What's a cheap knife that's pretty durable for all-around usage in the outdoors?

G

grape

New member
I just want a solid knife with about a 4" blade, but I'd like to spend only about 20 bucks...any ideas? I don't need a TOP OF THE LINE BLADE here, just something that is durable and will do the jobs - cutting rope, cutting fish heads off oh and water proof.
 
judgebill is right, any knife you pay $20 for is going to be junk. Look first at what kind of steel is used, 420 stainless is junk, it is not capable of holding an edge much less just getting one. 440c is the best in the 400 series stainless but is generally inferior to carbon steel in all categories except corrosion resistance. For a good all around knife I prefer L-6 tool steel, it is well balanced, but you wont find a factory knife made out of it. O-1 and 52100 are the best at holding an edge, again factories don't use them. D-2 ia the best balanced (strength/edge holding/stain resistance) of all knife steels for a smaller knife, but $20 wont even let you touch it. As far as making a knife, it took me 3 years and many ruined blades to learn how to make a superior blade. Good luck.
 
Make your own knife. You can go to a junk yard and pick up a piece of steel that is flat and not too thick. Take a hacksaw and do a rough shape. Then take a file and work yourself to exhaustion further shaping it. Then, if you have access to a grinding wheel, grind it down to the final shape, being careful not to overheat the metal while grinding. Then build a handle. You will have a knife that may not win any beauty contests but it will work and be something that will bring you years of service. Go to the library and get a book on knife making or pick up a book or magazine on the subject in either a cutlery shop or a gun shop. Try it. The worst that will happen is you'll spend a lot of time and wonder why you began the project in the first place. The best is you'll wind up with a piece of equipment that has your name stamped all over it. Enjoy.
 
The best folding knife, that has a tight lockup is the Kabar Dozier. Its what I carry for an everyday use and abuse knife.
Its made from AUS-8 Steel, which is pretty good metal for the price (20 bucks).
$80 Spyderco knives are made from AUS-8


Here's a review of it
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?58442-Ka-Bar-Dozier-folder-review
 
I like the newer Smith & Wesson folding knives that are coming out of China these days. Pretty good value for the money.

While I don't really like Chinese made products, just about everyone is having their knives made over there. I recently bought a couple of Buck knives and noticed they had "China" on the blades.
 
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