The TOP 15 BEST Budget Folding Knives For EDC - 2024

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Metal Complex's recommended knives! - kzbin.info/aero/PLqAK7GyLGMyGrXe7FzsLOgd71pzbwSqbc&si=BYIIatGa8E3Lh86Z Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@gator3-234]

Sup Metal! 🔪 🗡

[@Now_Roger_That]

Just curious, do you only review folders? I didn't see any fixed blade videos in a quick scan. While I love the folders I have, I'm looking for another nice budget friendly (sub $100/sub $50 if quality ones exist at that price point) edc fixed blade to scout carry.

[@Dude1971Dad]

The CJRB prado comes in a variant with stainless steel handles with S90V for $105, not a budget knife but if they heat treat correctly that is a really good price

[@mattlindsey9242]

The vosteed is easy #1. Love it. 65 bucks. Good action. Good lock. 65 bucks you can lose it, let someone use it and it's not like handing someone a pm2 or losing a $200 knife. Easy #1

[@Shrabsters]

I'm more excited by budget knives these days than high end stuff. I enjoy testing how well made sub $50 knives are and seeing how companies try to make their models stand out since there's so many options. Where as you expect an expensive knife to be well done and they tend to be more catered to specific tastes vs. practical and simple designs budget knives have. I think the best value I have found was the Tangram Santa Fe which I got off of Amazon for $22 or something back in the day.

[@Skeeks27]

Miguron makes you wonder about some of these other brands charging what they do for what you get. Such great quality, materials, and action. The Pagos is actually my favorite which never seems to get the deserved attention, IMO (but that just speaks to how good their knives are because what is preferential to me may not be for everybody else) Great job on this list. These are the knives that are going to entice newcomers into the “hobbyist echelon” of knives. Vosteed Acorn is one that surprised me as a knife that has found a ton of pocket time unexpectedly.

[@uabtodd]

I’ve got 3 on this list, the pyrite light, top liner lock racoon, and a qsp penguin. Oddly enough, while all three are great, I find myself gravitating more and more towards the pyrite light each day when I pick a knife to carry. It’s such an awesome knife for $30!

[@michaelduke6026]

I know I’m getting old when I miss seeing the Rat on this otherwise great list.

[@AmbuBadger]

Obi-Wan: "That is a name I have not heard in years..."

[@kellendavis8638]

Maybe they could update the rat to a crossbar lock...🤔🤔🤔

[@todd1611]

I want the rat 1 in Ti framelock..micarta inlay showside..S90v .. Please!!

[@funnyhowsecretstravel]

And the Dozier.

[@calebrice6569]

I'm watching this video with the tan D2 Rat 1 in my pocket. Waiting on him to bring it out lol

[@HighNoonSun.]

Vosteed been doing great things this year. Excited for what's to come

[@GrandmasterBBC]

That is a fine list. Among those the Racoon is impossible to argue. I have the crossbar lock version in micarta and it is one of my absolute favorite knives. That new Pyrite at $30 surprised the hell out of me as well. And I'm certainly going to be adding some new Miguron knives to my collection. I have the Talism which I love but I didn't realize what other great budget offerings they have.

[@kayla8402]

I just got the raccoon in nitro v and ultem (crossbar) with a small discount, and am pretty well blown away. Sits easy in a pocket, easy to use like a smaller OR slightly bigger knife, brilliant handle. It's been great to see some really GOOD knives out there at about 30 dollars now too.

[@johncook2504]

Glad to see the Serene getting the recognition it deserves!!

[@Mikey_Trailz]

Budget list no Kizer? The Cormorant is $69 in Nitro V and the Amicus is $39 also in Nitro V! Although they may not be goats I guess. Great video.

[@BigTuba2157]

I’m with you on the Elementum. I got serious into knife collecting (folders, I already had fixies for camping/etc) about 3 years ago, and the Elementum was my first purchase. Loved it then, but even though it’s a good knife and it was a “gateway drug” for me, it doesn’t get much pocket time just because it’s not as interesting as a *lot* of other knives. Yet when Civivi released the special anniversary edition I bought it purely for sentimental reasons, and the Elementum is the only model I have two of. Go figure.

[@richardvirchow3390]

I bought the Pyrite light and love it, carrying it everyday since I got it. I’ve got several of the knives you showed on your list. I just recently took delivery on a Tenacious because my Spyderco collection wouldn’t be complete without their iconic knife. Great video!

[@matthewhebbert9712]

I have weak spot for the Boker Kalashnikov. I have a ton of them. I got the one in CTS-XHP years ago, and it's been one of my most used EDCs. The action is still perfectly snappy, and it's easy to sharpen and maintain, which I don't even have to do super often because it stays sharp for quite a while. The color on the aluminum scales has definitely seen better days, but it gives it character and makes me like it even more.

[@lonetrader1]

It's nuts! The baby banter is one of my all time FAVORITE small knives! Now call me crazy but that vosteed looks like what the big banter SHOULD HAVE looked like, and i dig it!! (Not saying i hate the big banter, but that forward choil is fantastic and seems like that vosteed would be a dream come true

[@Joey-io6yf]

Kizer needed more love on this list imo.

[@metal_complex]

They make a lot of great knives, just nothing I consider "goat" status

[@DeerUNIT42]

I thought same thing, but then also consider that most of their great knives are over the $75, but we just happen to get them 30 to 60% off all the time. If you consider this they are truly GOAT value but that's not their MSRP. I've gotten an Escort for $43, 154/Micarta Drop Bear for $71, Cormorant in S35VN for

[@metal_complex]

If any version of the STANDARD size Sheepdog was listed with a standard retail price (not after coupons or specials or sales etc) I would absolutely have included it on the list

[@brettski6211]

Kizer Cormorant S35vn $54, multiple deployment methods. Great user

[@richcampbell-ri1mo]

Agree 100% with the list. I would add the Kershaw Irridium to the list.

[@carmeng5867]

If you are serious about dollar to value ratio you HAVE to be Miguron heavy on your list. Don't apologize. Great list.

[@ajpend]

Yes.

[@timtitus2532]

I have several of the knives you've shown. The Velona and Moyarl are fantastic. Really good list of budget knives. Thanks

[@ACblue1]

How would you say the crossbar Raccoon stacks up against this list?

[@DarrellKirkland-t1c]

Do you think you could do number for magnalite, magnesium and aluminum, for knife scales?

[@MultiWaldo666]

I love the list and your videos. Unfortunetly up in the great white north most of your list lands outside your budget territory but your insight really makes it easier to buy solid knives

[@DeerUNIT42]

It's crazy when I started getting more serious into knives 3 to 4 years ago your list really inspired me. And the only ones on this list that were on the list then are the penguin and elementum

[@DavidPerez-rq1sd]

The Sencut Serene is back! Yes!

[@jimdandy8603]

Just got a serene yesterday-as the owner of around forty mid to high ends,I am blown away by the serene

[@DBroncozFan]

The obligatory, nearly subliminal ‘giggity’ was perfectly well executed!

[@martinbranditch1128]

Get ready to throw stones, but I absolutely love the Cold Steel Luzon. It's only $40 ffs. Yeah, it's kinda huge, but it still fits in all my pants just fine. I'm a big-ish dude, with big-ish hands, and getting older and a touch clumsy. I honestly find larger knives easier to manipulate, and the Luzon just feels great to me. It opens just fine with the thumb stud but really shines with the flipper. Annnd it's got the double flipper, so you can catch it on your pocket to open it. Perhaps it's ridiculous, but I never find myself wanting less blade. Also, just to provide some more reason to throw stones, I just prefer locks. I've never had one fail and they're just second nature to me because I've carried one for ages, before there were other options besides lockbacks.

[@ahoyt653]

8.2 on the slam…. Dude Ozark Trail came out with a D2 crossbar lock knife on bearings. The D2 sharpens like well heat treated D2 and it’s $9….bananas, great glove box banger

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

thats a hard pass from me, everytime. Id rather not give more money to the walmart machine.

[@metal_complex]

There's no way their D2 would even come in at 55 HRC. I don't trust the hyper cheap stuff. It's cheap for a reason

[@rays5163]

@@metal_complex i think for 10 bucks its worth testing to be sure. i don't know if you own any hardness testing tools though

[@metal_complex]

​@rays5163 we have a few people in this community who can do that. LTK would be my number 1 choice

[@rays5163]

@@metal_complex ill check out his channel if he has one. Thanks for the rec

[@bpainter0513]

No complaints here. Great list MC!

[@Capin91]

Okay okay I’ll check out a Miguron next😆

[@briankinney7022]

The QSP Canary is the one I most go to for edc. Sorts nice and low in the pocket, still fits in my hand even being on the small side, and I love the blade shape. For $45 you can’t go wrong. I’m also finding out lately that I no longer like big forward choils. Always gets caught in material I’m cutting.

[@26ruben1]

Once again .. great list .. tons of useful information … keep up the good work MG. !!!

[@byronkennedy7912]

Great list ... was surprised you like the Raccoon this much as far as the top liner button lock. Thanks, MC

[@taylanlowe120]

Just bought a buck 702 for $30 and I really like it for the price .

[@tonyb8434]

Great video. My favorite budget knife is the Kizer Mini Critical. Thumbstud version with micarta.

[@coalhair99]

Nice list! Blade HQ had the nerve to send me a used Boker that was obviously used in a demo so they lost my biz but i spruced it up. I plan to check a few of these out, thanks!

[@RAD_DAD_86]

The Elementum was the start of my knife journey.

[@ursusthewhite9824]

Thumbs/paws up for Civivi Incendie. Like the blade grind. Sharper than most right out of the box. Trying out the CJRB Nova. Good blade size but definitely a light workhorse. I find the liner lock requires a more involved effort to close using just one hand. A light almost Gentlebear carry.

[@JKTF476]

Never heard of these knives. You stick to your foo foo stuff. Give me the Rat 1 & 2 and any budget Spyderco any day!

[@stanglifemike3759]

@10:42 the Ned Flanders?? I had no idea Homer's neighbor had his own knife! That's pretty cool...

[@kncochran1]

Great video. Love seeing stuff that us pour folks can afford.

[@christopherwallace826]

pyrite lite is one of my favorite desk fidget things.

[@rcjoe406]

Agree that pyrite light is just right 😊

[@stevelink3]

Yep, the Vosteeds (Raccoon and Valkyrie) are superb knives...but IMHO so is the CIVIVI Regulatron in Nitro-V and Green Micarta!

[@caseybaker5830]

I bought the Talism and the Pyrite Light; I definitely find myself favoring the Pyrite. For me personally, I find the detente more comfortable on the Pyrite. I also prefer the slightly slimmer profile on the CJRB, versus the somewhat chunky Miguron.

[@andyhayward1261]

Yes! The compression lock raccoon is ludicrously good! I just hope aftermarket scale makers get some titanium, CF etc scales out there for it! Then it would be legit competitive against vastly more expensive knives!

[@Biomass1]

I think the Vosteed Mini Nightshade would be on my list. Got the aluminum handled version and love it. Would love a large with the cross bar lock but like the mini just fine. An awesome little slicer.

[@justinsnow3979]

I’m really liking the pyrite Bowie.

[@kkgoucher9135]

Can anyone recommend some good budget serrated options, flipper knives. My son is a firefighter and mentioned one would be useful for cutting through seat belts. Thank you.

[@RamboAdventures-oi1mn]

Thanks for the list. Surprised not one Kizer here. Cheers!

[@mannycano4599]

I like the Civivi Bull Tusk as well

[@richardmather1906]

Just got the Elementum in Nitro V. Love it so far.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

I find myself carrying my ODD22 a lot. Also really, really love the Tranquil.

[@JeremiahSouthard-yt1yv]

Are the blades under 3 inches because in mu state you can only carry one with a blade under 3 inches

[@MBroam]

Vision FG forever!

[@jasonbobb3994]

I agree... the Racoon is a good knife.

[@bikeman9419]

Your idea of a budget knife and my idea of a budget knife are completely different.

[@Edcreviewer]

He gets em free and you don't... So yeah I'm right there with you

[@jx7230]

Have you tried the Vosteed Acorn? Was surprised it didn't make the list at $40-$50

[@JedHead3409]

Great list! I probably would’ve picked just about every single one of those myself. And I also agree that spending the extra few dollars on the Vision FG is the way to go. Imagine if they came out with that thing in S90V or properly heat treated Magnacut? it would certainly be my all-time favorite knife, and maybe one of the best offerings of all time lol

[@michaelinsc9724]

Absolutely! Knifecenter did a S35VN + CF version for $140. It's still available.

[@Bluemayje]

Yeah...I DID gravitate to the Civivi Elementum when I started collecting knives.

[@bigbluemsp]

Kizer Fighter under sub 50 and often under 30. 154cm, smooth as glass

[@prtypeninja]

Hello! Sencut Serene button aluminum made me super happy for the price.

[@777LAZARUS]

Great list! Lot of useful options to look at. Vosteed Raccoon with the comp lock seems right here, curious if you think the Kizer Mini Grouper with the same lock is a good alternative or worthy of being on the list? I suppose it’s up there in price cuz it’s about 80 on Kizer’s website but besides that the only change I’d have made is more options for scales.

[@justinbelcher3679]

Great video!!! Nice to see a budget only video for a change

[@yeeka4021]

Question: Is it worth getting an expensive knife? I always wanted a benchmade, specifically the Osborne. I always found it pretty expensive tho. Financially im able to get one without problems. But I still find it expensive. Any thoughts? Are expensive pocket knifes worth it?

[@IchNixHabenUsername]

Depends on what you want and expect. As this list shows, there are so many exceptional budget knives nowadays, that in many cases you dont actually need to spend that extra money if you are just looking for a good or in many cases even very good pocket knife. If you get more into knives though and you start to favour certain handle materials or blade steels, then you will need to spend more money. Benchmade knives are good, but they are overly expensive and generally cost more in comparison to similar or even better knives from other brands. Also sometimes they can have minor quality control issues and their omega springs tend to break (you can get replacement springs though) . Nonetheless the 940 is a great knife and a classic. I love mine. :)

[@Edcreviewer]

It's a pride of ownership thing. Plenty of superb budget knives out there but do they bring you pride of ownership?? If they do then stay with them and if they don't then it's time to move on to something that will.

[@ryantuazon9141]

Nice list, maybe have some categories next time, like best budget; overbuilt knife that isn't a Cold Steel (Artisan Proponent imho), gentleman (CRKT CEO), assisted (Kershaw Leek), etc. Also, the greatest budget knife is not the pyrite, it is from boker and you your mortal self have said to be lucky just to have been in her majestic presence! I hope the rainbow lady takes mercy on you, MC! 😂

[@JoshSweet]

Are you telling MC how to do his videos…?

[@ryantuazon9141]

@@JoshSweet I complemented saying nice list, gave a suggestion for categories and my winners (fyi IMHO means in my humble opinion), and then made a joke referencing his old sarcastic video about the boker mermaid, so no I am not doing what you are implying. Also note the laughing face at the end. Chillax.

[@kurthuizenga8441]

Icon knife from harbor freight is actually a great knife $39.99. If you can find one! They do move fast!

[@michaelsantoro170]

If they made a prado with a black coated blade, id own it already. The vosteed racoon has become one of my favorite edc knifes in any price backet, hopefully they make an xl version in the future.

[@Lt31337Luca]

Knife Center brought up the CS SR1 Lite which, while is only in 8Cr, has a pretty thick blade and Tri-Ad lock. Civivi is also coming out with the Yonder which is basically the Raccoon with Crossbar, so there'll be another brand to look for when one sells out I guess? I don't know why they couldn't use the snecx lock again for a drop point in 14C28N, but oh well.

[@jasoncanady1944]

What is the knife on the thumb nail

[@joes.5811]

“They will be in stock until they are out of stock, then they will be out of stock until they are RE-stocked…” Came for the knives, stayed for MC’s insightful commentary 😂

[@1ohmwrecker]

I love these lists! Thank ya! 🫡

[@juangn5]

100% agree with the Raccoon at #1

[@ZiGGi03]

Is it the same lock as the spyderco smock !

[@Madman6505]

Budget is not all roses... I got a Miguron Moyarel in White G10 with the black blade, and it squeaks when you disengage the liner lock. I tried the #2 pencil trick, but it didn't help. Also, my button lock Raccoon rattles when closed if you shake it. No biggie, but it's still annoying.

[@ianlejeuene8455]

Love my qsp penguin

[@DB.KOOPER]

CJRBs button locks ALL eventually get massive lock-rock. I have 6 different CJRB button locks and ALL of them have terrible lock-up now. Love the designs (the Ekko is one of the best button-lock front-flippers around) but they don't hold up. Not like Vosteeds Trek-lock does.

[@davidf3974]

Is that in the open or closed position? I have beaten civivi/sencut button locks all that happens is the "detent" gets sloppier

[@Poseidon-cw7bp]

Have a Miguron Velona love it and a Talism the Talism has some sort of heat treating or finishing errors on the tip of the knife almost burned looking its not very noticeable but it is a gripe still an amazing knife love it. I will say the Velona is a fantastic feeling knife I just use is as a fidget flipper at home but is good if you have larger hands. I have cut tape and boxes with the Talism its fantastic I used to EDC it all the time but I typically carry a Buck Bantam or Buck 110 or if I'm walking ill carry the CRKT CEO because its extremely light good for gym shorts.

[@leviweaver1058]

Love your videos. They have been very helpful for picking out knives to buy. Possibly an interesting video idea for you. Everytime I buy a knife I buy one in a blade steel I don't have any of and I'm trying to get one of every type of blade steel. Could you do a video showing your favorite knife by blade steel type? Ex favorite D2, 14c28n, 154cm and so on. That would really change the outcome I feel for favorites.

[@DangerousDave1956]

Where can I find the raccoon with the blue blade like the one in your video cover page ?

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

Recently picked up a lightning OTF, it was shockingly good for sub $35.

[@MikeyD8716]

In my humble opinion the Canary beats the Parrot and the Penguin. I am a huge fan of QSP all great knives.

[@Rattersar15]

Nice choices, though I'm surprised you didn't have the Iron Fly Yolo on there, unless this was filmed before you got it. For a budget knife it's the best button lock out there.

[@Sim_racer_40oz]

Well I would put miguron keryx❤ I know it’s only fine to you ?!?!

[@CombatBanana]

There's also the Kizer Mini Grouper if you want an alternative to the Vosteed Racoon.

[@hosiatowery632]

Great list, well covered in short descriptions ❤ Own half of them. Just a note- segment titles are wonky…Spyderco? May want to fix those. 😉

[@TexasCorgiGun]

Is the raccoon discontinued ?

[@mikereese15]

Sachse, serene, amd crowley all look amazing. I need that gray velona. Amd a moyarl.

[@wesjackson71]

I carry the Chevalier. But I also carry the Kershaw Iridium. I would have thought that would have made the list.

[@jaredkyvik3541]

I’ve been waiting for a restock on the raccoon top liner lock! I did pick up a crossbar lock version with cleaver blade while I wait though.

[@Savraghor]

@metal_complex What do you consider budget? I know it's subjective, but i think less than $100 is budget territory. The Vision FG is a GREAT knife sub $100. Keep up the great videos!

[@mannycano4599]

Praxis and Mini are fairly cheap and I use them a lot

[@ChazzyMcD]

Do DLC coatings also bring down heat treat?

[@Edcreviewer]

On low temper steels (most stainless steels) yes it absolutely does by around 1 to 1.5hrc. on your high temper high speed tool steels the tempers temps are much much higher than the 400 to 450F that DLC requires during the PVD process that lays down the DLC so it doesn't effect them.

[@hificat101]

I really like D2 a lot, and really wish some makers would start leaning into CPM D2 (looking at you ProTech).

[@putchini]

Gotta keep the Civivi Qubit in the list! :D

[@davidhelka8929]

Great video man 👍

[@jamesharper8373]

Love the Vosteed Racoon. The only real gripe is that the handle just feels a little thicker and blockier than it needs to be. Kinda drives me crazy

[@michaelfuxeklint4909]

A knife with D2-steel and G10 handle, the price is almost the same, the rest is a question of taste 👍👍

[@mangobadger]

Glad to see the Lander 1 being recognized. It’s one of those knives that looks deceptively plain, but it handles and functions more smoothly than its price should allow. I honestly wouldn’t have considered it a real budget contender but it seems the price was recently dropped to keep it competitive with the newer Landers. Definite W in my book. 👊🏻

[@justinmcvay5560]

Great video. Awesome suggestions 💪🏻😲✌🏻

[@applejuice-4706]

Great picks!!

[@craigb7217]

What about the Kershaw Iridium?