When you’re shopping around for folding knives, all the while trying to get the most bang for your buck possible, it can be pretty overwhelming considering the plethora of options available on the market. You don’t want something cheap – a box cutter is cheap – you want something that’s good value for your hard-earned cash. And that’s tricky to do. Why?
Well, when the vast majority of us look for a folding knife that’ll provide the very most for the money, we’re looking for value in terms of both performance and materials relative to price. That’s quite a lot to take into consideration, and each person will weigh different variables differently. As a result, it’s likely that no two people will have the same opinion of what the best folding knives bang-for-buck per price point really are.
That doesn’t stop us from trying, however. Each time we make a purchase, we’re essentially deeming a knife worthy in terms of value for the price we’re paying for it. Knives that no one thinks is worth the money just plain won’t sell. So if you’ve got a favourite folding knife in your pocket right know, chances are you think it’s pretty damn good value for what you paid for it.
I figured it’d be helpful to compile a list like this separate from my list of the best EDC knives on the market particularly because bang-for-buck, those knives aren’t always the most optimal. This list is for those who are looking for the best value, but with a particular price range in mind, not with unlimited funds or a specific purpose in mind.
We get asked to suggest some of the best knives based on price point often, and it’s in my opinion a good way to look at things anyway. There’s absolutely only good in trying to get the best for your money, and besides, I love browsing for knives and making elaborate wishlists anyway, so this was more than a little fun for me on my end (don’t deny it; I’m sure you love making wishlists too!).
Not going to lie, when I had this concept in mind, I thought coming up with a list was going to be much easier than it ended up being. A lot of knives fall awkwardly on the line in terms of price point, and with so many factors to consider and so many options on the market, it’s difficult to get your bearings when you’re trying to ascertain value. But I’m happy with this list and think I did a pretty good job. Feel free to disagree of course, as that’s what makes lists like this interesting! Love to know what you guys think are some of the most valuable for price / bank-for-buck folders you’ve ever bought – as I often feel those are the best knives to purchase and recommend!
As a disclaimer: Please note that the prices of knives do often change, especially with knives that are not-so-easy to get. And so while when I originally made this article, things were in the right price point categories, I know that over time this may change. I’ll do my best to keep on top of the price changes, but chances are when you’re reading this article, not every knife will fit neatly into the proper price category.
Done with the disclaimer, and now, finally, for the list…
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $20
(Okay, I cheated a little for this one and included some knives that were a few dollars above $20… but bare with me on this one ’cause those extra few bucks make a huge difference!)
1. Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara II
Never owned a Byrd knife, mostly because no one has asked me to review them and I literally own an ungodly amount of Spydies, but bang for buck, it’s hard to compete with the Cara Cara II. Kudos to Spyderco for introducing a more accessible line of folding knives for the masses!
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
2. Opinel #8
How can you make a list about the best folding knives by price point without mentioning the Opinel? You just can’t. Not without being completely off the mark. That’s how.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Opinel No. 8
3. CRKT Drifter
I recently picked this folder up. Aesthetically speaking, I wasn’t impressed and found it to be quite boring, but in terms of fit and finish and overall ergonomics, I was generally impressed. A solid option, especially for this price point.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the CRKT Drifter
4. Kershaw Chill
I’ve spoken about it before – I absolutely love this knife, and the more I use it the more it grows on me. Lightweight with great lines and snappy action.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Chill
5. Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite
Again, this is one of those knives I actually don’t own, but I’ve handled it in a store before, and was qutie impressed. Very secure grip, and a super strong lock in a diminutive package.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $30
1. Ontario RAT 1
The quintessential modern classic, everybody knows this knife and for good reason- great grinds with solid, neutral ergonomics.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Ontario RAT-1
2. Kershaw/Emerson CQC-6K
I can’t say enough about how great this knife is. I bought it the week it came out and instantly fell in love with it. Months upon months later and I still feel the exact same way. Bang for buck, if I had to choose just one knife out of all of these, I would argue it’d have to be somewhere near the top of the list.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K
3. Buck Vantage
I own this folder, and whilst I found the action disappointing (the flipper is sub par), the grinds on the blade are very clean with excellent slicing potential; all made in America for under 30 bucks. Not bad at all for the money.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Buck Vantage Pro
4. Cold Steel Voyager (Medium)
Incredible value at the price that it’s currently at. Obviously, this sale likely isn’t going to last, but while it’s up, I strong recommend taking advantage of it. Very nice EDC with that unique brutish Cold Steel signature look.
5. Kershaw Thermite
I snapped this up a few months ago; very well made with excellent ergonomics with above average fit and finish taking into account price point. Kershaw continues to impress me at the sub $30 mark.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Thermite
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $50
1. Spyderco Tenacious
I remember when the Tenacious first came out: the forums exploded in both frustration and anticipation of a China-made Spyderco. Fast forward a few years and I can’t imagine the Spydie line up with this knife. Needless to say, excellent deal for the money.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Spyderco Tenacious
2. Kershaw Leek
One of the most unique knives in my collection with the most acute needlepoint tip in a production knife I have ever seen. Incredible value for money both then and now.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Leek
3. CRKT G.S.D.
Haven’t handled it yet, but going by looks and initial reviews, I know this one will be a winner. Very high on my to buy list.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Kershaw Link
Shockingly good folder with a very lean utility blade. As I wrote in my review, the Link should 100% be a bestseller, and out of all the 2015 knives, I think it’s the folder that surprised me the most.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Kershaw Link
5. CRKT Hissatsu
If this isn’t the first article of mine you’ve read – you probably know by now how much I love the CRKT Hissatsu. It’s not a perfect knife in terms of performance and its weight is less than desirable, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the CRKT Hissatsu
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $100
1. Spyderco Delica 4
Technically, the Delica 4 is at the low end of the $50-$100 price point, but its performance exceeds the vast majority of its peers. If you can stretch your dollar, you can pick up the Delica in a bunch of interesting steels, like ZDP-189 or one of the frequent sprint runs with exotic options like laminated 420J2 with a super blue blade. Worth the upgrade in my opinion, but the original is also quite excellent.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Spyderco Delica 4
2. Cold Steel Talwar
Aesthetically, I absolutely love the Talwar. Very aggressive profile with a reinforced tip and that wave/thumb disk design, like the one on the Rajah II, is great.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Cold Steel Talwar
3. Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter
Cold Steel is really upping their game this year with a huge jump for quality in steel choice (Aus-8 to CTS-XHP), and a bunch of new, innovate designs. The Ultimate Hunter is the epitome of these improvements. It sits just as comfortably at home in your pocket for EDC tasks as does in the field. Excellent buy.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Benchmade Griptilian
Despite my complaints regarding the poor feel of the scales (hollow and cheap) I still maintain that the execution of the Griptilian is superb as an EDC option. I can’t get enough of the AXIS lock and I wish it was available on more knives under a hundred bucks.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Benchmade Griptilian
5. SOG Vulcan
The ARC lock operates smoothly and locks up with authority. Despite past criticisms of SOG folders, I think the Vulcan is a winner. Only real issue I have with it is the lack of a strong detent, rendering the flipper action mediocre at best.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the SOG Vulcan
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $150
1. Spyderco Para-Military 2
Basically the best valued knife in the industry, as I have mentioned many times before. I strongly suggest the Para 2 as a solid contender for anyone who just wants one good knife.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2
2. Hogue Extreme Series 3.5
Never owned one but have been tempted many times. One of the few production knives on the market with a solid button lock. Really dig those clean industrial lines.
3. Zero Tolerance 0350
The most inexpensive introduction to the ZT overbuilt/beater range. I personally prefer my EDCs to be ground lean, but I can definitely appreciate the more overbuilt options for those times when you really need to use a knife for rougher tasks.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Benchmade Sequel
Always found Benchmades to be a touch too expensive based on materials offered and relative to price point, but then again, after holding the Benchamde Sequel, I don’t have much to complain about. It’s just an extremely well made folder with excellent fit and finish, and one of the most intuitive locks on the market.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
5. Viper Free
Been seeing these floating around recently. A very utilitarian blade shape and well received reviews has definitely peaked my interest. Hoping to be getting my hands on one of these soon!
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Best Folding EDC Knives Under $200
1. Benchmade Adamas
By far and large the most heavy duty knife I own in all sense of the word. Very tough.. everything. It’s like carrying around a boat anchor in your pocket, but then again, it’s definitely the most bad ass boat anchor around.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Benchmade Adamas
2. Spyderco Sage II
Introduced as the poor man’s Sebenza, the Sage II does not disappoint. Pretty much perfect manufacturing from Taichung, Taiwan. Designed from the ground up to cater exclusively for performance. One of my favourite EDC’s of all time.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Spyderco Sage 2
3. Spyderco Vallotton
If you want your knife to make a statement, the Vallotton definitely has a lot to say! Very clean design with lots of unique aesthetic flourishes that scream tactical refinement. I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
4. Benchmade 940/Osborne
One of the most famous Benchmade designs along with the Benchmade 710. I always found it to be a fantastic option for a discreet carry that packs a lot of blade.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
Read our review of the Benchmade 940 Osborne
5. Zero Tolerance Rexford 0808
I have always wanted a Rockstead folder. Sadly however, the price is prohibitive. I see the ZT 0808 as an “affordable” stand in. Very sterile, austere design with clean lines by Rexford as well as superb construction and technology thrown in. KVT bearing system and ultra clean CNC machined titanium scales. Obviously, this is a knife that is designed with performance in mind with very little thought given to aesthetic embellishment. I like that.
Availability: Amazon • Blade HQ • eBay
More Knife Recommendations
If you liked this list, but haven’t yet found what you were looking for, check out what I believe to be the best EDC knives currently available on the market.
And if you’re interested in brand new knives that have just hit the market, check out my take on the new knife releases from 2017 (specifically those showcased at SHOT Show).
Sales, Discounts, & Clearance on Knives
Find current sales on knives and other camping & outdoor gear offered by knife retailers like Knife Center, Blade HQ, and GP Knives, as well as outdoor retailers like Cabella’s, REI, and Patagonia on our massive list of knife & outdoor retailers’ sale, deal, & clearance pages. We’ve added as many discount pages to the list as we could so that deals around the net are easy to find from this one page.
What Do You Think Are the Best Value Folding Knives?
Of course, now it’s your turn to let me know where you think I have and haven’t gone astray.
What folding knives have you purchased that you’d consider to be the best value in terms of bang for buck?
Which knives do you think shouldn’t have made it to this list? Which do you not own, but think would probably be good value? Thinking of grabbing any knives you’ve heard were a great deal?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Of those in the $150-$200 range the Hogue is a must buy after the PM2 of course. It’s now about $190. The quality and ergonomics are tremendous it’s probably the best made production knife I own. And the plunge lock is the smoothest by far of the “button types” I think it kicks the Axis and Manix bb lock’s butts.
This is a great list, if now somewhat dated. The only knife that doesn’t belong for me is the Leek. Just personal preference. Very well done. A couple of iterations of the Buck Vantage keep ending up in my pocket leaving much nicer made knives behind. The blade, clip, and carry are that good.
Spyderco Endura Wave, my always goto EDC…Nothing quicker out of the pocket and vg10 is always good to go
Nothing but love for VG-10 here too! Never tried the Endura wave but recently got the Matriarch 2 Wave and its beastly out of the pocket!
I’m looking into a pocket knife- not for anything outdoors -but for self-defense and for something that could help me out of a jam (cut through thick things etc.)
You have a thorough list of folding knives however, I’d like to ask about the Kizer V4458A1 Begleiter. I saw it on Amazon and I was just wondering how it would compare to those on your list.
Thanks.
Hi Harmony,
It looks decent but to put it blunty- I have never reviewed any knives from this new breed of Chinese knife manufacturers. Once they become more established and I can trust they won’t pack up shop and disappear, then I may acquire a few and do a proper review but ultimately I am the wrong person to ask.
That said, at that price point you have *a lot* of options, especially when looking at Kershaw offerings. You can snap up a nice flipper (which allows quick, reliable deployment which would be useful from a defensive standpoint) with solid fit and finish from a reputable company for 50 bucks, no issues.
Check out:
https://morethanjustsurviving.com/best-kershaw-knives/ , in particular the volt- http://morethanjustsurviving.com/kershaw-volt-ss-stainless-steel-folding-knife-review/ very solid knife with 3.5″ blade and a brutally fast assisted opening flipper.
I’m a big fan of the Kershaw Chill; I have 3.
I only have the one, but I love it to bits- crazy amount of bang for buck!
I purchased a Spyderco Cat with G-10 scales and I cant find any reason to stop carrying. My Tenacious and Persistence are both juuust s bot too heavy for comfortable pocket carry. The Cat’s blade length and weight are practically perfect for me. The blade deployment of the Cat is noticeably smoother than the Tenacious or Persistence. Plus, the BD-1 is arguably better quality steel than 8Cr13MoV. I can still admire the pricier Spydies (like the Manix 2LW, yummy) but for the foreseeable future the Cat scratches my itch.
Haven’t tested the Cat yet, looks like a nice “little big knife”. Agreed with the BD-1 steel, had good experiences with it too. Glad you found a knife that suits you mate, at the end of the day, thats all that matters.
Thanks. Your articles are a fantastic resource, keep the good stuff flowing!
Hey mate,
It’s cool to see a fellow Canadian! Anyway, I have never owned a EDC knife before, apart from a Swiss Army knife, and I need help choosing between these three knives: the Ontario rat 2, the spyderco delica 4 and the Kershaw link. Should I go for the rat because it’s cheap and I shouldn’t spend too much on a first knife, or should I go for the link or delica because they are better quality?
Thanks!
Both the Delica & Link are top quality knives. The Link has a super nice action + feels higher end due to the materials used but the Delica has a more useful blade grind (in my opinion) and is lighter/smaller. Both great options though.
Crkt moxie makes a knife just like the kershaw leek with a press in Thumbstud and it snaps open so fast it also comes in black and grey and green with black rubber grip threw it . It has the same needle point tip as the leek I usually test knives myself to see if it is sharp enough and it’s dangerous sharp .only about 36 bucks on amazon. 3oz and 3.5 in blade everything about it is dynamite and I have not seen it mentioned anywhere at all on the Web review . Just a thought for everyone for a affordable blazing sharp knife for everyday use.
Thanks for the suggestion Sal, i’ll look into it but no promises!
Seriously, I am just starting to get (WAY too deep) into EDC knives. Carried a Buck for about 25 years and it quit on me. No complaints. I think your run downs are fantastic.
My question… I don’t really see the Benchmade North Fork appear anywhere. It is even pretty sparse on youtube. At $140 on Amazon, and $160 at the B&M, I am curious why there is so little talk of it. The steel is right, great grip options, smooth as glass… it seems awesome to me. I am curious if I am missing something or just have my head up my… you know.
Thanks for all you do.
Honestly, with so many knives on the market I have a hard time covering what I do as it is! I don’t like to give my opinion on knives I don’t own, I find it duplicitous and frankly more than a little spammy. I am sure the Benchmade North Fork is a solid knife but until I have handled it I shan’t pass judgement.
The issue with Benchmade is that they are defined by the axis lock, After reviewing the Griptilian & the Adamas I think I have a solid benchmark for how they handle. Beyond that its ergonomics, grinds and aesthetics. Predictability is the best thing about Benchmade (they are after all, very consistent) but this lack of variance makes them a bit boring to review. Add to that the relatively high price, I do tend to find myself trying out different sort of knives from different manufacturers- At least I know I will have something to write about!
So thats my perspective on things, Benchmade make great knives and I am relatively confident in saying they have no “lemons” in their lineup.
Great article and I too love lists! You put out a lot of good information and there’s much to consider. I have been collecting for many years and have many of the knives on your lists but you have given me some new insights. I just brought my first ZT knife…..outstanding product. BTW I am from the USA but I use to live in Alberta Canada and my sister was born in Edmonton (go Oilers) so I have a great fondness for Canucks! Thanks again for all the information and Oh, Canada! All the best.
Thank you so much for dropping by Leland, really appreciate our readers giving us such (nice) feedback!
What about the Kershaw Skyline?
From what I heard, great knife but as far as I know it was discontinued. :(
Im a bit late to the party here, but I felt like I should mention my EDC that hasn’t been mentioned here, the Kershaw Shallot. Its the Leek’s big brother, longer and heavier, with a super snappy “speedsafe” assisted opening. Ive owned two shallots and they have never let me down.
Nothing wrong with being fashionably late! I haven’t played with the shallot much- how does it compared to the Leek or Blur?
I have 40-50 knives and many on your list. They are in the $30ish-over $200 range. You did a great job with knives on the list. The CRKT Drifter is an awesome knife with mediocre steel. I like the SS models with the frame lock and don’t mind the weight.
I have many Spydercos. The Tenacious, Delica, Paramilitary 2, Manix 2 are all great knives and well worth their price. I have X-large hands and the handle scallop on the Endura presses into my middle finger. Not a fan. I just get my pinkie on the back of the Delica and find it way more comfortable then the Endura.
I like my Sage 1s. However, I’m getting away from knives with a deep choil that forces a rear grip too far from the blade. The Sages are still good (very high quality) but I wouldn’t want the rear grip furthur back.
Not enough love for the BM 950 Rift-awesome knife and tough as nails. It held up in independent testing with CSs best knives (I believe Blade mag)…
I love knives and ranted enough. I’ll just say that the Spyderco Delica has to be the best knife for a new (or any) knife person. It has quality parts/steel, perfect size, nice price and does everything well. Enjoyed reading your reviews..
Tom
I look forward to reviewing the Rift, its definitely an underrated blade. I can’t believe the Drifter doesn’t get more love to be honest, I know the aesthetics are a smidge “boring” but its one hell of a value folder!
I can’t take this post seriously because you haven’t included any Ganzo’s…..
I can’t condone or review knives from manufacturers that have (even in the past) created what are for all intents and purposes, counterfeits. I get creative freedom and the right to be inspired but the stunt they pulled with those Benchmade Persian knock offs is just too much for me.
My 2c.
Dear Sir,
Any thoughts on reviews of custom knives? I know the cost, time of delivery etc issues as well as personality issues of some artists. I see a knife made by Koster, he makes a folder and I was curious how it stacked up to those listed. It sells for 400.00 plus per his site a serious waiting list.??? Thanks either way…
In terms of bang for buck, a custom knife with rarely (if ever) match up to a production blade when talking about performance alone. In terms of resale value (as in investment) they can be worthwhile and of course- aesthetically you can get something *just right*.
Dear Sir,
While reading the review I got a little stuck. I was interested in the knife in the photo for the under fifty dollar class and the Kershaw in the picture is not the one in the write up. Very similar but one is a few dollars more and has a much better look to it IMHO… sorry to pic nits…. took me a little time to sort it out. Maybe a left center right labels or equal key might help others with similar issues. Matching the right knife with the right write-up and costsss might make happier readers… Thanks for the write up…
Thanks for dropping by Bill, Kershaw make many variants of the same knife- different blade styles & handle materials (as well as coloration). Will take your suggestions on board though!
You’re talking about the Kershaw Link right? It is the same knife as in the picture, just with a different finish. The one with the finish we have is this one here. Is that the knife you were after?
the best knife i have, is my SOG tridant tanto. i went through a few other knives, outright breaking a couple of then and most falling apart in my hands before settling on this knife. i tend to be a bit rough ill admit, but nothing to the point that i misuse my tools. the knife feels natural in any real world holds i use, and i can hold securely. it never leaves my side, i originally bought it to keep in my bunker gear, but that soon changed, even when “dull” the knife is still sharper than my coworkers knives, though the sharpness is through care of the knife. its been carried in half a dozen countries and tekked over thousands of miles. even carried into the everglades where knives are chewed up and spit out. the low carry clip keeps it discrete and is reversible. not to mention it has a manual safety and assisted opening, with free tune up/repair, and sharpening service for life.
Thats some positive feedback right there! I havent owned the Trident but it looks like a solid knife. I think I prefer the style of the Clip point more than the tanto but maybe I can just get both? ;) Thanks for sharing Matthew!
they come in a few configurations, clip point and tanto, couple of different finishes and sizes. loved mine so much that i bought my girlfriend one, the only issue is the her knife blade is thinner than mine.
What about the sog spec elite 1 with the axis lock that I wish they would put on more knives mine is smooth as butter
Haven’t owned it, will definitely take a look at it though, seems popular enough! I do like the “arc lock” (its what SOG calls the Axis lock)- especially on the Vulcan.
Thomas have you used the Opinel much? I had one years ago (don’t know where it went?) and didn’t use it much. I was thinking about getting a few more but today I work outside more and I wonder if the wood handle would swell up and bind? Other then that I like it. I have a mid-1980’s Cold Steel Task Master (black plastic) that uses the same twist blade lock but it’s too big to carry in a pocket.
Has anyone used an Opinel in a wet environment, and if so how did it work?
I use my opinel often for food prep. While washing off the knife if the wood handle comes in contact with water the wood will take on a small amount of water and swell slightly adding resistance when trying to open or close the knife. You can still get the knife open it just takes more effort, so I would not recommend using an opinel in a wet environment.
The Opinel number 8 was my first knife (besides a beat up Pradel when I was a kid). I never had issues with the handles swelling up however I don’t live in a humid environment (great North)- I heard boiling the handles in linseed oil is a good remedy but I haven’t done it so can’t attest to it personally.
Thanks for dropping by Chuck!
I have a #8 and am quite happy with it. There’s now a plastic (of some sort) handled Opinel that’s impervious to water.
Emerson CQC-6. I have carried one since Iraq 09 and has not let me down…
An Emerson CQC-15 is pretty high on my wish list right now! Wish I could get a custom but the cost is just too prohibitive (unless I win the lottery).
I would add the Victorinox Alox solo to the under $30 list. People friendly, cheap and easy to re-sharpen. If only it came with a wire pocket clip!
I tried two of the Kershaw / Emerson CQC-6’s after your review but the first one had a horrible action even after stripping and oiling and the lock bar was shocking. The replacement had a screw missing and the clip looked like it had been dragged down the road. Shame as otherwise a nice knife.
Out of interest what are the knife laws in MD? I usually fly carry-on only but might be handy for future trips.
Keep up the great job!
Love the Alox but your issue is basically the same as mine. I want a pocket clip! Shame to hear above the Kershaw issues- mine were perfect so maybe I got lucky? No idea what the knife laws are like in MD- I live in Canada and I can tell you they are pretty terrible. ;)
Thanks for dropping by Alex & take care!
What kind of scales are on your Grip in the photo?
Custom G-10 grips. Really like them- super slim & very nicely contoured!
Interesting. No traditional knives, all modern knives. Oh well, the knife market is much too large to cover everything.
In the under $30 group, I’m disappointed to see you missed the Buck 721 Slimline (Walmart exclusive) / Buck 722 Spitfire. Both made in the USA, the only difference is handle profile and a swedge added to the Spitfire’s blade. The 721’s can easily be found for under $30 but I have to admit, most of the 722’s are just a skosh over $30.
This is a robust knife at 4-3/8″ closed, with anodized aluminum handles and a blade with a very handy thumb hole. The knife comes paper slicing sharp right out of the box (clam pack) and operates as smooth as silk.
I’ve been carrying a 721 clipped in my back pocket and don’t even notice it’s there. I gave one to a cyber friend who is an electrician in a shipyard and uses his knives every day, all day. He’s had it about a month and frequently carries it as part of his rotation. He gives the knife high marks. (I’m retired and don’t use a knife very much)
Howdy Jerry,
I try to stick to knives I have handled and/or own. Unfortunately never checked out the Buck 721/722 so whilst they look pretty decent (especially for the price point) I don’t feel comfortable recommending them. Definitely will be on the look out for them now!
Thanks for dropping by!
Interesting rundown. Was just in the market for one of these since we lost ours camping recently :)
Which knife did you lose? I really hate misplacing blades. I once had a classic Spyderco Military in 440V and I lost it when I moved house (somehow). Really sucks.
Gotta add the Spyderco “Ambitious” to the “Under $50″ list – currently $34 – basically a 2” version of the “Tenacious” – cheap, .ligh,tweight, and “LEO-friendly’ .- unless you’re in CA, NY, MD, MA or NJ, nobody’s going to mistake it for a “weapon”
Howdy Wyzyrd! Never handled the Ambitious so I hesitated when I was drawing up the list. I am just super uncomfortable with recommending knives I don’t have! :(
One of these days I will own the full set and do a review of all of them side by side!
A great a comprehensive overview! Thank you, Thomas.
Thank you Egi! See anything that catches your fancy?
Several knives from your overview had earlier aroused my interest and I own them already, namely
– Spyderco Delicia 4, Endura 4, Tenacious and Spyderco Paramilitary 2
– Kershaw Chill, Leek, Thermite
– Ontario RAT
– Benchmade 940 Osborne
Instead of Cold Steel Talwar or Rajah the giant knife Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is the biggest “pocket knife” of my collection.
My newest purchases are four ZT knives, the ZT 562CF, ZT 566CF, ZT 770CF and ZT 0801.
I noticed that you never wrote a review on the knives of ZT. Are there any reasons?
Biggest reason for not reviewing ZT’s currently is cost and lack of requests. If enough people ask for a specific knife I try cater to them but if the knife costs 200+ then I wont just snap one up on a whim.
One day ZT’s will grace this blog!
Yet I believe that once you have an 0562CF in your hands, you will find them quite pleasing to behold.
No doubt mate, I am sure they will end up here eventually, specially the ZT/Emerson collabs which are simply stunning (imo)!
Good list, but in the sub $100 rage would remove either the CRKT, SOG, or Cold Steel knife bump everything down one spot and place the Kershaw Blur S30V atop that list. Just my opinion best edc knife.
I really do love the Blur, there is something about those sleek lines & comfortable milled aluminium scales that does it for me.
Thanks for commenting Ben!
I concur, and you nailed it with the Delica. Interesting and knowledgeable addition with the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter, I find it to be underrated as a hard use knife under $100. You can really bang on that XHP and back lock without worry.
One of these days I will snap up more of these “higher end/non-frn” folders from Cold Steel. Looks awesome, especially that Demko SR1!
Excellent resource and reviews! Much appreciated! Solid reviews by a real person, well done!
I do find it weird how so many “review blogs” keep popping up with people who write about knives they clearly have never owned.
Thanks for dropping by!
Fantastic rundown Thomas !
Thank you Dan!