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.

I bought a Buck 55 due to my love of the 110, but came away disappointed. For the money, I expected better fit 'n finish.

The Buck Vanguard is a modern design with a pocket clip, a usable blade shape, and an open handle that's easy to keep clean. Mine has an S30V blade and I'd recommend the knife to anyone.

That said, I'd still gift a 110 in a heartbeat. The recipient can choose when and how to carry it, but he'd own a proven classic.

Buck or Kershaw are probably your best bets for U.S. made at that price point. I have a Buck Spitfire that was a gift from a student, and it is a nice knife for the money. The mini version below might be a good one for a kid. They are definitely something that could be engraved.

https://www.buckknives.com/product/mini-spitfire-knife/0726FAM01/

The 500 series Buck lockbacks are nice knives and can be had for less than 40.00 with the exception of the "Duke" which is just over 40.00. I doubt you'll find anything better for the price.

Very good suggestions gentlemen. Thanks.

The Buck Mini-Spitfire looks kinda nice for a young guy.

222 Rem, did you happen to mean the Buck "Vantage"? All I'm seeing for the Vanguard you mentioned is fixed blade knives?

YES, the Vantage...........my bad. My five year old was happy to see me come home from work, and was climbing all over me while I tried type.

Price Drop!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Buck-Knives-Folding-Hunter-110-Lock-Back/2310513

Best part of the day right there. Enjoy'em when their young, they grow up fast!

Thanks for the clarification

Right after that we did a three mile round-trip to the city park, with him peddling his JD colored big tire tricycle.

Ever considered one of the Leatherman multi tools? Something like the Rev (about $30) might work, and you can order with engraving.
Leatherman Rev

I would also check out knifeworks.com for some deals. Some of their case knives are in that range and they personalize too!

http://www.knifeworks.com/case80502orangesyntheticsodbusterjr.aspx#.WMfu4fnyvIU