Powder steel knives are some of the best blades you can EDC. Their unique metallurgy allows knives made of this type of steel to get harder and sharper than traditional stainless steel, but that prowess often comes at a price. Seeking to deliver value, Artisan Cutlery and their more affordable CJRB EDC folding knife brand formulate and manufacture a proprietary high-performance powder steel that they call AR-RPM9. One of their best knives that feature this design is the CJRB Pyrite, an affordable sub-50 dollar EDC folding knife with solid cutting performance, convenient ergonomics, and stellar aesthetics that make it a joy to carry daily.

The Pyrite is a manual dual thumbstud opening knife that’s easy to open because of the cut-out ergonomic handle and the ceramic ball bearings in the pivot. Closing the blade is also easy because the secure push button lock lets you properly grip the handle as you close the knife. With the top jimping on the blade, you have complete control over the cutting you can do with the 3.11” drop-point blade made from the AR-RPM9 stainless steel, as mentioned above.

Unlike most folding EDC knives you can get at this price range, the CJRB Pyrite‘s AR-RPM9 features similar cutting performance and maximum hardness you’d expect from more premium powder metallurgy blades. It’s also not made out of D2 tool steel like other knives at this price point, which has the downside of not being stainless steel. And on that note, the AR-RPM9 stainless steel on this knife is far superior to the cheapest 8Cr blades available today.

What we like: With an intelligent and ergonomic design and quality powder metallurgy stainless steel, the CJRB Pyrite features excellent performance potential and value for money.

What to watch out for: The Pyrite also comes in alternate textured G-10 handle scales if the stainless steel one is a little too smooth for your liking, as well as other finishes and colors to fit the rest of your loadout better.

Final verdict: If you want better performance and bang for your dollar, look no further than the CJRB Pyrite. Unlike its namesake, it’s a quality EDC folding knife, not fool’s gold.

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The post The Drop: CJRB Pyrite Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Today we see what happens when a solid, affordable EDC knife gets the chance to spread its wings and get the royal treatment for its design and materials. CJRB’s Pyrite knife has been making waves as an excellent EDC option due to its clean style and thoughtful features at a fantastic price point.

They’ve teamed up with Blade HQ for this unique and premium take, bumping up the 3.11″ AR-RPM9 steel blade to S35VN and the G-10 scales to a wild purple fat carbon design on the show side and a stealthy black on the clip side. And of course, it still comes with the unique button lock that gives it a touch more ease of use and added fidgetability.

What we like: The patterns you get on fat carbon are like nothing else, and the purple used here mixes well with the all-black design. Also, button locks are fun and rare to see, so they’re always a welcome change from the usual liner or framelocks.

What to watch out for: The original Pyrite offered a great knife at a great price, so it may be a bit harder to swallow the higher price point this exclusive is asking for.

Final verdict: Thinking out of the box and offering fresh takes on even the most “budget” knives is always a pleasure to see, even if they aren’t for everyone. Luckily the mainline affordable Pyrite is still around, even if this limited one isn’t up your alley!

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The post The Drop: CJRB Pyrite Blade HQ Exclusive Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.