After much deliberation, i've decided not to buy a spyderco folder. Instead i'm going to go for something more affordable. Any suggestions?

I had a longer reply, but my computer has hung 4 times, and now I am lazy. <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Locally, for me, Kershaw some some good, affordable models. (www.kershawknives.com). I can't give you a specific model, but browse the website.

The website seems a lot more expensive than the shop prices.

Just saw this know - the Vapor

https://secure.heinnie.com/cgi-bin/heinnie_store/web_store.cgi

Smith and Wesson has good knife's for reasonable price's. Some Boker knife's are also affordable, but as far as i can remmeber not one-hand openable ( importent feature for me )

Try A.G.Russell,he has some excellent knives.Many one hand opening.There is also Columbia River Knife and Tool.There M16 knife is good too.A.G.Russell web page is
http://www.agrussell.com

Sorry, I just thought of another good one.Check out Emerson Knife Co..I don't know there web site but I'm sure it isn't hard to find.I know many service men carry them with no complaints.They are a favorite folder of many SEALS.Emersons logo is "The number one hard used knife".I dont know the price range but it wouldn't hurt to check them out also.
Boatman
John

if you want an EDC folder, rembember it has to be <3" and non-locking, the only one hand opener i can find to fit that is the spyderco pride.
Otherwise it's slip joints.

If you want a knife for tasks, then for the price it doesnt get any better then the kershaw vapor at $20 It's a frame lock (like a sebenza)

The only other budget knives I can think that are any good are the CRKT knives.

but all of them have at best only average steel.
It depends what you need it for.
I for instance dont particulary like folders, not being allowed to carry them here is silly so if I need a knife I take a fixed blade, if I wanna put somthing in my bag/pocket for a what-if, its an opinel and SAK.

FWIW, I personally avoid concave edges (as in the plain-edge Vapor, and several of the Emersons). It removes one of the main advantages of a plain edge- being able to sharpen it with a flat stone or hone, instead of specialized equipment. They seem to be getting more and more common, apparently just for cosmetics- but, if you can't lay the edge down on a flat surface, you can't sharpen it that way.

For around $20 US you can get the Buck Odyssee (sp?). It has a 3" liner lock blade. I believe it comes in a plain edge as well as a serrated. I prefer the plain but it is a matter of personal preference and use. I have had mine for close to 2 years and have no complaints. One handed operation and a clip that is removable if desired. Just my 2 cents....

I have both the S&W SWAT with G-10 scales and a CRKT M-16. I like these very much and rate them better wilderness knives than my Spyderco Endura. I paid about $35 for each of them.

The CRKT M-16 is very easy to open with one hand. I got it with the half serrated blade and wish I had opted for the plain edge. The serrations are very sharp but I think they detract from the blades usefulness in the field. I carry it more in the city, but I have used it for food prep and cleaning small game in the field and it did very well.

The S&W SWAT makes a very good wilderness folder in my opinion. It is a very useful and strong knife. I carry this one most often if I'm hiking in the higher elevations where there is less to cut and I can get away with a light folder.

I agree with whoever rejected concave edges for the same reason. They cut well when sharp but are very difficult to sharpen again. I would suggest a plain edge that is easily sharpened on a flat stone. Mac