As the knife market has grown, the high end has exploded. Unfortunately, the low end is populated by junk – schlock knives that are better described as “knife-shaped objects” (to borrow a phrase of Mike Stewart of Bark River Knives). But there are some really great cheap knives, knives that you won’t worry about regardless of what you do. The Ruike P801, recently reviewed here, is one such knife. Here are some other good choices for less than $40, a few of which have been available for less than a year:
Leatherman Skeletool KB (~$25)
Dropped in 2017, this is the knife version of the awesome Leatherman Skeletool (reviewed here). Technically, this is also a multi-tool, as there is a cap lifter under the clip, but really it’s just a knife. And it happens to be a very good knife for the money.
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The size is just right to drop in a coin pocket and go. It has an interesting amorphous blade shape. And finally, it is protected by Leatherman’s amazing warranty. The steel, 420HC, isn’t great, but it is easy to sharpen.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Stuart’s Note: Check out the Skeletool KBX (also $25 via Amazon), if you want a similar knife but with a partially serrated blade. Personally, I prefer the KB plain edge version.
Ontario Wraith (~$20)
A brand new knife that just launched, the Wraith runs the decidedly mediocre 1.4116 stainless steel (the steel used on Victorinox Swiss Army Knives). It can get sharp, laughs at water, but doesn’t keep an edge. The real draws of the Wraith are the excellent handle shape with a great index notch, and the just-right size. With a 2.6 inch blade and a weight of 1.66 ounces, the Wraith just disappears in the pocket.
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Buy Now(via BladeHQ)
CRKT Drifter (~$25)
Until the Ruike P801 rolled around, this was my favorite budget blade. With no extra baloney and a smooth flick-open blade, the Drifter does a lot of things right. The 8Cr14MoV steel is okay. The G10 version is actually quite grippy (skip the steel one, it is heavier and slick), and the entire package is light.
I’d prefer a non-recurve blade, but the Drifter’s recurve is gentle enough that you can still sharpen the knife on a crock stick system like the Spyderco Sharpmaker. Stones, on the other hand, are still out of the question.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via BladeHQ)
Stuart’s Note: If you want to read more about this knife, Anthony has a full in-depth review of it over at Everydaycommentary.
LA Police Gear TBFKS35VN (~$40)
This is the brute of this round up–a comparatively massive knife with a beefy, three dimensionally sculpted G10 handle–nothing about the TBFK (the best f!@#ing knife) is subtle. The roughly 3.5 inch blade is housed in a knife that weighs well over 4 ounces. The TBFK also happens to run the best steel of the bunch, Crucible’s powder steel S35VN. On steel alone, the knife should cost twice as much, but the fit and finish can be a bit rough. The extreme value package is rounded out with a flipper deployment, a bearing pivot, and a deep carry clip.
Buy Now(via LA Police Gear)
Ka-Bar Mini Dozier (~$18)
This is a long time budget favorite. Unlike a lot of cheap knives it uses a slightly better steel – AUS8 – and it is a smaller version of the classic Dozier custom folder. The handles are plastic, the clip is dead simple, and this knife is so inexpensive in its design that it only has a single sided thumb stud (but you can switch left to right making the knife fully ambidextrous). Its getting a bit long in the tooth, but its still a solid choice for the money.
Adam g
The la police gear knife looks somewhat like a griptillian with a flipper tab. Might be worth checking out.
Bob in Tidewater
Agreed!
fred
Where would you put that Ruike knife – posted on ToolGuyd about a week or so ago?
I ask – because buying stocking stuffers will soon be on the horizon.
Michaelhammer
Did a bit of research on that knife. Be aware that the quality is inconsistent. May be worth making sure everything is kosher before putting the bow on it.
Tcmaukt
I got one coming. If the quality on this one is off, I’ll just use it as a super beater.
tjb
It would make a more informative read if you’d include more pictures. Or at the very least a picture with the blade deployed. Particularly if you’re commenting on that very feature.
I get that I can just navigate to the knife’s site or amazon link to see more, but the point of a list/review is to decide whether or not I even want to investigate more.
Just my two cents. Thanks.
Stuart
Good feedback, thank you! I’ll add a quick stock photo in for the CRKT and Leatherman.
The Skeletool is a knife that I’ve been meaning to review here as well, and so you’ll see more photos of that one soon, and Tony reviewed the Drifter in full detail on his site already, here.
We’ve seen mixed signals about what ToolGuyd readers want, and so this is more of a short to-the-point recommendations post that draws upon Tony’s years of experience with knives.
If you want more, we can do that. With his last post, several commentors said “eh, give me less.”
(P.S., Do you want the level of photo coverage similar to what I’ve done in the past, or just a little more, as in his P801 review?
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/tag/knife-reviews/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ruike-p801-folding-knife-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Michaelhammer
Never mind the negative feedback. No one is making anybody read every article. Love the knife reviews and your style. Maybe even a knife of the week?
John Lobert
Agree.
Joe
The guy can’t comment, negatively? Thats a bit communist. I thought all feed back was helpful. Ultimately Stewart can do what he wants but I’d hope he was open to criticism.
Stuart
There’s nothing wrong with what he said, or even how he said it.
Feedback is always good. When one person chimes in about something, there are usually others who feel the same way but keep it to themselves.
Eric
If reviewing a single knife then a few pictures is fine. For a round up style post I think 2 pictures of each knife would be about right. One open and one closed. With the belt clip in at least one of them. Tip up non-reversible knives are instantly removed from consideration. It’s a big deal for me being a left handed person. Keeping my knife in my left pocket means that if a tip up knife opens in my pocket (and yes I’ve had it happen) then I’m probably going to be putting my fingers right on the exposed edge of the blade if I reach in my pocket.
AngryDrumGuy
^ This is, literally, painfully accurate. Being a lefty means no tip up for me as well and I definitely prefer the flippers due to their ambidextrous accessibility.
Koko The Talking Ape
The Skeletool is nice enough, but the handle isn’t particularly comfortable. And the design strongly favors right-handed people. On the other hand, it has a proper notch in the blade at the base of the edge (and so does the LA Police model), to help make sure the edge retains the same profile even after years of sharpening.
And I notice the Mini Dozier, like the Drifter, has a slight recurve, which looks nice but complicates sharpening, for no functional benefit in return.
David R
A link is fine. We can go find more pics and info if we want. If Tony is recommending it, there’s a solid reason for it. He doesn’t need to spoon feed us info given the internet exists.
Chad
The KBX is a great knife .. picked it up almost a year ago and the finish ( i have the blue one ) is flaking off but that’s common as i keep it in the same pocket with my keys !!
Its slim and its light…. the bottle opener is wonky and awkward to use but it works.
in my pocket everyday along with my skeletool !
Chris
I’m excited to see the new ones Dewalt is coming out with. I’ve been looking at the Milwaukee fastback spring assisted knives (the ones that I complained about my local Home Depot’s not stocking) but now that I see that Dewalt is coming out with a spring assisted knife, I might wait for that.
Bob in Tidewater
The Milwaukee is the best knife I’ve ever owned. Passes a torture test performed by yours truly a million times in 4 years and if ever quits on me, I’ll buy another. I noticed none of these knives have sherraded blades, definitely comes in handy.
garrett
So many good knives out there…I made a list of my favorite budget folders recently, and I’m glad you included some. Here’s my current list of favorites:
CRKT – Drifter, Kershaw – Skyline, Cryo II, Scallion, Leek…so many good options, Kabar – Dozier and Mini-Dozier, Ontario – RAT 1 and 2 (esp. in D2!), Esee – Zancudo and Avispa, Steel Will – Cutjack, Opinel – any.
I’ve also had a long-term affair with the Gerber LST–I’ve owned half a dozen in the last 35 years (they grow legs and walk away), and I have a few more squirreled away in case of TEOTGAWKI (the end of the Gerber as we know it).
When travelling, I always carry a Vic Tinker or Pioneer. Campers are cool, but I don’t do the vino, so…YMMV. And, if your Victorinox isn’t Tak-T-Kewl enough, that SwissBianco guy can sell you some G10 handles to dress it up (seriously, Victorinox handles measure on the Mohs hardness scale somewhere between talc and cotton candy).
Thanks for bringing to light the LAPG TBFKS35VN. Now, how to get it to the house without bringing on WDF (Wife Disapproval Factor) Level 5?
JoeM
Simple, Direct, To-The-Point, Perfectly written, Summarized… This is PRECISELY what a round-up post SHOULD be. This simultaneously lives up to, and exemplifies, the full potential of having Anthony join the staff team at ToolGuyd. No minced words, no nifty gimmicks… “we’re coming up on a gifting occasion, soon. If you’re looking at something like this, these are my picks, from my experience, and I say you should look at these first before all the new offers you’re going to find out there.” Bravo. That’s what a roundup should be.
If I’m going to speak DIRECT to Stuart and Anthony now, I would say this: There’s too many Stuart notes here, when Anthony has already done all this work already. Anthony has his own blog dedicated to these, right? How about Stuart give Anthony a button in the logo/banner design that links to Anthony’s FULL reviews on his blog? That way, not only does this go into a Roundup, if we want more in-depth details, Anthony’s site already does the work for full write-ups of these things. Why not a full partnership link, both ways? Over to Anthony’s site, and Anthony’s site has a “See this compared on ToolGuyd” equivalent?
At a later date, when Anthony gets riled up about one of these for one reason or another, I’d love to see him rip into that thing here on ToolGuyd, expanding on it with a full review. He’s an EDC guy, no doubt, but one day Stuart is going to encounter a Tool Company’s EDC knock off, and Anthony is BOUND to be the EDC voice we want to hear from. As it stands, because of Anthony’s FIRST post about the $1000 COMBAR, I’ve started carrying my DeWALT folding utility knife again, along with my Leatherman tools. I trust his experience, and it gets me thinking about some of these tools I’ve neglected for a while.
If I have anything to say to Stuart and Anthony it’s really simple. Anthony, you rock at this. You should look at what Stuart added to your article and remember, FOR NEXT TIME, not to forget to add those YOURSELF. And Stuart, if there’s any way to cross-link to Anthony’s background posts on his site directly, that would be a great asset for him to include in his reviews here. It would definitely show the depth he goes to so he can talk the talk of EDC folk, as well as Tool Folk. A Review here may be more tool-centric, but he may go into the finer details of the process for EDC fans on his site. The potential for cross-talk among us is immensely cool to think about.
I look forward to MORE from Anthony in the future! ESPECIALLY if they ever do the RIGHT thing and make a Black Oxide Leatherman Skeletool KB! THAT is the one I want! I’m… a former scout, so I’m a bit of a Blade kind of guy…
The potential for team-up posts between Stuart and Anthony, or Benjamen and Anthony for that matter, gives me all sorts of happy tingles! Stuart or Benjamen cover the Tool Company aspect of an EDC product, Anthony Edits in the Pros and Cons compared to other ACTUAL EDC brands to those products… The potential benefit of having Anthony’s research and knowledge added to these kinds of posts is a HUGE leap in my mind! I’m a very Stats-Oriented person, and having someone with the STAT details expertise for EDC items is just… Everything I could wish for! KEEP IT UP ANTHONY!!!
Stuart
Too many Stuart’s Notes? There are only 2.
When I did freelance work (and I still do on occasion), I didn’t always like it when an editor put words in my mouth. With contributors’ posts, there are sometimes comments that I’d like to add, but with a need to make it clear that it’s not their direct opinion or statement. After a couple of times, it became a habit, although I do try to be sparing.
Plus, a “Stuart’s Note” subtly tells readers that I’m not the author.
JoeM
No it’s fine that way here. I was just rying to tell Anthony to observe what you noted as a guide to what really hits home with us here. I don’t care if every single item simply has a note from you that says “I Agree!” But when you add in those pricing notes like you did, Anthony should see that and remember to do that himself on the next review or roundup.
In fact, as I stated, I would love to see a full team up post, where there are no editorial notes, just the two of you working back and forth commenting on the item(s) being reviewed.
You both are fantastic writers, as is Benjamen. You all tend to shine on your own just fine. Though an extra note at the END from you, Stuart, would be awesome as a way of you saying Hi to us even though it’s one of their articles.
JoeM
Example 1: Stuart notes the KBX version. Note to Anthony, remember to mention variants of these knives when you tell us about them. We like variants. Nothing wrong with that for future reference.
Example 2: Stuart notes that Anthony reviewed this on his site already… Can’t we have a link button like the Amazon Buy buttons that Anthony can link back to himself instead? And, likewise, a ToolGuyd link button on his site to go back to it?
That would free up Stuart to put his own 2 cents in at the end, and say Hi to us while endorsing Anthony’s autonomy as author of the post. I’m only thinking of integrated efficiency here, it’s nothing meant to offend anyone.
JoeM
…And Anthony… If I may make a request? EDC LED Flashlights, Pen-Sized and Keychain sized, as another Roundup? If you don’t mind?
I’ve been considering the Fisher Spacepen LED Beam for my EDC, and I’d like some advice from… well… Someone who is a real EDC person who knows more models in the field… Lest I buy something I’ll regret.
Bob in Tidewater
My Milwaukee Fastback is the greatest, most affordable knife I’ve ever owned. I work in field service and it’s been used daily, as well my EDC for 4 years. I’ve ran into other people that carry the same knife and they always feel the same way about the tanto blade, spring assist and functionality. It’s bright orange color makes it easier to find when misplaced( the feeling of when your dog runs away). Name brand knives, at an affordable price makes for good articles but I wish we could include a knife like the Milwaukee Fastback to be reviewed as it’s intended purpose to be the choice of the blue collared for championing. Great article by toolguyd and I really enjoyed reading. I’ve always loved Swiss army knives as a kid, so the Ontario reviewed and $20 price caught my attention with the clip for functionality and size were great until and held it’s pole position until I read about the LAPG, definitely the one I’d go with if I could only pick one from the lot!
Mike B.
The best do all inexpensive knife on the market is still the Buck 110. Can be bought at pretty much all discount and sporting good stores at very fair price. This knife is a true beast and legend
Steve
I have that Dozier and really like it. Kershaw is at the top of my list for value priced edc. Their knives are surprisingly inexpensive given their quality. And, if you lose one it’s not like losing a Spyderco or Benchmade.
Joe
Wow, I hope everyone is allowed to express an opinion without being ostricized. Way to drive future readers away
I
JoeM
Nah. I don’t think that’ll be a problem, guy I’m having fun sharing a name with.
Stuart genuinely takes feedback, positive and negative. It’s just, some of the posters are in that “Feedback can’t be Negative to be Productive” category. I think, as Stuart proves in his responses, those people are considered Wrong here.
Have you seen how happy Stuart responds when we find a spelling error in one of his posts? He welcomes this kind of thing. Some of the posters sometimes go a little too far with the encouragement of Benjamen or now Anthony’s posts though. Like, somehow, if one of us says “Shouldn’t that be somehow this other way?” that it will cause traumatic harm to Benjamen or Anthony, and so they jump in with “Oh you just ignore them, you’re the best!”
Everybody gets their say, positive and negative. Feedback helps Stuart develop features for the site, so that will always result in more popularity and hits on search engines. THAT being said, I think, worst case scenario, it causes fewer people to feel like POSTING, but due to the popularity of the site, the number of READERS won’t decline. Of course, fewer people trying to stop others from having an opinion of their own is kinda good for the site, where more opinions and discussion on all sides is even better.
And… Yes… I took the time out of my day to respond to this because I’m having a good laugh at us sharing a name… I’m having some fun with you on the topic, I hope you don’t mind. Did I absolutely HAVE to? No. Was it fun talking to you in this context? Hell Yes!
Jason. W
I’ve had this Gerber knife for something like 17 years
https://mountaintrailoutfitters.com/gerber-ultralight-lst-blk/
It’s still sharp. I’ve sliced my hands more times then I can count with this thing. I’m pretty sure I got it when I was like 12-15 years old.
KL
I’m personally concerned w OAL when folded. Some “pocket knives” are nearly as deep as an entire pant pocket when folded. I prefer the length of the Hardlines – pretty compact. I can understand some may prefer a long handle but not me in an EDC
MT_Noob
So many choices. I started with a Leek based on the toolguyd post a few months back. Now I am already thinking about my next purchase… decisions, decisions. I think I’d like another light weight blade, preferably partially serated. It’s probably time to jump into this rabbit hole and see where it leads.
TonyT
Too many rabbit holes, not enough time and money….I just purchased my first >$20 knife, the CRKT Pilar – which I first saw reviewed on EveryDayCommentary; my kids and I like its style, quality seems fine so far, steel is the same as the CRKT Drifter (8Cr14MoV ).
At least I haven’t bought a >$5 pen/pencil/notebook in a few weeks, and I’m trying to hold off on any more tool purchases (I participated in Ryobi Days, and I have a Bosch PS21, PS41, and FL18 arriving soon)….unless, of course, I see any “too good to pass up” Father’s Day deals
MT_Noob
At the very least you can create a wish list or two for fathers day.
🙂
Jason
I wouldn’t go a day without my Mercator Black Cat pocket knife. It’s German steel, and very thin (excellent for a front pocket). $26 on Amazon right now.
Rick C
Don’t forget the Buck 285 plastic handle folder made in USA. About $14 at Academy. I removed the clip and added a paracord pigtail for easy retrieval from a pocket or toolbag.