Best Cheap Knives of 2021 - Great EDC Folders Under $40

When we say cheap knives, we’re talking the best value for your dollar. Check out our favorites here: kcoti.com/3b6r4s0
We get it: it’s been a bit of an off year for a lot of people. But that shouldn’t mean a good knife has to be out of your budget. These are well-thought designs built to fit your everyday needs without breaking the bank.
Featured Knives
0:00 Intro
1:48 Buck 112 Ranger Slim Select: kcoti.com/3jRtnDk
3:22 KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter: kcoti.com/2OLiw2f
5:18 Byrd Knives Harrier 2: kcoti.com/3apHahl
7:15 Cold Steel Pro-Lite Sport: kcoti.com/2Zpqvnu
9:05 Ontario RAT 1: kcoti.com/3auoBst
11:19 ESEE Zancudo: kcoti.com/37fmbf9
13:22 CRKT Piet: kcoti.com/37kDYBB
15:11 CJRB Ria: kcoti.com/3plUjvT
18:11 CRKT CEO: kcoti.com/3ps0I8O
19:22 Kershaw Natrix: kcoti.com/3pqZRWa
20:47 CJRB Taiga: kcoti.com/3aqxao8
21:58 CIVIVI Ortis and Badlands Vagabond: kcoti.com/3qsbIEL
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[@6eightss]

Fun fact: David is the only man on KZbin that speaks clearly enough to play on 2x speed and still understand every word out of his mouth.

[@ferrumchnop6617]

^100%

[@NghiaHoang-nt4ib]

Same, 2x speed with him is easy

[@atongs_edc]

Indeed 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mattadler4710]

He's the best there is. No contest.

[@Enes-wj5xq]

I wonder what made you to put the video on 2x

[@disco4535]

I love this channel. Great audio/lighting quality, plenty of details for each knife unlike some channels that try to get through everything as fast as possible, time stamps/labeled segments in the time bar & with links to each knife in the description. Very well done content!

[@WhuDhat]

agreed, very curated and focused. the content is about the knives and not the creator here

[@cocabandi]

Probably my favorite selection of pocket folders on your channel. Thanks, David . Liked them all, already own a few of them.

[@cbwelch4]

Good call, Dave. Love me some Sandvik steels. I had to have the Ria. I carry it as much as any knife I own because it is tiny but with a blade that is just big enough to be useful. 12C27 takes a wicked edge and strops up so well. It also has a nice luster.

[@rtz549]

Those first 5 are definite must haves for any collection.

[@glennkoch5173]

Dozier, Piet, CEO Flipper, Ria, and Badlands caught my attention. Thanks for showcasing this price point!

[@gyffesme]

I used to hand out the Doziers as "you don't own a knife? Here...!" blades, but I've switched to the Rat-1. That's an AMAZINGLY solid knife for $22, with a GREAT blade shape and length and a handle design that really enhances control.

[@Artress357]

I love my Dozier.

[@deanwoodward4024]

I have the ceo flipper. It's perfect for edc. Super sleek and very easy and comfortable to carry. It's so light it's like its not there most people don't live in the woods so the flipper is perfect for the average Joe.

[@roberthaines1227]

Love the Civivi Ortis. I went with the upgraded version with black Damascus and CF scales. What a great knife. Great fit and finish and the action is smoother than smooth.

[@baxter1156]

I currently carry a Buck Spitfire and I love it. Around $40 and it’s definitely held up to a lot of work. Great choice for a more budget knife.

[@timtesta7155]

Your presentation, video & descriptions are the best knife reviews on KZbin...hands down. I'm a novice but learn so much from your reviews. My only carry is a honey badger. Thank you so much!

[@kylearmstrong21]

David you are the man and we appreciate your down to earth, honesty and knowledge. Thanks

[@kjgas6945]

Thank you prince points were very refreshing. Most people these days don't want to spend a hondo or more on a knife. Thank you! Excellent show!!

[@Andrew-wb9kg]

Hey David, thank you for these videos, I enjoy them every time. Awesome knives.

[@stevelink3]

Another excellent EDC review/comparison, David! From this list, I use the Byrd and the CRKT Piet, and find both well-made, sturdy, and sharp out of the box. The Piet in particular, despite the 8Cr series steel, performed the paper cut test superbly, at least equal to the Off-Grid Knives Fat Boy Aus 8 blade. In fact, the Piet blade is so sharp out-of-box, that I wonder about what makes the 8Cr13MoV steel so "budget". Interesting commentary indeed! Thanks again!

[@76ajc]

It took me until the Natrix to realize the music was coming from your video and not my living room lol. It blended perfectly. As always, great video.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Ontario RATs are amazing choices.

[@LowenKM]

Great channel and very informative vids... thx! Newbie to knife 'collecting', and you're right, despite the cries of the 'knife snobs', it seems to be a terrific time for innovative knife design, improved & standardized quality, now combined with incredible 'affordability'.

[@RobBernhard]

I love quality inexpensive knives. The Buck 112 Ranger Slim is a great gift option, especially if you have any younger kids in need of a new knife. Easy for them to hold, use, and sharpen. Inexpensive enough that if it's lost at Scout Camp it's not a huge deal. The only down side is the pin construction which makes cleaning it challenging. The Piet is a great entry here as well. I've had one since they were released and it's a good smaller pocket option. And the clip has recessed screws! You are correct that it's a great time to be in the market for a quality knife at nearly any price point. It wasn't too long ago that low price point knives were "gas station" specials that could not be trusted to cut or to safely lock up.

[@briananderson2314]

Thank you for your time and consideration on your presentation , David.

[@chuckviner1947]

Glad to see you covered some Buck knives love the 420hc steel

[@catherinecreamer71]

I have a Gerber knife with a cleaver blade. I bought it at Wal-Mart for $30. The store then cut it down to $15. I love the cleaver blade & use it every day for work. The only negative is the pocket clip will not attach to jean material pockets.

[@JhaeMo777]

I just recently bought the CRKT CEO flipper from your website and I LOVE it.

[@CadillacDriver]

The RAT 1 is king.

[@CadillacDriver]

@Cruzinthruspace I find the clip acceptable. In saying that, mine does tend to have a little bit of side to side play at the end, even though the screws are snug with zero play. Let's off a little click every so often as it slips over the texturing. It's nothing in general terms, just a *slightly* annoying wee quip.

[@dieseldabz7104]

At that price, definitely.

[@dourmoose]

Indeed.

[@CadillacDriver]

@David Single you won't regret it. I also own a 110, and it's damned hard to decide which one to carry sometimes. Those 2, along with my P-121, I'm like a woman getting ready for a night out 😂 trying on 93 pairs of shoes.

[@jomamma1750]

Best blade on the table, except maybe the buck. Most useful at any rate. Get that pup in D2 and fugetaboutit.

[@Pinki2019]

A lot of cool choices there. Surprised the Honey Badger didn't make it in. I've got the Piet and Ortis on my list.

[@albsureinc23]

Ontario Rat 1 has stood the test of time...always good, solid budget knife to own....very versatile in it's use and easy to clean...I own a handful of them for those reasons

[@mfreeman313]

Have to say the Badlands Vagabond is for me personally pretty close to perfect. Just a near-flawless all-round EDC folder, one of those "if you could only have one" knives. And I really like the Taiga too. Just a nice big solid knife, like a better-functioning Rat 1.

[@OFatherEDC]

Another good one that would fit into this category is the CJRB Feldspar.

[@IHATECREED616]

Or the Centros, CJRB knives are great

[@edcko10]

My feldspar was crap. But I understand at this pricepoint a lemon might squeeze by every now and then. Luckily I was able to return it. I've had better luck with their parent company Artisan

[@edcko10]

@Ethan Donald '20 now the ontario rat 1 on the other hand 😯👌 the hype is real

[@efcruzado]

I just ordered the Feldspar with AR-RPM9 blade steel. They’re available at Amazon.

[@christopherwilder6532]

My favorite of those knives is the Civivi Ortis. For that price the 9cr is pretty amazing. Civivi is killing it in the knife world for sure. I also want to get my hands on the CJRB Ria just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The artisan version is very nice as well

[@danielspencer582]

The one thing I don't like about my original ceo was the thumb stud and how it gets in the way of sharpening. The new model takes care of that, I'm definitely going to have to get one soon.

[@PuReBlOoD3478]

Dave is awesome. Knife center been steppin they're vid game up. Very cool

[@ArjanGroenenboom]

Civivi Ortis is definately one of the favourite knives in my collection!

[@redastrachan8978]

Nice contrast to the, 'Pricey' offerings recently. Always, a 1st rate presentation from David.⭐

[@chrishubbard1624]

Thx bro, I'm a knife nut and these snuck past my radar. Easy to get caught up in the over the top overpriced stuff. I'm probably buying atleast 4 of these!! For me or my son✊

[@jerrywebb5982]

I know it's not new, or necessarily better than any of the above, but I have the Honey Badger with the wharncliffe blade, as a work knife. I've been very impressed so far.

[@FYLbingbong]

amazing budget lineup. the budget world is really pushing out some amazing stuff nowadays dang

[@Marcobuck]

The Buck Slim select, the 112 and 110 are realy great EDC knives. A lot of value for tour money

[@dennishein2812]

That Kershaw had a nice sound on opening. Some nice looking blades.

[@teamhonn]

I have the buck 112 ranger. Really like it. Easy to carry.

[@kikoi15]

nice selection right there! thanks

[@fredelmo]

Excellent video again, saw some pretty nice knives! The Ria looks absolutely amazing! Btw, as a lefty, I must say I've never had any problems with linerlocks or framelocks. I can't really use my right thumb to 'push' the lock anyway, because of some scar tissue there, but 'pulling' the lock with my left thumb is no issue at all. Do other lefties have actual problems with right handed knives?

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Your videos are so relaxing compared to some of the Gung ho dimwits reviewing knives ! Thank you !

[@mfreeman313]

He gets on with it and you get the main points to consider quickly, without a lot of schtick and pointless blather, unlike the offerings of a certain other largish online vendor of knives I could name.

[@Janelle3113]

The BUCK ranger first up coming in at 24 BUCKS 🤣 Well done sir I like the word play intended or coincidental I’m a big fan… now picture a giant standing fan posting this hehe cheeky bastard

[@wantaprs]

I ended up getting a Ruike P801-SF and it’s became my favorite EDC. 😎

[@mikemarvelous]

Ka-Bar Dozier is my favorite hands down. So much value and simplicity, I can go on and on about all the pros. My only gripe is the inconsistent factory edges.

[@WhuDhat]

agreed, I think it would make the best first knife for a kid

[@ChasingForever]

I'm putting together a Maxpedition "Organizer" EDC pack for my grandson's 16th birthday. Something he can keep in his car. Since I want to include a good Fenix/Olight flashlight, a Leatherman multitool etc, it's important for me to keep the cost down. I had no idea there would be so many great knife choices. Years ago, when I made up a kit for myself and my son, it seems the Ontario Rat 2 was the only quality knife choice in this price range. Again, thanks for the video; the timing was perfect!

[@knifecenter]

The Buck Slim Selects are great options for exactly that sort of thing. You can get the 110 and have a lot of blade without taking up as much room as a RAT-1. -DCA

[@cerberus9425]

After buying really cheap knifes I finally bought the civivi ortis can't wait to try it out

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Opinels are my fave inexpensive folders. I imagine they would also be useful in Camping and Bushcraft. Very comfortable handle for a folding knife.

[@sheltermonkey6065]

MAM Filmam from Portugal makes similar knives.

[@mfreeman313]

I've carried one for ages. Incredible value for the money and a real tradition in France, where carrying a folder is huge because farmers are to them what cowboys are to us. Rugged too; I've sent mine through the washer at least four or five times and no worries. Yeah, they're old school but if you need to cut something you're all set.

[@jaredm450]

Cheap knives are my favorite - it lets me try out new shapes, materials and mechanisms more frequently. One "cheap" knife I didn't like was the Byrd Meadowlark 2 I purchased recently (a little smaller than the Cara Cara 2 mentioned in this video). I was shocked how bad the finishing was and regret buying it. The biggest problem is the lock - it is sharp and seems to have a slight burr on one side. Combine that with an overly-stiff lockback spring and, no exaggeration, it feels like it might cut my thumb. There was also plastic flashing leftover on the edge of the scales, the Byrd "spydie hole" has sharp edges, the lockback spring protrudes past the edge of the scales a little bit... there isn't just one mistake, but several. Compared to my Civivi knives - it's not fair. DCA mentioned it in this video, but Civivi is so much better it's like a different category. That's not the only good brand in the category, but these two stick out to me as knives on opposite ends of the "fit and finish" spectrum.

[@acid6urns]

yea from what i hear spydercos chinese factory has a lot of qc issues, i’ve heard a lot of problems with the tenacious line too

[@jaredm450]

@@acid6urns Since writing that, I also bought a Spyderco Delica in K390. Excellent blade geometry and edge retention - but I regret to say, poor finishing (not that much unlike my Byrd). Obvious grind marks on the blade spine and lockbar, leftover flash and misalignment on the scales, sharp edges, etc. I realize the price tag can be blamed at least partly on the blade steel, but considering how much that knife cost? It's embarrassing.

[@acid6urns]

@@jaredm450 i will say at least to the grind marks, all of spydercos knives are ground by hand i believe.

[@jaredm450]

​@@acid6urns I'm complaining about the spine and lockbar - e.g. the top of the knife, not the cutting edge. The edge was even and properly apexed - I can't complain about that! Some knive companies refine their edges more, but my Spyderco was plenty sharp. For the spine and lockbar though, I believe they are laser-cut. I'm not sure how they finish those pieces after that step. It makes for sharp edges and obvious striations though. On the one hand, it's fine. I've already fixed most of what bothered me about the knife. It's just that it was ~$160 (Canadian) and I have $30 knives that are finished better.

[@JesseCohen]

I had also been looking at the Natrix last year. My first pocket knife was a liner locking Kershaw with AO (the name escapes me) and I’ve always liked them. It still lives in tool bag to this day and my current slim/g-man carry is the Kershaw Ferrite. But then I saw all the designs coming from CRJB, wanted to try something new, and chose the Barranca. Great knife! Very similar to the Natrix XL, including a copper variant, though I ultimately got the blue/grey same as the Taiga. Feels full in my hand (L-XL guy here), the D2 was everything I’d hoped for from a reliable oem, and the blade profile was perfect for my daily use. I really appreciated the “safety” of the flipper tab doubling as a heel/guard for slip and folding protection. And the thicker blade allowed for that swaged back doubling as surprisingly functional thumb rest for a little more blade control without needing the typical jimping. Very happy for the sub $40 I spent!

[@JesseCohen]

P.s. Next up for me is going to be one of the CEO variants, just can’t decide which. And something from Civivi, probably the Dogma. Thanks again David and KC!

[@mikerobertson4041]

I prefer inexpensive rather than cheap! 🤣Great video! I don't think we could go wrong with any of these choices. I do like the Kershaw Natrix quite a lot!

[@rodrigolaporte274]

OH AND THAT KERSHAW!!!! Wow!

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Damn I love those civivis, gotta get some of those. Another knife that is also inexpensive and I've found myself using it for everything lately is the cold steel kiridashi

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Top quality! I've got the Praxis, Baklash, the Chronic with Damascus and carbon fiber. All, even the $37 Praxis (it was on sale) came with a cleaning cloth and a zippered, padded case. My next 3 will be the Asticus and the Brad Zinker Bo with blue carbon fiber, and a Wyvern. For the price, I don't think I've ever gotten a better deal.

[@joshcarr9922]

@@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies Truth! I have a Praxis and it is great. Definitely getting that blue carbon fiber Zinker, it’s freaking dope!

[@ekgatobalamnegro8165]

Love this channel! Salutations to David! Can you please do a review on UK legal friendly folding knives?

[@jacobelliott7213]

Another good one to add is the CJRB centros in D2

[@ruffinogold5440]

The prolite is off the map . I lost mine and I wish theyd bring it back . A fantastic work knife

[@lv20warlock21]

Cold Steel any day everyday, both affordable folders and fixed blade, I actually dropped my bushman folder off a building at a work site by accident, and the concrete below took as much damage as the knife did, the knife in still works fine as well.

[@leegroce2943]

David, good video! I have been hearing much about single blade pocket flip blades for decades. I personally prefer at least two blades, a large and a small. I like looking at and listening to you for knives in general. I have been carrying a Victorinox Bantam for the past several months which is a two handed opener but it suits me and there is a multitool which I am still getting used to. Some of the first knives that you show appeal to me. I am not really sure how well I could use some of these flippers but they are cool.

[@clintonlewis1261]

Nice selection 👌

[@williame.boylejr.1229]

You've got that right Dave speaks with a clear voice and a great vocabulary I've even picked up some new words from Dave sincerely Wild Bill

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

The Buck is a winner. Holds up really good and nice light weight.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

and not made in China

[@Mal-SW]

Yessir, David C. Anderson back again!

[@bwax1542]

Good info David C Anderson !

[@youngkang9959]

hello david, love the series! i was wondering if you could review the Cheburkov Workshop Small Swift Lite Folding Knife in the damascus blade. i was wondering if the blade drops shut? thank you!

[@knifedaddy5791]

Lately I’ve been carrying the benchmade super Freek as my main EDC (in addition to a SAK tinker, Gerber dime and Buck Ops as multi tools and a fixed blade for versatility) I have some really nice other folders that just sit on the shelf and kind of feel guilty that I’m it using them lol Any tips for working them into the rotation? How do you deal with having so many knifes, but so little pockets? Thanks David, love all you do here!

[@Rampage4635]

I would love to see a “Most affordable US made knives” video

[@mikerodriguez3132]

Me too

[@elconquistador98]

Sadly, it would be a very short video. My last two purchases, I limited myself to USA made, but the ones that I really wanted were chinese.

[@elconquistador98]

@Zero - I should clarify. I know a lot about what I want in a folder I.e. above average steel, good looks, simple lock, under 80 bucks, one hand opening, the USA selection is slim, where there are many more Chinese. They are making what I want, but I have limited myself to USA knives.

[@elconquistador98]

@Zero - It is indeed. I have two. Its ,far and away the most knife for the $.

[@stephenmoore3035]

The squid could've been included, a SAK of your choice too...many great blades out there that don't break the bank.

[@princy_vinc]

Lovely Budget Friendly Knives

[@ShidenByakko]

Oh man, that CIVIVI Ortis is sweet! It ticks most of the boxes I require in a folder. Now if only they made it in a Frame Lock!;)

[@davidtate166]

Yes the Golden age of knives .i am a knive person 😁👍get some.

[@7ali7]

Kershaw is tough to compete with in terms of VFM, they tend to have outstanding QC. And obvs CJRB / Kizer vanguard are heavy hitters in the budget zone. Great vid man! Here comes the wave of DCA appreciation society comments 😅 great job as always fr

[@tylerbarnes7628]

The Qsp Penguin is definitely worth a look if your searching for a good budget blade.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

I own 2 of um!! Definitely a favorite. 👍👍

[@jeredwhite2253]

Bought 2 myself.

[@OEFvet0311]

The sheepsfoot blade abd the Micarta handle, plus the kind of classic look...excellent choice.

[@apsalmofdavid]

I bought one in Denim. Hard to beat for under $40, IMOHO.

[@LargeKnives]

Some really good choices in here, but I'm surprised that the Ruike P801-SF didn't make the list. 14C28N , nice to carry, ball bearing, great slicer, and like $30.

[@PureCountryof91]

Your opinion on harnds knives in this pricing? The assassin has me a bit intrigued, as does the giant silkworm. I also recently got a cjrb kicker. Very nice for what I paid. It's a usable adaptation of the axis lock and it's actually kinda fun. Last thing, I'm very excited for the button lock elementum!!

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

All nice, but i think the Taiga, the CEO, and the pro-lite are goin on my wishlist

[@ParasidicGeneration]

I have alot of these and I agree they are great

[@stinkybuddydog]

Byrd knives are amazing for the price.Razor sharp with great FRN handles that have primo ergos.

[@chuckviner1947]

Wow great review on some super value knives wish I could order them here in Canada, even the difference in the dollar duty and shipping still make them good value compared to what we have to pay here

[@lonewolf11577]

ka bar dozier (orange handle black blade coating) my first beater knife, still a great shape design. Most people nowadays will say "what? Aus8???, but it will sharpen easy and cost nothing, get one you won't regret it...

[@montyhighsmith266]

Got the buck...dozier ..cołd steel enjoy ałł them ...now i got a idea of more good one to get ....love the vid

[@itsmr.d716]

I like the CRKT PIET, the CRKT CEO and lastly the KERSHAW NATRIX ❤❤❤

[@cardiacbob]

Love my CRKT Squid. cheap and takes a beating.

[@handsydirector4862]

Great and helpful

[@joseencarnacion9799]

Hey David! Can you plz show us how to sharpen D2 steel?

[@cab927]

Can't wait to see ceo flipper upgrade exclusives

[@dodgehunter551]

Would love to see review on EMT knives. We have a small fire department in ND looking at add knife to very one or to each truck. Thank you

[@knifecenter]

Hope this helps good human: www.knifecenter.com/listing/the-right-knife-to-save-a-life-best-tactical-rescue-folders

[@dodgehunter551]

@@knifecenter thank you we have couple different ones going to get. Because some like one knife others like a different one.

[@zdravkoslavov6064]

I bought a ganzo fh41 and tbh I think it's an awesome flipper! Should definitely stop the ignoring of ganzo because of the "they steal designs" and what not.

[@lildeek12GFL]

Ganzo is controversial because they blatantly steal designs

[@lancetate960]

Hope you have a blessed day man

[@johnbarnesNnaptown]

I want all of them!!!

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

If you're looking for a better phrase than "cheap," then "Less Expensive" is great for comparison, "Inexpensive" is good for an item by itself.

[@Xander_Park]

Lol

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

A great review .Thanks .As I live in Australia these knives would be $50- $65 and that is about all I can afford for a EDC. I live in the country and if I lost one It wouldn't be the end of the world.I would like to buy some of these in the future. Thanks again for a great video .Bradley..

[@czenkusm]

I picked up the CRKT Piet at Lowes for $9 , it’s my work beater.

[@MrPerry61]

just ordered the CRKT CEO Bamboo

[@mikezeee4871]

Okay David, here's your quiz question of the day. I think it will test your knowledge of the marketplace. I'm looking for a crossbar folder. I am looking for 14C firstly or 12C Skanvic stainless. Prefer to include a flipper tab and/orthumb studs or both. Flexible on handle material, but must be comfortable and secure in the hand. I have XL size hands. Uses EDC but I do like tactical/survival type blade, multi-purpose. Do not want any coatings on the metal. Here's the kicker, $50 to $75 price range. Looking for a blade length close to 4 in. Think of it as the Morskniv EDC flipper, but it does not exist as far as I can determine. The SOG terminus XR and the Gerber sumo (except for the crappy Steel) are the closest I could find. What make and models am I missing? Keep up the great work and kudos go out to the knife center, a first class retailer that brings someone with your skills and knowledge to the marketplace, backs up their products and sells them competitively. Another added bonus is that they're in the Mid-Atlantic. Thanks in advance. Mike in Manchester Maryland.

[@frankcastle4435]

Big Dave I took your advice I got a ZT 0562, I love it. I also picked up a Kiser Justice and for the money you can’t beat it

[@edcko10]

Where did u pick up your 0562? I tried getting one on white mountain knives with ltk discount code and wouldn't go through

[@frankcastle4435]

Off of Armslist from a pawn shop in Hickory NC, they carry high end knives. Also check Smokey Mountain Knife Works.

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

Surprised there were no SAK's shown, of course you can't show everything. That ortis is speaking to me however lol.

[@tonyochoa7097]

Imo,Ruike and CJRB make the best budget peices

[@willymccabe6602]

The Komoran BF1100589 eats the CRKT CEO for lunch any day of the week. And it's around $15 less. It's sleeker, the action is outstanding, and it looks better.

[@edcko10]

Love my RAT 1s

[@derickabshire978]

Great show

[@doctor152]

Hi DAC Do you have any video on left handed knives or you have any plans to do.

Lots of interesting 'lil' knives :)