Gear Affordable Blades – Unusual Suspects Recoil Staff March 9, 2012 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Let's be real, most of us can't afford a custom knife that costs as much as a Glock 19. At the same time, those of us who can may not want to carry one at all times in fear of losing such a costly investment. Therefore, here are eight knives that have a list price from $25-$90. With a little online detective work, they can be found for even less. Brand CRKT Model Crawford N.E.C.K OAL 6.5 inches Blade Length 2.75 inches Weight 3.4 ounces MSRP $55 URL www.crkt.com Designed by Pat and Wes Crawford, the N.E.C.K (No-nonsense Emergency Compact Knife) includes a custom Kydex sheath that features a patented, quick-release, belt-mounting system. Brand Cold Steel Model Hold Out III OAL 6.875 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 2.5 ounces MSRP $90 URL www.coldsteel.com This knife is incredibly lightweight for a folder with a 3-inch blade. The grip is made from G-10 laminate and has three holes machined into it so your fingers can get inside for a rock-solid grip. Brand Tool Logic Model SL3 OAL 7 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 2.7 ounces MSRP $36 URL www.toollogic.com Due to its plastic handle, this knife is very lightweight, but where it really shines is that it also houses a magnesium fire starter good for hundreds of strikes as well as an emergency whistle. Brand Kershaw Knives Model Needs Work – 1820 OAL 7.125 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 3.5 ounces MSRP $75 URL www.kershawknives.com This knife includes Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted-opening feature, which deploys the blade incredibly fast with just one hand. The grip has indentations for your fingertips for a very secure grip. Brand Camillus Model TigerSharp Skinning Knife OAL 7.56 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 3.2 ounces MSRP $58 URL www.camillusknives.com You won't have to worry about having to sharpen the blade on this knife—because it's replaceable! A four-pack of blades costs $22, but a replacement comes with the knife courtesy of Camillus as well as a nylon sheath. Brand Tec X Model Inceptra T0074.5T OAL 7.625 inches Blade Length 3.125 inches Weight 5.4 ounces MSRP $25 URL www.tecx.com The blade and handle on this knife are made from stainless steel, and the titanium coating provides a sleek, modern look. Brand Buck Knives Model Bones OAL 7.625 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 4.4 ounces MSRP $41 URL www.buckknives.com The stainless-steel blade and handle of this knife feature a black and grey Tiger Stripe camouflage pattern, and the handle has lightening holes throughout. Brand Byrd knife Model Cara Cara 2 G-10 Handle OAL 8.5 inches Blade Length 3.75 inches Weight 4.25 ounces MSRP $50 URL www.spyderco.com This improved, second-generation Cara Cara from byrd has G-10 grips, and the clip can be mounted four different ways for tip-up/tip-down or left- or right-handed carry. MORE OF THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS AND OTHER KNIVES Balisong Knives Knives with Glass Breakers Spikes Non-Ferrous Blades Wharncliffe Blades Historical Asian Swords Damascus Blades Exotic Knives Rescue Knives Tanto Knives Push Daggers Paracord Wrapped Knives Assisted Opening Knives Daggers Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 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