The Best Budget Pocket Knives Under $80 in 2024 (Not Cheap!)

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an everyday carry aficionado, or someone looking for a reliable tool for everyday tasks, the right pocket knife can be a real game-changer. Budget knives are getting good and worth considering if you’re in the market for your next pocket knife. Interest in everyday carry knives is only growing, and plenty of tried and true options cost less than a trip to the movies nowadays. In this guide, our mission is to help you find the perfect tool for the job without breaking the bank. If you want an everyday carry knife that blends quality, functionality, and affordability, you’ll likely find something that catches your interest here.

The Best Cheap Knives – 2024 edition

The Best Overall Budget Knife 🏆: CJRB Pyrite [Buy]
Most Affordable Budget Knife: CIVIVI Mini Praxis [Buy]
Best Outdoor Budget Knife: Gerber Paralite [Buy]
Best Tactical Budget Knife: Sencut Excalis [Buy]
Best Budget Knife Upgrade: Kizer Drop Bear PEI [Buy]

The Best Overall Budget Knife🏆	Most Affordable Budget Knife	Best Outdoor Budget Knife	Best Tactical Budget Knife	Best Budget Knife Upgrade
CJRB Pyrite	CIVIVI Mini Praxis	Gerber Paralite	Sencut Excalis	Kizer Drop Bear PEI
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
• Substantial 3.34″ wharncliffe blade • Lightweight FRN handles • Button lock • Reversible pocket clip • Tons of variations across budgets and materials	• Stout 2.98″ D2 tool steel blade • Smooth but grippy G-10 handle • Flipper opening on ceramic ball bearing pivot construction	• 3.1″ stainless blade • Dual thumb stud deployment • Skeletonized stainless steel handle	• Stout 2.97″ 9Cr18MoV reverse tanto blade for piercing performance • Flipper with dual thumbstud deployment on ceramic ball bearing pivot construction • Skeletonized handle with reversible clip and lanyard hole	• 3″ Nitro-V drop point blade • Premium and eye-catching PEI handle • Dual thumbstud deployment • Skeletonized liners • Ambidextrous crossbar lock and reversible clip
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
• Limited to two colorways	• Right-handed use only • Flipper tab the only opening option	• Single-position tip-down clip • Basic material construction	• Righty-only liner lock	• On the edge of the budget category as far as price goes
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The CJRB Pyrite was our top pick last year, and its exceptional value continues to impress.	The CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife stands out as the most affordable budget knife in its class, retailing at only $35 and often available at an even lower price.	When it comes to a knife you can rely on outdoors that won’t have your wallet screaming for mercy, the Gerber Paralite stands out as the undisputed champion.	The Sencut Excalis combines functionality, precision, and innovative design, making it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-quality tactical knife without breaking the bank.	The Kizer Drop Bear PEI folding knife builds on the popularity of its predecessor, with this second iteration featuring striking yellow PEI transparent handle scales.
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length
3.34″	2.98″	3.1″	2.98″	3″
Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel
AR-RPM9	D2	Stainless steel	9Cr18MoV	Nitro-V
Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials
FRN	G-10	Stainless steel	G-10, Micarta, wood	PEI

Best Overall Budget Knife: CJRB Pyrite

The CJRB Pyrite was our top pick last year, and its exceptional value continues to impress. Artisan Cutlery’s proprietary AR-RPM9 powder steel used in the CJRB Pyrite features a high chromium formula that offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability with a consistent hardness of HRC 59-61. Jimping along the blade’s spine provides more grip for tough tasks, while its button lock allows easy retraction.

As a result of CJRB iterating and constantly improving the Pyrite platform, there are multiple models to choose from depending on your budget. The CJRB Pyrite Light is the most budget-friendly of the list, and contrary to its “Light” branding, also the largest, with a 3.34” Wharncliffe blade and thumb stud opener. Its textured FRN handle provides added grip while remaining extremely lightweight. In the middle of the pack is the CJRB Pyrite-Alt, differentiated by its 3.11” Wharncliffe blade with an opening hole and full steel handle. Lastly, enthusiasts looking to stretch their budget a bit will appreciate the enthusiast Pyrite-Alt’s Titanium version, with its PVD-coated Titanium scales and special colored hardware.

Most Affordable Budget Knife: CIVIVI Mini Praxis

The CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife stands out as the most affordable budget knife in its class, retailing at only $35 and often available at an even lower price. With a 2.98” blade made from black stonewashed D2 steel, the Mini Praxis offers a blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Its handy pocket clip ensures it is always within reach, making it the go-to tool whether you’re opening boxes, letters, or tackling outdoor tasks.

What makes the CIVIVI Mini Praxis a fan favorite is its ergonomic and robust G10 handle, which boasts extreme durability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Despite its sturdy build, the handle remains light and maneuverable, providing a substantial and comfortable grip. The knife’s ceramic ball-bearing pivot construction guarantees quick and snappy one-handed flipper deployment, complemented by a smooth closing action.

Best Outdoor Budget Knife: Gerber Paralite

When it comes to a knife you can rely on outdoors that won’t have your wallet screaming for mercy, the Gerber Paralite stands out as the undisputed champion. Designed with durability and ease of use in mind, its all-steel construction and 3.1″ drop point blade made from stainless steel ensures robust performance, while its skeletonized frame keeps it lightweight and easy to handle. The dual thumb studs offer ambidextrous accessibility, while its frame lock mechanism makes one-handed closing effortless.

The Gerber Paralite’s skeletal stainless steel frame not only contributes to its feather-light feel but also ensures it can withstand rigorous use. Weighing just 3.4 oz, its compact design allows it to fit seamlessly into your pocket, ready to be deployed whenever needed.

Best Tactical Budget Knife: Sencut Excalis

With its blackout colorways, robust construction, and large-bellied blade, the Sencut Excalis stands out as an excellent tactical knife choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. Crafted with a skeletonized G10 handle, this knife ensures a secure grip while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Its 2.97” razor-sharp reverse tanto blade made from 9Cr18MoV steel is perfect for precise slicing and intricate cutting tasks. The blade’s hardness, rated between HRC58-60, contributes to the knife’s durability and edge retention, making it a reliable companion for any challenging scenario.

Besides its impressive features, the Sencut Excalis is great to fidget with thanks to its dual deployment options—a thumb stud or a subtle flipper. Premium ceramic bearings ensure smooth action, while the secure liner lock mechanism provides safe usage. Weighing in at just 3.93oz, this knife also includes a sturdy pocket clip, supporting both left and right-side carry, alongside a lanyard hole for easy attachment. The Sencut Excalis combines functionality, precision, and innovative design, making it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-quality tactical knife without breaking the bank.

Best Budget Knife Upgrade: Kizer Drop Bear PEI

The Kizer Drop Bear PEI folding knife builds on the popularity of its predecessor, with this second iteration featuring striking yellow PEI (Polyetherimide) transparent handle patches that allow visibility of the knife’s internals. The handle itself is textured to provide a comfortable grip and increased friction. With a 3″ drop point blade made from Nitro-V steel and a satin finish, this knife promises durability and performance. The blade’s thumb stud opener and ball bearing pivot make for smooth, one-handed operation, adding to its user-friendly design.

Equipped with a clutch lock design, the Kizer Drop Bear Ultem’s secure locking and ease of use make it particularly beginner-friendly. The adjustable springs allow users to fine-tune the tension to their preference, offering a personalized experience. Weighing just 3.70 oz, the Kizer Drop Bear Ultem is lightweight and easily portable, featuring a tip-up pocket clip for ambidextrous carry.

Our Other Recommendations

Spyderco Efficient

Spyderco is no stranger to budget-friendly folding knives, and the Spyderco Efficient stands out as a true gem. As a part of Spyderco’s renowned family of affordably priced full-service folding knives, the Efficient offers all the high-performance features that seasoned knife users have come to expect. The Efficient’s compact, ergonomic design centers around its full-flat-ground drop-point blade, precision machined from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This broad profile and PlainEdge cutting edge deliver exceptional edge geometry, making low-friction cutting a breeze.

What truly sets the Spyderco Efficient apart is its robust handle construction, built on a framework of full, skeletonized stainless steel liners and a stout stainless steel back spacer. This design ensures serious structural strength, while the black G-10 laminate handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. The Efficient is also user-friendly, featuring an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping for easy, slip-proof operation. Plus, it includes a reversible hourglass clip for versatile carry options and a lined lanyard hole for added convenience. Whether you’re a novice knife buyer or an experienced enthusiast, the Spyderco Efficient offers unmatched value and performance in a budget-friendly package.

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Kershaw Iridium

The Kershaw Iridium features a stylish gray-anodized aluminum handle scale with a sleek, modern design. Measuring 7.9” in total length when opened and a compact 4.5” when closed, it weighs just 3.3 oz, making it both lightweight and easy to carry. The Kershaw Iridium features a D2 high-carbon tool steel blade, known for its exceptional wear resistance, toughness, and edge retention. With a spear point blade style and a two-tone finish of stonewashed flats and satin grinds, this knife is as visually appealing as it is functional.

One of the standout features of the Kershaw Iridium is its DuraLock system, which secures the blade open using a solid steel crossbar. This ambidextrous lock allows for safe and effortless one-handed closing, enhancing its practicality for daily use. Equipped with KVT ball-bearing system and thumb studs, the knife opens smoothly and quickly, ensuring you’re always ready for any task. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible, accommodating both left and right-handed users, and the bronze-anodized backspacer and lanyard hole add to its versatility. Since its release, the Kershaw Iridium has earned a rapidly growing fanbase, and it’s easy to see why – this knife offers outstanding value, combining top-tier materials and innovative design features at a reasonable price.

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CRKT MinimalX

Designed by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design, the CRKT MinimalX was originally commissioned to commemorate a rocket launch for SpaceX. Crafted with Sandvik 12C27 blade steel, the MinimalX offers exceptional edge retention, ensuring it stays sharp through countless uses. Measuring just 2.19” in blade length and 5.30” overall, while weighing a mere 2.60 ounces, it’s an ideal companion for any adventure.

The CRKT MinimalX isn’t just about performance; it’s about integrating advanced engineering into a sleek design. The IKBS ball-bearing pivot system ensures smooth and effortless blade deployment, while its stainless steel handle guarantees ultimate durability and resilience under hard use. Its frame lock, featuring a robust lock bar, provides brute strength to secure the blade during intense tasks. For those who prefer a discreet carry, the low-profile pocket clip keeps the knife securely in place without drawing attention.

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Vosteed Talarurus

Named after the unique and armored dinosaur, the Vosteed Talarurus offers a combination of fun, uniqueness, and high functionality that is hard to match. The Tala features a 14C28N modified sheepsfoot blade with a lightly curved belly and pointy tip, designed for precision piercing and cutting tasks. The blade’s spine and the top side of the handle align perfectly, providing enhanced user comfort. Features like the Thumb Disk and Swedge ramp create an ideal thumb rest and slide, making this mid-sized knife an excellent choice for daily chores.

The Vosteed Talarurus doesn’t just excel in blade performance; its handle design is equally impressive. Available in four variations – including blue, black, and green micarta, and the much-loved white G10 – its handle offers a sleek, modern, and ergonomic design tailored for prolonged usage. The handle’s width, finger access, and finger choil are crafted for comfort, while ambidextrous pocket clip slots ensure versatile carry options. The knife is also equipped with a ceramic ball-bearing system and crossbar lock, making opening effortless and ambidextrous. Light yet durable skeletonized liners add to its robustness, while the convenient thumb disk allows for smooth, one-handed deployment.

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QSP Vault

The QSP Vault is a standout among budget-friendly knives, offering features that rival more expensive models. Its drop point blade, crafted from high-quality Sandvik 14C28N steel with a satin finish, ensures superior sharpness and durability, making it perfect for everyday tasks. The thumb stud opener, paired with a ball bearing pivot, allows for seamless one-handed operation, enhancing its practicality. Additionally, the tan micarta handle with aluminum bolsters not only provides a secure and comfortable grip but also adds a touch of elegance as well.

The QSP Vault’s Glyde Lock mechanism guarantees excellent blade lockup and instills confidence with every use. Designed for versatility, it features a tip-up pocket clip that caters to ambidextrous carry, making it convenient for all users.

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Types of Budget Knives

It’s a great time to be looking to add a new knife or two to your everyday carry setup. There is no shortage of options, and you’ll most likely find multiple knives to get the job done. With so many different kinds of knives, it’s hard to know which is best for you, but it’s still good to know some of the more common options.

Pocket knives

As you probably gathered from the name, a pocket knife can fit in your pocket. Typically, this means that they fold to fit on your person comfortably. Knives that don’t fold (fixed blade) are also great for a certain kind of everyday carry setup, but chances are that your knife will come with a sheath that straps to your belt or bag. A pocket knife folds into its handle to protect you when it’s not in use. It’s very convenient for everyday cutting tasks, but they also tend to be shorter, averaging about 2.5-3.5”. Some places also have regulations against pocket knives, so as always, it’s worth checking with your local laws before adding one to your kit. 

Frame locks

A frame lock is a kind of mechanism used to ensure that the blade of a folding knife remains locked in place to avoid any accidents. If the blade is deployed, a portion of the metal frame of the handle snaps into place, propping the blade in the open position. The frame lock is durable and easy to open and close with just one hand. These knives make great options for everyday carry, as you can still deploy the blade even if you’re doing something with your other hand.

Automatic knives

An automatic knife is spring-loaded so you can deploy the blade without force. Typically, this happens at the press of a button or switch. There are two types of automatic knives that are worth knowing about. The first is the standard flipper, which swings the blade out and locks it into place at the press of a button. The second is an OTF knife (out-the-front) with the blade hiding inside the handle until a release mechanism is pressed. At this point, the blade deploys straight up and out of the handle. These knives have a quicker deployment time when speed is of the utmost importance and are typically used by tactical forces and law enforcement. These knives also have plenty of restrictions, so get familiar with local laws before picking one up.

Cool knives

This is where you can have fun with your everyday carry blade. Not to say that frame locks and automatic knives aren’t cool, but there are so many options out there that sometimes you just want something that looks unique or has a little added flair. Picking yourself up a knife with your favorite color, engraving something on the handle, or getting a blade that has a distinctive blade shape or material are just some of the ways you can really make your knife your own. Have fun with it!

Budget knives

Budget knives are different from “cheap” knives. Budget knives are typically mass-produced knives that provide high value for the cost without cutting corners when it comes to safety just to shed a few bucks off MSRP. A good budget knife can range from just $20 to over $100, depending on the knifemaker and materials used. While there are plenty of reasons to spend a lot of money on top-tier custom knives, not everyone wants to shell out for something they’ll beat up or potentially lose. The great thing about a good budget knife is that even if you have a collection of expensive custom knives, tossing a budget knife in your backpack or car is a good way to cover your bases if you forget your knife at home or find yourself in an emergency.

Sturdy knives

Your everyday carry knife shouldn’t feel unsafe to use. A sturdy knife has a tried-and-true locking mechanism, ergonomic handle, and strong blade materials. Any knife that skimps on one of these features to save a few bucks isn’t worth your time or money. You want a knife that isn’t going to break on you mid-use and cause an injury.

Cold Steel blades

Cold Steel is a tool manufacturer that was founded in 1980. It specializes in knives and other weapons and its blades are trusted by military and law enforcement personnel. They offer flippers, folders, fixed blades, and mini throwing knives.

Materials Often Used in Budget Knives

When it comes to budget knives, there are a few go-to materials that knife makers rely on. As far as handles go, there is no shortage of options. Some come with stainless steel handles, as with the Kershaw Leek. In contrast, others (like the CIVIVI Elementum mentioned above) have carbon fiber options, which are slightly more expensive but lighter. Carbon fiber is also extremely strong compared to steel, but it’s not the most durable option. Another popular material is Zytel, a reinforced fiberglass material that’s strong and extremely durable. As you go up in price brackets, you’ll likely come across more premium materials like Micarta and titanium. If you’re interested in learning more about those materials and a few others, check out this great resource on handle materials.

Features of Budget Knives to Consider When Buying

If you’re looking to buy a good budget knife, some things should be at the top of your checklist. You’ll want to make sure that your knife can be sharpened easily. A dull knife leads to accidents, so ensuring your blade uses good steel that you can sharpen quickly will help you prevent mishaps. Another thing worth being aware of is the design. What material handle does your knife have? Are there spots to place your fingers or jimping on the spine to help you get a better grip? Things like this might not matter if you’re just opening boxes, but they come in handy when the job gets a little tougher. What kind of locking mechanism your knife has is also worth considering so you know how to operate your knife. If you’re unsure, check out this useful glossary on the different types of locking mechanisms, complete with images and descriptions.

How much should I pay for something quality?

Depending on what you consider quality, you can spend a small fortune on a good pocket knife. Seeing as this article is about budget knives; however, a good price range to consider is around $50. While there are knives around $100 that are worth the price tag, there are so many options at $50 or less that provide fantastic value.

What kind of steel do I want?

While there are numerous kinds of steel for knives, only a handful in the price range of about $50 are worth taking seriously. One of the most common is AUS-8A steel, about 58 or 59 on the Rockwell Hardness scale. It’s known for its rust resistance but also dulls fairly quickly. Thankfully, it’s also easy to sharpen, and a sharp knife is a safe knife. There’s also 8Cr13MoV, which is a trustworthy metal that you’ll find plenty of brands using, like Gerber, Kershaw, and Spyderco, to name a few. It’s tough and easy to sharpen, but it also doesn’t hold an edge very well, so make sure to sharpen it often. Good budget knives also use D2 steel, which is harder than AUS-8A, scoring in the low 60s on the hardness scale. D2 steel also has a slightly higher corrosion resistance and toughness.

How long should my knife be?

When it comes to everyday carry, it’s all about efficiency. While a larger fixed blade is ideal for hunting and skinning, most people don’t carry one in their pockets. That’s what belt clips or a good sheath is for. On average, 3” seems to be the preferred length for most tasks. If you’re mostly going to be in the office opening boxes or cutting the occasional tie, try going a little shorter with something like the Victorinox Cadet. If you need a do-everything kind of knife, sticking to around 3” is your best bet, as it can handle most cutting tasks without much fuss. One thing worth mentioning is to ensure you’ve looked up your local legislation regarding knife size and type, as many places have different laws and requirements.

What about the width?

Blade width is somewhat of a personal preference based on what you intend on doing and how comfortable you are handling knives. Thinner knives are better for precision tasks like slicing filets, while thicker knives are more robust and can handle tasks like chopping. For most daily tasks, people seem to gravitate to blades between 0.8 to 0.16″, but if you’re looking for a knife to add to your survival kit, thicker is better as there is less of a chance of it breaking.

FAQS

What is the best budget pocket knife?

The best budget pocket knife depends on how and when you will use it. For most people, however, you can’t go wrong with Ontario RAT II or Victorinox Cadet.

What are the features of a great budget pocket knife?

Some important features to look out for when it comes to pocket knives are blade material, locking mechanism, and ease of deployment. You want a steel that’s easy to sharpen, safe to use when open with a trusted locking mechanism, and preferably can be deployed and put away with only one hand.

What are the benefits of a pocket knife?

The beauty of a good pocket knife is that the list of use cases continues to grow in surprising and useful ways. People use their knives for everything from opening boxes and cutting loose threads to slicing lemons and even as a makeshift lock for a bathroom stall.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.