These 3 Beginner Knives Are All You Really Need

How many knives do we actually need? And how much do you actually need to spend to cover day-to-day tasks, outdoor adventures, and the fun of learning a new hobby? Whether you’re new to EDC, knife collecting, or just looking to simplify, we think three knives can cover almost everything for most people.

Can Three Knives Really Cover Everything?

A Solid Starting Trio

Here’s the proposed setup: Morakniv Kansbol, Ontario RAT 1, and CJRB Pyrite-Light. It is lean, affordable, and versatile. It shows how we can do almost everything with just three tools if we choose wisely.

• Morakniv Kansbol: A phenomenal fixed blade for bushcraft, wood carving, processing kindling, and light hunting tasks. The neutral handle is very comfortable in any grip. The Scandi grind bites into wood, and the blade thins near the tip for better slicing. Standard versions run around 45 dollars, and a survival-style sheath with fire steel and sharpener runs about 75 dollars.
• Ontario RAT Model 1: A time-proven, versatile folder with a 3.6 inch drop point blade. Full-length steel liners add durability, and the four-position pocket clip makes carry easy. The stainless version sits around 40 dollars.
• CJRB Pyrite-Light: A modern, budget-friendly button lock folder with a thin, slicey blade and addicting deployment action. It operates smoothly, feels lightweight, and starts near 30 dollars, with Damascus versions for around 66 dollars. The RPM9 steel option is a strong value in the price range.

This trio covers a lot of ground. The Kansbol handles fixed blade tasks with ease. The RAT 1 offers the toughness you want in a work knife. The Pyrite-Light showcases everything that makes modern knife designs great without an inflated modern price tag.

Why These Three Knives Do It All

The Fixed Blade Foundation: Morakniv Kansbol

A lightweight fixed blade is the backbone of a useful trio. The Kansbol shines because it bridges two roles most beginners need.

• Wood and camp tasks: The Scandi portion of the grind bites into wood for feathersticks, notches, and general carving.
• Slicing tasks: The blade geometry thins near the tip, which helps when slicing food or processing small game.
• Ergonomics: The neutral handle works for any hand and any grip, including the essential hammer, pinch, and chest-lever grips. Plus, its naturally ambidextrous design means that lefties and righties will both feel at home.

The Kansbol is also easy to recommend because it is affordable, easy to sharpen, and very forgiving to learn on. For most trail users, it is more than enough knife. We can (carefully) baton small kindling, prepare meals, and still use it for fine tasks without it feeling clumsy, heavy, or oversized.

The Workhorse Folder: Ontario RAT 1

The RAT 1 is a classic for a reason. It is rugged without feeling like a brick, and it slices better than its tough looks suggest.

• Blade and build: The 3.6 inch drop point cuts everything from rope to cardboard. Full-length steel liners give it backbone.
• Carry and control: The four-position pocket clip makes it easy to set up for your carry style, or experiment to discover what best works for you. The ergonomics are friendly for most hand sizes.
• Everyday use: It is a strong choice for chores that are too light for a fixed blade but benefit from a little extra strength in the pivot and handle.

We think of the RAT 1 as the utility truck of the trio. It is not flashy, but when we need to get work done, it is ready.

The Slicey EDC: CJRB Pyrite-Light

For a second folder, we like going slimmer and lighter to keep carry comfortable. The Pyrite-Light hits that sweet spot.

• Thin blade: Slices boxes, food, and packaging with ease.
• Modern features: Button lock for easy one-hand use. It is fidget friendly without feeling gimmicky.
• Value: Starts around 30 dollars with options for Damascus or RPM9, so it fits nearly any budget.

Paired with the RAT 1, the Pyrite-Light creates a nice one-two punch. One is the workhorse. The other is the fidget-friendly slicer that disappears in pocket.

A Traditional Swap: RoseCraft Clinch River

If modern knives just aren’t for you, consider swapping the Pyrite-Light for a traditional slipjoint with an old-school feel. The RoseCraft Clinch River brings that vintage touch with a Wharncliffe blade and finger choil for fine control. It has a 3.07 inch cutting edge, D2 steel, black dyed bone covers, and crisp walk and talk. At around 55 dollars, it adds a gentlemanly vibe while still being affordable. Though you’ll lose the lock, choosing a slipjoint changes the character of the set without leaving real capability behind.

Here’s why we think it makes a good substitute for the Pyrite-Light:

• Cutting style: Both the Pyrite-Light and Clinch River have Wharncliffe-style blades that handle precise tip work well.
• Mechanism: While the Pyrite-Light has the advantage in smoothness and speed with its excellent button lock, the Clinch River has its own kind of fidget factor with the springy, satisfying “walk and talk” of its slipjoint mechanism.

Reasons to pick the Clinch River over a modern budget folder:

• You spend time in locations where locking knives are prohibited.
• You want a more formal knife for office or dress carry.
• You like the look, feel, and historical inspiration of traditional patterns.

If you stick with the Pyrite-Light, you still have a great trio. If you swap to the Clinch River, you’ll gain a non-locking folder with classic style without losing much practical function.

How To Choose Your Three

If these picks don’t connect with you, fear not: if you follow simple guiding principles you’ll be able to find your own perfect set. A trio works best when each knife has a clear role. Here is a framework that helps new buyers avoid overlap.

• Primary fixed blade: Pick a comfortable, mid-size fixed blade that carves wood, preps food, and handles basic camp chores. For us, the Mora Kansbol nails this role but there are thousands of awesome fixed blades to pick from.
• Tough folder: Choose a folder that can take harder use without being clumsy. The Ontario RAT 1 fits this lane but it’s far from the only good option. Our selection of folding knives gets bigger by the day, so you’re bound to find something awesome.
• Light EDC folder: Add a slim slicer or a dressier slip joint for daily carry. Go Pyrite-Light for modern ease or Clinch River for traditional charm.

Other factors to consider:

• Local laws: Make sure your carry choices fit your state and city laws.
• Grip and hand size: Comfort is king. We talk a lot about blade geometry, but nothing limits the cutting power of a knife quite like an uncomfortable handle.
• Maintenance: stick to stainless blade steel to keep rust away, and always keep a simple sharpening kit on hand.
• Budget: affordable knives have never been better! There are plenty of options that are friendly on price while delivering strong performance.

What This Trio Handles Day To Day

This setup is simple, but the range is wide. Here’s how we see our knife trio actually working for you day-to-day.

• Around town: Open packages, break down boxes, and slice fruit with the Pyrite-Light or Clinch River.
• Light work: Cut rope, zip ties, and plastic with the RAT 1. It has the strength and handle size to support harder use.
• On the trail: Build a cooking platform, make feathersticks, and prep a meal with the Kansbol. You can even use the finer tip for game-processing tasks when needed.

We like the way these roles fit together. Each knife covers a lane, and the lanes overlap enough that you are never stuck.

Who Should Pick This Trio

• New EDC users who want to learn without overspending.
• Students and professionals who need both utility and discreet carry options.
• Hikers and campers who value a capable fixed blade without bulk.
• Anyone who wants a lean setup that actually gets used.

We trust this mix because it handles the most common needs without chasing niche roles. We would rather carry three knives we use than five that sit.

Final Thoughts

Three knives can do more than most of us expect. A capable fixed blade, a rugged folder, and a slim slicer or traditional slip joint cover daily carry and weekend trips with ease. The Kansbol, RAT 1, and Pyrite-Light form a smart, budget-friendly team. If you want a touch of old-school class, swap in the Clinch River without losing practical control.

Ready to build your trio? Start with the knife you will use most, then fill the other roles with clear intent. Stay sharp!