Pleasant surprises

[jsharmon7]

I recently picked up a couple of inexpensive knives and have been very impressed with both. The first was a Kershaw CQC-7K, and the second was the Zancudo. Both knives are around the $30 mark, so I wasn't expecting a whole lot. The Kershaw is actually pretty stout, and has the "Wave" feature for easy opening. The Zancudo is a slim and slicey knife that carries very light. Neither of these are wonder steels or tools you'll want to hammer into a tree, but for EDC I can't find anything bad to say about them. I've had some cheap knives in the past that were more dangerous than anything, but I'm actually impressed with these two for the price.

What knives have you bought that ended up being better than you were expecting?

 

[bwframe]

I use an Opinel #10 (that stays locked open) nearly every day in the kitchen. Consequently, I now carry an Opinel #8 in my around-the-ranch pants continually. Well less than $20 for each, from Amazon in two days.

 

[UGaARguy]

The Kershaw Thermite is the $30 or less (Amazon price fluctuations) knife I've been most impressed with. The HK by Benchmade Pika series are close behind. The Buck Spitfire isn't as nice as the first two mentioned, but it's US made, and they were $30 at Wal-Mart. I'm not sure they're worth the current $40 price point with Kershaw's upcoming Link US made value series that should hit the same price point.

 

[rhino]

I recently picked up a couple of inexpensive knives and have been very impressed with both. The first was a Kershaw CQC-7K, and the second was the Zancudo. Both knives are around the $30 mark, so I wasn't expecting a whole lot. The Kershaw is actually pretty stout, and has the "Wave" feature for easy opening. The Zancudo is a slim and slicey knife that carries very light. Neither of these are wonder steels or tools you'll want to hammer into a tree, but for EDC I can't find anything bad to say about them. I've had some cheap knives in the past that were more dangerous than anything, but I'm actually impressed with these two for the price.

What knives have you bought that ended up being better than you were expecting?

I was thinking of a Zancudo because I really Liked the RAT 1 folder (have several). But Brad doesn't have them!

 

[Jeffrey]

i was shopping for a friend around the holidays, and picked up two thermites for $18 a piece from dicks. I have been happy with mine so far, as has my buddy who received the other one.

 

[UGaARguy]

I totally forgot the Coast FX-416. They're Chinese imports, but Home Depot had them for $7 in the stocking stuffers section before Christmas, and they still have them online for that price with free shipping to the store. I could live without the serrations, but otherwise it's great. It's a big, sturdy frame lock with decent blade steel (7Cr17MoV, which is basically 440A).

 

[tradertator]

I really like the ESEE Zancudo, especially for the price. Mora is another great bang for buck blade that I have several stashed in every bag and vehicle I own. Another cheap knife I like is the Glock fixed blades.

 

[Limpy88]

I use an Opinel #10 (that stays locked open) nearly every day in the kitchen. Consequently, I now carry an Opinel #8 in my around-the-ranch pants continually. Well less than $20 for each, from Amazon in two days.

Really like mine. I gave a nice stainless blade with afirican wood for christmas. I think it was $16 new.

 

[mclovin1033]

Smith and Wesson HRT Bootknife. I just love the symmetry on this knife, and recently made a kydex sheath for it in the hopes of mounting it on my FLC.