In my opinion if you want a low cost knife that is of decent quality, you can't go wrong with Kershaw. At Walmart for less than $30 you can pick up a Kershaw Scallion with the speedsafe blade. It functions like a switchblade but since there is no "switch" it's legal. This isn't one that you flip open with your wrist, the blade is actually propelled out by a powerfull spring. Be carefull if you try one. The blade locks via a liner lock. It's easy to master pulling the knife out, opening it, cutting, closing it, and then putting it away with one hand. This leaves the other hand free for carrying objects or pulling on packaging. The blades on these are very easy to sharpen if you buy a decent sharpening system (Walmart, Smiths brand in black box $19.99) that will control your angle. They need to be sharpened regularly if you use them hard. They are easy to hone razor sharp because the steel isn't overly hardened. I sharpen mine monthly. I recommend that you stay away from the serrated blade option. It looks cool but isn't all that practical when it needs to be honed. Night and day difference between these and Smith and Wesson. I have a Scallion that's 5 years old and has been abused daily(cutting cardboard and plastic freight straps frequently) and still works like new. Benchmade, Gerber, Schrade, Old Timer, all great brands that offer far superior models for not that much more cash. At any rate, while Smith&Wesson makes fine firearms, they don't actually manufacture knifes. Smith knifes are like most things in this world. You get what you pay for.