The budget knife market is packed with options—some good, some bad. When a company aims to compete in this space, it needs to focus on materials and quality. Go too cheap, and you get a subpar product; go too high, and you risk pricing yourself out of the budget category. Then there are knives that land in a strange middle ground—enter the SOG Diverge XR.

At around $60, the Diverge XR sits on the upper end of the budget spectrum (depending on how you define "budget"). On paper, it seems promising: aluminum handle, deep carry clip, D2 steel blade, and SOG's XR lock—a variation of the Benchmade Axis lock. It looks decent, and that’s exactly what it is: decent. It’s not exceptional, but it cuts well enough. Let’s break it down—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I've reviewed so many modern knives that it feels like the right time for a slight departure. My love for knives started with slipjoints—the kind your grandpa carried while cleaning his nails and reminiscing about the old days. But outside of a few manufacturers, traditional knife-making has faded. Case, Buck, and Schrade are still around, and you’ve got companies like GEC, Jack Wolf, and Peña keeping the flame alive, but the market is overwhelmingly modern.

Enter RoseCraft Blades. Founded by Andy Armstrong, a veteran in the industry, RoseCraft brings a fresh approach to traditional designs. His passion is evident in every pattern, blending heritage with innovation. And today, I’m looking at their Clinch River Button Lock—RoseCraft’s first foray into "modern traditionals."

When you're on the hunt for a compact and featherweight everyday carry knife, the options are as plentiful as gadgets in a spy's arsenal. Some are so light they moonlight as money clips—quite the party trick. Today, we're diving into a knife that not only fits this ultralight bill but also flirts with the idea of doubling as a money clip. But should it? Let's find out.

Enter the SOG Ultra XR Blackout edition—a folding knife that's as sleek as a tuxedo-clad secret agent. With carbon fiber handles and an axis-style lock, this knife tips the scales at a mere 1.2 ounces. Yes, you read that right. It's lighter than a paperclip convention. Closed, it measures 3.6 inches, extending to an overall length of 6.4 inches when deployed. The carbon fiber boasts a marbled, almost shredded appearance, giving it an aesthetic that's both sophisticated and ready for action.