It is misconception that you need to shell out a lot of money for a quality everyday carry knife. That is not the case as there are plenty of options from well known brands if you need an inexpensive knife for EDC. You can easily find the best pocket knife under 30 dollars that offers excellent build quality, good blade steel, and reliable operation.
This means that it is easy to get one that will suit your everyday carry needs. From opening boxes, packages, to food preparation, and outdoor use. There is no excuse not having a knife in your EDC kit. Here’s a list of the best value pocket folders if you are in a budget. Upgrade your kit or get a beater knife that can be used as an all-around utility tool.
Listed below are the best pocket knives under $30.
| Knife | Length | Weight | Material | Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRKT Drifter | Blade: 2.875" Overall: 6.50" | 2.60 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: G-10 | liner lock |
| Leatherman Skeletool KB | Blade: 2.60" Overall: 6.0" | 1.3 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: Aluminum | liner lock |
| CRKT Ruger LCK | Blade: 3.375" Overall: 7.50" | 2.61 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: GRN | liner lock |
| Kershaw Method | Blade: 3.0" Overall: 7.25" | 2.10 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: G-10 | liner lock |
| Kershaw Eris | Blade: 3.0" Overall: 7.5" | 4.70 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: Stainless Steel | frame lock |
| Cold Steel Tuff-Lite | Blade: 2.50 Overall: 6.00" | 2.50 oz | Blade: AUS-8A Handle: Polymer | lockback |
| Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 | Blade: 3.75" Overall: 8.56" | 3.40 oz | Blade: 8Cr13MoV Handle: FRN | lockback |
| TANGRAM Santa Fe | Blade: 3.35" Overall: 7.56" | 3.45 oz | Blade: Acuto 440 Handle: G-10 | liner lock |
| Ontario Knife RAT Model 2 | Blade: 3.0" Overall: 7.00" | 2.75 oz | Blade: AUS-8 Handle: Nylon | liner lock |
| RUIKE P801 | Blade: 3.5" Overall: 8.25" | 4.23 oz | Blade: 14C28N Handle: Stainless Steel | frame lock |
Best Pocket Knife Under 30
CRKT Drifter
CRKT Drifter is a compact folding knife with premium 8Cr14MoV stainless steel and black G10 handle scales. The titanium nitride finished 2.8″ drop point blade reduces reflection. The knife is simple to open using the thumb stud, and features a liner lock that securely clicks in place when the knife is used. The pocket clip is only positioned for right side, tip down carry. CRKT Drifter is an excellent knife that is both affordable and well built. It is a nice small knife for daily carry.
Leatherman Skeletool KB
Leatherman is well known for quality multi-tools and their Skeletool line consists of lightweight, rugged, high-performance multi-tools. In the same spirit Leatherman Skeletool KB is a lightweight folding knife that does away with the multi-tool functionality. It features a 2.6″ drop point style blade made from 420HC stainless steel. Skeletonized handles are made from tough and lightweight hard anodized aluminum. It has a tip down, right side only pocket clip with integrated bottle opener. Leatherman Skeletool KB is a perfect match for your multi-tool for everyday carry. It is also ideal for backpackers and hikers who needs a very capable ultralight knife for the outdoors.
CRKT Ruger LCK
A product of Columbia River Knife and Tool and Ruger collaboration, CRKT Ruger LCK (Lightweight Compact Knife) is a small, sleek, and lightweight knife which comes in a drop point or reverse tanto blade. The long, slim blade profile has excellent cutting performance and is easily deployed using the flipper tab. Handle scales are made from glass reinforced nyon and have a textured finish. A locking liner securely locks the blade open when in use. It also comes with a deep carry pocket clip which is mounted for a tip up right hand side carry. CRKT Ruger LCK is an excellent compact knife and one of the best pocket knife under 30.
Kershaw Method
Kershaw Method is a small pocket knife that features a slim 3-inch blade with a spear point profile. The blade has a BlackWash finish and constructed from 8Cr13MoV steel. The handy flipper tab is ideal for ambidextrous operation and the KVT ball-bearing system ensures smooth opening and closing action. G-10 handles has a nice textured pattern that offers secure grip when using the knife. The strong liner lock provides solid blade lockup. Kershaw Method is an elegant looking knife with a sleek, slim profile. It is a good all-around knife and ideal for general utility use, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Kershaw Eris
Kershaw Eris is an assisted opening knife with a 3.0″ blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel with a two-tone stonewashed/satin finish. One handed deployment works smoothly with the flipper opener working together with the SpeedSafe assisted action. The knife has a stainless steel handle with titanium carbon-nitride coating for added durability. The frame lock provides secure lockup when the knife is in use. Kershaw Eris is a nice, solid knife with substantial heft but still pocketable and easy to EDC.
Cold Steel Tuff-Lite
Cold Steel Tuff-Lite is a small, tough, and lightweight knife. Its small size makes it very practical to carry anywhere. Clip it in your pocket, belt, or carry it in your bag or pouch. It has a 2.50″ long wharncliffe style blade that is very sharp and works well when it comes to precision work. The polymer handles offers good ergonomics and the pocket clip configuration suits right or left hand, tip-down carry.
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 is the second generation of the classic Cara Cara knife. The flat ground 8Cr13MoV blade offers good cutting ability and the blade steel has excellent durability and edge retention. The textured FRN handles provides great grip and the good handle design makes it very comfortable to use. The blade spine jimping and finger choil makes it easy to control the knife. The four way pocket clip offers different carry options which makes this knife very versatile.
TANGRAM Santa Fe
TANGRAM is a new pocket knife brand which makes knives aimed for entry-level consumers. It has a wharncliffe style blade made from Japanese Acuto 440 stainless steel. The knife has phospohor bronze washers and combined with the thumb studs, flicking the knife open is an easy task. Handle scales are G-10 which offers great grip and comfort and the skeletonized liners reduces weight. The deep carry pocket clip is usable even when only configured for a right or left, tip-up carry.
Ontario Knife RAT Model 2
Ontario RAT 2 is one of the most popular knives at this price point. The RAT 2 is an excellent everyday carry knife that features an 3.0″ AUS-8 stainless steel blade with a satin finish and a drop point style that offers great cutting performance. The knife has a great design and the textured handles makes it very comfortable to use. The liner lock positively clicks into place and secures the blade when deployed. Ontario RAT 2 comes in different models with different handles scale colors to suit your preference. It is one of the best pocket knife under 30 that you can have.
RUIKE P801
RUIKE P801 is a sleek looking knife with an all-steel construction. The full flat-round drop point blade made from 14C28N steel is very sharp and has great wear resistance. Stainless steel handles are very ergonomic and have a stonewashed finish. The blue anodized thumb studs, pivot accent, and clip adds a nice touch to this well designed, minimalist knife.
