If you want bang for buck, the SRM and Enlan knives from China are getting good reviews (I appreciate some people will not want to purchase from China for a variety of reasons, and I know that some of their output is shoddy - but feedback on those two brands on British Blades forum has been very positive)

Not what I would call great, but these are serviceable.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/boker-magnum-ergo-slim-knife-single-blade-frame-lock~p~3600t/?filterString=s~knives%2F&colorFamily=01

And I haven't used this particular model, but other SOG knives I've used have been well made. (And yes, it busts the budget by $4)

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sog-autoclip-folding-knife-lockback~p~3781h/?filterString=s~knives%2F&colorFamily=99

Gerber Ultralight L.S.T.

Folks,

FYI, KMart has put the Gerber Bear Grylls line on clearance. On Monday I am purchasing the mid-size (Scout)for $14 (reg. 26.99). Not necessarily great, but I've read solid reviews. They are also getting rid of several models of other Gerber.

Svord Peasant Knife $15.98 at bensbackwoods.com.I do not have this knife but have seen and heard good reviews....


BOATMAN
John

Fast review of the Gerber BG Scout...

Two things that I dislike: the lock release is in a place that I find inconvenient and the cut-outs for it are just a bit too shallow (and I have small hands/fingers). Not crazy about the BG logo and signature on the blade, but that has nothing to do with performance.

I do like the orange highlights on the grip and that it is rubber. The thumb studs are ambidextrous and the opening action works well for "quick flick." The belt clip is placed well for a very low-profile carry in a pocket.

I'll use it tomorrow on my outing. Hope to fish, but I'll hike at the least. Will add to the review after.

I had no need for the knife today, but it carried secure inside my belt.

I saw those Kershaws and was tempted, but skeptical. Its good to know that the Crown model is worthwhile.

Until you started this thread, I hadn't really thought much about or paid much attention to knives in this price point. Now, of course, I am seeing them everywhere I turn (or at least it seems that way), esp on a recent visit to the Smoky Mountain Knife works in Tennessee. My vote is still for the Victorinox Swiss army knives, but there appear to be MANY other options as well.

Review update...

After a few days of EDC, I am still pleased with the knife. The clip is VERY strong. Edge retention has been very good, with a few whisks on a stone enough to refresh. Had been concerned that it is a wider blade, but that hasn't been much of an issue. I used the knife for fine work today and it performed beyond my expectations.

For less than $14, this is a solid knife and one that I'm pleased to carry. I'll carry it again on an outing tomorrow.

Nothing against bargains, but i'd rather go cheap on a fixed blade than a folder. My hands are worth too much to depend on questionable locking mechanisms. Of course every knife can fail, I've just had better luck with Spyderco, Cold Steel, etc.