What's a good value "tactical" folder?

[The Evangelist Cowboy]

I must be the only cold steel fan, I love the fairly recent Finn wolf, a puuko styled folder and found online for about 30 bucks plus the triad lock? Seems a winner to me.

 

[Charliefrank]

Maybe I'm old school too, but I see nothing wrong with a Buck 110 or it's finger grooved brother. They are quality steel and come with a nice leather sheath. They can still be had for less than $50.00 at places like smokey mountain knife works. I've been carrying the same one now for 38 years. I even use it to butcher animals.

 

[Armored farmer]

Maybe I'm old school too, but I see nothing wrong with a Buck 110 or it's finger grooved brother. They are quality steel and come with a nice leather sheath. They can still be had for less than $50.00 at places like smokey mountain knife works. I've been carrying the same one now for 38 years. I even use it to butcher animals.[/QUOTE

^^^^makes me want to say Case large Copperlock....?

 

[Charliefrank]

Hahaha, another good quality knife lover.

 

[AJumbo]

Either Ontario Knife Company RAT 1 (~+3" blade) or RAT 2 (under 3" blade).

Or CRKT (columbia river knife & tool) Drifter.

I've been nothing but happy with my RAT-1, and just ordered a RAT-2 because... because REASONS. If you look around, you can find them with scales in other colors besides black.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Maybe I'm old school too, but I see nothing wrong with a Buck 110 or it's finger grooved brother. They are quality steel and come with a nice leather sheath. They can still be had for less than $50.00 at places like smokey mountain knife works. I've been carrying the same one now for 38 years. I even use it to butcher animals.[/QUOTE
Back in the early 70's the Buck was pretty common in the Navy. We'd while away the long hours on watch flipping out the blade trying to make it quicker, break the tips prying up deckplates, all kinds of abuse. Lord, but those knives suffered so at the hands of us sailors and yet they endured...
But, they are heavy and not the best for pocket or clip carry. Still a good deal and a good knife though.

 

[Charliefrank]

After years of carrying one in its sheath on my belt, I don't even notice it anymore. But Shanghai McCoy, you are right about them being to heavy /bulky for in the front pocket. In addition to my Buck on my belt, you will always find a Case small Texas toothpick in my front pocket.

 

[If1HitU]

S&W, H.D. & SOG

 

[Armored farmer]

Okay, Mrs farmer, junior farmer, and I flew off to Florida for a few days. I don' have a Florida CCP so I brought a few knives . I'm not expecting to live up to 'tactical', but they have gotten my by so far......
If one ends up lost or stolen by the airlines, I'm not out too much. Rough Rider lockback
Kershaw Leek
Leatherman Wave

So far, so good.

 

[dvcrsn]

don't forget Cold steel folders since they come in a variety of styles and sizes--seeing a 5.5 to 6 inch knife snapping open can get attention

 

[lemaymiami]

Most have little idea of just how a defensive (or offensive) blade is actually used... Me, I want the first thing my opponent feels is that he(she) has been badly wounded. I'll never show my blade to anyone in that once in a lifetime moment where it's all on the line...

I carried a defensive blade (an old Henckels folder - looked like an early version of a Case Sodbuster... only in thin terribly sharp carbon steel, with cherry handles ...) for many years on the street as my last ditch item. I never needed it in those 22 years - but it was used frequently for other purposes (cutting through heavy flex cuffs with a single pass, cutting through seatbelts, etc.). That old blade has been retired now and it's been replaced by a Benchmade Ascent in full sized version.

Once again defensive work with a blade means you strike from concealment without the slightest warning - at least that's the way I was taught... Pray you're never in a fight where a knife is used since we're talking being entirely too close to someone that really, really doesn't like you....

 

[bannockburn]

Armored farmer

I'm a fan of the Kershaw Leek as well! Got this one from the kids on my birthday!

 

[greyling22]

I know the Christmas is past for the op, but for anybody else shoppinge, The Leek is a fine knife, but the kershaw dividend might very well be better. It's basically an updated leek.

But my recommendation for under 50 is the steel will cutjack https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SM...g-knife-d2-drop-point-blade-black-frn-handles comes in small and large variations

 

[JShirley]

I'd be reluctant to suggest a lightweight liner locking knife for a defensive role.