CJRB Pyrite Review: The Popular Budget Folder Goes Fully Customizable

Introduction

The CJRB Pyrite has quietly become one of the most talked-about budget folding knives under sixty dollars, and the current Kickstarter campaign takes that formula further by letting buyers configure the knife in a wide range of combinations. Rather than forcing you into one fixed build, the campaign works like a pre-order system: you pick the blade finish, handle material, inlays, and pocket clip, and CJRB matches one knife to one person.

That approach is smart for a small manufacturer. It avoids the risk of producing large runs of colors that may not sell evenly, and it gives the company real data on which versions people actually want.

What the Pyrite Offers Across All Versions

Every Pyrite variation in the campaign shares the same foundation: a Sheep’s foot style blade measuring three and an eighth of an inch in total length with a cutting edge a little under three inches. The action is consistently praised as comfortable and notably fidget-friendly, and the grind quality is a highlight. All of the edges shown feature a very even grind, something that is not always a given at this price level.

Customization extends beyond the blade. CJRB offers milled titanium pocket clips in a variety of anodized colors, plus plain titanium and a black DLC coated option, so different variants can be matched to the handle combinations.

The Base Model: Steel Handle with G10 Inlays

The entry point of the campaign is a steel button lock version with G10 inlays, and it hits a genuinely useful middle ground. The G10-only version offers more grip and practicality, while the solid steel version looks better but lacks traction. This model combines the grippy feel of G10 with the polished look of steel, and it feels lighter than the standard steel variety with a slightly different finish.

At fifty-five dollars during the Kickstarter, it is actually cheaper than the all stainless version. That price will not last once it goes to general release, with a planned MSRP just under eighty dollars, but even at full price it remains a competitive proposition. The blade is AR-RPM9 steel, and like all versions, the factory edge is impressively even.

Stepping Up: Titanium Handles and Damascus

Moving up the range, the titanium-handled version trades weight for refinement. It is noticeably lighter than the steel frame and produces a different, more crisp sound when the blade is deployed, and it can be ordered in various anodized finishes or with a black DLC coating. It is called the Enthusiast tier, and like everything else in the campaign, it is a mix-and-match proposition.

One of the most striking builds pairs a titanium handle with wood inlays that curve and conform flush to the edges of the inlay pocket, finished with a VG10 Damascus blade and a milled titanium clip. It is a genuinely handsome knife that exceeded expectations, well executed enough to serve as a reference piece.

The Premium Version: S90V and Contoured Titanium

At the top sits a fully loaded version: contoured titanium handle, milled titanium pocket clip, and inlay options including Fat Carbon and Micarta, paired with an S90V blade. It runs around two hundred dollars as part of the Kickstarter.

One ergonomic note is worth knowing before buying. Despite the contouring, the flattened shelf along the handle translates into a slightly thinner edge with less contouring, so it feels about as comfortable in hand as the base model rather than more so. The comfort is equal, but the look and materials are on another level entirely. S90V is a divisive choice in the knife community, beloved by many enthusiasts even if it is not for everyone.

Buying Advice

If you want the best value, the base model with G10 inlays is the standout: strong grip, good looks, an even factory grind, and a Kickstarter price below the cost of the all-steel version. If weight and anodized finishes matter most, the titanium Enthusiast tier is the sensible step up. The Damascus and S90V builds are for buyers who want the Pyrite as a showpiece as much as a tool. Since the campaign is effectively a configurable pre-order, it is worth deciding which combination you actually want rather than defaulting to the cheapest or priciest option.

Conclusion

The CJRB Pyrite earns its popularity through an even grind, comfortable action, and a fidget-friendly button lock, and the Kickstarter configuration system turns one well-liked budget knife into a genuinely personal purchase. Choose the G10-inlaid steel version for value, the titanium builds for refinement, and the S90V tier if premium blade steel is what you are after.