Affordable High-Quality Knives: Where to Buy Kershaw and Gerber

For the past decade, many knife enthusiasts have preferred purchasing knives from Amazon. This popular e-commerce giant offers an impressive range of brands, including Kershaw and Gerber. However, there are several other reputable websites and stores where you can find affordable yet high-quality knives, including Eafengrow, Civivi, CJRB, and Kizer. In this comprehensive guide, we explore these brands and their offerings, providing insights into why they are worth considering.

Amazon: A Reliable Platform for Knife Shopping

Amazon is a go-to destination for knife buyers due to its extensive selection and excellent pricing. You can find a wide variety of knives, including models from Kershaw and Gerber, all within one platform. During special events like Prime Day and Black Friday sales, many discounts are available on various knife brands. If you are looking for an easy and secure way to purchase knives, Amazon should be your first choice.

Eafengrow: Exceptionally Affordable with Superior Quality

Eafengrow is a remarkable brand that offers knives at about half the price of Kershaw. Despite being more economical, these knives do not sacrifice quality. Eafengrow knives feature D2 blades, which are well-known for holding an edge. The blade pivot pin is encased by ceramic ball bearing races, providing smooth operation. The handles are typically made of G-10 material, which adds both durability and a sleek appearance. These knives are built to handle tough tasks, as I recently discovered when I cut through a large number of cardboard boxes for recycling. However, it is important to note that D2 blades may oxidize if left wet, although this can be prevented with appropriate maintenance.

To protect the blades from corrosion, I use a product called Tuf-Cloth, manufactured by Sentry. Tuf-Cloth is a cloth impregnated with a corrosion preventative solution that can be reapplied easily. Although the exact ingredient is not disclosed, it is not food-safe, so it is not recommended for kitchen use.

Civivi: High-Quality Knives at Competitive Prices

Civivi produces knives of comparable quality and price to Kershaw. These knives are made from a proprietary steel called Nitro-V. While I am yet to extensively test these knives, the steel has performed exceptionally well in my limited experience. Civivi is a subsidiary of We Knife Company, which also produces higher-end knives. Thus, Civivi knives offer a balanced mix of quality and affordability.

CJRB: Budget-Friendly Options with High Standards

CJRB is another brand that offers knives at a similar quality level and price to Kershaw. Their knives use a proprietary steel named AR-RPM9, which, based on the ingredients, should outperform most Kershaw blades. CJRB is also a subsidiary of Artisan Cutlery, which means they also manufacture higher-end products. This brand is a great choice for those looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on quality.

Kizer: Premium Knives at an Affordable Price

Kizer is a brand known for its high-end knives, often comparable to Benchmade. However, they have recently introduced a budget line that competes with Kershaw in terms of price. These knives use 154CM steel, which, while not as high-end as others, is still a reputable choice. 154CM is comparable to ATS-34 (the Japanese version) and is generally better than steel such as 440C and AUS-10. While I have not personally evaluated these budget Kizer knives, I am inclined to believe that they will perform well due to the quality of the steel used. Kizer also offers a wide range of other premium knives that are highly regarded among knife enthusiasts.

Gerber: A Disappointing Experience

I have had poor experiences with Gerber knives, finding that they did not hold an edge well and felt too light and poorly constructed. Over time, these knives did not last as expected. However, if you find these knives suitable and enjoy their performance, you may be perfectly happy with them.