Spyderco is a very popular brand for everyday carry, and they make a lot of knives in your price range. Personally, I'm going for a Kershaw Volt II. These might not have the classic feel you're going for though.

You can't go wrong with a Ka-Bar. I prefer their fixed blades, but ALL of their knives are very solidly built. The Department of Defense agrees with me.

Buck makes excellent folding knives, and they have all kinds of different looks to them, too.
Best of all, they're US made out of proper steel, none of that chinese shit.

>>17563

They're made in China now, out of crap steel. They also use a heavy and outdated design. Don't get me wrong, the Buck design is pretty solid, it's just that the world has changed, and better knives exist.

I like my CRKT, but go for the longer blade. The wee little things aren't of much utility.

Sharpens up nicely and quite useful.

If you're looking for something to carry on for your life, I'd recommend a fixed blade. While a folding knife can last as long as a fixed, if the folder DOES break far down the track, it can be next to impossible to fix if the model is out of date. In my opinion there's also something classier about a fixed blade with a sheathe than any folder. As for price range, you're aiming a bit low for a multi-generational knife (potentially), but that's just me. All of the brands listed in this thread are good, and personally I'm far less concerned about the inferiority of blades made in China. As long as the steel is rated the same, origin doesn't matter that much.

>>17565

Well shit, I stand corrected then.

Be aware of laws regarding fixed blade carry in your area if you do go that route. I know that in California you can't conceal a fixed blade, but there's no length limit.

>>17572

Shit, you can't conceal a toothpick in California...

>>17573
Except concealed carry of firearms is growing in popularity.

I use a 13 dollar small fixed edge from the mall. It may be cheap and simple, but it's pretty damn nice for everyday use, and so far has lasted rather long.

I have a larger blade of a similar type, about 10 inches or so, but I don't carry it around.

rude

OP here. If anyone cares I went with this...

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=456

$55 brand new on eBay.

>>17587
Looks like a wonderful piece of shit.

>>17587
You'd be way over paying for it. That knife should be worth $30 at most.
I owned a similar knife and the pivoting pin snapped and the blade fell out.

>>17590
How similar, out of curiosity? Because from what I've seen Spyderco is a pretty reputable, if overpriced, brand.

>>17591
It wasn't a spyderco but the knife was described as being comparable.

>>17589
I thought Spyderco knives looked like shit too. Actually the Delica it's one of their most popular models except mine has a full flat ground, larger thumb hole, and a grey handle. It honestly does look a little cheap with the FRN handle, but it does have steel linings which make it feel more solid thank it looks. I've detected no blade play, the lock seems to function well, and retention is very good as it takes a lot of force to sling the blade out.

It's been working wonderfully for me so far.

>>17590
I'd only say it's a tiny bit over-priced. I'm happy with my purchase.
If it does break I'll just send it back for a repair.

>>17593
"Comparable to the Spyderco Delica" sounds like advertising talk TBH. What brand was the knife you broke? What were you doing when you broke it? Did you get it repaired?

>>17605
I honestly do not remember what brand it was, I just remember seeing the "testimonals" on the website and that comment was among them. I was trying to cut through a rope (3/4 inch) and the blade fell off like it was being held in by a toothpick.

Gonna be picking up one of these soon. Heard nothing but good things about it.

Heres an option, build yourself a mini forge and go bash some railroad spikes into a knife.

Not only is the steel great quality, but you also have the satisfation of having a knife you made with your own two hands.

>>17871
Railroad spikes eh? Hadn't thought of that.
I know leaf springs are good for larger blades, not sure about an EDC knife. But yeah, making a knife with Stock Removal is easy as hell, and this guy's suggestion isn't that hard either.

>>17587

That knife is great. VG-10 is considered super-steel, it should hold an edge 2x-3x better than a Chinese knife. It will never break as long as you use it for things you don't need a fixed blade or machete for. Personally I prefer at least a 3.5" blade for daily carry.

>>17590
That's what happens when you buy shit at a flea market. A pivot has never snapped in a real spyderco knife even under use of use.