Affordable Blades – Unusual Suspects

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.