What is the best budget EDC knife under $70 in 2026?

The Vosteed Porcupine at $69 offers a great balance of 14C28N steel, 2.99-inch blade, and distinctive G10 handle design. For pure value, the Artisan Cutlery Simoon at $49.99 with Recoil Lock V2 is hard to beat.

Is the Kizer Mini Bay worth $49?

Yes, the Kizer Mini Bay offers excellent 14C28N steel in a compact slip joint package, making it ideal for light EDC tasks and office carry at an accessible price.

Which knife under $70 has the longest blade?

The Artisan Cutlery Proponent at $69.99 features the longest blade in this comparison at 3.85 inches, with a Wharncliffe design suited for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Is there a good button lock knife under $70?

Yes, both the Kizer Microbe at $55.99 (button liner lock) and the CJRB Lago at $49.98 (button lock) offer excellent button lock mechanisms well under $70.

Under $70 EDC Knife Showdown: Vosteed vs Kizer vs ArtisanCutlery (2026)

Q: What locking mechanism does the Artisan Cutlery Simoon use?

The Artisan Cutlery Simoon features the Recoil Lock V2, an innovative button-activated lock that provides extremely secure lockup while being easy to disengage.

The $70 Budget EDC Showdown: Who Wins?

The sub-$70 price bracket is arguably the most competitive segment in the EDC knife market. Here, brands like Vosteed, Kizer, Artisan Cutlery, and CJRB battle it out with distinct designs, different steel choices, and unique locking mechanisms. Each brand brings a different philosophy to the table, and choosing between them comes down to what matters most to you.

We've selected the strongest contenders under $70 from our priority brands to help you make the right choice.

Vosteed Porcupine ($69) — The Fresh Challenger

Budget EDC Material Study

Metal finishes and textures across our under-$70 contenders.

The Vosteed Porcupine enters the ring at $69 as the 2025 Christmas Limited Edition with a festive red-and-white G10 handle featuring a CNC-cut Christmas tree motif. But beyond the seasonal looks, it's a serious workhorse with a 2.99-inch 14C28N drop point blade. The top liner lock mechanism provides secure lockup, and the G10 handle offers excellent traction.

Why choose it: You want a conversation-starting design from Vosteed's growing lineup, backed by corrosion-resistant 14C28N steel that takes a keen edge.

Key Specs:

Steel: 14C28N
Blade Length: 2.99 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Top liner lock
Price: $69

Kizer Mini Bay ($49) — Tiny Titan

The Kizer Mini Bay designed by Azo is a compact slip joint with a 1.89-inch 14C28N sheepsfoot blade. Despite its small size, it punches well above its weight with excellent rust resistance and easy sharpening. The bright yellow G10 handle with laser-etched brick details adds personality to this tiny package.

Why choose it: You need a small, non-threatening EDC that excels at light daily tasks like opening packages and cutting cord.

Key Specs:

Steel: 14C28N
Blade Length: 1.89 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Slip joint
Price: $49

Kizer Microbe ($55.99) — Compact Button Lock

The Kizer Microbe is a fun, microbe-inspired compact folder featuring a 2.19-inch 14C28N drop point blade with a satin finish and green G10 handle. The button liner lock mechanism makes one-handed operation smooth and satisfying, while the compact shape is perfect for fifth pocket carry.

Why choose it: You want a button lock in a compact package that won't take up pocket space.

Key Specs:

Steel: 14C28N
Blade Length: 2.19 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Button liner lock
Price: $55.99

Kizer Pokiman CS ($69.99) — Modern Flair

The Kizer Pokiman CS brings a 3.16-inch AEB-L sheepsfoot blade with black PVD coating and aluminum handles. The clutch lock mechanism (Kizer's version of the compression lock) offers strong lockup and easy closing. AEB-L steel is known for excellent toughness and fine-edge retention.

Why choose it: You want a modern design with premium-feeling aluminum handles and a robust lock mechanism.

Key Specs:

Steel: AEB-L with PVD coating
Blade Length: 3.16 inches
Handle: Aluminum
Lock: Clutch lock
Price: $69.99

Artisan Cutlery Simoon ($49.99) — Recoil Lock Innovation

The Artisan Cutlery Simoon features a 3.47-inch AR-RPM9 blade with black PVD finish and G10 handle. Its standout feature is the Recoil Lock V2 mechanism — an innovative button-activated lock that provides rock-solid lockup. Ceramic ball bearings ensure silky smooth deployment.

Why choose it: You're curious about Artisan Cutlery's unique Recoil Lock V2 and want a full-sized blade backed by premium design.

Key Specs:

Steel: AR-RPM9 powder steel
Blade Length: 3.47 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Recoil Lock V2
Price: $49.99

Artisan Cutlery Proponent ($69.99) — Dirk Pinkerton Design

The Artisan Cutlery Proponent by Dirk Pinkerton is a large folding knife with a robust 3.85-inch Wharncliffe D2 blade and G10 handle. Built for strength, it features a ceramic ball-bearing pivot for smooth action. The black PVD coating adds durability and gives it a tactical aesthetic.

Why choose it: You need a heavy-duty EDC for tougher cutting tasks and appreciate the Wharncliffe blade geometry.

Key Specs:

Steel: D2 tool steel
Blade Length: 3.85 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Liner lock
Price: $69.99

CJRB Lago ($49.98) — Button Lock Value

The CJRB Lago delivers button lock performance at just $49.98 with a 3.41-inch AR-RPM9 blade and G10 handle. Ceramic ball bearings in the pivot ensure smooth one-handed deployment. AR-RPM9 offers superior corrosion resistance compared to D2 steel, making this a great all-weather EDC option.

Why choose it: You want a full-sized button lock at an aggressive price point with good steel.

Key Specs:

Steel: AR-RPM9 powder steel
Blade Length: 3.41 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Button lock
Price: $49.98

CJRB Shale ($49.99) — Crossbar Lock Option

The CJRB Shale is a newer CJRB model featuring a 3-inch AR-RPM9 drop point blade and G10 handle with a crossbar lock. At $49.99, it's one of the most affordable crossbar lock options from a CJRB, offering ambidextrous operation and a clean, modern aesthetic.

Why choose it: You prefer crossbar lock ergonomics and want a proven steel in a modern, accessible package.

Key Specs:

Steel: AR-RPM9 powder steel
Blade Length: 3 inches
Handle: G10
Lock: Crossbar lock
Price: $49.99

Head-to-Head: How Do They Compare?

Feature	Vosteed Porcupine	Kizer Mini Bay	Artisan Simoon	CJRB Lago
Price	$69	$49	$49.99	$49.98
Steel	14C28N	14C28N	AR-RPM9	AR-RPM9
Blade Length	2.99"	1.89"	3.47"	3.41"
Lock Type	Top liner lock	Slip joint	Recoil Lock V2	Button lock
Suitable For	All-around EDC	Light/office	Full-sized EDC	All-around EDC

Which Under-$70 Knife Should You Buy?

Best all-around: The Vosteed Porcupine ($69) offers a great balance of blade length, steel quality, and distinctive design. It's a strong everyday carry choice.

Best value: The Artisan Cutlery Simoon ($49.99) delivers innovative lock technology, a full-sized blade, and quality materials at a very competitive price.

Best for compact carry: The Kizer Microbe ($55.99) combines button lock convenience with a truly pocket-friendly footprint.

Best lock innovation: The Artisan Cutlery Simoon ($49.99) with its Recoil Lock V2 is a unique mechanism worth experiencing.

Best for office carry: The Kizer Mini Bay ($49) is a small, non-threatening slip joint with great steel for light daily tasks.

Best budget button lock: The CJRB Lago ($49.98) delivers button lock performance at an entry-level price with good corrosion-resistant steel.

Choose based on your priority — blade length, lock type, or brand preference. All of these under-$70 knives represent excellent engineering from brands that continue to push the boundaries of what affordable EDC can deliver.