I just don't have enough RSK Mk1s to go around. I have different EDC bags that I want to be able to grab and go, and though I would like to have Mk1s in each, I can't afford that right now.

I'd like some suggestions for low cost, yet reliable folders, preferably stainless steel of some sort...something durable until I can "Ritter-ize" all my kits. $20-$30 would be best right now.

What do you think?

I can imagine the firestorm that may ensue after I provide my recommendation...Knives are intensely debated here on the forum...

I'm no expert on fine cutlery or grades of steel or whathave you, but for that price range I'd look into the Gerber Parafram II. I have one that I EDCed before I got my own RSK M1 and it served me well. Break it in with a little oil and it opened real smooth, it took a shaving sharp edge without too much work, and I had it with me this past summer out on the sea and the stainless steel held up just fine - no rust (can't say the same for my Leatherman Wave). I've cut line, cleaned game, and opened hundreds of boxes with it. It's a decent knife for that price range.

That's my $0.02, hope it helps.

Matt

If you spend your money on what you consider sub standard items, you'll never be able to afford the quality you really want. One good item is better than numerous suspect ones.

My suggestion : a Spyderco Delica 4.

Do consider having "nested" bugout bags rather than several independent kits. It would be hard for me to afford several duplicate Rittergrips.

To your question, I purchased several Kabar Dozier Folding Spear for just $20 each. The best knife I've seen for the money. I gave one to each of my kids and keep one in the drawer that is next to my family room chair. It gets LOTS of home-use cutting all sorts of nasty stuff and has done very well. Folks on the knife forums speak favorably of them too - for the price.

Here is a link:

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA4066

SAVE YOUR PENNIES for the Rittergrips - you'll love them!!

Another option to consider is to purchase several fixed blade Moras at http://www.ragweedforge.com . My own favorites are the #746 and its longer-bladed relatives. Others really like the #760, though those handles are a bit small for my hands. If you want a big knife look at the #C223.

Ken K.

Another one to consider might be the Spyderco Native at Walmart. S30V steel and $39. It's like this but with a plain edge. Nice knife.

The Byrd brand of knives offers some pretty good value for the money. Any of their knives can be found for under $25 on the internet.

I have a Kershaw Vapor ($20 at Walmart) that I recently started carrying. It is pretty comfortable to use. I don't know how it will hold up in the long run.

I agree with the above poster that the Spyderco Delica is a nice knife, but it looks like it might be a bit out of your price range.

I wasn't clear about my wants...I'm in the process of putting together several EDC/emergency kits. I have one in the backpack I carry my laptop in, another one when I want to carry a few small books and some water bottles (Max Devildog) and just recently decided to build a kit into a Max NeatFreak, for when the Devildog seems more tedious than seems worth it. A lot of the items in these kits are duplicate of what's in other kits. I've tried transferring things from one bag to another, but if I'm in a hurry I usually forget something. And I'd like to be able to just grab and go with little or no thought as to what's in the bag I grab. I usually keep a Mk1 close anyway, but if I have to clip it to the waistband of shorts, it digs into me a bit sometimes. It's going to take me some time to build all of these kits just the way I'd like...I'm trying to be more financially responsible for my family, instead of just running out and buying whatever I want <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Anyhow, good suggestions, and any more would be appreciated as well.

And yes, it is difficult for me right now to own several of the Mk1s...I'm looking into the future to get them in all my kits <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

KA-BAR / Dozier Folding Hunter, 3" blade, AUS 8A Stainless Steel, about $20.

For the money this knife is very good. There are other blade styles available in the same family.

In my opinion, the differences in practical survival benefit between this knife and any similarly sized folder costing many times more money would be infinitesimal in any real short term survival situation.

A good med size folder, no longer made but still available. Figure $25.

TRO