Quick Summary
- What Maxam is: a budget knife and tool brand often found in hardware stores, gas stations and online.
- Steel: listings usually show 420-series stainless, which resists rust but dulls quickly.
- Best Maxam pick: the Falcon lockback folders, simple and inexpensive spare knives.
- Quality: owners report older Japan-made Maxams lasting decades; newer models are more variable.
- Better buys: Kershaw Leek, Gerber Paraframe and Morakniv Eldris cost a little more and perform much better.
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Maxam knives are inexpensive pocket knives, fixed blades and tool sets sold under the Maxam name. You’ll often find them in hardware stores, flea markets, gas stations and online marketplaces.
Our previous version of this review included a detailed company history about founders, factories and output figures. We couldn’t verify any of it, so we’ve removed it.
What can be said fairly is that Maxam is a budget brand. Knife enthusiasts report that older Maxam knives were made in Japan, while newer models are mostly imported from China.
Maxam at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Price level | Budget |
| Common steel | 420-series stainless (per listings) |
| Where made | Older models Japan; newer models mostly China (owner reports) |
| Best use | Spare, glovebox or tackle-box knife |
| Main weakness | Edge retention and inconsistent quality |
How we chose: we haven’t lab-tested these knives side by side. We compared blade length and shape, steel, construction (forged or stamped), handle design and the makers’ published specifications, and we favored models with a long track record and consistent owner feedback over newer, unproven listings.
Specifications come from product listings. We’ve removed claims we couldn’t support, including that Maxam knives “can save your life from wild animals”.
Maxam Knives Compared
| Knife | Type | Steel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxam SK7002 Falcon IV | Lockback folder | 420 stainless | Inexpensive spare |
| Maxam SK7473H Lockback | Lockback folder | 420 stainless | Classic look |
| Maxam SKMX103 Pro Series | Folder with clip | 420 stainless | Part-serrated utility |
| Maxam SKFEATHER | Liner lock folder | Stainless | Small and light |
| Maxam SKMXD45 | Folder | Stainless | Glovebox knife |
The Maxam Knives
Maxam SK7002 Falcon IV Lockback
The Falcon IV is a lockback folder with a 420 stainless blade, a partly serrated edge and a thumb hole for opening, according to the listing. Owners describe it as small but solid for the price.
The lockback mechanism is simple and secure for light tasks. Expect to sharpen it often, as 420 steel doesn’t hold an edge long.
Maxam SK7473H Lockback
This lockback has a 420 stainless blade and an oval opening hole, according to the listing. It has a traditional look that some buyers like as a spare or gift.
Fit and finish vary between examples. Check that the blade is centered and locks firmly when it arrives.
Maxam SKMX103 Pro Series
The SKMX103 is a folder with a 420 stainless blade, a textured handle and a stainless pocket clip. The listing gives a closed length of about 4.7 inches and an open length of about 7.9 inches, and it comes with a belt pouch.
Its partly serrated blade helps with rope and cord. Our older review noted it borrows its look from Spyderco designs, which is common among budget knives.
Maxam SKFEATHER Liner Lock
The SKFEATHER is a small liner lock folder with a stainless blade. It’s light and slim, so it rides easily in a jeans pocket.
Some owners find it stiff to open at first. It suits light cutting such as opening packages and trimming string.
Maxam SKMXD45 Folder
The SKMXD45 is a folding knife with a stainless blade of about 3.4 inches, according to our earlier review. It’s an inexpensive knife to keep in a car or toolbox.
Treat it as a backup rather than a main everyday knife.
Knives We Removed
Our older review included a 12-piece “survival” set and a 9.25-inch hollow-handle survival knife. Hollow-handle knives with kits stored in the handle are usually weak where the blade meets the handle, so we no longer recommend them.
Folding Knife Locks Explained
| Lock | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockback | A spring-loaded bar on the spine locks the blade | Strong, simple, familiar | Usually two-handed to close |
| Liner lock | A bent liner springs behind the blade | One-handed closing, slim | Can wear or slip on cheap knives |
| Frame lock | Part of the handle frame locks the blade | Very strong when well made | Heavier; quality varies |
| Slip joint | Spring tension holds the blade, no true lock | Legal in more places | Can close under pressure |
Most Maxam folders use lockbacks or liner locks. On any budget knife, check the lock each time you use it until you trust it.
Plain or Serrated Edge?
A plain edge gives cleaner cuts and is far easier to sharpen. It handles food, packaging and whittling well.
A partly serrated edge helps with rope, webbing and fibrous materials. The trade-off is that serrations need a tapered rod and more care to sharpen.
How Good Is 420 Stainless Steel?
| Steel | Rust resistance | Edge retention | Ease of sharpening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420 / 420J2 | Very high | Low | Very easy |
| 420HC (Gerber, Buck) | High | Moderate | Easy |
| 8Cr13MoV | High | Moderate | Easy |
| Sandvik 14C28N (Kershaw) | High | Good | Easy |
| Sandvik 12C27 (Morakniv) | High | Good | Easy |
420 stainless is soft and very rust-resistant, which suits fishing and damp environments. Its downside is that it loses its edge quickly with regular use.
Spending a little more gets you steels like 14C28N or 12C27, which hold an edge noticeably longer and are still easy to sharpen.
Pros and Cons of Maxam Knives
What we like:
- Very low prices
- Rust-resistant steel
- Wide variety of styles
- Fine as spare or gift knives
What to consider:
- Soft steel dulls quickly
- Inconsistent quality control
- Many designs copy other brands
- Little reliable brand information
Better Budget Knives to Consider
| Knife | Steel | Why it’s better |
|---|---|---|
| Kershaw Leek | Sandvik 14C28N | Much better steel and fit; made in the USA |
| Gerber Paraframe II | 7Cr17MoV | Light, inexpensive and widely available |
| Morakniv Eldris | Sandvik 12C27 | Small fixed blade made in Sweden |
| CRKT Squid | Stainless | Compact, chunky budget folder |
For a sturdy fixed blade, see our best fixed-blade EDC knives under $100. For another budget brand, read our Coast knives review.
Maxam vs Gerber vs Kershaw
| Brand | Typical steel | Quality control | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxam | 420 stainless | Variable | Very low |
| Gerber | 7Cr17MoV, 420HC | Generally consistent | Low |
| Kershaw | 8Cr13MoV, 14C28N | Good | Low to moderate |
The price gap between Maxam and these brands is often small. The extra spend usually buys better steel, tighter locks and more consistent finishing.
Using a Pocket Knife Safely
- Cut away from your body and keep your other hand clear of the blade path.
- Make sure the lock is engaged before applying pressure.
- Close the knife carefully, keeping fingers out of the blade’s path.
- Keep it sharp; a dull knife needs more force and slips more easily.
- Never use the tip to pry or the spine as a hammer.
Carrying a Knife Legally
Knife laws differ widely between countries, states and cities. Limits often cover blade length, lock type and whether the knife is carried openly or concealed.
Check the rules where you live and travel, and never carry a knife into schools, airports or other restricted places.
How to Choose a Budget Pocket Knife
Lock Type
A lockback or liner lock keeps the blade from closing on your fingers. Test the lock by checking that the blade doesn’t wiggle or close under light pressure.
Blade Length
Blades of 2.5 to 3.5 inches handle most everyday jobs and are legal to carry in more places. Check your local knife laws, especially for longer or assisted-opening knives.
Steel
Look for a named steel. 8Cr13MoV, 14C28N and 12C27 are good budget steels, while plain “stainless” often means a softer 420-class steel.
Fit and Finish
The blade should sit centered in the handle when closed. Screws should be tight, and the edge should be even along its length.
Checking a Budget Knife When It Arrives
- Open and close it several times to check the action is smooth.
- Look for blade play by gently wiggling the open blade up, down and sideways.
- Check the lock engages fully and doesn’t slip with light pressure on the spine.
- Inspect the edge for chips or uneven grinding.
- Check centering; the closed blade shouldn’t rub either side of the handle.
If a knife fails any of these checks, return or exchange it. With budget brands, getting a good example can depend on luck.
Good Uses for a Maxam Knife
A cheap, rust-resistant knife is handy in places where a good knife might be lost or damaged. Think fishing tackle boxes, car gloveboxes, garden sheds and camping bins.
It’s also a reasonable knife for learning to sharpen. Soft 420 steel responds quickly, so beginners can practice angles without risking an expensive blade.
Gifting a Pocket Knife
A pocket knife can make a thoughtful gift, but a better-made budget knife will leave a better impression. A Kershaw or Gerber costs only a little more and is more likely to last.
Some traditions suggest including a coin with a gifted knife for the recipient to give back. It’s a fun custom to explain with the gift.
Caring for an Inexpensive Knife
- Wipe the blade dry after use, especially near salt water.
- Oil the pivot occasionally with a drop of light oil.
- Sharpen often with a small stone or rod.
- Tighten loose screws before they cause blade play.
- Don’t pry with the blade; budget steels can snap.
Sharpening Soft Stainless Knives
Soft steels like 420 sharpen quickly, so use a fine stone or ceramic rod and light pressure. Coarse stones remove metal fast and can create a wavy edge.
Keep a consistent angle of about 20 degrees per side. Use a tapered rod for any serrated section.
Fixing Common Problems on Cheap Folders
If the blade wobbles, tighten the pivot screw a little at a time until the play disappears but the blade still opens freely. A drop of thread locker can stop it loosening again.
If the action is gritty, flush the pivot with warm soapy water, dry it fully and add a drop of light oil. Many stiff budget knives loosen up after a few days of use.
If the lock slips, stop using the knife for anything beyond very light tasks. A failed lock is the most serious fault on any folding knife.
How Long Will a Maxam Knife Last?
With light use and basic care, a Maxam folder can last for years. Owners of older Japan-made models report knives still working after decades.
Heavy use shortens that life, mainly through worn locks and edges that have been sharpened away. For hard daily use, a better-made knife will outlast several budget ones.
Who Should Buy Maxam?
Maxam knives make sense as cheap spares for a glovebox, tackle box or toolbox, or as a first inexpensive knife. They’re also handy where losing a knife wouldn’t matter much.
For an everyday knife you’ll rely on, spend a little more on a Kershaw, Gerber or Morakniv.
Our Verdict
Maxam offers very cheap knives that do basic jobs. Quality varies, and the soft steel needs frequent sharpening.
If you buy one, inspect it on arrival and keep a small sharpener with it.
They’re fine as backups, but they’re not the best value once you compare them with slightly more expensive budget brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maxam knives good?
They’re acceptable budget knives for light use, but quality varies and the steel dulls quickly.
Where are Maxam knives made?
Owners report older models were made in Japan and newer ones mostly in China. Check the blade or packaging.
What steel do Maxam knives use?
Listings usually show 420-series stainless steel.
Is 420 stainless good for a knife?
It’s very rust-resistant and easy to sharpen, but it doesn’t hold an edge long.
What’s a better budget pocket knife than Maxam?
The Kershaw Leek, Gerber Paraframe II or CRKT Squid.
Do Maxam knives have a warranty?
Some listings mention a limited warranty. Check the specific product before buying.
