The TOP 15 BEST Budget Folding Knives For EDC - 2023

The top 15 GREATEST OF ALL TIME budget edc folding knives - 2023.
Boker Kalashnikov - shrsl.com/45wvo
QSP Parrot - amzn.to/3Yg6Nsg
Sencut Sachse - shrsl.com/45wvp
Sencut Crowley - shrsl.com/45wvr
Lightning OTF - www.grindworx....
Vosteed Raccoon - amzn.to/3rNFucE
Civivi Sokoke - shrsl.com/45wvz
QSP Penguin - shrsl.com/45ww2
Miguron Velona - amzn.to/3DwHj0c
Civivi Elementum - shrsl.com/45wwc
Sencut Serene - shrsl.com/45wwd
Civivi Chevalier - shrsl.com/45wwh
CJRB Large Pyrite - shrsl.com/45wwk
Miguron Moyarl - amzn.to/3Qb5rwH
CJRB Pyrite - shrsl.com/45wws
Blade HQ New Arrivals - shrsl.com/36fac
DLT Trading New Arrivals - www.dlttrading...
SMKW New Arrivals! - www.pntrs.com/...
Kunwu Knives - kunwuknives.co...
Urban EDC Supply New Arrivals - bit.ly/3iyxhST
Tactile Knife Co. - tactileknife-c...
EKnives New Arrivals - eknives.com/ne...
Check out Tools For Gents! - toolsforgents....
Crane's Cutlery New Arrivals - cranescutlery....
GP Knives New Arrivals - shrsl.com/3bzf4
River's Edge Cutlery New Arrivals - riversedgecutl...
Shop Flytanium! Custom parts for your favorite knives! - shrsl.com/333ql
Check out these other GREAT retailers! - linktr.ee/MCalt
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[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex 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

[@geevserino]

I would love to see a video covering the mid-range priced knives. $75-200ish. Not really budget or high-end, but right in the middle. Great video!

[@Capthowdy098]

Was going to recommend something similar, so I will just upvote yours 👍

[@nycmaverick]

Second this comment!!!

[@ThatsQuacktastic]

In your opinion, at what price point would be high end?

[@nycmaverick]

@@matrixistwhat do you even mean

[@metal_complex]

​@matriximaster if that were true, the massive market for knives over 150 wouldn't exist. In terms if general utility? No. But value to an individual wanting more from their knives than simple utility? Absolutely. I've made countless videos on this topic. It's not hard to understand. Anything collectable shares the same element. Any luxury items, art, fashion, etc etc. Same thing. Do we need them? No. Are they worth it? That's only answered by the market that supports the item. In this case, the market is proving you irreversibly wrong.

[@AlanSpringer2074]

Solid 8 out of 10 on the card slap.

[@Ratchman_5000]

#SLAPMAFIA

[@bones10145]

I really enjoy the guy's energy. He's so excited talking about these knives. He loves it!

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

QSP Parrot - Have it. Love it. (I want the QSP Swordfish, but it’s already out of stock). Sencut Sachse - Have it. Love it. Sencut Crowley - Have it. Love it. Vosteed Raccoon - Have that exact version. Just got it last week. Love it… a lot!! Crossbar lock is indeed excellent and tuned to perfection! CIVIVI Sokoke - Have it. Love it. (Pronounced “SO-COKE”. It’s an African domestic shorthaired cat with a swirly patterned coat). QSP Penguin - Have it. Love it… a lot. So snappy, and mine sounds like a sword being unsheathed when deployed. Sssssssschwakkkk! Miguron Velona - Have it. Love it. Miguron is definitely killing it! But I think I love my 3 Moyarls and my Pelora just a tad bit more. Velona is just a wee tad too big for my EDC pocket carry preference. CIVIVI Elementum - Of course I have it and love it. (Just ordered the version with the wharnfoot blade from Blade HQ today. Similar knife to the Penguin methinks). Sencut Serene - Have it. Love it. Like this one the best of the Sencuts you have on this list, although the Sachse is very close. CIVIVI Chevalier - Have that exact version. Love the blade shape and profile. I’m old… I like the Guibortia rosewood handles. CJRB Large Pyrite - Have all the Pyrites. Like the Pyrite Alt the best and the Large Pyrite the least. I do like it, it’s just a bit too big for my EDC carry preference. Can’t wait for them to release the Large with the wharnfoot blade though. Preordered my Blue Inlay and satin finish Perfect Pyrite Aficionado last week. (Footnote: Why do people keep calling it the Pyrite XL? Is it not called the Large Pyrite? Doesn’t matter really. Just wonder if I’ve missed something.) (Footnote 2: For the longest time I’ve been a CIVIVI truther and believed that they were kings of the budget knife world, but CJRB is making a hell of a challenge for that crown over the last 12-18 months!) Miguron Moyarl - Have it. Love it so much I bought 3 haha - black, gray, and white! It’s close to perfect! Slap me with a wet hammed canoe paddle! CJRB Pyrite - Got em all. Mine are all steel. Alt version is the best of the bunch for me. Can’t wait for my Aficionado with Alt blade come in! Will likely get more versions. I love it THAT much. I guess the only ones I don’t have are the two autos. I’m not a huge fan of autos. For me, I would have left off the autos (but I guess you have to include an auto or two - and you chose some good ones). I would have included the CJRB Ekko and CIVIVI Qubit (both of which I have multiples). Great list, MC!! Good stuff as always! *Why keep track and write all that you say? The people want to know!! The people need to know!! Or I’m just bored and it’s too damn hot to go outside and die, and Shark Week is not as good as previous years. Cocaine Sharks, really?! Absolute nonsense.

[@t.k.morris]

I thank you for the list and am sure many others do as well!

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

@@t.k.morris Thank you 👊🏻

[@estebanrivera8820]

I got the QSP Penguin a few years ago and it always sat unused. Then one day my daily carry front pocket knife got misplaced and i needed something so i grabbed it. Its been my primary carry for like a year now. I love it

[@arycwarneke]

Same with me. Bought the penguin and liked the fit and finish but didn't carry it until I couldn't find my daily.. really enjoy the size, shape and finish

[@huntmorgan2]

Great list. Petrified fish is the only other that I can think of that had a couple of great sub 50 kinives over the last few years.

[@adityashinn3896]

Just got the new miguron velona, it's great. Petrified fish Mini beluga is still my favorite. The reversible very deep carry pocket clip works well and connects behind the handle scales, so it doesn't have that ugly cutout in the other side, and has inset screws. That with 14c28n, and contoured g10 scales for $49 to $54 still feels the most impressive features per dollar (as much as I love the miguron velona).

[@ZENO357]

Some of the Sitivien knives are also worth looking at. I have the ST128 and ST106, both inexpensive and very nice knives. There are so many great knives in the 'budget' category that it might be impossible to boil it down to just 15...

[@not-a-raccoon]

I own the Elementum, Sachse, Sokoke, Raccoon (shocker), Kalashnikov, and the Pyrite. Absolutely love every one of them. Especially the Raccoon with the cross bar lock

[@damascusraven]

He's right about the Lighting lasting forever. I got one when they first released and still carry it today.

[@keredrellit3992]

It makes me so happy that you put the parrot in there! I have a denim Micarta one and it brings me much joy.

[@clarksargeant8446]

Kept waiting to see the Kershaw Iridium. Was surprised. Thanks for the including that aluminum Sencut, I will be adding that to the collection shortly!

[@blakefrancisboggs7526]

My 2 favs are the ka bar dozier and the civivi qubit (which I admittedly just got).

[@EtotheFnD]

Not gonna lie...been watchin your channel for like a month...you have a good thorough ability to review knives, with a great personality to make it fun...👊

[@adams97]

IMO Spyderco Tenacious needs to be on the list. Just got the silver blade w/carbon fiber scales setup to add to the collection. For $60 shipped to my door is hard to beat. CJRB is prolly my favorite knife company. Especially with the Chord & Ekko being released. Love ur vids man & keep the budget knives vids coming! I'm addicted & the Pyrite is my next baby

[@omf2007]

Great job summarizing them all very quickly. Really enjoyed! Thank you.

[@robertkain7890]

I have a linerlock Elementum in D2, with black wood scales and I absolutely love this knife!!!

[@shaneallen1918]

Solid list. Only thing I would do is replace the Racoon with the Nightshade. I was skeptical of the blade shape at first but it has quickly become one of my favorite users. It just works.

[@cavemandanwilder5597]

A benefit of the QSP Penguin that nobody seems to mention is that the front of the blade has sharpened squared edges for excellent scraping.

[@jefferys9593]

Glad you mentioned the QSP Parrot, everybody knows about the Penguin. I love new Miguron Velona, I have older one with no finger choil and like that one a lot also.

[@applejuice-4706]

I got the exact CJRB Pyrite.. it was nice however I didn’t realize how much I enjoy thumb studs and a flipper tab with my button lock knives. I will be returning it for something with all 3 deployment options.

[@gregblau8082]

I went with the standard blade for the thumb stud because the other style felt awkward. I really liked the blade shape and balance with the metal handle though

[@damenpaul151]

Purchased the moyarl as my first knife with your suggestion and it arrived last week. Been loving it so much, and it looks so great I don't want to use it that often.. might pick up another one off this list!

[@jimhill2087]

You are so excited, you sound like the middle of the night gas station knife seller! I love it!

[@55brutus84]

Idk why I love these videos and the giggity really cheered me up

[@lostfound8112]

I agree with most your list. The prices for what you get are amazing. Also the sencut and xl pyrite shape is perfect.

[@kermitthepog7063]

Glad to see most of my personal favourites are on this list. If it were my choices I would incude the Petrified Fish Mini Beluga

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

A few PF knives could easily be on this list

[@7grahamh]

For sure. I have the Havrog and it’s the best

[@devin1442]

A knife I've had for over 6 months now is the Kubey Royal KU321, and I truly can't recommend it enough. I was shocked at how clean the action was out of the box. It's so good I'll literally fidget with it when I'm just chilling out, lol. The knife also came more than adequately sharp from the box.

[@jjabberjaw8822]

I won't argue they belong on this list, but I really like the 440C buck 110 and 112s. They're all very tough, reliable budget knives. I don't know if that's necessary for EDC, but there's a place for it.

[@clandestinetactical]

They’re actually in 420HC but still awesome because of the BOS heat treat .

[@acid6urns]

buck hasn’t made those in 440c in a long time from what i’m aware of

[@acid6urns]

the only one in 440c is the 112 50 year tribute that costs $300

[@rjzavala87]

You got me to order a pyrite all murdered out. Im mainly a spyderco guy but sometimes i want to carry a knife i wont have to pay almost $200 to replace. Ty again for all you do, mc.

[@jerryrigger3040]

Great list, 3 year old Kalashnikov in my back pocket (withstand green worn off all high points and copper colored blade that gets stripped every few weeks).

[@1337flite]

I like the Civivi "monster bill" pocket clip it makesit a bit easier to engage the clip with the pocket edge when you are re-pocketing. And if the "bill" itself doesnot catch the pocket edge well enough you can lift the clip a little using your fingertip to pull back/lift up via the ":monster bill". PS love your name for it the "Loch Ness Monster Bill". Classic. I hope Civivi start using it in their marketing. The LNMB clip.

[@ryanw7196]

9.1/10 Crisp, clean, resonant, all one could ask for.

[@2adave]

I think the CJRB Ekko could have also made the list. It’s fking awesome.

[@marcuscompton3772]

Been collecting knives for 25 years and ive got some really nice ones to me. But I'm obsessed with the Velona! I've bought 6 of em and gave one to a co worker. Lol

[@jasonweeks6318]

Good list, also the Ontario knives deserves to be on that list while they can be.

[@reidnmiller1]

Great list. I recently went with the qubit over these other great options recently

[@andygold]

Just ordered my first Kizer knife, a full size Sheepdog in 154CM. Liner lock, black blade, and black micarta scales. $39.00 I'm hoping it's a decent knife! For the price, I figured it's hard to beat.

[@FondyCrew]

Petrified Fish should have been on this list. They're just so good. Smoothest, drop shut action I've experienced, and you won't beat their price.

[@arycwarneke]

I keep looking at petrified fish.. is there any model you'd recommend over another?

[@ellukeaduke]

FWIW - the titanium pocket clips that CIVIVI sells are an awesome improvement to any of their knives listed here. They don't advertise this, but they have pretty broad model compatibility. For instance, I ordered a clip designed for an elementum, and it works awesome on both my Chevalier and an Altus that I gave to my brother as a gift. For like, $15-20 it's a great way to level up your CIVIVI knife and remove that one and only flaw.

[@MKIVGTIVR6]

I purchased one a couple weeks ago but only noticed after the fact that it isn't a deep carry clip. On my Altus it changed the pocket feel too much. I think I'll be picking up a Kizer clip since their design is deep carry and also titanium.

[@ellukeaduke]

@@MKIVGTIVR6 Hadn't thought about using a clip from a different brand. Tried the Civivi clip on my Knafs Lander just for kicks and it ALMOST worked but not quite. Might try picking up a Kizer clip just for kicks, thanks for the suggestion!

[@jamessayles3366]

The reference to given direction to Michigan had me 😂 so hard you nailed that one

[@epone3488]

Penguin is a UTILITY BEAST!!! great working knife.

[@connorvena8991]

That giggity after the $69 with no laughter or comment just about killed me 😂

[@sullivandmitry1416]

One of my favorites is the Founding Forgers D2 knife. It was like 38 bucks and is phenomenal.

[@robhead22]

Great video! Terrific selections. Thank you!

[@mjc7778]

Great list and I completely agree with it especially the Pyrite. Love it.

[@sicsempertyrannis4613]

My lighting is still going and I carried it everywhere as a kid. Got it before 2011. Only thing you got to keep an eye on is the screws falling out.

[@mikevega7740]

Thanks for the list. Pretty awesome. Like all of them knives

[@AlansView-g1v]

Thank you for the review. Pretty cool knives. 👍

[@JimMorrison-d4n]

I have a couple of boxes full of pocketknives. Lots of well known brands. However, as I've gotten older, and hopefully wiser, I realize that I want the smallest knife that is comfortable in my hand that"s "good enough" for everyday jobs, and easy to sharpen when I need to do that. Price is important too, expensive knives seem like a a bad idea. Sooooo. My personal favorite is a Sanrenmu 7010. I removed the clip and put a short paracord lanyard on it. This cheap little knife is amazingly handy.

[@jhunter213]

"With a wet ham attached to a canoe paddle," absolute genius. Sub'd keep them comin' 😂😂😂😂

[@samblundell4400]

Just ordered a Civivi Chevalier can’t wait!

[@joeljohnson9912]

love my cheap CRKT Squid. i know a lot of people hate on it but it’s a great cheap knife.

[@Junebug_420]

Really hard to beat the Knife Center Exclusive penguin with coral G10 and S35 steel for $60.

[@chriscornell8766]

I have 5 of these and the newest one is that Miguron Moyarl, love that thing

[@AzTurboMini]

I'm VERY surprised the CJRB Ekko didn't make your list. 🤯

[@TBSxDRUMS]

I have my eyes on a number of the Sencut/Civivi button-lock knives. Didn’t know about the Chevalier. I definitely like it better than the Sachse, Crowley, and Serene in terms of blade shape. I would much prefer a wood or metal handle on my knives, so I like that Chevalier just the way it is. Also got my eye on their Watauga… I heard they have the best button-lock mechanism out of all other brands, so I look forward to trying one out.

[@davidf3974]

Keep us updated, I need a budget button lock

[@Spthomas47]

@@davidf3974 as with MC, I really can't recommend the Pyrite enough. I've the sheep's foot version.

[@lukenewc]

The Chevaliar is one of my faves. It's the perfect length, and I love the blade shape.

[@ellukeaduke]

The Chevalier is freakin rad. I have it in the wood variant, absolutely love it. The wood takes on a really cool patina from the oils in your hands as you handle it. I upgraded mine with a titanium clip that was designed for an Elementum, but works great on the chevvie.

[@larrymorgan9715]

just seen your channel, amazing reviews and descriptions!

[@maxlvledc]

Hard to argue with this list at all, I think some of those sencut's are redundant..but you can't go wrong.

[@tomskeen6405]

I love my Kershaw 1835TBLKSTX-CLAMPAC Kuro Tanto Black Serrated Knife. It's only $38 and I wouldn't leave home without it.

[@Orlosthedruid]

I would not buy a single knife you showed. Here are MY 5 GREAT value knives...I own them all, Ive used them all, Ive bought more than 2 of each............as in I spent MY money on them. 1. Mora 511. Under $10 2. Rough Ryder Classic Carbon I & II, Stockman in Carbon Steel. Under $15 3. Ganzo 759. Holy Moly, Under $20 and Ive bought 4 so far. I love these. BETTER than the knife they copy! 4. IMPERIAL / Schrade Sodbuster or Work Knife. Just a fantastic work knife, most excellent as a beater for boxes, twine, rope, cord, etc. Under $10 5. Marbles D2 folders....Stockman, Trapper, Saddlehorn. All under $20 and man are they nice! I have more, but thats 5.

[@lymedog3176]

I have to ask you a question, I’m not a fan of button locks… I own an assassin from Kizer… beautiful knife, blade profile spot on, action buttery, but I had multiple failures in the lock, got cut twice… now the blade sits (showpiece only). How is the elementum button lock trustworthy?!?!?… I don’t always agree with your choices of knives because I’m frugal… but I do trust your opinion, because you own and utilized so many knives. ,like button locks!….or do you suggest the civivi Chevalier?!? I do have xl hands if I go for your last pick..the pyrite ..go standard or large?…I do like the titanium though.

[@grantallen9398]

I love my Sencut Sachse!

[@grattof]

I love this list. I'm slowly buying every knife on the list... 😅

[@billdozer18]

Dang!! No rat? I get it tho, there are so many options out there now. I just strongly believe everyone should have at least a rat 1 or 2 in the collection haha! Great list none the less

[@chrisbowen9545]

What’s the blue knife in the main video image? Watching again I guess it’s just the lighting of the black Moyarl.

[@frankb.3556]

"this is $69 - giggity"! That line earned a subscription to your channel!

[@MikeyD8716]

Have you tried the CJRB Ekko button lock? The front flipper is really good on it and if you don’t like the front flipper it has the opening hole. It may be better then the pyrite.

[@IvIidnight]

The only problem with the Pyrite Alt is that of all the many, many variants it comes in, they ALL have silver buttons. Whether the hardware and or blade is black or silver, the button is ALWAYS silver, and it drives my OCD nuts! Is a black button on an otherwise blacked out, or green with black hardware and blade, REALLY be too much to ask? I was even looking at their other models, JUST to get a button to swap out with, but every, single button they make is silver, regardless if it is the only thing on the entire knife that is so. If they're willing to cut corners on something that would translate to less than a cent per knife, what other corners have they cut?

[@Dracomies]

I genuinely thought Ontario Rat 1/2 would be in here. Another one is the CRK Piet. It depends on what 'best budget knife means' but the CRK Piet is $15. And that's tremendous value for the money.

[@zaidkidwai7831]

Great vid!

[@enriquescott2983]

I have the Blur S30V the best hundred dollars I spent back in 2003 and I have the red version as well with a different steel😊

[@focusonthefocus]

Bantum for “ultra budget”? Budget lockbacks vid would be cool to see.

[@stout_tossme7541]

Hmmm. I have to add a few to your list. Kershaw Iridium Most Petrified Fish models Rat (1 and 2) Buck 110 and 112 (the OG) My thoughts.

[@Ratchman_5000]

Love easy access to the opening hole.

[@AlexanderSamarth]

I wish they made a scaled down version of the Moyarl, maybe the size of the Pyrite or smaller, slicier. It would do well at half the weight or just a bit over (not half the size).

[@denvergosnell6999]

Another good one. There was a small bounce and a tiny skid. It had a strange double sound too the slap like an echo but all this was minimal 8

[@VolkerHett]

funfact, in medieval German goat was "Hippe" and "kniep" was foldable. A traditional pocket knife is the "Hippekniep" i.E. the goat knife. Shepherds had it for food prep and clipping goats hoofs (yes, one knife for all of this 😆

[@Jedds80]

Love the video. I have some of these knives and they are great. But my question is what’s the best “premium” budget knife? Knives with titanium or carbon scales with s35vn, or magnacut but still less than 200ish. If that’s even a real category. Not there yet to spend over 200 on a knife but I’d like a knife that is premium feeling for the money. Any suggestions?

[@JonahK31]

the rat 1 not being here is criminal

[@cintage]

Thanks a lot for this very informative and highly entertaining video.

[@kenanmammadov7281]

I found the pyrite on amazon today for 39.99. I’m getting it!

[@lonetrader1]

Kizer bugai in 3v for 89 bucks is probably my 2023 favorite! FANTASTIC design coated tough as coffin nails under 100! Watch me abuse the living s#!%is outta this thing!!

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

Hmmm. The preponderance of bearing v washer knives here will be an ick factor for some.

[@Joshua-lx4ck]

I cannot do anything more but to agree that the dang CJRB Pyrite is a F-ing banger for the buck!!!!!!!

[@rolltide1912]

8:34 As a lefty, thank you, thank you, thank you for that.

[@derekdwhite]

Was this made before the Ekko was released? Where would it fit on your rankings? It beats the Pyrite as the best budget knife for me.

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

VOSTEED NIGHTSHADE thumbhole version. Absolutely belongs here too

[@cheesemstr872]

I would like to add the bestechman Ronan, the civivi quibit, and the sencut honoris

[@21taters]

Where can I find a blue miguron moyarl? It doesn’t show a blue option on Amazon.

[@isthebeeflol]

I could agree just swap sokoke with elementum and it's good.

[@adams97]

I'm a fan of the CJRB Riff & Chord

[@auricthegoffer5802]

Card slap was CRISP! 8.89/10

[@ajpend]

Wonderful video.

[@davidlarue5713]

I love the Kubey Momentum, love it...

[@JasonLeeDeeCee]

Several kubeys could be included here. You could do a list of just top 15 kubeys!

[@imnothing27]

What is the best budget knife under 100 bucks with multiple deployment...i.e front flipper..button flipper..and or reverse flick..and or bar lock

[@Mikey_Trailz]

Awesome! All time!!! What!?! (lil John voice) I'm locked in brother. #NotiGang

[@Mikey_Trailz]

My lightning OTF was locked in my work sharp when I started your video... 😊

[@Uma_Stellar]

just personal preference but i'd carry a Byrd Cara Cara over any of these

[@АртёмХанинёв]

Boker Kalashnikov by Tiffany))

[@nycmaverick]

I have two on this list the QSP Blue Jean Penguin and the full steel CRJB Pyrite. Both are outstanding. Which one next?