Updated September 24, 2026. These seven Kershaw knives for budget EDC were in stock at Knife Depot when we checked, with prices from $23.99 to $76.99. Prices and availability can change; follow each product link for the latest details. Prices below are in USD, before tax and shipping.
For the lowest price, start with the Shuffle. For a lightweight folder with a D2 blade and crossbar lock, compare the Heist and Mini Iridium. If you want a slim USA-made assisted opener, the stainless steel Leek remains on the list.
This buying guide compares listed specifications, price, and current availability. It is not a hands-on performance test.
Seven Kershaw Knives Under $80 at Knife Depot
| Knife | Price | Blade / steel | Opening / lock | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuffle 8700 | $23.99 | 2.4 inches / 8Cr13MoV | Manual; liner lock | Lowest price |
| Atmos 4037 | $40.99 | 3 inches / 8Cr13MoV | Flipper | Lightweight carry |
| Brawler 1990 | $44.99 | 3 inches / 8Cr13MoV | Assisted flipper; liner lock | Assisted tanto under $50 |
| Cryo 1555TI | $48.99 | 2.75 inches / 8Cr13MoV | Assisted opening; frame lock | Compact steel handle |
| Heist 2037 | $54.99 | 3.2 inches / D2 | Manual thumb stud; DuraLock | D2 value |
| Mini Iridium 2051 | $67.99 | 3 inches / D2 | Manual KVT bearings; DuraLock | Compact aluminum handle |
| Leek 1660 | $76.99 | 3 inches / 14C28N | Assisted flipper; frame lock | USA-made classic |
1. Kershaw Shuffle 8700 — Lowest price
Price checked: $23.99. The Shuffle is the lowest-priced pick in this guide. Its short drop-point blade suits opening packages and other small daily cutting jobs, while the contoured black handle gives your fingers defined places to rest. A bottle opener and flathead screwdriver add utility without requiring a separate full-size multitool.
Choose it for compact utility and a low purchase price. For longer cuts or more blade reach, move up to the Atmos or Heist.
Shop the Kershaw Shuffle 8700 at Knife Depot
2. Kershaw Atmos 4037 — Lightweight carry
Price checked: $40.99. The Atmos combines a 3-inch drop-point blade with a G10 handle and carbon-fiber overlay. At a listed 1.9 ounces, it is a useful option when pocket weight matters. Its plain edge and conventional blade shape make it a straightforward choice for everyday slicing.
Stock was limited when this guide was updated, so check the product page before choosing it. The Mini Iridium is another compact option if the Atmos sells out.
Shop the Kershaw Atmos 4037 at Knife Depot
3. Kershaw Brawler 1990 — Assisted tanto under $50
Price checked: $44.99. The Brawler pairs a black-oxide-coated modified tanto blade with a glass-filled nylon handle. SpeedSafe assisted opening and a flipper provide convenient access, and the four-position clip lets you choose right- or left-side carry, tip-up or tip-down.
The angular tanto edge will appeal to buyers who prefer that shape. For a more rounded cutting belly, compare the Cryo or Atmos. At 3.9 ounces, the Brawler also carries more weight than the Atmos.
Shop the Kershaw Brawler 1990 at Knife Depot
4. Kershaw Cryo 1555TI — Compact steel handle
Price checked: $48.99. Rick Hinderer’s Cryo design gives you a short drop-point blade and a stainless steel handle with a gray titanium carbo-nitride finish. It uses SpeedSafe assisted opening and a frame lock. The coating does not make the handle solid titanium.
At 4.1 ounces, it is heavier than several longer-bladed options here. Choose it if you prefer the feel of a steel handle and a compact blade; choose the Heist if lower weight matters more.
Shop the Kershaw Cryo 1555TI at Knife Depot
5. Kershaw Heist 2037 — D2 value
Price checked: $54.99. The Heist adds a D2 clip-point blade and Kershaw’s DuraLock crossbar lock while staying below $60. Its glass-filled nylon handle keeps the listed weight to 2.8 ounces. Manual thumb-stud opening makes it an option for buyers who prefer a knife without assisted opening.
This is our pick for someone who wants more blade length and a crossbar lock at a moderate price. Dry the D2 blade after use and maintain it regularly, especially after exposure to moisture.
Shop the Kershaw Heist 2037 at Knife Depot
6. Kershaw Mini Iridium 2051 — Compact aluminum handle
Price checked: $67.99. The Mini Iridium combines a stonewashed D2 spear-point blade with an ice-blue aluminum handle and gold accents. It opens manually with thumb studs and KVT ball bearings, then locks with DuraLock. A reversible deep-carry clip supports left- or right-side pocket carry.
At 2.5 ounces, it is a compact alternative for shoppers who liked the lightweight appeal of the Skyline. It is a different design, with a crossbar lock and D2 blade, rather than a direct Skyline reissue.
Shop the Kershaw Mini Iridium 2051 at Knife Depot
7. Kershaw Leek 1660 — USA-made classic
Price checked: $76.99. The stainless steel Leek 1660 remains a strong option near the top of this guide’s budget. This USA-made Ken Onion design has a 3-inch 14C28N blade, SpeedSafe assisted opening, and a slim steel handle. The specific 1660 listed here uses a frame lock, plus a Tip-Lock Slider to help keep the blade closed during carry.
Choose it for a slim profile and stainless blade steel. The clip supports right-side tip-up or tip-down carry; buyers needing a reversible left/right clip should compare the Mini Iridium or Brawler.
Shop the Kershaw Leek 1660 at Knife Depot
What Happened to the Skyline and the Other Previous Picks?
The Skyline is no longer a current Knife Depot recommendation in this guide: we could not find an available Skyline in the store’s catalog when updating it. The Heist and Mini Iridium give readers two currently stocked manual-opening alternatives. Availability at Knife Depot is separate from whether a manufacturer or another dealer offers a particular version.
The earlier guide also listed the Link, Blur, and Dividend at prices that no longer matched our current selection. We removed the Link from this shortlist and moved away from the Blur and Dividend because the stocked versions checked were above this guide’s $80 budget. That does not mean every one of those models is discontinued.
How to Choose Your Budget Kershaw
- Start with the cutting jobs. A short Shuffle works for small packages. A longer Heist provides more reach. Blade shape and handle fit matter as much as the price.
- Decide between manual and assisted opening. The Heist and Mini Iridium are manual folders. The Leek, Cryo, and Brawler use assisted opening. Kershaw explains the differences in its opening systems guide.
- Check the exact variant. Steel, handle material, lock type, and price can change within a model family. This list identifies the specific versions linked above.
- Look at weight and clip position. The 1.9-ounce Atmos and 2.5-ounce Mini Iridium are lighter options. The steel-handled Cryo is 4.1 ounces. Choose a clip arrangement that suits the side and position where you carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Kershaw in this guide costs the least?
The black-handled Shuffle 8700 was $23.99 when checked. It has a 2.4-inch blade, a liner lock, and built-in bottle-opener and screwdriver functions.
Is the Cryo an assisted-opening knife?
Yes. The Cryo 1555TI uses SpeedSafe assisted opening. The earlier description of it as a manual-only flipper was incorrect.
Does the Leek use a liner lock or frame lock?
The stainless steel Leek 1660 linked here uses a frame lock. Other Leek variants can use different handle materials and locks, so check the exact model.
Which should I choose instead of the Skyline?
Compare the Mini Iridium for a compact aluminum-handled folder or the Heist for a lower-priced D2 option with a slightly longer blade. Both were in stock when this guide was updated.
Ready to choose? Use the product links above to compare the exact knife, see current stock, and check the latest price before ordering.
Excellent guide for budget-friendly everyday carry knives! The detailed breakdown of Kershaw options helps make informed choices. Great resource for those starting their EDC journey.