Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades EDC for Gift?

Every year I provide a knife to the kid who wins our scholarship. I get the winners name engraved on the blade because I figure long after the money is spent they will still hopefully have the knife.

Anyway, a few years ago I found a deal on the internet and bought a half dozen Kershaw Skyline knives. I'm out of those knives now and need some feedback on what would be a decent knife hopefully around the $40 range. It must be USA made.

Thanks for any suggestions on what would be a good USA made gift knife for EDC.

Walmart has USA made Buck 110's for like $35 these days. Might be "old school" but still a solid knife for the money.

For EDC I suggest the Buck 55. Great little knife. Buck 55 Folder $34 - Amazon

Thanks guys.

Anybody use a CRKT? Thoughts?

How about a case trapper?

The cv yellow handle ones are reasonably priced.

Or a Sodbuster...

crkt knives are not USA made.

Kershaw's Leek is a nice EDC folder that's usa made and in your price range

Thanks for the info on the CRKT. I did some looking after reading your post and it does look like many of their knives are non-USA made. I'll scratch them off the list.

My favorite EDC is a Kershaw Volt II. I don't think you can beat them for the money. They frequently are on sale at Big 5 Sporting Goods for around $20.
However, the blade says China, and I think most of the other lower priced Kershaw knives are made in China.

My previous favorite was the CRKT M16 but when they became Chinese made the screws holding them together would work loose and they would fall apart.

Good call....every body should own a 110 at some point in their life.

Victorinox farmer. Great edc and it has a area made for engraving on the scales.

I agree, but that point was about 30 years ago. I just don't see anybody wearing a lock back folder in a belt holster nowadays.

YMMV

Yea....a chinaland POS like you recommended even though the OP clearly said "US made" would be a much better choice.

Great Eastern Cutlery, queen and case all make usa made stuff close to your price point, if you want a traditional style pocket knife.

Kershaw and Gerber both offer usa made pocket clip one had ed opening knives in the price range as well.

If someone gave me a knife from Wally World I'd give it back. My opinion!

Agreed. I've got several (and actually carry one), and enjoy using it ever single time. I love the heft, the solid lockup, and especially the way it fits my hands perfectly. Mine rides concealed right behind my spare magazine. Just because it's not visible, doesn't mean it's not used and loved. And as many 110s as Buck sells, I know I'm not alone...........even in today's uber-tacticool-modern world.

My 5yr old has a NIB one waiting until he's old enough to unlock it. I'm doing my part to make sure the next generation doesn't forget the wonderful 110.

Well there you go.

MY philosophy has always been a more simple and grateful one.

I love 110's (greatest knife ever!) and Case slip joints. I would be elated to receive either one as a gift and I already have several. But, I am 51 years old.

I assume this knife is going to be for a young person. I suggest going to Buck's website and looking at some of their newer designs with one handed opening, thumb studs, etc, that people are into these days. There are several that meet your price point and can be ordered online if you cannot find them locally. Just trying to think like a kid.

EDC meaning everyday carry....the Buck 110 is a tad heavy for the task, especially in the pocket.

Your Kershaw Skyline example is excellent for carry, with a decent sized/shaped blade. The pocket clip could be better, but works fine. Flipper isn't assisted, but opens great with proper screw setting.

Kershaw seems have the most every-day carry-able configurations these days.....in both USA and China made.

My two favorite USA EDC's are the Kershaw Skyline and the Gerber 425 EZ-Out non-serrated.

Edit: OOPS, forgot to mention another favorite I carry....the Buck Vantage 340. Very affordable USA folder, light enough to carry, with pocket clip.

Plus, like the flipper blade.

Non-USA favorite......Victorinox Cadet.

EDC knives probably won't last a lifetime like the once/twice-a-year field dressing knives. Lost or eventually worn out.

My favorite EDC pattern is a standard issue trapper. Mine was a GEC with elk antler scales, but thats out of your price range. Case will put it close though.

Of course, if I have a nice knife, I lose it. Yet I can carry this damn CRKT $7 clearance special knife I have in my pocket right now for years without misplacing it. Not a bad knife, but for sure foreign made.

I like the looks of that Buck 55 posted above. I also think a 110 is too big for EDC pocket carry.