My everyday carry knife is currently a beat-up Opinel, though I just purchased a CRKT RSK Mk5 for a survival kit. I'd like to get a good one-hand opening, locking folder under 4" long folded. I prefer Made in USA, as light and thin as possible, but I also want a relatively thick blade that can shrug off rough treatment. I should also mention that I tend to lose things so I don't want to spend over $50 and preferably substantially less. Any suggestions? Thanks!

The kabar dozier knives fit the bill. 3 inch blade, lockback, thin, and only a little over 2 ounces. Aus 8 steel. About $20. But made in Taiwan.

I carry a Gerber folder with FAST draw. Great $30 knife. Excellent alternative to the expensive models.

KA-BAR Dozier Design Folding Clip Blade 3" Blade

At $19.95, you should buy two, it cuts down on shipping.

There are plenty of very different choices out there. My advice would be to make a list of your priorities first. If you're used to your Opinel, you'll actually have a hard time finding a pocket knife in any price range that cuts so well and so efficiently. It's all got to do with the Opinel's thin blade and acute edge geometry. Many folders are stronger or more heavy-duty but few come close in terms of sheer cutting or slicing ability.

For $50 you can get a seriously hardcore folder. I personally EDC a waved Endura, which is a pretty large but still light and slim knife. Spyderco has a lot to offer in the $50 range. The design is usually weird and takes some getting used to but at the end of the day their knives tend to be very functional, well made and the blade steel and heat treatment are usually top notch.

How about a CRKT M16, or one of the Lake 111s?. The "under $50" makes life tough

Spyderco - Delica or Endura
Swiss army Brands have some nice one hand opening locking folders
Schrade 'Switch-it."

I like a pocket clip as well.

Teacher RO

I thought about the Delica/Endura - and just about all the Spyderco line - problem is, they are over the $50 point - with both going around $57 street

As I said, the $50, and preferably much less makes things hard - real hard, to get a first rate knife. There are some good AUS-6/8 (or similar) alloy knives available from CRKT - who is pretty much THE budget knife maker out there. If I know someone looking for a very inexpensive but OK quality knife, that's where I tend to look (or in my stash of 'I used to carry this' knives if it's a good friend, and sell it to them for say $1, but..)

Thanks, and good to see I'm not the only one that follows the old, "Never give a knife," tradition.

Gerber EZ Out ~ $32 Canadian

Gerber EZ-Out Rescue Knife ~ $36 Canadian
(the rescue knife has a serrated edge and a blunt tip)

Wenger Ranger 51 ~ $28 Canadian

CRKT KISS ~ $35 Canadian