Low budget
Among the more experienced members of the community d
and sports enthusiasts knives periodically are some brands or styles of knives which benefits greatly outweigh price. In general these designs or manufacturers
with no exposure U.S. media brand, but are often known for his long career in their country of origin. Unfortunately this means that many users do not even know they exist and that, seeing them as distrust and lack information.
So we decided to throw some light on some of the best knives on a budget, especially those outside the big American brands (because information on the latter is more accessible to the average consumer).
is important to clarify some things when we talk about cheap knives. The first and fundamental, is that you will not find a knife and finishing materials themselves one piece of several hundred dollars for a price ten times lower. It is also true that, as these knives are usually directed to those who work daily with them and know how to care for, sometimes not the most suitable for a beginner (some models are ideal if, as discussed below). This last point is also one of the undeniable attractions of this kind of knives, anyone can get a good knife sports for two hundred dollars, but finding one for ten or twenty shows a true knowledge. There are just some knives that indicate that the bearer is a man who knows his stuff, is pure without ostentation and tools that require more skill and finesse that these barrettes edged belt hanging of many.
If you are a fan of tactical knives, heavy black leaves and quick release folding, this is the time to stop reading and look for a new Strider. There is nothing wrong with these knives, but here we are dealing with are much simpler and traditional
(although there will be a small section for them later). On the other hand, if you take a chance on the leaves that have kept out of harm's owners for hundreds of years, continue. What I can promise is that it will cost.
If we fixed blade knives for ridiculously low prices, but cut like a scalpel, Scandinavian knives are the first to come to mind. There are, of course, versions with rich materials and careful finish that rival the best in the world, but the traditional work knives are excellent and very affordable. The comfort of their rope (designed to be used with gloves in the cold northern winters), the medium sized leaves and bezel known as "Scandi grind" or "Zero bevel" (ie, no secondary bevel, very easy sharpening) makes them excellent cutting tools, especially useful for working in wood, but equally successful when leather or deboning. The spike given a full strength much higher than their lightness suggests.
require some skill, but the rewards in spades. Some models may seem a bit raw, but the nobility of its functionality makes use anyone who adheres to them quickly.
The Frosts and Eriksson berries are among the most surprising. The # 1 is the Swedish labor knife par excellence, the blade can be carbon steel or stainless as excellent Sandvik 12C27, the handle is made of beech wood and painted red plastic sheath is quite unattractive . I must say, the pods are often the weak point of these knives, because it is an easy way to cut costs. Having a ability, albeit mediocre, to make own pods is very good if you plan to use them regularly. In pods expensive models are all that one might expect in the best knives. However, the modest price of nine dollars from the # 1 makes it difficult to criticism.
For those seeking something a little prettier than # 1, # 22 is the ideal knife. Is considerably more expensive (about twenty dollars), but their case is better and can be ordered with a beeswax treatment that protects and dark, wooden handle is more beautiful (a little larger than that of # 1) . 
Mora es una ciudad sueca de gran tradición en la producción de cuchillos, comparable a Thyers en Francia o Solingen en Alemania. A tal punto es su nombre sinónimo de cuchillo que se conocen como “moras” a varios cuchillos típicos de esa localidad y, por extensión , of most of Scandinavia.
A # 22 as the photo with me for over a year. I used it for everything imaginable, I hit him with a branch to split logs, the rude carved spoons I'm leaving my step, I realized Creole ropewalk works, even helped me prepare a wild boar. Endured all fantastic. I have many more sophisticated and expensive knives that # 22, but compete with them head to head in profit. It is very light, so take it with me more often than the heavier knives. That is one reason for which survival is recognized experts recommend (as Lundin). It's easy to keep its edge to a tremendous acuity with a small pebble in hand.
addition to traditional designs with wooden handles (there are many more besides the two that name) is more modern berries with plastic handles. I do not like too much plastic-handled knives, but they have some advantages. In a knife as SWAK (Swedish Army Knife), for only eleven dollars, I can handle synthetic materials.
The SWAK is one of the best berries plastic handle, with the most sophisticated Mora 2000. Is a Swedish army knife in your kit includes survival, military knives, survival is rarely well adapted to the needs of the athlete, this is one of those cases. The major difference with traditional Moorish knives is that the plastic handle has a small guard SWAK integral and can be ordered in a variety of colors.
The Guardian, materials price and easy to maintain, along with its good quality, make this knife a very good choice as a "first knife" for a child. Better serve the proper education on the use of cutting tools that one of those garbage Asian tend to fall into the hands of children by virtue of its low price (and often colorful designs such as useless).
Of course, adults are not above this knife. It is, in my opinion, a good knife to have in a toolbox in the car, on the boat and (especially mango orange) in the survival kit. I know a couple people wearing their hunting trips or camps, to give to some helpful local guide or friend of those who always appears without a knife.
The only major drawback of plastic handle berries comparison with the wooden handle is the length of its stem. In the radiograph below may be some berries mango synthetic, First, the 760 series of Frosts (which belongs SWAK). As you can see, the ears are rather short . Although much used my 760 and it underwent a very demanding treatment, I am relying more on my # 22 with full tang. The models below are Eriksson, with much longer ears and totally reliable.
folding are also very good price and excellent quality. The first to stand out among them are two French designs: the Opinel and its lesser known cousin Douk-Douk. France is a country with a rich tradition of folding knives, each region has its own and many of his designs are appreciated worldwide, as the exquisite Laguiole or Corsican Vendetta (probably the most elegant folding knife in the world).
Opinel folding knives make their appearance in the hand of Joseph Opinel in 1890, 
Savoyard in the small village of Albiez-le-Vieux, as a quality tool for the Highlanders. Gets its famous brand Couronnée The Main in 1909. Since the inception of the company is offering twelve models, distinguished by their numbers. For over seventy years, the number 1 and number 11 can not be achieved. The number 1 was discontinued to reduce the popularity of watches
pocket, as it was designed to be worn on his watch chain and used to clean pipes and other small tasks that their road 2cm were sufficient. The number 11 was discontinued because the measure was too close to the 10 and 12.
in France are part of folklore, "Opinel" almost works as a synonym for folding knife and almost every French child has received one as a gift. Of all the models available, the most practical are the 7, 8 and 9. 8 is the ideal, but 9 is good when you need a little more than sheet and 7 is excellent as a pocket knife in the city.
The only problem I sometimes have the Opinel is moisture that seeps into the wood handle and makes it very difficult to open. There are several solutions, including traditional Savoyard coup "in the bottom of the handle to unlock the blade. What I recommend is thoroughly dried mango, puden make use of a hair dryer (on low power) to make sure it is completely free of moisture, then paint it with linseed oil. The more layers you give, the more waterproof it is. A matt lacquer also works well. In
all Opinel knives that I have (about ten) only one of them, a number 9 steel had to receive this treatment, others have never been too hard. Waterproof handles seven Opinels took me ten minutes and never had problems with moisture.
Opinel knives have been used by many celebrities such as Pablo Picasso small carving wooden figures presented to his acquaintances as "my treasure", but the story that I think makes clear the quality is one that includes Abel Domenech in his book "From the bowie knife." In one of his encounters with Bob Loveless, one of the legends of traditional cutlery, observed the teacher preparing one of his cigars, cut when pulled from his pocket, nothing more and nothing less than an Opinel knife (very custom cabe aclarar). Si un hombre que puede tener cualquier cuchillo que desee, y fabricar algunos de los mejores que pueden encontrarse sobre la faz de la Tierra, escoge un humilde Opinel, se debe seguramente a la calidad de este plegable francés.
Los Douk-Douk son menos conocidos que los Opinel, pero tienen una trayectoria igualmente interesante. En principio fueron diseñados como herramientas baratas para las colonias francesas, como piezas de trueque con los nativos, es decir como puros elementos de trabajo sin refinamientos. Su destino primigenio era Melanesia, región que inspiró el brujo que adorna el mango. Existen tres variantes principales (además de la ya mencionada para Melanesia): el Baraka, adornado con la Cruz de Agadez and for the Maghreb, the Tiki for Oceania and decorated in a Tahitian idol, and the Squirrel, for the French market which had a style sheet "Bourbon" (id est, lanceolate) and the cute little animal that gives its name engraved on the handle.
One of the best and most synthetic characterizations I've read about the Douk-Douk belongs to Jean-Noel Mouret, in his book "The world of the knife"
"Knife-Douk Douk was successful in all former French colonies. Cheap article produced in astronomical quantities sold for a minimum of a thick, ie twelve dozen ... and yet it was not cheesy. The proof is that the colonies are just a memory, while the Douk-Douk is still present "
addition to the original versions, there are now models with stainless steel blades (stamped" 440 "at the base of the leaf), different sizes and even a Douk-Douk "tactical" black leaf.
As you can see in the pictures are crude, some (myself included) might even consider them ugly, but nobody can deny that they are true quality tools for hard work. The knives of the photos are, in descending order, one-Douk Douk Melanesian, a squirrel (French Market) a Baraka (the Maghreb) and Tiki (for Oceania).
Although not associated just with a cheap product, knives and Swiss jército are when compared with many other products 
cutlery industry, a real bargain. Sure, we all saw those huge models include any tool that can happen to us and they cost a pretty penny, but are intermediate models they really offer value for money
The most versatile folding knife, and more "politically correct" is undoubtedly the Swiss Army knife. You can cover all daily needs, is of excellent quality and price is quite affordable (with the exception of some models).
can be used alone or in addition to a larger knife (either folding or fixed blade). To be used as the primary tool, I prefer models 110mm or 85mm Victorinox Wenger Sécurité is good to have a sheet of 91mm models bloqueo.Los Victorinox (and no lock 85mm Wenger) prefer to use in support of a larger knife with block (or fixed blade).
Having the most basic models of Swiss Army Knife equipped to face many of the small daily problems, and will prevent your main knife as a screwdriver or unpleasant tasks operate as a lever (tasks that are not designed and that, in addition to damage, will condemn you to hell for all eternity). Even those who do not like knives, these tools seem useful pocket and quickly become accustomed to if they carry an utterly at the time accurate.
If you are not an obsessive like me, one of these folding (no need for another knife) will serve perfectly well for everyday chores. They were tested in diverse environments, from the NASA space shuttle to an elevator on fire in Pittsburg.
What model to choose? The options are many, and you have a fondness for knives at least end up with a small collection in a short time (each model will, of course, a very convincing excuse to justify its acquisition). Some people quickly find the model that fits their needs. For example, who will work repairing computers that either Cybertools is superbly prepared for the task. For those who travel a lot, the Voyager with your alarm clock and flashlight (in version Lite) are ideal companions. There are models for the minimalist (Waiter, for example), who loves to have a toolbox on your belt (SwissChamp XLT) and those who need strength and simplicity (Alox models, among which is the knife that is equipped to Swiss soldiers).
My recommendation is: Carefully evaluate what you need and think about the tools you already have and requires no in SAK (Swiss Army Knife). For example, today I have a Buck 110 and Leatherman Micra on my belt, I do not need any of my SAKs with scissors or a blade to work. Victorinox Camper model would be a good option in this case, because it adds and bottle openers, saw, awl and corkscrew, with two leaves (smaller than the 110). If you were to take only a SAK, choose a model Workchamp complete as well.
generally prefer intermediate models, which are two to four layers (see the back of one of these knives and understand what are the layers) available in 91mm (85mm in the case of Wenger) for the city and 110mm (120mm in the case of Wenger) for outdoor activities. This is due to several reasons. First, I bring another knife for heavier tasks and a multitool in the bag (especially for the clips), so do not need more than an intermediate tool between the main and multi-tool knife. Also in that size are easier to carry in your pocket (secured to one of the key rings of Victorinox, lest they get lost). Finally, and this is important, models such as the Spartan, Tinker, including Huntsman fairly comprehensive, robust Pioneer, Soldier and Farmer have one of the best relationship between price, quality and usefulness can be offered (the same applies to similar models Wenger), also 110mm models like the Hunter or Trekker achieved on an extremely good price for such quality.
Of course, while more complete models require a significant investment, are not We do not recommend spending.
Whenever we talk about Saks raises the question: Victorinox or Wenger? Recently the two came together when Victorinox bought Wenger, so that you have your answer. However, as it was announced that the product lines will remain unchanged, it is worth devoting a portion of this article is true battle of titans.
First, it is clear that in both cases they are excellent tools offered at a reasonable price, either of the two brands will serve without problems. Victorinox
is reputed to be more careful in the completion of their knives, but that I have not been verified by comparing the copies I own both brands. I do think that the springs used by Wenger are a little weaker.
The differences between these two brands in terms of formats and tools offered are as follows:
- standard size Victorinox is 91mm and 110mm large. Wenger uses 85mm and 120mm. The 85mm Wenger are great as a knife or other support in case of having really small space. There are other sizes offered by these two brands: 58mm (Victorinox Classic pocket knife sold in history), 74mm (Victorinox Executive), 84mm (Victorinox Small Tinker) and 108mm (Victorinox Safari Trooper), 93mm (Wenger Standard Issue).
- In the larger models, Wenger leaves design uses "clipped point" instead of the traditional lanceolate. The main blades of the regular models are narrower than the back of Victorinox, but have a "belly" more pronounced. Wenger offers more models with leaf edge serrations or combination (part plain and part serrated).
- Instead of the small blade Victorinox usually include in their models cellidor (this is the name of the red plastic) of 91mm, Wenger has a nail file, although some models have a small point blade clip ..
- Wenger scissors are designed stronger than the spring used by Victorinox. Unfortunately, they have the wavy edge, I prefer the smooth edge of Victorinox, but some people like the blade of the scissors Wenger.
- Wenger, according to some bound by virtue of his second son, offers many new features on the classic Swiss Army knife as a screwdriver that lock the lobby, traditional models work sizes, fabrics and designs for the handles, clamps not folding (in the Pocket Grip), etc . Victorinox only in recent years has introduced new features (like its Lite model, SwissMemory, etc.).
- Punch Wenger is not keen.
- Wenger magnifiers have a metal frame with a small screwdriver at the tip.
- Instead of including as it does on some models Victorinox, a compass separately Wenger has some models with a small built-in compass. Unfortunately, given the amount of steel that surrounds it, and the low accuracy of water so small compass, not very useful.
- Opener design Wenger has a "hook" for what is lost in small screwdriver that has the Victorinox opener at the tip. This is not very important in models with many uses, because there is less need that screwdriver, but it shows the models with fewer accessories.
There are other minor differences, but not irrelevant. The decision between the two brands is very personal, vece is due to a specific model that produces only one, others to a particular aesthetic criteria and, especially among machairólogos for a particular liking to one of the two manufacturers. My advice is to test models of both houses (even manipulating them in a business) and decide which you like best. I have no preference for Victorinox and Wenger knives use both for different things, I find their differences are very beneficial for users to give us more options, all with excellent quality.
A friend and fan of Swiss Army knives gave me advice to buy the first. He should start with a minimalist model, perhaps something as basic as a Waiter Victorinox. Use a little, then situations will arise where I wish I had one more tool. Then buy the biggest model you can (as a SwissChamp or Pocket Tool Box), besides being useful will serve as a kind of catalog live to see the tools offered by the brand. After a while of using both, the largest left over functions (notice that there are tools that have never used) and the simplest is missing some things. Look for a model that has what you need without the things that do not use. Sometimes this model does not exist, but among the offerings of Victorinox and Wenger must be able to find something that comes close enough.
In short, you need Swiss Army knife. No matter what else takes over, can hardly be over.
I think these little knives archiconocidos cells do not require further submission, but I would like to add some things. First highlight the amazing thing about their quality produce 34000 Victorinox pocket knives per day (if we consider their other catalog offers production is multiplied by four) and their quality control is so perfect that they are all perfect. In the unlikely event that theirs had a problem, the Victorinox lifetime guarantee allows you to return it and get a new one without charge. This warranty is probably the best on the market, the only ones that are close are the airlines or manufacturers of craft whose prices are way above those of Victorinox.
Another important fact for those who are set on these things, is that the company remains in the hands of the Elsener family and maintains the policy that was established when Switzerland was one of the poorest countries in Europe, employing the people in the valley of Ibach, secure and stable jobs. Stable are these sources of work the last time there was a layoff at the Victorinox factory was for seventy-five years.
When the events of September 11 reduced Victorinox and Wenger sales by 40% (airports, and even aircraft, had been major outlets so far), the merged company of Delémont. Carl Elsener was bought for a sum that remained in secrecy in Swiss hands to keep it absolutely everything and kept a staff of his old rival. Does not it seem much better to give some money to good cutlery Carl that those who use slave labor in China?
One of the unintended consequences of September 11 was the appearance of an incredible amount of Victorinox knives used in the market. As I said before, many people do not even consider knives and often forget that they have on your keyring. With new security regulations for airlines, seizing a huge quantity of these knives and government agencies were put on sale. Some vendors, especially those with online stores and specialize in rare or discontinued models now offer Swiss Army knives in excellent condition (always use a reliable seller) for a ridiculous price, a Huntsman, for example, can be bought for seven dollars.
folding
Another excellent and moderately priced, is the Buck 110. 
long was the knife which compared all other folding hunting. Many believe that was the precursor of the new tactical folding. It is robust, probably one of the most robust on the market, good size and aesthetically pleasing. It is lightweight and compact and the steel sheet is not one of the modern "steel marvel," but Buck has excellent thermal treatment management allowing you to take much more of a mediocre as the 420HC steel. His popularity in the United States is enormous, a few years ago was the standard knife of any hiker, hunter or rural worker. Even today you can get for one low price (around $ 25).
Verdu Francisco Malini
is very important to lubricate it with water or oil stone. This means that the movement is smoother and remove the remains of the stone we hewn steel. 
Thus we have a good backup to copy the convex shape of the leaf. 
