Best tactical folder under $50?

Question

I've been carrying cheap folding knives for a while now, but they only seem to last a year or so before something falls apart. Usually the blade gets loose, liner lock doesn't lock well, or the handle comes apart. I decided this time to spend more than $20 on a knife and try and find a nice one. Here's the criteria,

Sturdy: something that will handle several years of use and abuse, being flicked open and closed several times a day.

One handed opening and closing, preferably with thumb stud, and smooth enough that it'll flick out without much effort. My previous knives have all been liner locks with thumb studs.

Something around 3 inches along, sweet looking, but not so much that people give you looks of fear when you flick it open to cut a box at work.

Under $50. Want to spend enough to get a good knife, but not so much that I'll be afraid to use it.

Suggestions? I've been looking around at Buck, Kershaw, or maybe a Spyderco so far.

Answer 1

The Benchmade Ambush is on sale for $49.99.  Hard to go wrong with a Benchmade.

Answer 2

You did not say what you are going to use this for so I will try to give you some options.

For 46 yrs I have carried daily, the same Swiss Army Knife for light duty.

When at work I carry a Boker magnum, (9 yrs old), It is opened and closed about 12 times a day. No problems as yet.

In the Army I carried a buck for a while but it required a lot of sharping. good knife, but a lot of maintenance.

I switched to a Puma drop point skinner hold an edge and stands up well with use.  I have used mine for over 30 years..  

From your description, loose blade,etc.  maybe you should go with a good short bladed sheath knife.  I would recommend the Old Timer series, try and find an old one with a carbon blade not stainless steel.

    I am not a big fan of stainless steel knifes.  I find that with proper sharping and polishing of the edge a carbon blade will out perform a SS 10 to 1.  Shop ebay or gunbroker and get a look at what is out their and about the price you should pay locally. Good luck

Answer 3

Spyderco and Kershaw are great quality. I have had a kershaw for years(also some have a lifetime warranty)  

Answer 4

Kershaw and spyderco are generally more than $50. I would go for a buck of a larger size but S&W is also good for the money.