Vosteed Raccoon vs Kizer Begleiter 2 vs CIVIVI Gordo — Best Budget EDC Knife Under $70 Showdown

## The $60–70 Sweet Spot: Three Budget EDC Contenders The $60 to $70 price range is the sweet spot for budget EDC knives. You get quality blade steel, solid handle materials, and reliable lock mechanisms without spending over a hundred dollars. Today we're comparing three of the best options in this bracket: the **Vosteed Raccoon** at $59, the **Kizer Begleiter 2** at $64, and the **CIVIVI Gordo** at $62. Each brings a different philosophy to budget knife design, and each one has strengths worth examining. The budget EDC knife market has matured considerably over the past few years. What used to be a compromise-filled category — cheap steel, sticky handles, unreliable locks — is now home to some of the best-value knives on the market. Brands like Vosteed, Kizer, and CIVIVI have pushed innovation and quality down to price points that were unthinkable a decade ago. Knife Steel Nerds has extensive data on the metallurgy of all three blade steels used here, which we'll reference throughout. This showdown focuses on knives that deliver genuine EDC utility, not just low prices. We've tested each one for deployment smoothness, lockup confidence, pocket comfort, cutting performance, and overall build quality. Here's how they stack up. --- ## At a Glance: Three-Way Spec Comparison | Feature | Vosteed Raccoon | Kizer Begleiter 2 | CIVIVI Gordo | |---------|-----------------|-------------------|--------------| | **Price** | $59 | $64 | $62 | | **Blade Steel** | 14C28N | D2 | D2 | | **Blade Length** | 3.25 in / 82.55 mm | 3.77 in | 2.51 in / 63.8 mm | | **Handle Material** | Micarta | Micarta | G10 | | **Lock Type** | Crossbar lock | Liner lock | Liner lock | | **Overall Length** | 7.60 in | ~8.5 in | 6.32 in | | **Closed Length** | ~4.35 in | ~4.7 in | 3.80 in | | **Weight** | ~3.5 oz | ~4.0 oz | ~2.8 oz | --- ## Vosteed Raccoon — $59 The [Vosteed Raccoon](/products/raccoon-a0506) is the most modern-feeling knife in this trio. Its 3.25-inch 14C28N blade is stainless and tough, with good corrosion resistance that makes it ideal for everyday use. The crossbar lock is the star of the show — it's ambidextrous, easy to operate with either hand, and provides confidence-inspiring lockup. The 14C28N blade steel is an excellent choice for a budget EDC knife. Developed by Sandvik, this Swedish stainless steel offers a fine grain structure that takes a keen edge and holds it reasonably well. It's tougher than many higher-hardness steels, meaning it's less likely to chip during hard use. Sharpening is straightforward with standard stones or ceramic rods. The Micarta handle feels grippy without being abrasive and develops a patina over time as you use it. At just $59, the Raccoon offers lock technology usually found on knives costing twice as much. The crossbar lock uses two spring-loaded bars that pinch the blade tang, providing solid lockup with no blade play. Unlike liner or frame locks, the crossbar lock gives you true ambidextrous operation. Deployment options include a thumb stud that's positioned for natural access when drawing the knife from pocket. The action is smooth out of the box with slight detent that prevents accidental opening. Check out [our full Vosteed buying guide](/posts/vosteed-knife-buying-guide-2026) for more models from the brand. **Best for:** Users who want ambidextrous operation and a modern crossbar lock on a budget. --- ## Kizer Begleiter 2 — $64 The [Kizer Begleiter 2](/products/1045c1) is the classic workhorse of the group. Its 3.77-inch D2 blade gives you the most cutting edge of all three knives. D2 steel holds an edge well and is tough enough for harder cutting tasks, though it's semi-stainless so keep it dry after heavy use. D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that's been a favorite in the knife industry for decades. Its wear resistance comes from large chromium carbides, which also give it moderate stain resistance — not as good as 14C28N, but better than plain carbon steel. Wikipedia's D2 steel article provides a detailed breakdown of its composition and properties. The handle is black Micarta over steel liners with a full flat grind that makes slicing effortless. The elegant, minimalist design — based on Kizer's original Begleiter pattern — has been a fan favorite for years. The liner lock is reliable and time-tested, with a lock bar that engages about 40-50% of the blade tang for solid lockup. What sets the Begleiter 2 apart is its cutting capacity. The 3.77-inch blade handles larger cutting tasks that smaller knives struggle with. The full flat grind extends from the spine to the edge, reducing friction during slicing. Combined with D2's edge retention, this knife stays sharp through extended use. For more on Kizer's lineup, see [our Kizer knives guide](/posts/kizer-knives-guide-2026-budget-to-premium). **Best for:** Users who prefer a full-size blade and the proven D2 + Micarta + liner lock formula. --- ## CIVIVI Gordo — $62 The [CIVIVI Gordo](/products/civivi-gordo-c22018c-1) is the compact specialist. Its 2.51-inch D2 blade pairs with a slim G10 handle that disappears in the pocket. This is the knife you carry when you want something light and unobtrusive but still capable. The G10 handle texture provides excellent grip without being rough on pocket linings. G10 is a glass-fiber reinforced laminate that's lighter and stiffer than micarta, with excellent dimensional stability. The Gordo's G10 scales have a subtle texture that strikes a good balance between secure grip and pocket-friendly smoothness. The knife uses a liner lock with a thumb stud for deployment. The blade is the smallest of the three at 2.51 inches, which makes this knife legal to carry in more jurisdictions with blade-length restrictions. Despite its compact size, the D2 blade delivers real cutting performance. The Gordo's slim profile means it takes up minimal pocket space. The overall length is just 6.32 inches, with a closed length of 3.80 inches that fits comfortably in the bottom of a pocket. At approximately 2.8 ounces, you'll barely notice it's there. **Best for:** Users who prioritize pocket comfort and compact carry without sacrificing D2 edge retention. --- ## Honorable Mentions Under $70 ### Vosteed Porcupine — $69 The [Vosteed Porcupine](/products/94) is a top liner lock knife with a 2.99-inch 14C28N blade and G10 handle. Its chunky, ergonomic shape gives it a secure grip for tougher cutting tasks. The Porcupine's blade is shorter than the Raccoon's but wider, making it well-suited for heavier cutting. It's a strong alternative if you prefer a top liner lock mechanism. ### Kizer Cormorant — $69 The [Kizer Cormorant](/products/1846) uses Nitro-V steel — an upgraded version of 14C28N with added nitrogen for improved hardness — paired with a G10 handle and 3.17-inch blade. The Cormorant has Kizer's signature clean aesthetic and smooth action. It offers a slightly different blade shape (drop point with a swedge) that some users prefer for fine cutting work. ### Kizer Pokiman CS — $69.99 The [Kizer Pokiman CS](/products/29) has an AEB-L steel blade with an aluminum handle, giving it a more premium feel at the same price point. AEB-L is a Swedish razor-blade steel known for taking extremely fine edges, making it excellent for precision cutting. The aluminum handle gives it a solid, premium feel unmatched by G10 or micarta at this price. --- ## Which Should You Buy? **Choose the Vosteed Raccoon ($59)** if you want the most modern lock mechanism and ambidextrous carry. It offers the best value for the lock type alone, and the 14C28N blade steel is an excellent all-rounder that balances edge retention with easy sharpening and corrosion resistance. **Choose the Kizer Begleiter 2 ($64)** if you need the longest cutting edge and prefer the proven D2 + Micarta combination. It's the most traditional of the three and the most capable cutter for big jobs. The D2 steel rewards users who maintain their knives, offering superior edge retention between sharpening sessions. **Choose the CIVIVI Gordo ($62)** if pocketability is your priority. The compact 2.51-inch blade and lightweight G10 handle disappear in the pocket while still providing D2 performance. It's the best pick for office carry, travel, or any situation where you need a capable blade in a discreet package. All three knives represent excellent value for their respective strengths. For a deeper look at blade steel choices, check our [14C28N vs AR-RPM9 vs Nitro-V vs S35VN comparison](/posts/14c28n-vs-ar-rpm9-vs-nitro-v-vs-s35vn-edc-knife-steels-compared-2026). And for more on lock mechanisms, read our [button lock vs clutch lock vs top liner lock guide](/posts/button-lock-vs-clutch-lock-vs-top-liner-lock-2026).