I have my share of budget knives too. most are pretty good for what they are. I still buy Civivi pretty frequently. lately they've been putting out some great knives. steel isn't premium, but the action on them are nearly like WE knives, their higher priced sibling
just ordered a Kubey from their website, so it's coming straight from China bc I couldn't find the model anywhere in the US. it's a budget knife that I got 20% off with a coupon code, shipped FedEx international priority mail which balanced out with the coupon code. knife got some good reviews. we shall see how it is once it gets here tomorrow

China has really upped their game in the pocket knife world. I have seen some really nice ones with smooth opening at good prices but I swore off made in China knives a while back. That pushes me well north of $100 in most cases unfortunately but I have been selling off my collection a bit.

ZT auto

Hope the knife bill doesn't pass as is, or no one would be able to carry anything mentioned in this thread.

been getting into the button locks lately. and I am a fan of ZT. will put this on my list

I wonder how this ZT0044 button lock compares to the WE Zizzit. I have the Zizzit and like it a lot. great button lock. 1 difference is the ZT is 3.2" blade, the WE is 3.8" blade. the ZT is $340, the WE is $310. I wonder how the action on the ZT is. the WE action is great
the ZT is a flat grind S45VN, the WE is compound grind 20CV hollow on the main part of the blade and flat on the tip
WE has milled titanium handle with foil carbon fiber inlays and milled titanium pocket clip. ZT is just titanium handle with steel clip
I think you get a better knife overall with WE for $30 less than the ZT

Sorry....kind of off topic, but here is something I happened to see a few days ago RE knife legislation.
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2025-05-21/southport-teacher-calls-for-ban-on-sharp-knives

I should send this story to Chris Marvin at Everyclown. 

Sorry....kind of off topic, but here is something I happened to see a few days ago RE knife legislation.
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2025-05-21/southport-teacher-calls-for-ban-on-sharp-knives

I should send this story to Chris Marvin at Everyclown.

If they ban sharp knives I will conceal carry a butter knife.  If anyone feels butterknives are harmless, try poking your eye with it.  Or better yet, try poking your throat.  Even if your toddler does it for you it will hurt I guaran ball barans.

But it is not sharp therefore, I am not in violation of their stupid, lamebrained, dumb-ass, retarded law.  I mean, "let's be blunt."

I like this guys stuff


(Shameless plug)

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2025-05-21/southport-teacher-calls-for-ban-on-sharp-knives

Damn, the world is getting more stupid everyday.  I just ordered a Cold Steel Thai Machete.

It is actually more of a sword.  Thinner blade, more of a slicer than a chopper.  I am going to carry it in the car.

I decided to man up and get a Microtech UTX-85 D/E. it has a solid lock up. deployment is strong! I like it 

I decided to man up and get a Microtech UTX-85 D/E. it has a solid lock up. deployment is strong! I like it 

I made a hasty purchase bc I could have got the gen3, but didn't know there was a gen3. it has an easier blade deployment and retraction. better switch that doesn't make your thumb sore.. better pocket clip. and it's only $9 more. kicking myself in the ass about this.bc I'll probably wind up getting the gen3 as well

and I just got the gen3. now they come out with the gen4. dam!

I finally got around to picking up an auto.  Bought a Lightning OTF drop point off Grindworkx. ($25+$6 shipping)   I enjoyed it so much that a week later I pulled the trigger on a Kershaw Livewire Tanto.  No wonder the fun police banned auto knives.  I can't stop playing with them.  Click, Click, Click, Click!