Can You Actually Find a Good Pocket Knife for $25?

Are there any pocket knives worth buying under $25? To find out, we went hands-on with the most promising folding knives at or under the $25 ceiling, sidestepping mall-ninja fantasies and swap meet mysteries. The pickings get lean at this level, but even our seasoned knife snobs found utility, surprise, and even a little delight in knives built to prove a point: you can still buy something worth your lunch money.

Affordable Pocket Knives: Slim Odds, Real Options

Let’s be blunt: $25 doesn’t buy much anymore, and that goes for knives as well. Move that goalpost just five bucks north, and the options open up considerably. Staying below that line, however, means picking through the racks for brands that don’t cut corners or peddle mystery metal for the sake of a low price tag.

The idea isn’t just to get the cheapest blade that folds. What we want is real value—something that holds up, feels right in the hand, and does the job when we need it. These top picks are proof: usability and quality are still in play at this price.

The 10 Best Pocket Knives Under $25: Our Top Finds

#10 – Ontario Camp Plus Folder: Max Knife Per Dollar

• Price: $14
• Steel: 420 stainless
• Handle: Injection molded
• Lock: Back lock
• Clip: Wire pocket clip, reversable
• One-Handed Opening: Yes, but (there’s no thumb stud or flipper)

Ontario’s Camp Plus Folder sits in that “throw it in the toolbox and forget it” category, meaning it’s capable enough to rely on but not nice enough to want to show off. The deal here is this: for $14, you get real 420 knife steel (not some “surgical stainless” mystery), a blade that can take a beating, and a hollow grind that cuts better than the price suggests. Is it light, slim, and a bit plain? Absolutely, but you can open boxes, prepare lunch, or lend it out without a care in the world. If your budget is hanging by a thread, this is the best blade for the dollar.

See the Ontario Camp Plus EDC at KnifeCenter

#9 – Opinel No. 8: Old World Comfort, Modern Slicing

• Price: Around $18-$25 (both carbon and stainless)
• Steel: X90 carbon steel or 12C27 stainless
• Handle: Beechwood
• Lock: Virobloc rotating collar
• Opening: Two hands, every time

The Opinel No. 8 is a classic—in fact, it’s what most people think of when they imagine a rustic pocketknife. What makes the No. 8 stand out is the slicing experience: its whisper-thin convex grind puts many multi-hundred-dollar knives to shame. Leave the hard-use crowd at home, though; Opinel’s wood handles and friction lock demand a little respect and regular cleaning. Treat it right and this featherweight will out-slice just about anything, anywhere, at any price.

Browse Opinel No. 8 options

#8 & #7 – ESEE Churp vs. Schrade Old Timer Heritage Bruin

Let’s call it a draw. These two are so closely matched that ranking is all but pointless; what matters is which flavor you prefer: the quirky, hybrid modern-traditional approach of the ESEE, or the no-nonsense, classic lockback vibe of the Schrade.

The ESEE Churp pushes a modern-traditional blend at a solid price. It comes in at around $20 with D2 steel, a peel-ply G10 handle, and a classic liner lock. The action feels smooth, thanks to ball bearing pivots, and the whole knife is built with the wisdom of a company single-mindedly dedicated to making reliable cutting tools. The dual-position pocket clip adds to its carry options, making it feel current while keeping traditional nods like the nail nick. You get a full flat grind and a thin edge, which translates to clean slicing. Downsides: it can only be opened with two hands, and that liner lock’s old-school protruding tab isn’t for everyone. If modern touches in a retro shell sound like your thing, the Churp is hard to beat for the cash.

The Schrade Old Timer Heritage Bruin goes another way, sticking close to pure tradition. For about $22, you get stabilized wood handles (less likely to crack than old-school styles), a back lock, D2 steel, and a whole lot of classic appeal. No pocket clip here—this one rides old school in your pocket—but the fit and finish give a sense of reliability and stability. The aesthetic mixes a bolster, proper shield, and clear wood grain. Its full height hollow grind makes slicing easy but expects you to use both hands for opening. This knife favors a conservative, sturdy feel with none of the adjustability or fidget factor of flashier folders.

Both knives slice, both feel great, both put D2 steel in your pocket for less than the price of dinner out.

Check out the BRK ESEE Churp | Schrade Old Timer Heritage Bruin details

#6 – Buck Bantam Medium: American-Made at a Bargain

• Price: $24 (plain black, medium size)
• Blade: 3 and 1/8 inches, 420HC Stainless
• Handle: Lightweight composite
• Lock: Mid-mounted back lock
• Opening: Thumb studs (one-handed open!)
• Carry: Tip-down pocket clip

The Buck Bantam Medium fills the hand with a full-size feel but doesn’t weigh you down. Its handle gives a secure grip and adds a subtle finger guard for control. You can use this one for just about anything, whether it’s daily carry, camping, hunting, or when you want a bit of tactical style. Getting a USA-made knife at this price is a rare treat. Still, the tip-down pocket clip might feel old-fashioned if you’re used to modern knives, and the 420HC steel here isn’t anything special.

When the stars and stripes matter, you’ll appreciate the Buck Bantam for actually delivering what’s promised: a tool that feels intentional and honest in the hand, with thumb studs and lockup for modern convenience.

Explore the Buck Bantam lineup

#5 – Ultra X Omen and Rye: Chunky, Unknown, Shockingly Tough

• Omen: AUS-8 steel for $22.95
• Rye: D2 steel or 440C for $18
• Handle: G10, thick and unapologetically hand-filling
• Lock: Liner lock
• Extra: Milled details, crowned spine on Rye

What these knives lack in subtlety, they make up for in sheer presence. Want a beater that’s as chunky enough to chuck around? Here’s your fix. Liner locks, sculpted G10, and a frame that dares you to abuse it—Ultra X swings for the fences. The Rye and Omen aren’t as polished as Kershaw or Buck, but if you want a knife that feels beefy and looks a little wild, these should be on your list.

See the Ultra-X Omen | Take a look at the Ultra-X Rye

#4 – Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite: Box Cutter Redefined

• Price: starting at $24.95
• Steel: 4116 stainless
• Handle: Injection molded, palm-friendly shape
• Lock: Triad lock (think lockback, only supercharged)

Cold Steel‘s triad lock isn’t just a mutation of the classic lock back. Inside, you get a stop pin and geometry that ramps up strength and longevity. Bluntly, it takes abuse lockbacks can’t, lending the folders that use it a supernatural strength that leaves other folders in the dust.

The Mini Tuff Lite is the pocket scalpel that lives to demolish endless piles of cardboard. Don’t let the tiny stats mislead you—this knife chews through chores and fills the hand like a much bigger blade. Four finger grip, real blade geometry, and Cold Steel’s relentless obsession with overbuilt locks. Utility knives, take a seat.

Discover the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite

#3 – Kershaw Fraxion: Discontinued, But a Modern EDC That Surprises

• Price: $24.95 (standard), $18 (black stonewash, closeout)
• Steel: 8CR13MOV
• Pivot: Ball bearings
• Handle: Carbon fiber over G10, modern lines
• Clip: Ambidextrous tip-up

Kershaw called on noted Danish designer Jens Anso for the Fraxion, and it shows. You get sleek modern looks, intricate handles (carbon fiber!) and handling that’s a step above the other knives on this list.

Here’s the sneaky part: being discontinued kicks this more expeosnve knife into the sub-$25 bucket, giving customers a win for waiting around for the best deal. You’re getting a knife that speaks the EDC flipper language, with refined action, a real designer’s touch, and a deep discount.

Pick up a Kershaw Fraxion while supplies last

Honorable Mentions: Slip Joints and Swiss Army Staples

Not everyone wants or needs a locking folder. Sometimes you just want to relive your grandpa’s Barlow slipjoint days or keep a tool on your keychain because, well, scissors cut better than you’d think.

Real Steel Real Barlow RB-1

• Price: $19.50
• Blade: 12C27 stainless, classic clip and spear shapes
• Handle: Translucent plastic (with styled, faux bolster)
• Clip: Deep carry, reversible (pinch to swap, no tools!)
• Extra: Reliable backspring, strong self-close

Set aside preconceptions about a Barlow being old-fashioned. Real Steel’s Barlow is a thoroughly modern spin, using quality steel and translucent handles so you can peek inside. A sturdy backspring spring, keen blade grind, and pocket clip means you can carry without compromise.

Learn more about the Real Steel RB-1 Barlow

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD

• Price: $24
• Functions: Tiny pen blade, file/screwdriver, legendary scissors, toothpick, tweezers
• Pros: Probably the best scissors under two inches in the world
• Cons: Not a stand-alone “real knife,” but a multi-tool masterpiece

If you haven’t owned a Victorinox Classic SD, do you really carry every day? This is the keychain staple found in junk drawers, gloveboxes, and pockets around the globe. It wins as a gift, a backup, or as a low-key grooming set (yes, the scissors will trim a mustache). Purists may dismiss it, but they’re missing out.

See the Victorinox Classic SD lineup

Our Top 2 Picks: Expert Carry Choices

If you asked us, “what would you actually carry every day at this price?”—these are the two that stand head and shoulders above the pack. Each is the personal favorite of a gear obsessive whose standards remain sky-high, no matter the budget.

#2 – Schrade Divergent: Crossbar Lock for the Masses

• Price: Around $24
• Blade: 3+ inches of AUS-8
• Handle: G10, balanced just right
• Lock: Crossbar, ambidextrous, fidget-friendly
• Grind: Hollow, saber style

The Schrade Divergent gives you a full-size knife that slips into any pocket without feeling bulky. The crossbar lock stands out for its speed and safety, making the knife simple and satisfying to open and close, and it keeps your fingers clear of the blade during use. The knife’s tough, modern style and sturdy build help it hold up well over time. One minor gripe: the pocket clip fits very snug and can be tough to slide onto thick pants, but if that bothers you, the standard screw spacing lets you swap it out for another. Altogether, this is the pick for anyone who wants a smooth and budget-friendly way to see what crossbar locks are all about.

This is the “one and done” pick: modern, smooth, versatile, and an intro to crossbar locks that won’t break the bank.

All about the Schrade Divergent

#1 – SRM 9201: Simply Great at Any Price

• Price: $19.95 for injection molded version (G10 costs $29.95)
• Blade: 8CR13MOV
• Lock: Crossbar, effortless, secure
• Finish: Top-tier fit, tumbled edges, well-done plunge grind
• Design: Every touchpoint refined, opening hole edges just right

SRM delivers an unreasonably good knife for $19.95. At that price, you might expect another budget blade that barely does the job, but this one stands out from the crowd. It’s not just about hitting a low price—SRM gives you a knife with real character. The engineering is dialed in: every line on the handle feels thought-out, the smoothness of the crossbar lock inspires trust, and the blade grind looks like it belongs on something 10x the price. Some skeptics might say it’s impossible to find quality at this price, but a few minutes with this knife proves that wrong. SRM clearly paid attention to how this thing feels in daily life, and it’s obvious it was made by someone who actually cares about knives.

Find the SRM 9201 at KnifeCenter

How to Pick Your Best $25 Knife: What Actually Matters

It’s not just about name brands or on-paper specs. Here’s a punch list to help you find more hidden gems on a budget:

• Blade steel: Don’t settle for generic “stainless” steel, but don’t obsess over the numbers, either. 420, AUS-8, D2, 8CR—they all work when heat treated right and shaped properly. Ultimately, a well-designed blade shape and properly executed grind trumps blade steel in real use.
• Lock type: Back locks, liner locks, frame locks, crossbars, and more—each has fans and quirks. For the safest closing experience, we recommend a crossbar lock because it’s the only one at the price point that lets you keep your fingers far away from the blade. For sheer lock strength, triad or classic back lock still reign supreme.
• Handles: G10 feels premium, but injection molded plastic can actually be more comfy.
• Opening: Two-hand openers (like Opinel) deliver nostalgia and a sort of social acceptability that some may find reassuring. Thumb studs and flippers mean speed and single-handed convenience.
• Carry and use: Are you abusing boxes, slicing apples, or looking for an all-purpose EDC? If you want a knife to disappear in your pocket, aim for slim and light. Conversely, heavy use demands chunky builds.
• Compromise: Under $25, some details won’t be luxury class. Good designs here make smart compromises, so look beyond the spec sheet to find the best options for the price.

Stretching Your Dollar: Make the Most of a Budget Knife

• Handle it if you can. Reviews and specs mean less than one minute in your own mitts. If you can’t, look for honest comments from people who have.
• Pay attention to edge geometry. A keen grind is the biggest factor when it comes to edge retention and cutting performance.
• Expect quirks, not perfection. Stay curious, try something new, but —carry the right tool, avoid what annoys you, and swap clips or sharpen edges yourself. Budget knives can be a great platform to learn on.

Final Thoughts: Can You Really Get a “Good” $25 Knife?

The short answer is yes—good $25 knives exist, but you must dig through both noise and compromise to spot them. Don’t let flashy materials or marketing hype trick you into buying a featureless brick. Soak in opinions from people who’ve touched every folder on the shelf and know what’s worth your lunch money.

Any of these knives will carry their weight in your daily routine; some may even find a permanent home. The secret ingredient isn’t just price—it’s having the right expectations, a grain of curiosity, and the willingness to try something new.

If you’re hunting for practical value or simply the thrill of finding real quality cheap, these knives deliver. And if you want your cash to go further, check out KnifeCenter’s rewards program.