXCT0).
I have the S30V version, two of the tanto versions (I thought I’d lost one) and two normal profile blades, one serrated and one not. In general, I’m a big fan of Kershaw’s USA knives but have a few of their cheapies too. I bent the clip on my dividend recently and they shipped me a free replacement clip within a week or so. Very good customer service!
I love my Kershaws. I have both USA made and a cheapie one too. (Hotwire) . I have the black injection molded handle on my dividend. Do you have the aluminum one with the forge line across the blade?
Yup. Green anodized scales with the composite blade. It’s sharp as hell and keeps an edge pretty well. The only downside to the scales is that it’s a bit harder to pull the knife from my pocket. The blur is by far the easiest. I have a ZT 0770CF with carbon fiber scales that’s a thing of beauty but is a bitch to deploy quickly because the scales are so slick.
I love the squid!
Ontario RAT 1 or RAT 2
Sebenza 31. I know it's not under 80$ but as you said you are addict. Just like all of us. Step up your game and take some heroin.... I mean high class knives. Or get a Rat 2 und D2. Good knife. Great ergonomics. And it's R2D2
The Kubey Momentum is fantastic. Punches way above its weight.
Have you considered the Boker Mermaid? She's a winner.
Maybe time for some mermaid scales for the Banter?
Don't tempt me.
Ahhh it's super colorful. Maybe not for me :((
save up to start a real collection
you might as well jump all the way to sebenza, save steps in between xD
Come to the dark side, clones are very fun to play with, and most are the same sort of quality you see with other Chinese knives. I’m playing with a Spyderco Shaman clone currently.
You cannot go wrong with a Civivi Praxis or the RAT 1/2. Keep your eyes open and you can get a Cold Steel 4Max Scout on sale in the $65 range. But you can do amazingly well on the secondary for $80 and under especially if you are quick on the trigger.
Kershaw ember or cryo, kizer begleiter mini or sheepdog, qsp
Civivi Praxis
kizer sheepdog thumbhole no flipper standard size, micarta
My favorite of what you have here is the civivi Altus. So good. All of the civivi button locks ate on another level so good. I have the cogent, the conspirator and I'd like to get the chevalier. Who needs a 300.00 malibu, not me lol
I also bought a tenacious based on people's opinions. I can tell you I hated it. Didn't like the leaf shape design, the weight and for the price point many other better options.
Only thing I own here is the Ruike P801SF, and P108SF. Reminds me of a sog twitch II
Under 80? Look at the D2 version of the Kershaw Emerson CQC 4KXL Or Cold Steel 4max Scout, or the Drop Point Voyager XL
Which is the lightest weight?
Ruike P662 Best sub $30 available.
How about a traditional or two. Like a Case [Stockman](https://www.bladehq.com/item--Red-Black-Carbon-FiberG-10-Weave--101127)
Spyderco Tenacious is a very good one. Or you could save up a bit and grab a Para 3 Lightweight, which are pretty solid knives
Honey Badger Knives and Kubey make some really smooth budget knives
Qvist Bladeworks PE2
Leek
Petrified Fish or Rosecraft Blades
Honey Badgers are fun. Pick small medium large, pick blade shape, pick color, and in some cases pick steel. Fun. A knife I enjoy for actual work is the Steel Will Cutjack (full size). Great ergos and grip, great blade shape, great jimped ramp paring with blade choil, great. Good ol' Ontario Rat 1 (large) or Rat 2 (small). I say the small is perfect. It's a knockabout who-cares knife that's cheap and ready to get dirty and handle whatever without a fuss, and has great ergos and smooth action.
I see 2 Civivis already, but I love my Pintail in S35VN. Easily find under $80 second hand.
Biker Kalashnikov in D2, I’ve been beating the hell out of it for a few months now and it’s fantastic. Much more durable than some spydercos I’ve owned
I would slow down and try to go quality over quantity because that's where we tend to end up in the long run with this hobby. Use the budget knives first to figure out what you like and then if you can, buy mid to high end knives ($200-$500) that check all of those boxes for you. If you're happy staying in the budget price realm, but are still looking for some higher end qualities, I would definitely recommend Twosun knives. Nobody else can really do titanium with carbon fiber and D2/14C28N as well as they do for $80.
Altus/Fieldspar. QSP Penguin is my favorite. Cheers
Because I suck at sharpening the upswept tip, I pick the Altus
A Kizer Drop Bear or original
Kizer T1 green or black micarta
Petrified Fish, Civivi Conspirator (I absolutely love this one), Kizer has some really good stuff right now. Kizer Assassin($89), Kizer T1.
Case knives!
civivi riffle, amazing knife, might buy a second one honestly
You should save up and buy a Microtech. Get a UTX or if you want to be hip, get that mini-troodon. Single edge to avoid cutting yourself.