Skydivesnake

I second the Blur recommendation; there is a bunch of models available on ebay, and walmart also sell a tacticool one (although I prefer a non-serated edge for ease of sharpening).

I have had a couple of Blurs and I like them - quick (assisted) opening, hold a good edge and are nicely made.

Cheers,


SDS

T Bone

Love the Spyderco Endura, possibly the best choice for you? I don't care about the wave, I can open it very quickly one handed. It's slim, lightweight, and an awesome cutter (my favorite is fully serrated, but I've got several including partially serrated). You can get the Endura 4 (pocket clip will mount on either end of either side, giving maximum options for carry position) on eBay for right around the $50 budget you mentioned (check out a seller called "Spydieguys" I think is the name, Poor_Fish is another good one. Just checked, lots of choices in color, blade and wave or not for under $50 with "Buy It Now".

The Griptillian is also really cool, the Axis lock system worked properly is just as fast as a switchblade. And the SOG Pentagon and Spec Elite series (two sizes of each) also use a lock essentially the same as the Axis lock. Very fast, and great knives. I think those are over your stated price range though.

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Ridgeline

OK at the risk of sounding really stupid... what is the difference in "spring assist" (got a Kershaw Leek and love it) and an "automatic"?

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Anubis

Auto means a press of a release button causes a spring to open and lock the blade. An example of an assisted opener would be (I think) the knife pictured earlier in the thread; when closed, a little spur of the blade sticks out of the handle. Pressing on it with a finger starts the knife blade opening and a spring finishes opening the blade.

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T Bone

Actually, while we've probably got our own version and mostly agree, the only definition that matters is that of the State where the knife is located. Laws are screwy things, and the definition of "Switchblade" for example can include items such as a "gravity knife", whatever that is. In some jurisdictions, Balisongs are actually treated as switchblades (sometimes a synonym for an automatic knife).

The Kershaw Ken Onion series is considered assisted opening by most collectors (and I think some laws). It uses a torsion bar as opposed to a spring (an important difference in some legal definitions). Knife laws, to paraphrase one authoritative collector, are an incoherent mess.

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"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". Benjamin Franklin

KenpoTex

Because I've seen several of the common models (blur, vapor, blackout, and boa to name a few) literally self-destruct under light use. A friend who used to deal in knives has reported similar results. The only ones I would own are the metal-handled frame-lock models like the Leek, Chive, or Scallion (and I don't really consider any of them to be suitable for defensive use).

Just my experience...maybe we ended up with the only lemons Kershaw ever produced, but I wouldn't waste money on one when there are better knives available for the same (or less) money.

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semperfi.45

I'm liking the new Boker Subclaw as an easy EDC knife.

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retsupt99

I carry and highly recommend the Kershaw Ken Onion Leek (assisted opener). I have two of them and they, in my opinion, are the perfect SD folder knife.
I also have the Ka Bar TDI, but that is to be worn on the belt.
The Leek can be opened and closed with one hand. (Training on this one-handed operation may require a box of bandaids.)

Stay armed...include a Leek in the arsenal...stay safe!

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Anubis

True. Usually a statute that makes a particular thing illegal will also have a definition. For example, gravity knives are illegal here, and the statutory definition is "'Gravity knife' means any knife that has a blade released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force".

Also I am unaware of any state with pre-emption of local knife laws, so every city can have its own unique knife laws.

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Hopyard

Exactly, so you can almost never ever be certain you are legal. The laws are often sufficiently vague that you could get in trouble just by bringing dinnerware to an outdoor picnic.

For this reason, I don't like the idea of carrying knives. A knife fight is a brutal thing and to be avoided. Unless you are well trained in knife fighting or just naturally skilled, you will get cut.
Even if well trained, you will get cut, unless you manage to disarm your opponent and disable him all in one quick move or two. The fighting technique is almost exactly the opposite of gunfighting in terms of how you move off the X.

If you must carry a knife, thinK of things that aren't knife like or weapon like in appearance that you could legally carry. They would still be considered weapons if used in that manner, but at least not be of questionable legality as you move from one community to another. Earlier someone mentioned San Antonio knife laws. That is a good example of the problem. (I knew a lady who kept a lovely brass flower design in her car. Each petal had sharp edges and points, and there was no way anyone could get past that thing if it between her and an attacker.)

A short blade can do lots of damage --even a small screw driver just a little larger than what you use for fixing eyeglasses. Be creative about what you carry.