EDCTV by Multitool.org

Can You Really Get a Tactical‑Style Folder for $25? We Put It to the Test.

In this $25 Knife Challenge episode, we each brought a budget tactical folder to the table to see how they perform in the real world.

$25 Knife Challenge folding knife

The $25 Knife Challenge started as a simple question: Is it actually possible to buy a good, reliable, tactical‑style folding knife for twenty‑five bucks?

In a world where premium knives regularly hit $150, $250, even $400+, the idea of finding something usable at a budget price feels almost impossible. But that’s exactly why we wanted to test it — because not everyone wants (or needs) to spend big money to get a knife they can trust.

In this episode of EDC‑TV, Inky and Grant dive into the world of budget blades to see what $25 can really buy. The results? Surprisingly good… and occasionally hilarious.

▶️ Watch the Full Episode

Why We Did the $25 Challenge

The knife world is full of strong opinions — steel snobs, brand loyalists, and people who swear you need to spend real money to get real performance. But the truth is:

  • Not everyone wants to drop $200 on a folder
  • Not everyone should drop $200 on a folder
  • And sometimes, budget gear surprises you

This challenge was about stripping away the hype and asking a simple, honest question:

What can the average person get for $25?

The Rules of the Challenge

To keep things fair, we set a few ground rules:

  • Price cap: $25 CAD (or as close as possible)
  • Style: Tactical‑leaning folding knife
  • Source: Must be widely available
  • No cheating: No sale‑priced $60 knives magically “on clearance”

Each host picked a knife, carried it, used it, and brought it to the table for a real‑world breakdown.

The Knives We Tested

The Knives We Tested

Here’s a quick look at the contenders from the episode:

🔪 Knife #1 — Inky’s Pick

A budget‑friendly tactical folder with:

  • Assisted opening
  • G10‑style (or G10‑style inspired) scales
  • A surprisingly decent pocket clip
  • Steel that… well… exists

Inky’s knife punched above its weight in ergonomics and action, even if the steel wasn’t winning any awards.

🔪 Knife #2 — Grant’s Pick

A no‑nonsense, budget tactical knife featuring:

  • A beefy profile
  • A grippy handle
  • A lock that actually inspires confidence
  • A blade shape that works for real‑world tasks

Grant’s knife leaned more toward durability and practicality—the kind of knife you toss in a toolbox or glove compartment and don’t worry about.

🔪 Knife #3 — Abe’s Pick

A third budget tactical folder that brought its own personality to the challenge:

  • A familiar, proven design
  • Solid in‑hand feel
  • A blade shape that works for everyday cutting tasks
  • The kind of knife you don’t mind beating up

Abe’s knife helped round out the $25 Knife Challenge by showing how small design differences can change how a budget knife feels and performs, even when two of them share a similar platform.

Grant’s knife leaned more toward durability and practicality — the kind of knife you toss in a toolbox or glove compartment and don’t worry about.

This $25 Knife Challenge episode really showed how far budget knives have come.

How They Performed

We tested the knives on:

  • Packaging
  • Rope and cordage
  • Food prep
  • Everyday tasks
  • Pocket carry
  • Action and lockup
  • Ergonomics
  • Overall build quality

The Verdict?

For $25, you can absolutely get:

  • A functional knife
  • A decent action
  • A usable edge
  • A tool that won’t fall apart immediately

But you’re not getting:

  • Premium steel
  • Perfect fit and finish
  • Long‑term durability
  • A knife you’ll hand down to your grandkids

Still — for the price, both knives surprised us.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget knives have come a long way. Twenty‑five bucks buys more than it used to.
  • Steel quality is the biggest compromise. Don’t expect edge retention miracles.
  • Ergonomics matter more than steel at this price. A comfortable handle beats a fancy alloy.
  • These knives are perfect for beaters. Toolbox, tackle box, glove compartment — they shine here.
  • You don’t need to spend big to get started in EDC. Budget gear is a great entry point.
  • The $25 Knife Challenge proved that even inexpensive knives can surprise you.

Who Should Buy a $25 Knife?

These knives are ideal for:

  • New EDC enthusiasts
  • People who lose knives often
  • Anyone who wants a “don’t care if it breaks” beater
  • Folks who want to experiment with styles before upgrading
  • People who want a glove‑box or garage knife

They’re not ideal for:

  • Heavy daily use
  • Professional trades
  • Hard outdoor tasks
  • Anyone expecting premium performance

Final Thoughts

The $25 Knife Challenge proved something important:

A knife doesn’t need to be expensive to be useful.

Are these knives perfect? No. Are they good enough for everyday tasks? Absolutely. And for a lot of people, that’s all that matters.

If you want to see the full breakdown, reactions, and some unexpected laughs, make sure to watch the full episode above.

Join the Conversation

What’s the best budget knife you’ve ever owned? Do you think a $25 tactical folder can be trusted?

Share your thoughts on the Multitool.org Forum — the home of the EDC community