Notes: This was updated January 2024 based on new products that have entered the market.
In the vast realm of everyday tools, few are as versatile and essential as the folding knife. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a DIY enthusiast, or simply in need of a reliable tool for daily tasks, a folding knife is a compact companion that can make life easier in countless situations. From cutting ropes to opening packages, its usefulness knows no bounds.
The folding knife market is currently even more insane than it has ever been before. There are so many different styles of folders and various levels of quality that accompany them that it can be difficult to figure out what to buy. Interestingly enough, the sudden spike in additional knives on the market has greatly expanded the budget niche of folding knives. In previous years, to get a good folding knife you had to really spend some coin but these days, decent folding knives can be had on the cheap! If you are in the market for a nice folding knife and you aren’t looking to really break the bank, you’re in luck. We are going to run through our list of our top 5 budget friendly folding knives. These are knives in the price range of $10-$50 so remember that when you go through the list.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for Selection
- Ontario RAT II – $30-$35
- Opinel No. 8 – $15-$25
- Spyderco Grasshopper – $30-$35
- CRKT Squid – $20-$25
- Kershaw Cyro G-10 – $20-$25
Criteria for Selection
When it comes to choosing a folding knife that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality, several key criteria come into play.
Affordability
At the core of our selection process is a commitment to offering options that won’t break the bank. Affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality; it means finding the sweet spot where your hard-earned money gets you a reliable tool without unnecessary frills. We understand the importance of a budget-friendly choice, and each knife on our list is carefully curated to provide excellent value for your investment.
Build Quality and Materials
The backbone of any good folding knife lies in its construction. We meticulously examine the build quality and materials used to ensure durability and longevity. From the blade to the handle, every component is scrutinized for its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. Our selection includes knives that not only fit your budget but also boast quality craftsmanship and resilient materials, making them dependable companions for years to come.
Functionality and Features
A folding knife should be more than just a sharp blade; it should be a versatile tool ready to tackle a variety of tasks. We consider the functionality and features of each knife, evaluating factors such as blade design, locking mechanisms, and additional tools or features that enhance its usability. Our goal is to present you with knives that go beyond the basics, offering a range of functions to meet the diverse needs of our readers.
User Reviews and Ratings
The experiences of those who have already tested and tried a product provide invaluable insights. We scour user reviews and ratings to gauge real-world satisfaction and performance. A knife might look good on paper, but it’s the end-user experience that truly matters. By incorporating the feedback of users into our selection process, we ensure that the knives we recommend have proven themselves in the hands of individuals who demand reliability and performance.
Ontario RAT II – $30-$35
Probably one of the best all around EDC folding knives on the market, and it comes at a very very reasonable price! The Ontario RAT II is definitely not a new knife as it has been around for a long time now, but it continues to rank well on these lists and for good reason. For $30-$35 you are getting a drop point designed knife that is AUS 8 steel. This is great steel that is easy to maintain, won’t chip easy and it resists rust and corrosion fairly well. The ergonomics are on point and there is a huge variety of colors you can get this in.
Opinel No. 8 – $15-$25
Probably the most “classic” folder on this list, and one that has been around for a long time. It stands out with the wood handle that has great ergonomics. The blade has been refined to perfection after almost 100 years of Opinel designing. It might appear thin but it does a nice job of variety of tasks. You’ll find the blade in either carbon steel, XC90, or stainless steel, 12C27, and I personally don’t think you could go wrong with either option.
Spyderco Grasshopper – $30-$35
The only knife that compares to the size of the Grasshopper would be the Squid. This is a small folder, but it packs a bunch! Spyderco’s Grasshopper utilizes a technology called SLIPITS which allows you to open the knife with one hand in a non-locking folder design. The steel is 8Cr13mov stainless steel which will allow for easy maintenance and great cutting power for the price.
CRKT Squid – $20-$25
One of the most compact knives on this list, it is an EDC favourite. You get 8Cr13MoV steel in a great design. CRKT uses a heat treatment process that is normally applied to some high-end knives, but they apply this to all their knives including the Squid. This means the steel blade is treated and less likely to rust or suffer from corrosion. The Squid fits the hand nicely and it’s size means it can fit in just about any pocket!
Kershaw Cyro G-10 – $20-$25
Kershaw has built a great relationship on making affordable decent knives and the Cryo G-10 is no different. The Cryo G-10 comes well equipped with 8Cr13MoV steel and a non-ribbed blade. There is nothing fancy about this knife, it has a regular blade, comes in a great shape for EDC, and has a nice handle. It’s simply simple, and that might just make it the budget folder you are looking for!
There you have it! If you feel like we missed a folding knife, then please let us know in the comments below!
Ben