Budget Knives | The Loadout Room

Buck continues to grow its high-value made in the USA models with the introduction of the Rival series. According to the Post Falls, Idaho company, they are able to offer the knives at a low price by investing in a modern manufacturing process capable of producing a high volume of knives each day.

The Rival series, which consists of a small and large model, rank among the least expensive knives Buck produces in the States. The Rival II, which has a 3.125-inch blade and weighs 2.1 oz., will run you $19.99, and the 2.75-inch bladed 1.4 oz. Rival I just $16.99.

Designing and producing a US-made knife for the budget-conscious buyer presents obvious challenges. Justen Bock, New Product & Engineering Manager at Buck, tells us that bringing the Rival out for under $20 was only possible through careful planning. Essential hardware needed to be in place before the project could begin. “We have made significant investments in tooling for all components of this knife.”

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Kizer has revealed it will be launching a new line of budget knives called the Tangram Series. The budget-friendly lineup (see renderings below the story) is aimed at entry-level consumers and is expected to hit dealer shelves later in 2017. The company plans to have five models out by August with more soon to follow and they tell us the new series will have an ongoing presence in their catalog.

The initial Tangram offering will consist of five products. The Lynx and Tracker will sport stainless steel handles and use opening cut-outs for deployment. Joining them will be the Amarillo and Rumble, two liner lock flippers with G-10 scales, and the G-10 Sante Fe which will feature a thumb stud and wharncliffe blade. Kizer is still deciding which locking mechanism to use for the Sante Fe. Four of the five knives are brand new, in-house designs. The Rumble is based on the Kizer 3401 in a more economical trim.

The Vanguard series is currently Kizer’s most affordable product line. The Tangram models target even more budget conscious consumers and will hit shelves at an MSRP of $60 which should translate into a street price under $50. Material choices include G-10, stainless steel, and aluminum. The company settled on Aichi Acuto Stainless, a Japanese equivalent of 440C, as the blade steel for the Tangram series.

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How Buck Expanded Their USA Made Budget Blade Line

First Look: Kizer Reveals New Budget Knife Series