Buck Bantam 286
https://www.buckknives.com/product/286-bantam-bhw-knife/0286FAM01/
CRKT's are nice for sure. I have a great Kershaw too. I think this is the best under $50 though. Buy this and have $20 left for other supplies. They have a smaller version which was my son's first knife.
If you don't know what to get, choose a classic. The 110 folder is world famous. Their fixed blade hunting knives are classic too, just pick the length you want.
http://www.amazon.com/Buck-110BRS-Fld-Hunting-3-3/dp/B000EHYZKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410386224&sr=8-1&keywords=buck+110
Buck Bantam. The 3" version has been my edc for well over a year. I don't use it everyday but I do cut, pry, dig, and generally abuse it. It's made in the USA and it's about $20.
I generally buy what ever knife I find under $30 that's made in the US. Almost all of the big companies (Buck...
I have little doubt that a $200 knife could beat a $30 knife in a torture test. Depends how it's setup though. Make the blade stay sharp longer, then you make it harder to sharpen later, or maybe it's more brittle. Maybe the fancy steels don't have those tradeoffs as much, but I'd stick to...
I don't know the name of the knife, but I gave Case knives at my wedding. They make one with just stainless steel scales. Perfect for engraving. It's a very slim knife so it's great for a pocket too. Until I lost mine, it was my 'dress up' knife since it didn't show at all.
They were $20-$25
If you use it, I say get it restored and use as much of the original leather as possible. That way, when you pass it down to your kids/grandkids it'll mean more since they're more connected to you. If it's just going to sit in a safe/shelf anyway, keep it as is.
Read that somewhere and I think that sums it up. Tantos are specialized for fighting. Drop points are a do it all blade. For me, an EDC knife is also an everyday use knife. I have a drop point with no serration. I figure a tanto that I wouldn't use would be like a gun that I never practice with.
Zombie thread! That's ok, it's a good one. ;)
Buck Bantam 285 - under $20
I've carried it for about a year and it's been great. There's a clip on the other side. The body is plastic which keeps it light. The blade is nice and thick. Mine is made in the USA too. Its says "USA" under...
Uh... nobody has mentioned the good ole Ka-Bar? It's been carried by the military for decades. I got mine for $50, looks like Amazon has them for a little more right now.
If you want a smaller knife, check out the Ka-Bar Becker Necker. Wrap it with paracord and you're good to go. - $40...
Buck Bantam 285. $20 and made in the USA.
I choose 100%, but it's more like 95%. I just forget it sometimes.
I sharpen mine myself. It's one reason I never use serrated blades. It's something every man should know how to do! I'm sure there's a youtube video on it if you need some tips.