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Greetings, fellow knife enthusiasts! As you know, I'm always searching for the best pocket knives on Amazon that offer excellent value.
While I usually review higher-end knives, I recognize the importance of affordable options for those new to EDC or looking for a budget-friendly backup blade.
Let’s explore the top-selling entry-level EDC knives on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- I searched for the best pocket knives on Amazon under $20 (at the time of publication) to find affordable options for those new to EDC or looking for a budget-friendly backup blade.
- I considered factors like blade material, build quality, ergonomics, deployment mechanism, and value for money when evaluating the knives.
- The Kershaw Filter was my favorite in terms of overall feel, with excellent action, comfortable ergonomics, and a slicey hollow ground blade.
- The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops, the best-selling knife on the list, likely owes its popularity to the brand name but has decent ergonomics and a well-sharpened blade.
- While these knives offer incredible value for their price, I wouldn't personally EDC them when compared to slightly higher-end options.
- If you're willing to spend a little extra, the Civivi Mini Praxis or Sencut knives offer superior materials, construction, and overall performance.
- Ultimately, the best pocket knife is the one you have with you, whether it's a budget-friendly option or a premium blade.
Top Picks
- Smith & Wesson: Extreme Ops Folding Knife
- Grand Way Knives: Good Worker
- Gerber: Paraframe Mini
- Kershaw: Filter
- Kershaw: Appa
- FUNBRO: EDC Pocket Knife
Knife Comparision Overview
| Knife Model | Overall Length | Blade Length | Weight |
| Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops | 7.1" | 3.1" | 3.5 oz |
| Grand Way Knives Good Worker | 8.22" | 3.5" | 6.0 oz |
| Gerber Paraframe Mini | 7.6" | 2.2" | 1.6 oz |
| Kershaw Filter | 7.75" | 3.25" | 4 oz |
| Kershaw Appa | 6.5" | 2.75" | 2 oz |
| FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife | 8.07" | 3.0" | 3.3 oz |
1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife
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The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife is the best-selling knife on this list, with an impressive 10,000 units sold on Amazon in a month. This popularity is likely due to the well-known Smith & Wesson brand name, which is synonymous with quality firearms and tactical gear. The Extreme Ops is an attractive option for those seeking an affordable EDC knife from a reputable manufacturer.
One of the standout features of the Extreme Ops is its 3.1" blade, which is made from 7Cr17MoV stainless steel. This Chinese steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention, especially when compared to other budget steels like 3Cr13MoV. The blade arrives well-sharpened out of the box and features a hollow grind, which helps to reduce drag during cutting and slicing tasks.
The ergonomics of the Extreme Ops are surprisingly decent for a budget knife. The handle is made from a durable polymer material and features a textured pattern that provides a secure grip. The knife feels comfortable in the hand, even during extended use, which is a testament to its thoughtful design.
However, the Extreme Ops is not without its flaws. The most notable issue is the knife's stiff action, which renders the flipper mechanism almost useless. Unlike some of the other knives on this list, the Extreme Ops does not have a smooth, snappy deployment. Instead, you'll likely rely on the thumb studs to open the blade, which can be a bit slower and less convenient.
2. Grand Way Knives Good Worker
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The Grand Way Knives Good Worker is a budget-friendly EDC knife that certainly looks aggressive. With its 2.95" blade made from 440C stainless steel, this knife aims to offer solid performance at an affordable price point. In one month alone, around 3,000 units of the Good Worker have been sold on Amazon, making it one of the most popular knives in this price range.
One of the first things you'll notice about the Good Worker is its unique design. The knife features a partially serrated blade with a sharp, pointed tip, giving it a tactical appearance. The handle is made from a durable material and features a textured pattern for improved grip.
However, the ergonomics of the knife are somewhat lacking, mainly due to the presence of a seatbelt cutter on the back of the handle. This feature can make the knife feel awkward in the hand, especially during extended use.
When it comes to performance, the Good Worker is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the 440C blade arrives extremely sharp out of the box, which is impressive for a knife at this price point. The serrations on the blade can also be useful for cutting through tougher materials like rope or webbing.
However, the overall action of the knife leaves something to be desired. The flipper mechanism is mediocre, often requiring a wrist flick to deploy the blade smoothly. This can be frustrating for those who prefer a more refined and effortless opening action.
3. Gerber Paraframe Mini
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The Gerber Paraframe Mini is a super-compact knife that's designed for everyday carry. With a blade length of just 2.2", it's one of the smallest knives on this list, making it an excellent choice for those who live in areas with strict knife laws or for those who prefer a more discreet EDC option.
One of the main selling points of the Paraframe Mini is its affordability. It's an attractive option for those on a tight budget or for those new to the world of EDC knives. Despite its low price point, the knife has managed to attract a significant number of buyers, with around 2,000 units sold on Amazon in a month.
The Paraframe Mini features a stainless steel blade, but—and this is a big “but”—Gerber doesn't specify the exact type of steel used. This lack of specification is not uncommon for budget knives, but it does raise some questions about the blade's long-term durability and edge retention. However, the knife does have a secure lock-up, which is essential for safety and reliability.
In terms of overall design, the Paraframe Mini is a basic, no-frills knife. It doesn't have any standout features or unique design elements, but it does get the job done. The minimalist design may appeal to those who prefer a more understated EDC knife or those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
A 3-Way Tie for 4th Place
4. Kershaw Filter
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The Kershaw Filter is my favorite knife on this list in terms of overall feel. It boasts excellent action, comfortable ergonomics, and a slicey hollow ground blade. The knife features a 3.25" blade made from 4Cr14 steel, which is a budget-friendly Chinese stainless steel. Despite the low-cost steel, the Filter's blade came razor-sharp out of the box, which is impressive and showcases Kershaw's commitment to quality.
One thing to keep in mind is that 4Cr14 steel is a relatively soft steel, so it may require more frequent touch-ups to maintain its edge. However, the upside is that it's easy to sharpen, making maintenance a breeze. The blade's hollow grind also contributes to its slicing performance, making it an excellent choice for everyday cutting tasks.
The Filter's ergonomics are another standout feature. The handle is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The knife also features a flipper tab and a thumb stud, providing multiple deployment options. The action is smooth and snappy, thanks to Kershaw's reliable manufacturing and attention to detail.
The Kershaw Filter offers great value for its price. While it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty use due to its budget steel, it's an excellent option for an affordable EDC knife. It's perfect for tasks like opening packages, cutting rope, or slicing through food. The razor-sharp blade and comfortable ergonomics make it a joy to use, and its compact size allows for easy pocket carry.
5. Kershaw Appa
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The Kershaw Appa is a budget offering from a well-known brand in the knife industry. It features Kershaw's speed safe assisted opening mechanism, which allows for lightning-fast deployment of the blade. This mechanism is designed to be a safer way to open an assisted knife, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced users alike.
The Appa has a compact 2.75" blade, making it an excellent choice for areas with knife restrictions or for those who prefer a smaller EDC knife. However, one surprising aspect of this knife is that Kershaw doesn't specify the blade steel used. This is unusual for the brand, as they typically provide this information. The lack of specification suggests that the blade steel may be a budget-friendly option, possibly something like 7Cr13MoV or 4Cr14MoV.
One standout feature of the Appa is the option for left or right-hand carry, thanks to the reversible pocket clip. This is a valuable addition, especially considering that many budget knives in this price range only offer a right-hand carry option.
While the Kershaw Appa offers some attractive features, such as the speed-safe assisted opening and the reversible pocket clip, it may not be the best value for its price point. It's one of the more expensive options on this list, and the lack of blade steel specification raises some questions about its overall quality.
6. FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife
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Surprisingly, the FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife boasts impressive action for its price point. The flipping action is genuinely enjoyable, though you may need to shake it closed. The 3.4" blade (with about 3" of sharpened edge) is made from budget-friendly 7Cr13MoV steel, a Chinese stainless steel known for its affordability.
One thing to note is that the FUNBRO has a somewhat blocky and square-feeling handle, which may not be the most ergonomic design. The knife also features a glass breaker on the pommel, but I question its effectiveness. Budget knives often include glass breakers that aren't made from materials hard enough actually to break a window in an emergency.
Despite these drawbacks, the FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife is better than expected for a knife at this price. It offers impressive action and a decent blade for its price point, making it a solid choice for those looking for an affordable EDC knife.
Video Review
Conclusion
To sum up, in our search for the best pocket knife on Amazon: Although these knives offer incredible value for their price, I wouldn't personally EDC them when compared to slightly higher-end options. I highly recommend the CJRB Mini Praxis or Sencut knives for those who have room in the budget. These offer superior materials, construction, and overall performance that justifies the slight price increase.
However, the knives on my best pocket knives on Amazon list will make decent gifts for someone on a tight budget or a first-time knife buyer.
Ultimately, the best pocket knife is the one you have with you. Whether you opt for an entry-level beater or a premium blade, the most important thing is finding a knife that suits your needs and budget.
