Finding the perfect pocket knife these days can be quite daunting for beginners and amateurs alike. There are so many factors to consider, such as blade steel, shape, method of use, handle material, weight, and size, that it can easily become over-complicated. On the high end of the market, you usually know you’re getting a quality knife, but many of us just want a decent, low-budget EDC that we don’t have to invest our life savings into.
10 Best Folding Knife Under $50 Budget EDC Knives
Cheapest knives first. I prefer this price range for absolute butcher knives that are likely to break or get lost. I also started the list with pocket knives with blades up to 3 inches, because I usually need a knife that will fit in small spaces. They are also very easy to pack with me, and usually, the smaller size means a lower price, so they are not too bad to replace in the likely event I lose one. This list was rounded out with larger knives for those who need the extra space for tough tasks.
- DIMENSIONS: 8 inch (20.3 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) and a weight of 4.4 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Black Oxide Stainless Steel with a black, textured and grooved aluminum handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the liner lock
- BE PREPARED: Knife Features Glass Breaker And Seatbelt Cutter
- Color:Natural Green
- Blade Material: AR-RPM9 powder steel
- Handle Material: G10
- Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
- Designer:Savannah Swaggerty
- 3.1" 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with black-oxide finish for excellent toughness, edge retention and wear resistance
- Textured Glass-filled nylon handle scales offer a solid grip with Gentle Contour and comfortable in-hand feel. Closed Length-4.25 inch
- Drop-point, partially serrated blade is perfect for tackling everyday tasks like opening Cardboard boxes, cutting rope, stripping Wire and more
- Feature rich handle includes SpeedSafe assisted opening, built-in flipper, secure locking liner and convenient reversible pocket clip
- The Black clash is a great tool for any hiker, hunter, angler, gardener, mechanic, Backpacker or anyone in need of a solid, reliable EDC
- Exceptional Grip: G10 handle provides exceptional grip in all conditions
- Enhanced Protection: Gray titanium nitride coating improves corrosion resistance
- Easy Opening: Thumb stud allows for fast opening with one hand
- Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details
- 【Simplicity At It’s Finest】 CJRB Feldspar series was designed to be a true everyman’s knife with a simple, highly functional design and true attention to small details that make this knife shine as the perfect EDC tool.
- 【D2 Steel —— Strength and Durability】 D2 is a tried-and-true performance steel that stays sharp and performs well under the harshest conditions. It has high wear resistance and anti-wear properties,we Harden ours between 59-61 HRC in order to achieve peak performance on a tool that is made to last a lifetime.
- 【Pure Performance】 Every element of this Pocket Folding knife has been designed with intention. From the sturdy drop-point blade, to the deep-carry clip, to the perfectly dialed-in thumb studs. This knife was especially made to be portable carried and used.
- 【Inset Liners Bring More Comfortable Experience】 We’ve inset the liners of the Feldspar Folding knife into the G10 scales, allowing for a supremely comfortable grip and a thinner profile in hand.Instead of a full steel liner lock with sharp corners that bite into your hand.
- 【From our Team to You】The Feldspar Folding Knife was designed by our designers and machinists. We wanted to make something that pulled no punches, compromised on nothing, and still stayed accessible to everyone who needs a good tool. The Feldspar Folding Knife is proof of our success.Meantime,we promise our knife 100% factory test with 1-year warranty. Please do not hesitate to contact our Service Team, we are here to help for any concerns within 24 hours.
- The hefty Pocket knife is made of high-quality materials. 5'' large blade with Titanium Carbo-Nitride finish has excellent toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention.
- Rosewood and gray metal handle of this hunting knife is an outstanding design, which provides a stable grip with gentle contour and a comfortable in-hand feel.
- NedFoss hunting folding knife is equipped with a safe and reliable liner lock, lanyard hole, and convenient pocket clip. This big knife can be stored in a car or backpack or worn around the waist to be available for the camper at any emergency.
- NedFoss large pocket knife is perfect for tackling everyday tasks like camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, survival, wilderness endurance, actual use.
- PRODUCT WARRANTY: We offer 30-day money refund and 12 months sale warranty. If there is any problem kindly feel free contact us. We will reply you asap.
- Low Profile: Slim clip fits comfortably in pocket-
- Fast Opening: Thumbstud with IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade fast
- Strong And Lightweight: Glass-reinforced nylon handle is durable and lightweight
- Designed by Richard Rogers in Magdalena, New Mexico
- Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details
- 3.1" 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with black-oxide finish for excellent toughness, edge retention and wear resistance
- Textured Glass-filled nylon handle scales offer a solid grip with Gentle Contour and comfortable in-hand feel. Closed Length-4.25 inch
- Drop-point, partially serrated blade is perfect for tackling everyday tasks like opening Cardboard boxes, cutting rope, stripping Wire and more
- Feature rich handle includes SpeedSafe assisted opening, built-in flipper, secure locking liner and convenient reversible pocket clip
- The Black clash is a great tool for any hiker, hunter, angler, gardener, mechanic, Backpacker or anyone in need of a solid, reliable EDC
- 3” tanto style blade made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel features excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance with black-oxide finish
- Handle features black glass filled nylon scales, flipper, SpeedSafe assisted opening, thumb studs, 4-position pocketclip and secure liner lock
- An excellent utility knife for many tasks including opening packages, piercing holes, cutting cords, opening cans, wilderness rescue and breaking down boxes
- A reliable companion for any backpacker, first responder, hunter, angler, gardener, hiker or landscaper edit
- Highly functional, stealthy, folding pocketknife is easily carried and ready to go in an instant
- Razor Sharp Blade - 3-3/4" 420HC stainless steel blade has excellent strength, edge retention and is corrosion resistant. The blade has a very sharp controllable point, and is good for detail work, piercing and slicing
- Strength and Safety - Easy to open with a nail notch on the blade. The lockback mechanism locks the blade open for reliable strength and safety while you work. Closed Length 4-7/8" Weight 7.2 oz.
- Durable and Multi Use - Meant to withstand even the toughest conditions and stay sharp for long. Great for hunting, camping, bushcrafting, fishing, hiking, and overlanding
- Convenient Carry - Includes a genuine high quality protective leather sheath with snap fastener. The integrated belt loop allows for safe and secure carry on your belt for easy access. The 110 is perfect as a hunting companion or for general outdoor use
- Forever Warranty - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is made in the USA. Includes imported sheath.
What to look for?
Whether you buy an EDC knife online or in a marketplace, the rules for carrying the product don’t change. Buying a product online is certainly a bit difficult because you can determine the quality, but that is the goal that you should simply buy from reputable brands (more on that later). Let’s look at the circumstances you should think about when buying the best EDC knife under 50.
1. Reason
You cannot buy a knife just because it is fashionable. Remember that a knife is a weapon, and you must have a valid reason for having one (or more). Besides being a weapon, a knife is also one of the oldest tools known to mankind. In prehistoric times, flint flakes were used as knives for cutting and hunting.
A pocket knife is a useful tool for cutting open boxes, cartons, packages, cutting a belt free in an emergency, cutting small tree branches, and lighting a fire. If you are a paramedic, fisherman, hunter, mechanic, plumber, or electrician, you need an EDC knife every day. But if you are none of these, then you must have a valid purpose for an EDC knife.
2. local laws
Another important factor to consider is the local laws where you live. Not all countries allow you to carry a knife with you at all times. If your country allows public possession and use of knives, always carry a copy of the knife law in your pocket or wallet. When in doubt, do not carry a knife.
3. Weight
Since an EDC knife is packed in a pocket, its weight needs to be evaluated before you buy it. How much is appropriate to carry in a pocket? The perfect weight should not be more than five ounces. Most lightweight pocket knives can do a lot, so you won’t be forced to reach for the bigger and heavier ones like Crocodile Dundee got to run with, or the Indian in the amazing sci-fi action thriller Predator.
4. Blade Length and Shape
Both the length and shape of the blade should be determined by your preferences. The perfect blade length of EDC knives is between two and five inches. Anything longer than that is difficult to support.
When it comes to the shape of the blade, there are seven different patterns that you can choose according to what you want to use the knife for. Some of the most popular blade shapes are the Drop Point, Spear Point, Clip Point, Trajectory Point, Tanto, Sheepsfoot, and the Wharncliffe.
5. Cutting Edge
The cutting edge of the blade defines how sharp your knife is and how easy it is to sharpen. While there are many different edge styles, some of the most popular is the Full Flat Grind, the V Grind, and the Hollow Grind. The full flat grind is easy to sharpen and use because it has less surface area. V-grind blades weigh more because they have more volume in the body. Hollow Grind blades are better for cutting delicate fabrics.
6. Handle Material
EDC knives are usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel, but the handle appears in a variety of different materials. Metal, thermoplastic, fiberglass reinforced nylon, and carbon fiber are some of the different common materials used to make EDC knife handles. Metal is the most expensive and generally less durable than other types of handles. There are often other features on the handle for better grip and control.
7. Cost
How much do you have to spend on a knife? EDC knives start at just $10 and go up to $2,000 for a custom-made one. If you need decent quality under a hundred dollars, several reputable brands offer many models of EDC knives. For $50, you can get a quality EDC knife that will serve for years.
Other features of an EDC knife to consider are the blade and pocket retention, the opening mechanism, and the type of lock. These features differ from one knife to another. Brands give the same knife in different distinctive features; therefore, you can choose the one that completely meets your expectations.
Final Word:
Putting together a list like this is a lot harder than you might imagine, because in this price range there are literally hundreds of options, and each one has its own advantages. I feel compelled to mention the following knives that I really like, but just didn’t make the cut (no pun intended!):
FAQ:
What is a pocket knife?
We think a good pocket knife is an essential everyday tool, so we spent hours researching, pouring over customer ratings, and sifting through specs.
What kind of situations do you intend to use your pocket knife for?
USE – A good pocket knife will certainly come in handy in all kinds of unexpected situations, but consider what you intend to use your knife for most often.
What are the features of a pocket knife?
SIZE AND WEIGHT – A pocket knife should be compact and light enough that it won’t bother you to carry it in your pocket, but large and robust enough to fit comfortably in your palm and be effective for the task at hand.
What Blade Shape Is Best?
If weight savings are a chief concern, a mini pocket knife might be your best bet BLADE SHAPE – The knives on our list are equipped with a range of blade shapes, but most are some form of the classic drop-point, which offers excellent versatility for various cutting and slicing tasks.
What Can You Do With a Pocket Knife?
That’s because having a good pocket knife can come in handy in a surprising number of ways, from everyday tasks like opening packages or prepping a snack to emergency applications such as self-defense or outdoor survival alike.
What are the benefits of carrying a Kershaw Fraxion?
It delivers great value for money, with a barely-there total weight of just 2 ounces and a clip point shape on its 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade that makes short work out of your daily cutting and slicing needs, especially with its hollow grind geometry.
What are the features of an EDC knife?
For general everyday use, you’ll most likely want a folding pocket knife with a locking mechanism, clip, and a blade that’s around 2.5“ to 3” long.
What length knife blade should I buy?
Blade length and shape: A drop-point shaped blade between 2.5“ to 3.5” long should handle most everyday tasks.
What is the pocket clip?
The pocket clip is simply one of the best you’ll find and can be positioned for tip up or down carry.
Hi, my name is Taras Kulakov and I’m a knife enthusiast. I have been collecting knives for over 30 years and I’ve owned literally thousands of different models over that time. My goal with this site is to share some of what I’ve learned about knives. You can find more info about Taras Kulakov here.
Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
