Over the years, I’m finding it harder and harder to justify the purchase of expensive knives besides those that really stand out from the crowd – knives like the Benchmade Osborne and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. The explanation for why comes down to the fact that it’s gotten absurdly easy to find knives with excellent cutting ability for under $30.
Excellent budget knives have been coming out left right and center from nearly every knife manufacturer in the game, and while, as I’ve said, I’ll make exceptions and buy expensive knives on occasion when I think they’re truly exceptional, for the most part, I’ve been buffing up my collection with the under $30 crowd.
Chances are if you’ve into knives at all, you’ll have at least a few on this list already and maybe also have been eyeing a few others. Though I own the majority of the knives on this list, I don’t own all of them. The ones I do own are phenomenal bang-for-buck, and the ones I don’t I fully intend on getting my hands on for the most part. Let me know your opinions and experience with them down in the comments below.
By the way, if you’re looking for overall bang-for-buck, but do have some extra to spend above $30 to spare, check out this article for my suggestions at other price ranges. Oh and, if you’re into American knives only, don’t worry, we know they deserved their own list. You can skip this article completely if you want and check out what, in my opinion, are the best American knives on the market right here.
Now that that’s said and done, let’s get into this!
Best Budget Pocket Knives: Top 10 30 Under $30
1. Buck Vantage Select Large
This might surprise some of you, but in hindsight it’s a pretty obvious choice. Whilst it’s not the sexiest knife around, bang for buck the Vantage Select Large is pretty incredible. USA-made with a great utilitarian blade (with shockingly good grinds) and one of the best pocket clips on any knife. It’s a clear winner with all things considered.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Buck Vantage Pro
2. Schrade SCH304
I resisted this knife for many years, but after a while, all of you guys telling me to pick one up wore me down. I cracked, and you know what? You were right, I was wrong. This is a fantastic beastly folder/folding boat anchor that is well made with above average ergonomics (and weight) with a build quality that is remarkable for its price point.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Schrade SCH304
3. Victorinox Alox Pioneer
By far my favourite SAK. Elise is not a fan of them, but I feel I *had* to include one in this top list. If you like small, utilitarian folders without any of the modern features like locks or one-hand opening, then this is a solid option. Some of you just outright dislike them, and that’s fine too. Very divisive, but never forgotten.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. CRKT Drifter
I have raved about this knife for a while. Unbelievably under-appreciated. The quality is class leading and, in my mind, this is a poor man’s Klotzi – at least in terms of in hand feel.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the CRKT Drifter
5. Spyderco/Byrd Meadowlark 2
A poor man’s Spyderco Delica, and you know how much I love the Delica. Super comfortable ergonomics with a FFG blade that cuts and cuts. If you can, get the FRN version over the more expensive G-10 as it’s superior in my opinion.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
6. Kershaw Chill
Super discreet flipper. Not the most efficient blade (not much belly), but it’s perfectly viable for 99% of EDC tasks and whilst, yes, the handles are on the anemic side, I think its pocketability is a feature in itself.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Chill
7. Kershaw CQC-6K
I love the fact you can pick up a legit Emerson designed knife for under $100. Such a cool blade with fantastic styling and great fit and finish.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K
8. Svord Peasant
This is a knife that looks as cheap as it is, but don’t let the ugly handles or lack of aesthetic flourishes put you off – it’s the only knife I own that competes with the Opinel as far as cutting performance.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Svord Peasant
9. Cold Steel Finn Wolf
2$ over budget, but it’s such a fantastic knife that I am happy to bend the rules a smidgen. One of the few “bushcraft” biased folders on the market, and its performance matches the hype.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Cold Steel Finn Wolf
10. Boker Plus CLB DW 2
Chad Los Banos is a fantastic designer who has set the Boker brand apart (in a good way). This is probably my favourite design of his along with the new lil’ neck knife Boker released.
Buck Vantage Select Large 345 Everyday Carry Pocket Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
Other Excellent EDC Folders Under $30
11. CRKT Batum
To be reviewed. Very solid knife with a blade that is all business. Basically a pocket tank.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
12. Kershaw Cinder
I own 3 of these and still no review posted. I know, guys, I know, but please read my review process article before passing judgement! ;) In any case – this is the best key chain knife I have ever owned. The only down side is the steel used for the blade (a smidgen on the soft side), but nonetheless, the Cinder is still incredible value.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
13. Case Sodbuster
Naturally, get it in yellow. Fantastic American-made slippie. Not as sexy as my Seahorse Whittler, but very utilitarian in design and function. One of the few sub-$30 knives I think one could consider almost heirloom in nature. It’s not that it’s an especially amazing folder, but like a lot of Case knives it feels historic in nature. Sorta like the Buck 110.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
14. Ontario RAT 1
This is another knife that I bought because it was requested so much. Something about the lines just rub me the wrong way and even though I still don’t like the way it looks, I EDC-ed this on a weekly basis for 2 years. Something very pleasant about having a tool you can trust that doesn’t break the bank if you happen to lose/damage it.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Ontario RAT-1
15. Opinel No. 8
No surprise to anyone this is on the list. Extreme cutting ability with neutral ergonomics. If you haven’t used an Opinel before, you should.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Opinel No. 8
16. Kershaw Injection 3.0
I remember these being significantly more expensive. At $13 – they’re a steal. I reckon they are getting discontinued as I have seen them pop up all over the place at steep discounts, so if you can get one of ’em for this cheap – do so.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
17. Cold Steel Prolite Sport
Very robust, lightweight knife with the best lock in the industry (in my opinion). Similar to the Finn Wolf listed above, but with a more “general” blade shape.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
18. Ka-Bar Dozier
Bought it many years ago, still not reviewed – as its popularity has always been very limited. Great “normal” everyday carry knife. No real downsides and no real upsides either. This isn’t a negative as sometimes all you want is a simple, working tool.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
19. Lansky Mikkel Willumsen Responder
The best thing that happened to the production knife world was letting designers go all out and create their own models. Mikkel is a madman and I applaud Lanksy for looking at his designs and thinking, “Sure, why not.”
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Ontario Rat-1 Jeff Randall Design Folding EDC Knife – Amazon / Blade HQ
20. Kershaw Barge
I was hyped about this knife when it was announced and one of you mentioned how viable it is in all EDC roles despite its unique pry bar thingie on the butt. Can’t wait to review it.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
21. Kershaw Grinder
Reverse tantos for some inexplicable reason never seem to have much of a following. Very strange to me as I find them to be second only to Wharncliffs for straight up utility.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
22. ESEE Zancudo
Baby Ontario RAT-1. Always loved Randall/ESEE for sticking to their guns with FFG blades as I find the performance to be superior. It’s rare in the budget market due to increased manufacturing costs compared to hollow grinds.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
23. Spyderco/Byrd Tern
I know it’s a slip joint, but honestly, it’s an amazing knife in its own right. Check out my review of the UKPK to read my take on it, as this is basically the UKPK but cheaper.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
24. Kershaw Shuffle
When those were first annouced I wasn’t so keen on the styling, but in-hand, the ergonomics make sense and for an inexpensive everyday carry that is 100% nonthreatening, it’s a great choice.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Shuffle
25. SOG FF1001 Salute Mini
I haven’t always been nice to SOG. Their marketing and branding is often quite a bit “out there,” but I gotta respect that they stick to their guns and do what they know best. A SOG will always look like a SOG and I like that. If you like the Vulcan but can’t justify the cost, I think this is the next best thing.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
26. Cold Steel Tuff Lite
Cold Steel’s take on the little big knife phenomenon. I love that they fitted the TRI-AD lock on that little tyke, as well as using a Wharncliffe blade. Tiny, but a crazy amount of utility.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
27. Cold Steel Pocket Bushman
Full disclosure, after I carried it and featured it in a few knife drops, I never used it again. It’s to this day somewhere in my closet back in Canada, but with that said, my issue with it is as a daily EDC driver. The lock disengagement system just doesn’t work for me in terms of speed. Nonetheless, it’s unbelievably tough and the blade is textbook functional. Great value for a rough use knife.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
28. Columbia River M16 Spearpoint
Surprisingly versatile. When I bought it I expected to hate it, but honestly, spear points are not as “single purpose” as I thought. It’s a solid EDC that disappears in your pocket. Be advised that even though the M16 is pretty small, it still looks very aggressive and is thus not the best for politically correct environments.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the CRKT M16
29. Spyderco/Byrd Cara Cara Rescue
If you have to have serrations (for whatever reason), go with either Veff serrations (which aren’t available on many knives) or the Spyderedge. I still don’t like the damn things, but even I must admit that they work very well.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
30. Kershaw Reverb
Just a straight up beautiful, modern design from Kershaw. I spent a good while trying to figure out who designed it because it’s so freaking stylish and unique that I was shocked when I uncovered it was an in-house design. Way to go, Kershaw!
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Pocket Knives Nearly Under $30 Worth Mentioning
1. Spyderco Tenacious
Yes, its $40. But honestly – it’s a great knife and if it was $30 it would top the list. Even at $40, I think it’s great value. It may not be crazy looking or have the best steel, but for a tool that will perform exceptionally well for years and years, I think it’s hard to beat.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Spyderco Tenacious
2. CRKT Tighe Tac Two Tanto
I know it’s $5 more, but it’s a crazy folder from noted designer Brian Tighe. Very unique, and to me looks like a knife that should be sold for $100+, not $35. Unbelievable.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
3. CRKT Outrage
In my opinion, probably one of the sexiest knife designs from recent years. Ken Onion knows his business and that blade is 10 kinds of cool. Couple that with no plastic or other aesthetic cost cutting measures – it’s a real winner. Once again, CRKT is on point with pricing
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Schrade SCH304 Drop Point EDC Knife – Amazon / BladeHQ
More Knife Recommendations
In case you’re in the market for browsing through more knife recommendation posts like this, check out some of these articles:
- A Massive List of the Best EDC Knives on the Market
- Maximizing Bang for Buck: Best Folding Knives by Price Point
- Top American Knives: Best Folders & Fixed Blades Made in the USA
- Let’s Talk Kershaw: Top EDCs, Flippers, & Fixed Blades Made by Kershaw Knives
Your Favourite Budget Knives?
What are your favourite budget knives? Did I miss any knives that really should’ve made it to this list? What do you think should be the #1 knife?
Anything on the list pique your fancy? Already have some of these in your collection? What do you think of them?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section down below!
Glad to see my old faithful case sodbuster on the list ,say it has done little of everything even hit it with a hammer to cut things .Carried this knife for 35 yrs but not used it for a screw driver.
Its a pretty awesome knife. ;)
The Buck Vantage Select is one of the worst knives I’ve ever purchased. Stop trying to get people to waste their $30 on that piece of crap. I don’t care where it’s made. The fit and finish are subpar even for a $30 knife. Blade centering issues right out of the box and the thin and flimsy blade had machining marks on it. Not much credibility with this list. You’re obviously getting paid by them because anyone with half a brain knows that knife sucks.
What kershaw knife would you Consider, pocket knives, would be the best knife under 100 boxes that can sharpen nicely and Maintain a sharp blade. I Durable knife Thank you
Call me old school but…
I’m rather fond of the old Sheffield Steel British Army folding knife.
Its straight edged sheep’s foot blade and marlin spike are designed principally for rope work rather than ‘stabby time’. Apparently the technique used to cut rope precisely is to lay the knife across the rope and ‘baton’ it with mallet or some-such; hence its robust blade profile!
With no scales as such, my first impression of it was not favourable but it’s grown on me a lot since I learned its proper application – It’s 100g of pure, tactile, stainless steel joy!
Thanks for the great reviews. I have recently begun (AGAIN) my knife collection (Addiction) and have started out with the Kershaw Schuffle II and Emerson 6K. I figure Kershaw is a good way to get back into the fun since they have so much variety. Your reviews actually made me break out my old ASEK and play around a bit. My wife thanks you too hahaha.
Thanks for the support mate, I really appreciate it. I love my 6K- one of the best bang for buck folders around in my opinion.
I have 3 Kershaw Chills–like the price, the shape, the easy opening, and it sharpens nicely.
I got a CRKT M-16 spear point (3″) at Big 5 for $19.95. I don’t really like the double lock on the blade; I prefer a one-hand closing blade
Aye, never understood why you would ever need a secondary lock. Just make the initial lock strong enough!
I also have an Opinel #8.
Also 2 of the Kabar Doziers.
For a large stockman pattern for ranch use, see the Rough Rider RR1569 Moose. About 4 1/2″ long closed. Carbon bladed clip and skinner blade on opposite end. Titanium coated for rust protection. About $16 so you can beat it up and it can take it. Not a fan of ‘cheap Asian’ manufacture products, but this one is changing my mind – its a beast !
I have handled a few RR knives and relative to price, very impressive. Definitely nothing wrong with well made Asian blades. Thanks for dropping by Anon
What is the black spyderco next to the blue tenacious? It has a beautiful blade shape. Custom ground?
Aye, its a Tenacious that I reground to a clip point. Super nice, both aesthetically and for general utility (I prefer a more acute point)..
Thanks for dropping by James!
Just have to agree on the Buck Vantage! I got the Vantage Avid, with Sandvik 13c26 steel, as an “add on” to my online shopping cart. Just awesome! The factory grind was bad on one side though… But nothing 20 min. Stone time couldn`t fix. With a high angle grind and a micro bevel, it`s a wicked slicer and edc/utility knife!
Mine had perfect (and I mean, perfect) grinds out of the box but as you said, any issues can usually be fixed with a bit of sweat.
Thanks for dropping by mate, much appreciated.
Why no Cold Steel Kudu???
Same could be said for many other good budget knives, sadly, gotta cut some out of the list! That said, the Kudu offers a remarkable amount of blade for the buck. No doubt about it!
Hey Thomas,
Love you guys page! What do you think of the Kershaw Cryo’s? I got one as a gift, so I put down my PM2 and thought I’d give it a few weeks. Other than the weight, at 2 weeks in, I’ve been kinda enjoying it. Definitely miss the Spydie, but I’m gonna continue to give it a work out! It’s black on black, so it looks sharp…. (pun intended). Let me know what you think. I really appreciate what you & Elise do! Thank you!!
-Matt
Nothing wrong with the Cryo, its a tank. I reviewed it here; http://morethanjustsurviving.com/kershaw-cryo-ii-speedsafe-assisted-open-knife/ !
Thanks for the support Matt, we appreciate you dropping by to share the love.
Budget folders – $20 plus tax and under.
Slip joint. Taylor Brands markets about 500,000 knives a year under multiple names. It bought up many old name brands. Big5 usually has one of these folders on special under some name. The only problem is that you will have to sharpen and lube and “work the action” in. Dicks will have them as well. The reason I mention specific stores is that I live in a politically correct state and it is hard to find politically correct big box stores and sporting goods stores carrying pocket knives!
eBay- many confiscated folders from airports. One Nevada City sends a truck up and down California collecting knives from police departments and sells them on line. It otherwise does not allow gambling in city limits as a source of revenue. You can find perfectly fine folders including Victorinox and so forth. For many years, I would purchase these unwanted knives, clean them up and give them as gifts to family and friends. Pricing is about 40-60% on used as contrasted to paying retail and many vendors do not charge the 10% sales tax that I must pay in the local brick and mortar stores.
Name brand folders-
Kershaw, with its speed safe release is the gold standard for value. Big5 will always have a Kershaw model marked down from $44 to $19 on sale or clearance. In this world you don’t have to be the best (Burr model with a high price tag). You just need to be better and get the job done (the lesser known models)
I realize that a lot of people will compromise down a blade length to keep within a budget. You don’t have to do that with the Kershaw offerings. I also understand that people will buy the less expensive line of a decent knife like the Spyderco Endura and HOPE that it will be the same knife in performance – it won’t be.
Great recommendations, no big5 here in the uk (or equivalents) so online is the only way to go sadly :( .
My concern with confiscated knives has always been the lack of consistency. I bought a “bulk lot” many years ago, many had snapped blades, broke scales etc. and because they are usually “sold as seen”, you have no recourse.
That said, buying a bulk lot of confiscated Swiss Army Knives is usually a safe bet.
100% agree with the Kershaw recommandations, unreal bang for buck from Kai.