My top picks for inexpensive knives:
$10-?
Swiss army knives
Under $20
Mora
Opinel
$20-$30
Kershaw:
Vapor
Echo
$30-$45
Becker
BK-7
Buck
Vanguard
Alphas


First I don't think I would ever own a cheap knife <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> but I do own some inexpensive knives. Moras are great, they are super sharp and pretty tough. The opinel's require a bit of modification but for under $10 it's a great deal. I love the vapor I've been using this for EDC for a couple of months. It's seems to be a good knife. I just bought the Echo and I have a camping trip planed this weekend so I plan on testing the knife out. The echo seems to be a solid blade. The Becker has had so many positive reviews that I don't think I could add anything that hasn't already been said this is a great knife for the price. You can find plenty of buck knives for $40 and under. Most of Buck’s knives are 420HC steel but I think Buck has learned how to get the most out of that steel. My favorite new SAK is the soldier I bought for $14 it's an awesome knife. But you can find SAK in any price range.

So it depends on what you think is cheap and what kind of knife you want but a good knife doesn’t have to be expensive. If I were in a survival situation I'd feel pretty confident with any of my knives. Would I prefer a Sebenza to my Vapor I think I would. Do I think I'll be buying a Sebenza any time soon - no I don't think I will be.