Best EDC Knives Under $50

An everyday carry knife might look insignificant when stacked up against something like a machete, but the usefulness a pocketknife provides is huge. When you think about all the activities and work situations that most often require the help of an EDC knife – cutting open packaging, slicing old pizza boxes, prying out rusty nails – you’ll understand why these models are best sellers.

Fishermen, hunters, ERTs, and the military carry EDC knives at all times. Ask anyone who has to walk through dark streets when guns aren’t permissible, and they say they feel safer with a little, cheap EDC knife in their pocket. Hands down, an EDC, everyday carry, or pocket knife – call it whatever you like – is one of the most useful cutting tools you can own. Here’s my list of the best EDC knives under $50, because a knife doesn’t have to break the budget to be good.

Top 11 Best EDC Knife Under $50 Reviews in 2023

SOG Small Fixed Blade Knife

SOG is a recognizable brand name that signifies the highest quality fabrication, design, and materials no matter what the price. This little stunner is less than 6 inches in length and comes with a textured sheath to cover its fixed blade. You could hide it in a boot or on your belt for quick access.

With a full-tang blade constructed from durable SS, satin-polished, and very solid, the SOG Instinct makes the perfect backup knife in tactical or survival situations. G-10 handle has jimping and finger grooves for better grip, blade control, and ergonomics. Brilliant EDC NedFoss EDC Knife for under $50.

CRKT Pilar EDC Folding Pocket Knife

This might be the best EDC knife under $50, but the Pilar by CRKT means business right out of the box. It arrives super-sharp and ready to tackle anything from fishing line to small branches. The tip is honed to a strong point, then the blade curves down to a 2.4² flat grind. You can see at a glance that a master craftsman designed this blade: JesperVoxnaes as a matter of fact.

The Pilar might be small and compact, but it packs a lot of cutting power and strength. The bead-blasted handle is non-slip with a liner lock and thumb hole. If you know anyone on the lookout for a well-balanced EDC folder suitable for both large and small hands, recommend this CRKT knife to them.

MOSSY OAK Folding Pocket Utility Knife

Mossy Oak has perfected the classic box cutter shape and design and taken it to the next level with a belt clip and quick-change blade mechanism. The secure frame lock on the side will prevent any blade slips during usage. The sharpness of the replaceable blades takes the hard work out of cutting through cardboard, twine, and even balsa wood.

If you are or know, a hardcore hobbyist or arts and crafts enthusiast, you should seriously think about getting this pocketknife for everyday carry. Its compact shape fits nicely into even the shallowest of pockets because of the 5.2² folded length. The perfect fit for any palm.

Eafengrow EF335 Tactical Folding Knives

Eafengrow fabricates some of the best professional outdoor camping knives in the world, in my opinion. This handy little tactical folding knife is suitable for everyday carry because the handle is designed to be more suitable for palm use. When you see the blade, you’ll understand why it’s recommended for survival and self-defense, but would also fit in with hiking, fishing, and outdoor rescue cutting tool scenarios.

For a pocket knife, the Eafengrow’s 8.9² full extension is considered to be on the long side, but this is because the G-10 handle is a comfortable 5² to provide a better grip. The perfect choice for an outdoor fancier.

NedFoss EDC Folding Knife for Under 50

Think of a boxcutter on steroids and you’ll get an idea of what the NedFoss 8² folder looks like. Not only does this extremely affordable best EDC knife under $50 come with its own PU leather casing and slingshot attachment, but also a liner lock and pocket clip. Ideal for camping, hunting, and fishing.

The NedFoss Folding Knife doesn’t slide in and out of the handle like a boxcutter, but the Tanto shape SS blade with the black coating will do the job of dissecting cardboard easily and efficiently. Because of the liner locking mechanism, when the blade is folded out of the handle it can never close back until the thumb stud is released.

TANGRAM Tactical Mini Pocket EDC Knife

If you hate the thought of having to read through an instruction manual before using your EDC knife when it arrives, then the TANGRAM mini pocket knife is for you. Its straightforward design hides the no-nonsense, high-value EDC knife material.

As far as easy carry goes, they don’t come more lightweight than this. It’s because of the synthetic epoxy glass fiber material handle, which is also non-slip, moisture-proof, and oil proof. It packs a lot of wallop for the price. A standout lightweight best EDC knife under $50.

Gerber Pocket Square EDC Pocket Knife

We know that having a pocket knife handy for when you need to catch up on your chores and gardening is heaven-sent. The Pocket Square will do the job you need it for very nicely. It can open compost bags and slice through gauze netting with little effort.

You will need to push the stud at the bottom before releasing the blade upwards. This might take a little time to do, and if that’s a problem for you then lookout for the best assisted open EDC knife under 50 instead. Gerber knife is compact with a solid, comfortable grip and solid lockup to with sturdy pocket clip.

Gerber Jukebox EDC Pocket Knife

While minimalistic, understated EDC knives are abundant nowadays, you might be more inclined to get your hands on something that’s both beautiful and functional. The Gerber Jukebox is perfect for that, and it also comes under $50! The price comes as a surprise, really. It’s a sheepsfoot blade with a straight edge and hollow ground.

Moreover, the blade is satin finished, and its edge would be easy to sharpen should you need it. Users confirmed that the blade is wicked sharp right out of the box. Since the blade is so sharp, you need to be extra careful while using this knife. Luckily, the liner lock safety feature reduces the risk of accidentally cutting yourself on this blade.

You can quickly deploy the blade and close it single-handedly. Adding to the beauty of the blade is the marble patterned acrylic handle. It makes the Jukebox stand out from the rest of the EDC knives in this price range. The extended tang finger flipper is also quite subtle; therefore, it doesn’t distract from the beautiful yet straightforward silhouette.

Western Active Honey Badger Pocket Knife

Besides coming in a wonderful range of colors and blade types, the Honey Badger is a true everyday carry classic, but also a collector’s item. This model is small and compact and when it arrives, you will be delighted with its honeycomb textured non-slip handle and utilitarian capabilities.

One of the best ergonomically designed EDC pocket knives on the market today, when you have the Honey Badger in your hand it provides you with control and comfort for both forwards and backward cutting motions.

I’m a big fan of forwardly placed finger choils as it gives you more control over the cutting tool while doing up-close intricate cuts. The Honey Badger provides good balance and even better ergonomics. If you’re worried that the choil might be too small if you have large hands, fear not! This is one very accommodating knife for all sizes and functions.

ALBATROSS Folding Pocket Knife

The Albatross 7²folder with natural ebony wood/ Damascus steel inlay handle and SS blade is a beautiful item and a real bargain at under 50 dollars! Besides its excellent craftsmanship, the sleek textures and compact, lightweight shape is also functional. This everyday carry pocket knife would make a good gift for any hobbyist, camper, or outdoor enthusiast.

There is an eyelet hole in the ebony wood handle through which a lanyard can be threaded, so there’s no danger of losing it in the garden or outdoors. The Albatross doesn’t only look good. The modern Damascus SS blade is hand forged with layers of high carbon and durable nickel. Very nice value for the price.

 

See More Images ➜

Steinbrucke EDC Folding Pocket Knife

Steinbrücke is very proud of the fact they use 9Cr18Mov SS to fabricate their knives, so it’s impressive when their finely crafted cutting tools are priced at a budget-friendly under 50 dollars. For the money, this is a beautifully balanced, elegant looking best EDC knife under $50.

The exceptional stainless steel blade has been hardened to an HRC60-61 level, so you don’t have to be afraid to put this knife through some punishing work. The all-metal EDC also has good anti-corrosion properties, so you know it will hard its off-the-factory-floor sharpness for many years to come. All-round great value EDC pocket knife.

What Features to Look For in the Top EDC Knives for Under 50

Knives that can fit into a pocket or purse are popular for a reason. It’s no use having or needing a knife if it stays locked inside a drawer somewhere. Not all pocket knives are made with high-quality blades and finishes, however. You have to do your homework before deciding to buy one.

This is why I consider a comprehensive buyers guide of the best EDC knife under 50 reviews is necessary. No matter how good a knife looks on paper if it breaks when you’re using it to try and open a box it’s no fun. Several other factors, besides strength, have to be taken into account when buying:

Whether you buy your EDC knife online or after a visit to the shops, the criteria for choosing the right product won’t change.

Factors to Consider When Buying an EDC Knife

What Are Your Reasons for Buying an EDC?

Only collectors buy a knife because it looks cool. For those of us who need a pocket knife and also have to stick to a budget, an EDC knife under 50 dollars has to be able to do the task for which it was bought.

If you’re into camping or survival and wilderness training, your EDC has to be able to cut branches and whittle shavings to start a fire. If you’re a paramedic, it has to be able to cut through plastic tubing or seat belts equally well. By giving a lot of thought into what the knife will be used for, this is the best guide as to which knife to buy.

What Are the Local Laws Where You Live?

What you also need to consider when buying any knife you plan to carry around with you is the local laws. This is especially important if you plan on traveling with your knife. You might get away with stowing it in your luggage, but be sure the blade length is on the legal side of things when you arrive at your destination!

What Weight EDC Will You Be Comfortable Carrying?

The perfect weight for an EDC knife that you plan on carrying everywhere with you is one weighing no more than 5 ounces. If the knife is to throw into a pack or glove compartment box in the car, then feel free to go heavier.

Blade Shape/Length

The length and shape of the EDC you choose should always be determined by its purpose. For everyday carry, the perfect blade length should be no longer than 5 inches.

Edge

The most essential performance of any best EDC knife under $50 is how good is the edge? The blade edge is what determines how sharp the knife is and also if it will be easy to sharpen. There are several different knife-edge types:

I would recommend getting an EDC with a full flat grind if you are always on the go or new to everyday carry knives in general. They are really easy to sharpen because they have less surface area. A knife with a V grind blade will weigh more as they have more body volume. If you want your pocket knife to be able to cut through the most delicate substances, then go for a hollow grind.

Price

How much an EDC knife costs comes in a wide range. Little pocket knives you pick up from the souvenir shop for under ten dollars are going to have minimal functionality when up against a handcrafted custom made one from a master craftsman. But don’t be misled by pricing, as there are more than a few highest quality EDC knives on the market that cost less than 50 dollars – like the ones on this list.

Is Handle Material Important for an EDC Under $50?

Yes. Checking for high-quality materials is very important when choosing the best EDC for under $50. If the manufacturer is cutting back on expenditure to keep the price accessible, this could reflect in a cheap or badly made handle.

When you consider that the only thing that comes between you and a very sharp blade is the handle, you’ll understand why texture, grip, ergonomics, and materials used are vital. Everyday carry knife handles come in a wide variety of materials, even if the knife blade and liners are made of either carbon steel or stainless steel:

These are just some of the materials used to create knife handles. They each have their own unique properties, such as non-slip, non-stain, high durability, and anti-corrosion. Metal handles mean the price and weight of the knife might go up, and the durability of the cutting tool might go down.

Handles with good grip, ergonomic structure, and excellent control can be made out of any material if the design is good. Texturing on any handle indicates it can be used in both wet and dry conditions.

How to Check If Your EDC Knife Under $50 Has the Most Bang for the Buck

Value: Keep an eye on the materials used in the construction of the knife. Do your homework, and check what all those numbers and letters mean when they are describing which metal has been used. It can be the difference between owning your EDC for a very long time or having it break or rust on you.

Likewise, the same goes for pocket clips. If your EDC has a sturdy pocket clip, you won’t be losing it any time soon. When you don’t have to always replace something, it saves you money in the long run.

Comfort: An EDC should be comfortable in your hand and in your pocket. You will be carrying your cutting tool with you every day, so make a choice as to whether you want it hanging from a key chain, sitting at the bottom of your pocket, or clipped on a belt.

Performance: Any knife you own and carry must offer efficient cutting performance, no matter what the price. You don’t have to be hitting the hiking trail or working at a post office to recognize the usefulness of having a knife around when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Are the Best EDC Knives Under 50?

A: Fortunately, there is a vast range of top-quality best EDC knife under $50. If you are looking for an excellent pocket knife, the No. 8 Trekking Knife from Opinel is a great choice. The Rat 1 Knife from OKC, on the other hand, is an excellent choice if you are looking to invest in an EDC knife that has been tried and tested by many knife fans for years.

Q: What Is the Purpose of an EDC Knife?

A: EDC knives are handy; they are great tools for both mundane and adventurous situations. They allow you to perform tasks that require the use of a sharp blade, such as cutting strings, opening packages, and any other everyday chores.

Q: How to Choose the Best EDC Knife?

A: These are a few factors you need to consider when choosing an EDC knife:

Straight vs. Serrated: Serrated EDC knives are more versatile and can cut through hard materials easier. However, serrated knives can be quite a chore to sharpen. On the other hand, straight EDC blades have a longer edge and are relatively easier to sharpen than serrated knives. They are excellent for making deep slices, but they are not great at sawing through more rigid materials.

Steel Material: There is a wide array of steel material used in creating EDC knives. The material you should choose depends on what you want to use the knife on.

The Manufacturer: When shopping for EDC knives, it is essential to choose one from a reputable manufacturer to ensure the knife’s quality and functionality.

In Conclusion

An EDC knife makes the ideal gift for anyone who loves to garden, spend time outdoors, or even in recognition of them being old enough to use one. It doesn’t always have to be for emergencies, survival, or self-defense purposes.

Nowadays, the best EDC knife under $50 can be a great gift for someone, then that’s also a good thing. Never let preconceived notions hold you back from thinking you don’t or can’t want an everyday carry knife. If you’re a beginner who has never owned one before, then using a buyer’s guide to get some background info is an excellent idea.

You don’t need to have a pack or purse with you at all times to have a knife handy. This is good news if you’re a minimalist like me who hates carrying stuff around with them. And finally, if you are a collector, your display wouldn’t be complete without a pocket-size EDC you bought at a bargain price.