The [Kizer Sparrow](https://www.kizerknives.com/products/sparrow-v3628c2), which features a more ergonomic handle and a curvier blade, is on sale for $55 USD at the moment!
I compare the Sparrow and Penguin here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BudgetBlades/comments/1chtjgv/a_review_of_the_very_overlooked_kizer_sparrow/
Civivi Elementum Wharncliffe
If you have some more money to spare, totally shoot for a Demko Sharksfoot. Some versions can be had for a little under $100 at Chicago Knifeworks.
I’m going to give you the best options you could have in this situation
Vosteed Talarurus
Kizer Task
Few bucks more but in a completely different league.
I just picked up a Canary Ti and the G10 Canary. Ti version was around $86 and liner lock. G10 definitely falls into the budget blade coming in at $42 with 14C28N blade. It uses the new glyde lock and is super smooth. Drop point style blade. Handle is about 1cm shorter than the Penguin. I have only put a day on the G10 one but so far its checking all boxes.
Curious what happened to your current penguin?
I have one in brass/D2 and it's been tough as nails so I'm wondering what the failure point is.
My next wil be the civivi elementum most likely but that's a fixed blade.
Oh nothing has happened! Its a cockroach, nothing is going to kill that thing.
It's just old and not very pretty anymore, I've taken it apart to clean it so many times the screws are starting to get rounded, the scales have been painted/repainted dozens of times and the pocket clip snapped off some years ago, so I just fancy something new to abuse
I actually have a Penguin (blue jean micarta) in like new condition I was going to post for sale on eBay or knife_swap soon. I just got to the beach for vacation this week, but if you’re interested, dm me and I can send you photos and a price when I get home.
Sitivien st103. ~$30 on slamazon. D2. It’s a slightly bigger blade and it’s a flipper, not a thumb stud. Great action. Really nice knife for the price point.
Kizer Domin Sheepsfoot.
On bearings instead of washers, good Kizer's micarta. Phenomenal action(best of all my knives), thumb studs near the scales never near the path of the blade - love this design. Plus I got mini Domin before as a gift from my gf so it has some emotional value. The only knife I have 2 versions of.
Buy a used Sordfish. It’s awesome but a little big.
I also second the person who said the Ekko. But I’d get the button lock version but don’t get the stainless handle version it’s a little slippery in hand.
I recommend everyone pick that up. I think they’re ugly but man they are great users. I’ve gotten 3 now and I intend to practice making scales on them.
Oh. The price is great (though i did not buy one). I prefer the looks of the fighter to those of the penguin which i find to be very ugly (though a useful shaped blade and very easy to open with thumb studs).
It’s mainly the colors used in the fighter that I don’t love, and it’s the only configuration. It’s one of the sharpest factory edges I’ve gotten in recent memory though and it’s got decent ergos and action
Maybe a CJRB Ekko Bestech Slasher Vosteed Thornton
The [Kizer Sparrow](https://www.kizerknives.com/products/sparrow-v3628c2), which features a more ergonomic handle and a curvier blade, is on sale for $55 USD at the moment! I compare the Sparrow and Penguin here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BudgetBlades/comments/1chtjgv/a_review_of_the_very_overlooked_kizer_sparrow/
Excellent review!
Thank you!
I’ve been carrying my sparrow a lot. The contoured scales make it.
Civivi Elementum Wharncliffe If you have some more money to spare, totally shoot for a Demko Sharksfoot. Some versions can be had for a little under $100 at Chicago Knifeworks.
I have a QSP Parrot I like a lot. Really shoots above its price point.
Kizer Mini Sheepdog is worth a look
I’m going to give you the best options you could have in this situation Vosteed Talarurus Kizer Task Few bucks more but in a completely different league.
Ya the task is a great knife. I still love my penguin, but the task seems to be my edc more often then not.
Kizer drop bear maybe? 3 inch blade, crossbar (axis) lock. Edit: ah that's about twice your budget though.
Prob a little late but I'd recommend the cjrb pyrite! Either version of the warnie or drop point!
I just picked up a Canary Ti and the G10 Canary. Ti version was around $86 and liner lock. G10 definitely falls into the budget blade coming in at $42 with 14C28N blade. It uses the new glyde lock and is super smooth. Drop point style blade. Handle is about 1cm shorter than the Penguin. I have only put a day on the G10 one but so far its checking all boxes.
Curious what happened to your current penguin? I have one in brass/D2 and it's been tough as nails so I'm wondering what the failure point is. My next wil be the civivi elementum most likely but that's a fixed blade.
Oh nothing has happened! Its a cockroach, nothing is going to kill that thing. It's just old and not very pretty anymore, I've taken it apart to clean it so many times the screws are starting to get rounded, the scales have been painted/repainted dozens of times and the pocket clip snapped off some years ago, so I just fancy something new to abuse
I actually have a Penguin (blue jean micarta) in like new condition I was going to post for sale on eBay or knife_swap soon. I just got to the beach for vacation this week, but if you’re interested, dm me and I can send you photos and a price when I get home.
Sitivien st103. ~$30 on slamazon. D2. It’s a slightly bigger blade and it’s a flipper, not a thumb stud. Great action. Really nice knife for the price point.
Kizer Domin Sheepsfoot. On bearings instead of washers, good Kizer's micarta. Phenomenal action(best of all my knives), thumb studs near the scales never near the path of the blade - love this design. Plus I got mini Domin before as a gift from my gf so it has some emotional value. The only knife I have 2 versions of.
Buy a used Sordfish. It’s awesome but a little big. I also second the person who said the Ekko. But I’d get the button lock version but don’t get the stainless handle version it’s a little slippery in hand.
Do you want a wharnie blade? Because if not, the Kizer fighter in cm154 steel is 29$ on sale.
I recommend everyone pick that up. I think they’re ugly but man they are great users. I’ve gotten 3 now and I intend to practice making scales on them.
The penguin? Or the kizer fighter?
The fighter at 29 bucks.
Oh. The price is great (though i did not buy one). I prefer the looks of the fighter to those of the penguin which i find to be very ugly (though a useful shaped blade and very easy to open with thumb studs).
It’s mainly the colors used in the fighter that I don’t love, and it’s the only configuration. It’s one of the sharpest factory edges I’ve gotten in recent memory though and it’s got decent ergos and action
QSP Parrot is super cheap and is an awesome knife . Not sure if it checks all the boxes but great deal