Yesterday I posted about a couple of hand tool upgrade recommendations, as a way to gauge interest in a Holiday 2019 tool gift guide. It was a fun post to write up, and I have been enjoying your feedback and comments.
Today, I came across another EDC knife deal, and instead of just another deal post, I challenged myself to create a quick gift guide offering a couple of inexpensive knife recommendations.
It’s easy to recommend pricier knives, folding knives with $75+ price tags. But for under $50? That’s tougher. Under $30? This is a great starting point for one’s first “real” knife that’s separate from utility knives of whatever a multi-tool is equipped with.
EDC, or everyday carry, is a broad descriptor for pretty much any knife that you could or would carry in your pocket, tool bag, or car. These knives aren’t strictly for carrying either, you could keep them in an office or workshop drawer.
Please let me know what you think of these recommendations, and if you have any suggests, requests, or ideas for the next Holiday tool gift guide chapter!
Kershaw Scallion (Olive Green Handle)
Right now, Kershaw Scallion knives are on sale, and for some reason this green-handled version is a couple of dollars less. There’s a nylon-handled version for a little less, but the anodized aluminum has a great feel to it.
The Scallion is a smaller knife, with 2.4″ blade. It features a 420HC stainless steel blade, liner lock, anodized aluminum handle (there are also stainless and nylon versions), and SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism.
Kershaw says the Scallion is a:
Great companion for anyone in need of a compact and reliable EDC- hunter, backpacker, gardener, hiker, hobbyist or angler.
That’s pretty accurate. This is a great compact knife for about as cheap as they come, and it’s made in the USA.
Other colors are on sale at the moment too, but for ~$36.
Price: $29
Buy Now via Amazon
See Other Scallion Colors on Sale
Leatherman KB and KBX Folding Knives
I’m a big fan of Leatherman multi-tools, and am especially fond of their Skeletool multi-tools.
These Skeletool knives are also pretty easy to recommend. They’re slim, lightweight, and comfortable to use.
The Skeletool KB and KBX knives feature 2.6″ blades made from 420HC stainless steel, and they weigh just 1.3 oz. The knives lock in place with a liner lock, and also feature a dual-use pocket clip that doubles as a bottle opener.
The KB has a plan edge blade and the KBX has a partially serrated blade.
These knives aren’t on sale, $25 is their everyday price and a good value. As with other Leatherman tools, you get a 25 year guarantee.
Price: $25
Buy Now: Plain Edge Blade via Amazon
Buy Now: Partially Serrated via Amazon
See Also: Skeletool Review, Skeletool CX Review
Mora Craftline Fixed-Blade Knife
We talked about Mora Companion knives the other day. The Mora Craftline knives are similar, but a little smaller.
There are Pro and Basic versions, with the Pro featuring a slightly taller blade. The length is the same – 3.6″.
While Mora knives are often considered for outdoors use, they are also very popular as work knives.
Keep in mind these are fixed-blade knives.
It’s a great bargain for what you get – a well-made (in Sweden!) and comfortable-use knife for under $10.
Price: $8-$10
Buy Now: Craftline PRO, Carbon Steel via Amazon (as shown)
Buy Now: Craftline Pro, Stainless via Amazon (blue and black)
Buy Now: Basic, Stainless Steel via Amazon (lowest price)
Buy Now: Basic, Carbon Steel Blade via Amazon
Ruike P801 Frame-Lock Knife
Anthony reviewed the Ruike P801 folding knife for us, describing it as “the new king of budget blades.” Indeed, he was right. I ordered one for myself, and was impressed that they can give you a smooth-action flipper and frame lock knife for $30. Right now, it’s a little less on Amazon even.
The P801 has a 3.5″ blade, making it the longest folding knife discussed here today.
Price: $28
Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via BladeHQ
Gerber Paraframe I
I have a soft spot for the Gerber Paraframe I knife, as it was one of my first “real” knives. I bought it about 14 years ago. I couldn’t decide between this and another inexpensive Gerber, and so I bought them both. I still remember the sting to my wallet, but the Paraframe was reliable and useful.
Mine is the partially serrated version, and I don’t remember carrying it at all, this was an apartment/office knife. I later purchased a Paraframe II on sale, but didn’t like it as much – it was too much larger and a bit stiffer.
The Paraframe I has a 3″ blade and liner lock. Its skeletonized frame has polarizing aesthetics, but I liked it.
Price: $16-20
As a reminder, you are responsible for knowing your local knife laws before buying or carrying any pocket knife. Here’s a good resource to start with. Assisted opening knives are sometimes mis-categorized and misinterpreted. When in doubt, full-manual knives under 3″ are the safer choice.
