We think it’s a good idea to make a list of the best knives under $20.
The term “budget” means different things to different people. When it comes to knives, some people stand in line at the checkout line and always stock up, while others follow a “buy better or buy twice” mentality. There is a Grand Canyon distance between the two “budgets”.
This article is where these two worlds meet. Here are some of the best knives that are worth the price of a clam pack in the checkout line and are a one-time purchase. From my standpoint, $20 seems like the optimal price. Anyone who buys a knife can float Jackson and get one. For those on a $20 budget, rejoice. There are lots of great options in your price range, and they’re all available at Blade HQ.
Piet (pronounced Pete) is a pocket-friendly everyday carry (EDC) folder designed by custom knife maker Jesper Voxnaes. He is a master of ergonomics and functional design, and for years Pete has stuck to an ultra-low price point, even though his designs often command much higher prices. It is popular for its sturdy construction, amazing edges, and compact size. Many hardcore knife enthusiasts carry knives around to lend to friends in order to keep their $500 pocket jewelry knives in good condition. The Piet is a sturdy knife with excellent build quality. You can carry one around with you for the rest of your life and easily do 90% of your cutting tasks.
Some people think that getting an affordable knife doesn’t mean you’re getting a world-class knife that’s exotic, historic, and timeless, but Higonokami Nagao proves that’s wrong. prove. These knives have been handcrafted in Japan since 1894, and five generations later, their simple design, quality materials, and superior manufacturing quality remain the same. Have you ever wondered how ridiculously sharp handmade knives are? Fiveth– The first generation of Japanese blacksmiths teeth? For less than $20, you can easily have it in your pocket. (Spoiler alert, it is sharp. )
Many consumers prefer to support American industry. If you want to root for your home team, the Buck Bantam, like most Buck knives, is made in the United States at the Buck factory in Post Falls, Idaho.Most notably, the Bantam series Boss heat treated 420HC stainless steel blade. This impressive heat treatment provides truly superior toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. If you thought the days of great quality American-made knives were over for less than $20, think again.
The whole idea behind bushcraft is to make something amazing with very little material. Someone can go out into the woods with just a knife and in a few hours have a roaring fire, a delicious meal, and a cozy shelter to call home. Made in Sweden, Mora Knives brings a minimalist spirit to the bushcraft knives themselves. The Basic 511 has a simple handle, simple blade, and simple sheath. Nothing fancy, just pure functionality. At the end of the day, if you strip away all the flashy, flashy features from your knife and focus on the basics, you’ll get a great knife at an incredible price.
For most of us, EDC consists of opening packages, slicing the occasional apple, and repeatedly opening and closing the knife until our thumbs hurt. But for some, EDC means long hours of work opening concrete bags, filing horse hooves, cutting zip ties, and narrowing knives to roles they shouldn’t be used for. Ontario Camp Plus is for you. Thanks to the durable blade steel, sturdy lockback, and elongated handle, this folder is made for users who just need to get the job done.
In many parts of Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, you cannot function as a member of society without holding a machete. This is a tool that can do it all: clear weeds from farms, clear roads, crack shingles on roofs, wash fish, butcher cows, open coconuts, and more. Many modern luxury products can squeeze many roles into a long, thin blade. That’s where the Tramontina Machete shines. Made in Brazil, this blade is designed to withstand the rigors of machete use while remaining affordable to the average subsistence farmer.
If you like a sleek, modern, quick-open knife, look no further than the Kershaw Rhetoric for an affordable option. With the SpeedSafe Assisted Opening mechanism in place, the Rhetoric opens as hard as an automatic. The lightweight GFN handle scale has a gentle texture. Enough to hold your hand, but not enough to shred your pocket. This compact knife is a high-speed, low-resistance knife that’s perfect if you’re on a budget.
No cutting task can make a good knife seem more quick and unruly than skinning and gutting. Processing even the smallest games becomes very tedious and very fast. That’s why many hunters prefer budget-friendly knives like Gerber’s Freeman Guide. It has a generous blade length and is well made enough to skin the latest trophies, yet comes at an absolute bargain price. So if your hunt ends up being bloodier and hairier than you expected, you don’t have to feel guilty about using the pressure washer when you get home.
Many people struggle with carrying a knife for self-defense. When you see ultra-high-end tactical blades sometimes selling for hundreds of dollars, you may feel that such a knife is not for you. But before you think so, check out the Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck Dagger. The Leatherneck series is based on the iconic knife carried by the United States Marine Corps, and the Mini Leatherneck is a smaller, more concealable version. I chose Dagger for this list because his two sharp blades give him extra momentum. Carry it in your boots, in your waistband, scout style, or whatever you like.
In recent years, the superior strength and reliability of small, everyday-carry fixed blades have made them popular around the world, and great ones are available for less than $20. The Dodger Skeleton was designed by Bob He Doger, a legend in the knife industry who has been making custom hunting knives for over 60 years. This knife brings together all of his mastery in blade shape, edge geometry, ergonomics and complete ease of use, making it available within the tightest of budgets. You can’t go wrong with this!
As you can see, for less than $20 you can get a great knife that will meet all your needs. Sure, you can get higher-end materials, more refined finishes, and tighter tolerances with even more expensive knives, but budget-friendly knives offer better features than we give them credit for. I am. Perfect for sharpening your first knife, practice knife, gift, and trying out a new style of knife before investing in a top-of-the-line tool. My personal favorite thing about knives under $20 is that you can buy them on impulse without feeling bad. There’s a lot to like about this affordable knife. Please get it.
