For some, a knife must be incredibly reliable without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best value pocket knives and have broken down what makes them great for the money spent. Read this list to get the best knife for your buck!
1. Spyderco Para 3
The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight is a lean, mean contender in the lightweight EDC category. This knife follows the concept of the original Para 3 but adds lightweight FRN scales. The Para 3 is on the higher end of the price spectrum when compared to other knives on this list, but it’s worth every penny. It features a premium CTS-BD1N full flat ground blade that has excellent edge retention and cutting ability. With Spyderco’s iconic Compression Lock system, this knife can be opened and closed with one hand, making it easy to use and upping the fidget factor considerably. This knife is an amazing value when compared to other knives of the same quality and materials.
- 3″ satin-finished CTS BD1N stainless steel blade.
- Slicey high flat grind and ambidextrous Spydie hole opener.
- Lightweight fiberglass-reinforced handle.
- Made in USA.
2. Benchmade Mini Bugout
The Mini Bugout is a perennial favorite for a lot of reasons: it’s lightweight, it’s mega-tough, and it’s super versatile. Its crowning feature, however, is its construction quality. Benchmade’s patented AXIS lock supplies the tightest lockup even under challenging conditions. This model sports a CPM S30V blade, a well-balanced choice that gives you field-ready edge retention and good corrosion resistance, and a high-visibility orange Grivory handle. This Mini Bugout is the perfect all-weather, all-situation knife without breaking the bank!
- 2.875″ satin-finished CPM S30V steel blade.
- Anodized titanium thumb studs.
- Lightweight Grivory handle scales with texture for grip.
- Made in USA.
3. CRKT CEO
True to its name, the CRKT CEO is a high-powered gentleman’s folder built to go with you around the office and house for everyday tasks. When closed, the CEO looks like a pen or lighter, making it the perfect knife for city slickers who need a discreet, urban-camouflaged option. Actuate the blade with a thumb stud or flipper (the CEO is available in both variations) and you have three inches of reliable blade in your choice of D2, 8Cr13MoV, or even CPM S35VN. With prices starting at $45, the CEO is a slim, inexpensive, lightweight EDC option that holds up to light everyday tasks.
- 3.25″ standard blade in D2 (other options available).
- Flipper and pivot bearings for smooth action.
- Slim fiberglass-reinforced handle.
- Available in full or compact sizes.
4. Gerber StrongArm
This beefy fixed blade is easily one of the best value knives available. The Gerber StrongArm’s robust construction and incredible sheath make it great for hard use and tactical service. It features a full tang 420HC stainless steel blade with rubberized grip making it both easy to maintain and comfortable to grip. When we reviewed this knife, we found it to be one of the best fixed blades available. Whether you are active-duty military or a bushcrafter, the Gerber StrongArm is an amazing value fixed blade knife.
- 4.875″ 420 steel drop point blade in plain or serrated variations.
- Rubberized handle over a full steel tang for superior toughness.
- Included MOLLE-compatbile sheath.
- Made in USA.
5. CIVIVI Elementum
When our team here at Blade HQ first handled the CIVIVI Elementum, we were absolutely amazed! This knife is the perfect size for everyday carry and is built incredibly well considering the price. The Elementum Series features knives in every style, from flipper knives to fixed blades and everything in between. Elementums start at around $50 and easily outperform some knives double their price. This knife feels great in hand, is super fun to use, and fits every budget and preference. There’s a reason we keep coming back to the Elementum for more.
- 3.5″ blade available in Sandvik 14C28N, D2, Damascus, S35VN, and more.
- Simple but comfortable handle from G-10, micarta, carbon fiber, and more.
- Choice of flipper, button lock, or fixed blade models.
- Lightweight with a deep-carry pocket clip.
6. Kershaw Link
The Kershaw Link is a standout entry in the field of spring-assisted knives. With Kershaw’s SpeedSafe action, you get all the snappy opening you want without worrying about accidental deployments. The Link’s blade has a high flat grind, a curved cutting edge, and premium CPM 20CV steel, making this knife ultra slicey. The handle is milled aluminum with a gentle curve that just feels natural in hand. The reason we’ve included the Link on our list of best value knives is that it’s an American-made beauty with premium materials like 20CV and aluminum, all for less than $100.
- 3.25″ drop point blade made from premium CPM 20CV.
- Milled aluminum handle with a reversible pocket clip.
- Flipper-driven spring-assisted opening.
- Made in USA.
7. Buck 110
The Buck 110 Series is an American icon, bringing folding hunting-style knives to the pockets of people everywhere. Since then, Buck has only stepped up their game to bring you the best of the 110 without emptying your wallet. The model we’re highlighting is the 110 Hunter Sport, a lockback folder with materials chosen to hold up in the field and not weight you down, like S30V steel for low-maintenance blade performance and ultralight aluminum and micarta. These premium materials and USA-made quality are hard to come by, especially at this price. For the amount of functionality you get with the 110 Hunter Sport, it’s an incredible value. If you’re looking for something under $100 or even under $50, there are also options in the Buck 110 Series for you!
- 3.75″ clip point blade made from CPM S30V or stainless steel.
- Micarta handle scales with aluminum bolsters.
- Thumb studs with a secure lockback mechanism.
- Made in USA.
8. SOG Terminus XR
The SOG Terminus XR is a breakaway success, with a patented XR Lock system strong enough to run alongside the bigger names in knife design (rated up to 1,000 pounds of force, in fact). The Terminus features smooth one-handed opening via the flipper, thumb studs, or the XR lock, making it as fun to fiddle with as it is to use. SOG uses cryo-treated D2 steel for the blade on the Terminus XR, and it’s sharp and ready to go right from the box. Overall, the Terminus XR gives you more knife than the price would suggest.
- 3.75″ clip point blade made from CPM S30V or stainless steel.
- Micarta handle scales with aluminum bolsters.
- Thumb studs with a secure lockback mechanism.
- Made in USA.
9. Boker Kalashnikov
The Boker Kalashnikov is one of our favorites at Blade HQ, and for good reason! This automatic knife can snap open a seemingly infinite number of times without letting you down. Made from cost-effective materials like tough D2 steel and cast aluminum, you’re getting maximum utility from the Kalashnikov at a super affordable price. Plus, we carry a huge variety of colors and blade shapes, so you can find the Kalashnikov that fits your style. Grab this authoritative auto at prices as low as $42.95!
- 3.75″ dagger blade made from D2 steel in a variety of colors.
- Textured aluminum handle in your choice of finishes.
- Powerful automatic opening at the press of a button.
- Huge selection of options.
10. QSP Penguin
We finish our list strong with the QSP Penguin, a model that began as an underdog when compared to comparable models but soon made a name for itself. At around $32, you can get a Penguin with D2 and G-10 or micarta—materials that can be put through the wringer and come out unscathed. Or for just under $100, you can get titanium and 154CM. What stays the same between these options is the silky-smooth opening. The detent is perfect and the thumb studs are easy to actuate with one hand. For the price, no matter which model you go with, the QSP Penguin is a value you can’t pass up.
- 3.125″ sheepsfoot blade made from 154CM or D2 steel.
- Anodized titanium frame lock handle with micarta and G-10 liner lock models.
- Dual thumb stud opening for one-handed use.
- Exciting colorways.
Conclusion
Hopefully this list gives you a good place to start when looking for the best value knife. It is important to look for a knife that fits your needs, your budget and ultimately you! Whether you have one knife or one hundred knives, getting the best bang for your buck always feels good.
Check out Blade HQ’s full selection of knives and leave a review of your favorite budget find!
Learn More
Need some more? Let us help you find the balance between quality and price for your next knife. For more about great knives under $75, check out the YouTube video below!
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