When it comes to finding the perfect folding knife, affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or someone who simply appreciates the convenience of a reliable pocket blade, there’s a wide range of budget-friendly folding knives to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best cheap folding knives that deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank. These knives are versatile, durable, and compact, making them excellent companions for everyday carry (EDC) or outdoor adventures. From sleek designs to rugged performance, you’ll discover affordable options that meet your cutting needs while fitting comfortably in your pocket and budget.
Best Cheap Folding Knife Reviews
1. CRKT Pilar III EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The CRKT Pilar III EDC Folding Pocket Knife strikes a remarkable balance between aesthetics and utility. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes, this knife offers a sleek, modern design paired with reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts.
The Pilar III boasts a clean, ergonomic design. The stainless steel handle is both robust and comfortable, ensuring a secure grip during use. At 3.25 inches, the satin-finished blade is crafted from 8Cr13MoV steel, providing excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade’s modified sheepsfoot design enhances its versatility, perfect for slicing, piercing, and precision tasks.
Equipped with a smooth flipper opening mechanism, the Pilar III deploys effortlessly, while the IKBS ball bearing pivot ensures consistent performance. The frame lock provides secure blade locking during operation, giving users confidence during heavy-duty tasks. The reversible, low-profile pocket clip makes it easy to carry discreetly, adapting to both left- and right-handed users.
In real-world use, the Pilar III shines with its sharp edge and sturdy construction. Whether opening packages, cutting rope, or preparing food, it handles tasks with precision and ease. The knife’s compact size and lightweight design make it a convenient companion without adding bulk to your pocket.
The CRKT Pilar III is a testament to thoughtful design and practical performance. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, stylish, and functional EDC knife at a reasonable price point. If you value durability and versatility in a compact package, the Pilar III won’t disappoint.
2. Kershaw Iridium Reverse Tanto Folding Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Iridium Reverse Tanto Folding Pocket Knife is a stellar addition to Kershaw’s lineup, combining sleek aesthetics with impressive utility. Its standout feature is the DuraLock mechanism, providing a secure, one-handed opening and closing experience that feels smooth and reliable.
The reverse tanto blade shape offers a fine tip for precision work and a durable edge for heavier tasks. Crafted from high-performance D2 steel, the blade provides excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, ensuring it stays sharp through extended use. The stonewashed finish adds a rugged, modern look while hiding scratches from everyday wear.
The handle, made from anodized aluminum, is lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable grip that feels secure in hand. The pivot is smooth, thanks to Kershaw’s KVT ball-bearing system, allowing for effortless one-handed opening.
The anodized aluminum handle is not only lightweight but also ergonomically designed, offering a comfortable grip during prolonged use. I appreciate the ambidextrous clip, which caters to left- and right-handed users alike, adding to its versatility.
In terms of size, the Iridium strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability, with its blade length making it practical for cutting tasks while remaining discreet in a pocket. It’s also aesthetically pleasing, with a modern, minimalist design that appeals to both collectors and those looking for functional gear.
Overall, the Kershaw Iridium is a fantastic folding knife that delivers exceptional value, performance, and style. It’s a great buy for anyone looking for a dependable EDC knife.
The Kershaw Iridium is a solid choice for those who value functionality and aesthetics in their EDC knife. Its combination of durability, sharpness, and elegant design makes it suitable for a range of users, from casual knife enthusiasts to seasoned outdoorsmen.
3. Kizer Dogfish Folding Knife
The Kizer Dogfish Folding Knife combines style, functionality, and practicality into a compact everyday carry (EDC) tool. Its sleek design, featuring a slim handle and a 2.8-inch blade, is perfect for those who want a dependable knife that’s easy to carry in any pocket or bag.
The knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a satin finish that resists corrosion and wear, making it ideal for long-term use. The ergonomic handle, crafted from durable materials, ensures a comfortable grip during prolonged use. Its lightweight construction doesn’t compromise strength, and the blade opens smoothly thanks to the ball-bearing pivot system.
Whether you’re cutting rope, opening packages, or preparing food, the Dogfish delivers consistent performance. The blade stays sharp over time, and its slightly curved shape adds versatility for various tasks. It locks securely in place when open, providing safety and stability during use.
This knife is remarkably user-friendly. The blade deploys effortlessly using the flipper tab, and the liner lock mechanism ensures it stays firmly in place during use. The blade geometry is well-suited for precision tasks, from slicing to fine carving.
Measuring just over 6.5 inches when open and 3.7 inches when closed, this knife is compact enough to carry without hassle. The pocket clip ensures it stays securely attached to your gear, while the minimalist profile makes it virtually unnoticeable until needed.
The Kizer Dogfish Folding Knife is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, practical, and reliable EDC knife. Its high-quality materials and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts, DIYers, or anyone in need of a dependable cutting tool.
4. Kizer Brat Folding Knife
The Kizer Brat Folding Knife is a compact and highly functional everyday carry (EDC) tool that delivers impressive performance at a reasonable price. The knife features a sleek design with a 3-inch blade made from high-quality VG-10 stainless steel, ensuring sharpness and corrosion resistance. The drop-point blade shape is perfect for a variety of cutting tasks, from slicing through packaging to preparing food or performing outdoor tasks.
The handle of the Kizer Brat is crafted from G-10, which offers a comfortable and secure grip. Despite its smaller size, the knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the ergonomics make it comfortable for extended use. The smooth ball bearing pivot system ensures that the blade opens and closes with minimal effort, and the knife locks into place with a reliable liner lock mechanism.
The 3.25-inch drop point blade is made of CPM-S35VN steel, which strikes a balance between durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Whether you’re cutting through cardboard, opening packages, or even preparing food, this blade holds up well, maintaining a sharp edge even after extensive use.
One of the standout features of the Kizer Brat is the smooth deployment action. The ball-bearing pivot system allows the blade to glide open effortlessly, while the robust liner lock keeps it securely in place when in use. The ergonomic handle, made from titanium, provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it suitable for extended periods of use without causing hand fatigue.
Weighing in at just 3.5 ounces, the Kizer Brat is lightweight and easy to carry, even for those who prefer a compact knife for EDC purposes. Its slim profile ensures that it slips easily into a pocket or bag without adding bulk.
One of the standout features of the Kizer Brat is its portability. It is lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry in your pocket without feeling bulky. The pocket clip is designed for deep carry, keeping the knife discreetly tucked away.
Overall, the Kizer Brat Folding Knife offers exceptional value for its price. It’s a perfect companion for anyone in need of a reliable and sharp EDC knife that doesn’t take up much space.
5. KUBEY Tityus KU322A Folding Pocket Knife
The KUBEY Tityus KU322A Folding Pocket Knife is a fantastic all-around tool that brings together high-quality materials and a versatile design, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, everyday carry users, and knife collectors alike.
One of the most notable features of this folding knife is its premium build quality. The blade is made from D2 tool steel, a material renowned for its hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. D2 steel holds a sharp edge well, which is perfect for tasks like cutting through tough materials, prepping food, or even outdoor survival situations. The blade has a sleek drop point shape, offering a good balance between sharpness and durability. The full flat grind ensures the blade performs excellently in slicing tasks, making it versatile in everyday use.
The handle of the KUBEY Tityus KU322A is crafted from micarta, a durable and tactile material that offers a solid grip even in wet conditions. Micarta is often chosen for its ability to provide a comfortable hold without being too slippery, making this knife ideal for precise tasks or extended use. The ergonomics of the handle are designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the slim profile ensures that it won’t feel bulky in your pocket.
What truly sets this knife apart is its smooth and efficient ball bearing pivot system, which allows for easy one-handed opening. The action is fast, smooth, and satisfying, with no wobble or slack in the blade once it’s deployed. It features a liner lock mechanism to secure the blade in place during use, which is reliable and quick to engage and disengage.
At just under 3 inches, the blade length is ideal for most tasks you’d encounter on a daily basis, while still being compact enough to carry easily in your pocket. The weight is also well-balanced, making it light enough for comfort yet heavy enough to feel substantial in hand. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just going about daily tasks, this knife is up to the job.
In conclusion, the KUBEY Tityus KU322A Folding Pocket Knife stands out for its quality construction, excellent blade material, and smooth action. It’s a reliable, practical tool with a sleek, modern design that’s perfect for anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-carry folding knife. Highly recommended for outdoor lovers and anyone in need of a dependable everyday carry knife!
Features of Budget Knives to Consider When Buying
When considering the purchase of a quality budget knife, there are several key factors to prioritize. It is essential to ensure that the knife can be easily sharpened, as a dull blade can lead to accidents. Selecting a knife made from high-quality steel that allows for quick sharpening will significantly reduce the risk of mishaps. Additionally, the design of the knife should not be overlooked. Consider the material of the handle and whether it features finger grooves or jimping along the spine to enhance grip.
While these features may seem less important for simple tasks like opening boxes, they become invaluable when faced with more demanding jobs. Furthermore, it is advisable to evaluate the type of locking mechanism the knife employs, as this will inform you on its operation. For further clarity, you may refer to a helpful glossary that outlines various locking mechanisms, complete with images and descriptions.
