Who in the U.S. is making decent knives, either locking folders, or smaller fixed blade for edc.

Also, I've seen custom knife makers using files to make knives. What's the word on the quality? Files are really hard steel. I'm going to assume the custom guys aren't buying their files at Harbor Freight.

thanks!

Great Eastern Cutlery

Many of their knives are over $100 but plenty are not.

the problem with files is some of the guys don't even know what steel they are made from. If you're lucky they're W1 or 1095. Many are using old files and hoping the heat treat turns out ok on them without knowing exactly what they're made from which means the heat treatment may not be optimal. And some custom makers using files are doing it because they are cheap and not because they are any type of superior steel. w1 and 1095 are good steel if that is what you get but there's also a good chance you're getting a lower quality steel too. I've made some and some ended up being decent and some not so much.

You probably won't find a good quality steel, custom knife for $100 or less. Unless you know the knifemaker personally and he cuts you a good deal. A lot of the steel comes at a premium price and the labor and time spent making a knife won't justify charging less than $150-$175. Prices would go up from there depending on the type and how exotic the steel is and what type of handle material you use. There are some handle materials that would cost in excess of $50 before any cutting or shaping. For a decent custom knife using 1095 or 440C with good quality wood or micarta scales, I would expect to pay no less than $150. Just my .02.

Titan international knives.

On my phone or I would link to the website. Also if you aren't sign up with DVOR, I bought a titan Damascus knife with leather sheath for $40. Now, it's not a perfect show piece, but it was good quality 15N20,1095 steel that will hold a sharp edge.

I believe that some Spydercos are still being made in the US.

Can't help with the 2nd question.

Just save your money and get a Randall.

/OB

I thought they were made in Taiwan these days?

OP, SOG and Kershaw make some good knives in that price range, but you have to watch out. Not all of their knives are made in the U.S.

Titan Intl knives are made in Pakistan fwiw.

phorizt said:

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Titan Intl knives are made in Pakistan fwiw.

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Hmm the more you know, I did not know that

Some are indeed made in Taiwan, but many are made in CO. You can see a list of the ones made in CO on their website.

FWIW - the ones made in China are of a very good quality. In fact, I'm amazed at how good some of them are, when one considers their low price.....

Caladan said:

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I believe that some Spydercos are still being made in the US.

Can't help with the 2nd question.

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I second spyderco and delica 4 is one of the best EDC knives out there. A lot of the time you can find it for less than 100. Spyderco knives are not my style aesthetically, but they are so functional they have won me over. My delica any my paramilitary are pretty much the only knives I really carry. I like kershaw but I find myself having to sharpen them after every other use or so.

What's the intent for the knife? That might help recs

The intent for the knife is just everyday carry. My knives are used fairly hard until I lose them. They are often the only tool I have at hand so they get use a little more than just for cutting. I take care of them and keep them sharp, though. I'm getting tired of $40 knives that don't stay sharp for more than a day. If I start using a small fixed blade knife with a blade around 4" and bright colored scales, I would be less prone to laying it down somewhere and losing it.

Custom knives are too expensive, but I've seen some American made knives in the the $120 that are making me rethink my budget. TOPs Tactical and Hazen make some models that are really tempting.

In true ob fashion:
Double your budget and get a dawson?
https://www.dawsonknives.com/products/pocket-knife
This knife is cool, as much of a tool as it is a knife, really well thought out

Ontario knife company RAT may fit what you're looking for. Esee knives (same designer) are probably a little nicer but a little more expensive. If you're prone to lose them I'd go Ontario.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004DTRF5M/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1526981375&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=esee+knives+orange&dpPl=1&dpID=41BmqFwZbPL&ref=plSrch