12 of the Best Budget Knives to Round Out Your EDC

When buying a knife, many factors come into play. You want a solid, quality constructed unit that will stand up to hardcore repeated use without fail. Sound about right? Now, add price into the mix, and many times, this can cause your entire plan to come crashing down. But not here! Below is a selection of some of the best knives for your EDC budget. And they do it while maintaining quality and steady, reliable performance.

12 Of the Best Budget Knives

01 – Gerber Gear Downwind Caper

You scored the kill. Now, it’s time to grab your Downwind Caper and break down the game. This superb hunting knife steps up when it’s time for detailed work on the breakdown process. Its jimping on the end of the blade and oversized choil allow for intricate cuts, all the while slicing like a surgeon. The Downwind’s G10 scaled handle and waxed sheath add to this knife’s overall appeal.

Specifications

7Cr17MoV stainless steel
Machined, multi-layer G10 scales
Jimping and control choil
Waxed canvas sheath
Integrated lanyard hole

MSRP: $33.75

For more information, please visit GerberGear.com.

02 – Gerber Gear Paralite

Best Budget Knives: Gerber Gear Paralite.

This compact and inexpensive folder makes a great go-to knife for all your daily cutting tasks. Its all-steel body allows for high durability, while its frame lock provides both security and safety, and easy, one-hand closings. Dual thumb studs make opening fast and efficient, no matter which hand you use. An integrated pocket clip rounds out this economic treasure of the knife world.

Specifications

Frame lock for safety
5Cr13 Stainless steel blade
Dual thumb studs for easy opening
Modern drop point tip design
Fast and easy, one-hand closing

MSRP: $23.25

For more information, please visit GerberGear.com.

03 – CRKT Drifter

The Drifter goes everywhere you go and tackles all of life’s little cutting challenges. Its high carbon blade takes an edge well and stays sharp, even under regular use. Enjoy rapid opening and closing, thanks to its convenient thumb stud. Likewise, its liner lock provides safety and security of the blade while under rigorous use. Finally, its G10 handle provides a slip-free grip. It’s an amazing knife that won’t break the bank!

Specifications

Easy to sharpen, high carbon steel blade
Titanium nitride protective coating
One-hand opening with integrated thumb stud
G10 handle provides superb grip
Liner lock for safety and security

MSRP: $29.99

For more information, please visit CRKT.com.

04 – 5.11 Tactical Braddock

Best Budget Knives: 5.11 Tactical Braddock.

Whether you use the Braddock for your EDC or just daily cutting tasks around the house, you won’t be let down by its performance or ease of use. It is equipped with a three-and-a-half-inch drop-point blade, a G10 handle, and reliable construction that will last for years. No material is too much for this sleek knife. A reversible pocket clip allows for convenient deep-carry in your pocket or on your belt.

Specifications

D2 Steel drop point blade
G10 handle
Liner lock for added safety
Two-point integrated clip
Available in black or kangaroo colors

MSRP: $50.00

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

05 – 5.11 Tactical Icarus DP Full

Minimalist tactical at its best. That’s the Icarus in a nutshell. This knife is ready to join you on all your adventures with its ultimate cutting performance, a solid sure-grip fiber reinforced nylon handle, and the ability to stay well-hidden for concealed carry. It includes an attachment clip that allows for deep-pocket carry or externally on your belt. The safety liner lock also keeps your digits safe while the knife’s doing its job. Don’t start your day without the Icarus backing you up!

Specifications

8Cr13MoV Steel blade
Liner lock for safety
Deep carry pocket clip
Integrated lanyard hole
Available in black or kangaroo colors

MSRP: $42.00

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

06 – 5.11 Tactical Base 3DP

Best Budget Knives: 5.11 Tactical Base 3DP.

When you think Jack-of-all-trades, it’s time to think about the Base DP knife. This knife tackles a wide variety of tasks, including box openings, fruit peeling, wood shaving, cord cutting, and even personal defense in a pinch. The Base DP is a manual folder that offers a stainless-steel body, a frame lock, a drop point design, and full MOLLE compatibility. It’s also very easy to carry and conceal and will most likely become your EDC of choice daily.

Specifications

8Cr13MoV Steel blade
Drop-point blade design
MOLLE compatible
Integrated lanyard hole
Tumbled steel color

MSRP: $22.00

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

07 – CRKT Minimalist Bowie

They say good things come in small packages, and the Minimalist Bowie perfectly exemplifies this. Sporting a stout yet highly capable blade and ergonomic Micarta handle, you’ll slice and puncture material like an absolute boss! It’s small, compact, and easy to carry, all the while providing big results when push comes to shove. The unit comes complete with a thermoplastic sheath for multiple mounting options, as well as a braided paracord lanyard.

Specifications

5Cr15MoV Steel blade
Micarta handle
Bead finish for reduced reflection
Thermoplastic sheath with mounting options
Lightweight and easy-to-carry design

MSRP: $29.99

For more information, please visit CRKT.com.

08 – Gerber Gear Zilch

You don’t need an EDC knife that takes up space in your pocket or is so bulky it attracts attention. So, you need the Zilch—enough said! This slender knife offers a sleek profile, a lightweight body, a sure-grip handle, and slicing power to make short work of just about any material. The knife opens two ways, either with the thumb stud or the nail nick. It clips easily inside your front pocket when not in use.

Specifications

7Cr17MoV Steel blade
Thumb stud or nail nick deployment options
Textured, sure-grip handle
Compact and streamlined design
Integrated pocket clip

MSRP: $18.75

For more information, please visit GerberGear.com.

09 – 5.11 Tactical Icarus DP Mini

EDC selection has never been easier because the Icarus DP mini checks off all the boxes. With a 2.80-inch drop-point blade, this knife has enough bite to take on all tasks. Yet it is compact enough when folded to virtually disappear. Its FRN handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip even under wet conditions. Skeletonized liners, a two-position, deep carry pocket clip, a lanyard hole, and MOLLE compatibility are just icing on the cake for this must-have knife.

Specifications

8Cr13MoV Steel blade
Liner lock for added safety
Fiberglass reinforced nylon body
Two-point clip adjustment
MOLLE compatible

MSRP: $32.00

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

10 – Kabar Forged Wrench Knife

Best Budget Knives: Kabar Forged Wrench Knife.

Deceiving at first glance, this crescent wrench-looking tool is actually a top-performing, no-nonsense knife. Forged of 425 high-carbon steel, this workshop companion is super tough and holds an edge like an absolute boss! Its drop point design punctures and slices, while its large handle hole makes storing a breeze on your tool wall. An included thermoplastic sheath allows for easy carry when on the move.

Specifications

425 High carbon steel blade
Flat grind, drop point design
Full, one-piece construction
Convenient hole for hanging
Includes hard plastic sheath

MSRP: $49.95

For more information, please visit BladeHQ.com.

11 – 5.11 Tactical Base 2BK Utility Folder

Everyone needs that “everything” blade, and the Base 2BK is exactly that blade. Designed to be ultra-compact and ultra-sharp, tape, cardboard, and cordage won’t be a match for its slicing performance. It utilizes off-the-shelf replacement blades and a tool-less exchange so you can keep cutting without missing a beat. A frame lock, lanyard hole, and carry clip round out this mini wonder’s amazing features.

Specifications

Replaceable utility blade
Frame lock for safety
Tip down carry design
Integrated lanyard hole
Tumbled steel color

MSRP: $20.00

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.

12 – CRKT M16-10KS Tanto

Best Budget Knives: CRKT M16-10KS Tanto.

A tanto-style blade, triple-point serrations, and a black finish set the tone for the incredible M16-10KS knife. This knife can literally do it all. From slicing to puncturing to sawing through material, you’ll have all the options at your fingertips. Its all-stainless-steel body offers durability and easy clean-up after a long day’s work. Likewise, its integrated pocket clip keeps this razor-sharp helper always nearby.

Specifications