A knife that is meant for everyday use should have the right size, the perfect weight, a good handle, and a durable blade. It is essential for an EDC knife not to feel heavy or annoying in your pocket. Furthermore, a well-designed handle with a resistant material and a good grip is at least as necessary as a durable blade.
Other features, such as the shape of the blade and the handle as well as the opening and locking mechanism and other small features can and should be adapted to the individual use of the knife. The best pocket knives under $50 are here will do everything you want them to do and never bother you.
What Are the Best Pocket Knives Under $50?
- Spyderco Tenacious Everyday Carry Pocket Knife
- Kershaw Link SpeedSafe Assisted Opening EDC Knife
- CRKT CEO Low Profile Gentleman’s EDC Folding Knife
- Kershaw Leek SpeedSafe Assisted Opening Pocket Knife
- Kershaw Skyline Lightweight Manual Opening Folding Knife
- SOG Twitch II Spring Assisted Opening EDC Knife
- Kubey ERIS D2 Steel & Carbon Fiber Handle Pocket Knife
- CRKT M16-01KZ Spear Point Tactical Pocket Knife
- Buck Famous Folding Hunter Knife with Leather Sheath
- CRKT Ripple K415KXP Extremely Lightweight EDC Knife
- Spyderco Ambitious C148GP Small Folding Knife
- CRKT Pilar II Large (5315) Everyday Carry Pocket Knife
- Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Knife
Review of the 13 Best Folding Knives Under $50
1. Spyderco Tenacious Everyday Carry Utility Pocket Knife
Spyderco Tenacious is a compact EDC knife that has a very sharp plain edge blade shaped like a leaf. It is a 3.4″ long mid-sized drop point blade. The opening length of the knife is 7.76″, the closing length is 4.45″ and the weight is just 4oz.
The blade is made of widely used 8Cr13Mov stainless steel (HRC: 56-58) that can be easily sharpened. The 0.12″ thick blade has smooth flat ground and a decent-looking stealthy black coating.
The handle is made of laminated G-10 and nicely textured for a slip-less grip. Even when the palm of my hand was sweaty or muddy during prolonged use, the handle did not slip. Furthermore, jumping in both the spine and the choil position has given me a more comfortable grip and stronger control.
The blade has a 14mm round hole that I use to easily open or close the knife with one hand. The locking mechanism of this knife is a liner lock which is very solid and I could not find any blade play.
Spyderco Tenacious has a 4-way pocket clip that can be carried in both right/left-handed tip-up/tip-down options.
Spyderco offers a limited lifetime forever warranty with this folding knife. Most importantly, Spyderco Tenacious is proudly made in the USA.
Pros
- Full flat grind blade for all kinds of cutting
- Blade locks up nicely with no Vertical or Horizontal play
- G-10 handle feels grippy and comfortable
- The handle is good for large hands
- Deep and comfortable jimping
- Single-handed smooth opening and closing
- 4-position pocket clip
- Open back construction for easy cleaning
- Excellent value for the money
- Good weight as a gentleman’s EDC knife
- The model comes in multiple colors and serrations
Cons
- 8Cr13Mov is easy to re-sharpen but does not hold an edge for long
2. Kershaw Link (1776) SpeedSafe Assisted Opening EDC Knife
Amongst the best budget pocket knives, I have used, the Kershaw Link (1776) has its place on the top due to its affordability and top-notch materials compared to the other $50 EDC knives. The core material of the blade is made of High Carbon 420 Steel. Its 3.25″ long blade is protected by a matte black Stonewash coating that increases stain resistance and makes it stealthy. It has an overall length of 7.60″, weighs 4 oz, has a folding length of 4.4″, and is made in the USA.
Interestingly, a customized drop point blade is a perfect shape for hunting, piercing, slicing, push cutting, and other every day demanding tasks because the steel has an excellent hardness (HRC: 58-60) to support the sharp point. Also, the blade has a grind line that supports narrowing the sharp blade and enhances penetration strength. Its wide belly offers an additional cutting advantage and makes it easy enough to re-sharpen. Lightweight Glass-filled Nylon scales are used for the handle. The ergonomically designed handle has decent curves that feel inside the palm of the user’s very hand.
This best tactical pocket knife is also crafted with a Liner Lock and SpeedSafe Assisted Mechanism that allows easy and superfast one-handed deployment of the blade. Just push the thumb stud or press the flipper after that the SpeedSafe assisted system takes over, releasing the blade out of the handle and ready to use without any blade play. When you deploy the blade, the flipper will take a position as a finger guard and ensure additional protection during incautious use. It also has a reversible pocket clip (tip-up/tip-down) and a limited lifetime warranty.
3. CRKT CEO Low Profile Gentleman’s Everyday Carry Folding Knife
If you are in search of the low profile EDC knife under $50 that does its job right, then the CRKT CEO Gentleman’s Knife could be the one. The CRKT CEO is an exceptionally manufactured, high-quality folding knife with remarkable features. The 3.107″ long blade is made from 8Cr13MoV High carbon Stainless Steel (HRC 58-59) that has an attractive satin finish to it. The razor-sharp plain edge blade is 0.086″ (2.18 mm) thick. It has an appealing clip point shape with a flat grind.
The ergonomic handle of this pocket knife is made of Glass Reinforced Nylon. The matte black lightweight handle adds to the knife’s attractive appearance. For durability and robustness, the handle scales are perfectly attached to stainless steel liners. An IKBS ball bearing pivot system allows me to deploy the blade super fast – which is instantly opened by pressing the blade flipper or thumb stud with either hand. The innovative system also allows the knife to be opened smoothly, without any friction at all.
Due to the Locking Liner mechanism, there was no blade play and I was ensured by the safety of this pocket knife when I used it. With an overall length of 7.625″ and a closed length of 4.448″, this EDC knife weighs around 2.1oz (59.53g). The slim pocket clip is mounted high for a tip-down carry with the right hand only. Being proudly made in the USA, the CRKT CEO Gentleman’s Knife has a limited lifetime warranty.
4. Kershaw Leek (1660) SpeedSafe Assisted Opening Pocket Knife
If you need an American-made invisible EDC knife that would not feel any weight or thing in your pocket, then make the Kershaw Leek your selection today. The 3″ blade of this 7″ pocket knife is made of 14C28N Sandvik Steel and has a bead blast finishing – which gives it a matte look and makes it remarkably corrosion-resistant. The 0.09″ thick blade consists of a plain edge and wharncliffe design that gives the knife a sleek appearance.
The ergonomic handle of the folding knife is made of 410 Stainless Steel, which provides great strength to the handle. The smooth, steel handle feels great in my hand for using it on a daily basis. With a closed length of 4″, the Leek features a SpeedSafe Assisted Opening mechanism which allows easy deployment by simply pushing on the ambidextrous thumb-stud.
The one-of-a-kind frame lock mechanism of the Leek is incredibly sturdy, while the tip lock ensures that the blade is closed when being carried. The 3 oz weighing knife comes with a reversible pocket clip – which allows both tip-down and tip-up carry. The pocket-friendly Leek is made in Tualatin, Oregon, and has a limited lifetime warranty.
5. Kershaw Skyline Lightweight Manual Opening Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Skyline is a budget-friendly lightweight knife that has outstanding features. Kershaw Skyline comes with a 0.09″ thick Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel blade (58-60 HRC). The stonewash finish of the blade enhances both corrosion and scratch resistance. Its 3.1″ drop-point blade is ideal for multitasking like skinning, slicing, puncturing, push cutting, self-defense, stripping electric wire, removing zip-ties and opening utility packages or boxes.
The handle is made of a G-10 laminate composite that is hard, durable, strong, extremely lightweight, and completely unaffected by moisture or temperature vicissitudes. Slip-resistant textured scales ensure aggressive and solid gripping. With a short flick of the wrist or a little push on the thumb studs or built-in flipper, applying the index finger of any hand helps to deploy the blade quickly and easily.
Kershaw Skyline is equipped with a secure liner locking system. The pocket clip is reversible and supports both tip-up and tip-down carrying configurations. This best pocket knife under $50 is made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Measurement: Closed Length 4.25″; Overall Length: 7.38″; Weight: 2.5 oz.
6. SOG Twitch II (TWI8-CP) Spring Assisted Opening EDC Knife
SOG Twitch ll is a $50 everyday carry pocket knife both for males and females. This best SOG folding knife has a 2.65″ long and 0.1″ thick straight edge blade that is made out of Japanese AUS-8 Stainless Steel (HRC 57-58). Full flat grind with drop point style blade is polished with an eye-catching satin finish. The handle is constructed from hard-anodized Aluminum scales and has an attractive gray color Graphite coating.
Since it has an assisted opening system, deployment of the blade with one hand is very easy and smooth by pressing on dual thumb studs or flicking the ‘kick’ with the index flipper. The SOG modern technology finishes opening the blade using coil springs that are high tension and then are locked into place. There is no blade play due to the solid Lockback mechanism. When you fold it, an additional safety mechanism stops it from accidentally deploying in your pocket.
This best budget edc knife has an overall length of 6.20″, folded length of 3.55″, and weighs only 2.60 oz which makes it small enough to carry in your pocket discretely. It has a right-side tip-up carry pocket clip that also can be used as a money clip. The pocket knife arrives with a limited lifetime warry.
Pros
- I’d call a perfect EDC gentleman’s knife
- Very sharp out of the box and holds its edge well
- Very sturdy handle, comfortable grip, and easy to hold
- Open and close action is effortless and one-handed
- The lock engages perfectly and has no wiggle
- Extremely light, I barely know it’s in my pocket
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty by SOG
- SOG Twitch II TWI8-CP is made in Taiwan
Cons
- Lockback kinda old school style
- A small knife only for light chores
7. Kubey ERIS KU179 Pocket Knife for Hunting, Camping, Survival, and Tactical
It is my first review of a Chinese branded knife in this entire blog because this Kubey EDC knife is manufactured with innovative design, premium quality materials, and all completed under $50 budget-friendly price. The 0.14″ thick blade of this folding knife is made of D2 Steel (HRC: 59-61) and protected with a durable satin finish for wear resistance. D2’s core is a vacuum heat treatment that ultimately enhances the edge-holding ability for a long period. Its 3.5″ drop point blade is an ideal cutting gear for slicing, skinning, push cutting as well as other fundamental works.
The EDC knife also features with Carbon Fiber handle. Carbon Fiber is well-known for its viability, lightweight, outstanding moisture, and scratch resistance. The ergonomically designed 4.6″ handle has an anodized Titanium alloy backspacer with an aggressive gripping notch.
The Kubey pocket knife is also designed with a secure liner lock system and a low-profile tip-up carry anodized Titanium pocket clip. The classic-style flipper notch and lubricant ceramic ball bearing mechanism allow single-handed opening or closing very fast and smoothly. Kubey folder offers a limited lifetime warranty. The knife’s weight is 3.4 oz, opened length 8.1″ and closed length 4.6″.
8. CRKT M16-01KZ Automated Liner Safety Tactical EDC Knife
CRKT is renowned for manufacturing some of the cool tactical knives in the industry and their 7.13″ long M16-01Z EDC knife is undeniably one of them. Its 3.06” blade is manufactured from 8CR15MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel (HRC 58-59) and has a bead blast finish. Due to extra chromium in the steel core, the blade’s edge retention, fast re-sharpening, and corrosion-resistant are far better than other stainless steels. The 0.10″ thick blade features a plain edge and a hollow ground spear shape tip that is remarkable at piercing.
The handle of the M16-01Z folding knife is made of Glass-Reinforced Nylon, which feels tough but also lightweight at the same time. The handle consists of several lightening holes and jimping that refrain your fingers from slipping. By simply pushing the Carson Flipper or the dual thumb studs, the blade can be easily opened even when you are in a rush.
This best EDC knife under $50 consists of a locking liner mechanism and an automated liner safety as an extra safety measure to ensure that the locking liner does not get detached when in use. Moreover, the adjustable pivot screw and the blade pivot’s lubricous washers optimize the blade’s performance. The 2.3 oz weighing knife comes with a tip-down pocket clip only and a limited lifetime warranty.
9. Buck Knives 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife with Leather Sheath
The blade core of this Buck 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife is made of 420HC stainless steel. Because of the steel’s Paul Bos Heat Treatment process (First heating the steel, then freezing and again reheating is called Paul Bos Heat Treatment System), the blade stays sharper for a long time under heavy use and also for edge retention, increases strength and corrosion resistance. The crescent tip design razor-sharp blade is particularly useful for animal hunting and skinning. The 3.75″ clip blade is coming to the rescue when there was a use for a top-quality knife.
Even the Dymond Wood handle and brightly polished bolsters exude quality, from the tip of the blade to the finely crafted lock back. You will feel a comfortable feeling and grip while you will use it for any tactical or usual task. There’s nothing like a Buck Knife, especially when you are depending on it for safety and trustworthiness. Interestingly, for everything that made it an iconic knife, the 110 Famous Hunter is the product that Buck Knives is most famous for. Everything else fades in comparison with not only the quality of this special knife, but also the reputation that it has earned in hunting spots, duck blinds, and fishing holes around the world.
The folding knife under $50 comes with an equally high-quality and 100% original leather sheath. Due to its leather sheath, you can safely carry it in your pocket, bag, or with your belt. The Buck folding hunting knife is proudly made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. The knife is highly recommended for cutting or trimming small wood, hunting, outdoors, or for survival use in any tight place.
10. CRKT Ripple K415KXP High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade EDC Knife
CRKT Ripple has a 3.13″ long blade that is made of 8CR14Mov High Carbon Stainless Steel (HRC 57-59). The 8CR14Mov is known for easy reshaping, great rust-resistant, and better edge holding. An extra layer of satin finish makes the blade stain and scratch-proof. Its 0.1″ thick plain edge blade has an appealing modified drop point tip and high hollow grind style.
The ergonomic handle of this EDC knife is created by Textured 6061 Aluminium, which consists of more than 40 tiny holes milled on them by a CNC machine. Polished ripples throughout the handle provide an excellent grip and an attractive appearance. Nice jimping on both the thumb ramp and the handle plays an important role in additional grip. The blade can be easily deployed with a single hand by simply pressing on the flipper.
The IKBS ball bearing pivot system allows opening the blade to be friction-free. CRKT Ripple features a sturdy locking liner mechanism. The knife has a good length of 7.5″ but its 2.5 oz weight feels like almost nothing in my pocket. The pocket clip features a tip-down carry using the right hand only. This pocket knife is made in the USA and has a limited lifetime warranty.
11. Spyderco Ambitious C148GP G-10 Handle Small Folding Knife
Spyderco Ambitious is a budget-friendly small EDC knife that features outstanding components for the under $50 price it comes in. The 0.125″ thick blade of this knife is made of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel (HRC: 56-58) and a satin finish – which gives it great durability and makes it wear-resistant. The 2.25″ fine edge blade is designed with a modified drop point tip which does not feel too fierce for everyday use.
The ergonomic handle is constructed from G10 and the textured scales over the skeletonized full-length liners give a comfortable grip to my hands without feeling rough. The G10 handle includes lined lanyard holes, which makes it more convenient for carrying around. A 0.47″ circular hole on the blade is in a good position to put your thumb on and open the folding knife with one hand.
Its liner lock bar is thick and massive, and locks up the blade very tightly. Absolutely there is no option for blade play. With an open length of 5.81″ and a closed length of 3.6″, this folding knife weighs only 3 oz that feels perfectly lightweight for everyday carry. A four-way hourglass pocket clip, it is suitable for both tip-down and tip-up carry using both left and right hands. Spyderco Ambitious comes with a limited manufacturer’s warranty.
12. CRKT Pilar II Large Everyday Carry Folding Knife
CRKT is known for its innovative knife designs for optimum performance and its Pilar Large definitely lives up to that reputation. The 2.66″ blade of this EDC knife is made of 8Cr14MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with a satin finish that provides it with great strength and rust resistance. With a 0.15” blade thickness, it has a Sheepsfoot shape with a plain edge. The flat ground blade features a fine tip that produces precise cuts.
The ergonomic handle is made of stainless steel which provides a decent balance and a strong grip. Stainless steel for the choice of the handle not only makes it durable but also feels pleasantly smooth on my hand. The finger choil also plays an important role in providing a firm grip. To easily open the folding knife, the user can either use the flipper mechanism or the ambidextrous thumb slot.
The Pilar Large consists of a rigid frame lock mechanism that firmly holds the blade in place when it is open for action. The two-position pocket clip allows the knife to be carried in both tip-down and tip-up positions. This best folding knife under $50 is made in the USA and offers a limited lifetime warranty.
13. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Huntsman Pocket Knife
Whether you are an adventurer or an EDC knife-lover, the Victorinox Swiss Army knife will surely leave you obsessed. The 3.6” pocket knife has a height of 0.8” and is compact-sized – which makes it absolutely convenient to place it in your pocket or backpack. The tactical knife has a 2.45” blade made of Swiss Made stainless steel, which not only makes the blade durable but also safeguards the knife against corrosion. The smooth, steel blade features a plain edge – which is perfect for an EDC knife.
The pocket knife is sheathed into a traditional polished red ABS scales handle – which is not only remarkably durable but also feels pretty smooth in my hand. Other than the 2.45” blade, the multi-use knife consists of another small blade of 40 mm length, a bottle opener with a large screwdriver, reamer, corkscrew, keyring, tweezers, and a toothpick, wood-saw, multi-purpose hook, scissors, and can-opener with a small screwdriver.
The 3.42 oz weighing pocket knife feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable to keep in my pocket. The Swiss Army knife under $50 comes with a leather clip pouch to make carrying it around, on a daily basis, much easier and safer. A limited lifetime warranty is covered for the Swiss Army knife.
How to Choose the Best Pocket Knife Under $50
Sure, you can buy a pocket knife at any flea market, but if you’re looking for a tool that will last you should consider these things to pick the perfect EDC knife for you. Whether it’s for tactical purposes or day-to-day tasks, it’s important to select the right knife for the job.
Why Should You Choose a Pocket Knife Rather Than a Fixed Blade Knife?
While a fixed blade might look big and impressive to carry, it can also become bulky and may not be suitable for every setting. A folding knife offers a comfortable, discreet option that can still boast a strong durable blade. It is important to note folding knives fold into themselves, while fixed do not. Since it folds closed, it can be carried either clipped or loose in your pocket, whereas a fixed blade is always open and must be worn with a sheath. Pocket knives, in some instances, even offer multiple blades, making them far superior to the knife enthusiast that craves options. Here are some things to consider when selecting your best budget folding knife.
Read More: High-Quality Pocked Knife Under $200
What Should Be the Overall Length of the Folding Knife?
The overall length of the pocket knife should be within your district’s legal limits. Aside from that, it should be a size that is comfortable for you to carry. Not too heavy or excessively long, even folded, for your particular setting, whether in the city or out in nature. You want to be able to use your pocket knife with ease.
Which Types of Steels are Best for the Blade Core Materials?
When considering what blade core material your EDC knife should be, think about the type of environment and tasks you will be using your knife for. Carbon steel holds a great edge but may tend to rust in places with moisture. Likewise, ceramic keeps an excellent edge but has very little flex to it and may snap. In general, steer clear from knives labeled stainless steel or other generic terms, instead look for ones that have specific alloy names, such as 440c, 154CM, K294, or high carbon stainless steel to list a few. Again, think about what you will mostly use this knife for when deciding which blade is right for you.
What Should Be the Length of the EDC Knife Blade?
Once you’ve decided on the type of metal you prefer, think about the size of the blade you will need. Though blades come in small, medium, and large you should always be aware of the legal restrictions in your area to ensure you are within compliance.
Small Size Blade: A small blade is 2.75″ or smaller. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and generally legal in most places. Don’t let their size fool you, for routine tasks such as opening boxes, cutting twine, or relaxing while whittling, this size EDC knife can be your best friend.
Medium Size Blade: Medium blades are 2.75″-4″ and can be equally handy. They are still small enough to carry, yet large enough for heavier tasks. Whether for urban living or an outdoor adventure, a medium blade will rise to the occasion, making them perfect for everyday carry.
Large Size Blade: Blades longer than 4″ are in a large category. They can do much of what a fixed blade knife would handle, without being cumbersome. Due to their larger size though, they can be heavier to carry and are often considered more novelty knives, than a daily carry knife. And always stay current on what is legally permitted for your area. If you are looking for large-size knives then check these high-quality EDC knives under $300.
What Type of Blade Edge Should Be Chosen?
There are three types of blade edges to choose from plain, serrated, and combination edge. My son enjoys a combo blade because he finds himself in various situations where it’s good to have both options available in one blade. While I prefer a plain edge since it suits my daily tasks just fine. The type of blade that’s right for you will depend on your preference and what jobs you need to be done.
Plain Edge Blade: A plain edge is good for push cuts and slicing. Think of the motions for cutting an apple or whittling. If these are the kinds of cuts you find yourself doing, then a plain edge may work out well for you. They are easy to sharpen yourself and, like any blade, should be kept clean and well maintained.
Serrated Edge Blade: The serrated edge is for cuts requiring a sawing motion and heavier materials such as rope. If you want you can cut heavier, tougher, thicker, or flexible materials with any of the best serrated folding knives, this could be the style of blade for you. They hold their edge well, however, when they need to be sharpened they require special tools and techniques to do so.
Combination Edge Blade: Combination edges have just that, a combination of both the plain and serrated edge. Usually, the back half by the handle is serrated and the front half to the tip is a plain edge. This can offer the best of both worlds when it comes to knife edges. It works well for both push cuts and more rigorous cutting. It all comes down to preference though, you know what you like and what chores you will be doing. The downside is you need a guided knife sharpening system to perfectly sharpen the combined edge blade.
What are the Things to Consider When Choosing the Pocket Knife Handle Under $50?
In choosing your folding knife handle you will need to decide how important appearance is to you. If you have a strong blade, but a flimsy handle it can break under pressure. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice appearances though. There are so many options nowadays regarding knife handles.
Handle Length: Consider the length of the handle. This will vary with the size of the blade, and the style you choose. Be sure to bear in mind the size of your hand, how much leverage is needed for the chores you do, and so on.
Handle Material: There is so much that can be said about material options, we have more ways to use metals and plastics than ever before. Celluloid, aluminum, steel, micarta, rubber, and composite materials to mention a few. As well as your classics: wood, bone, and mother of pearl. The type of handle you need will reflect the type of environment you’ll use your EDC knife in. Titanium looks sleek but can get slippery when wet and gets hot or cold, depending on the climate. However, G-10 is not subject to getting hot and cold yet is still equally durable.
Handle Design & Structure: You may enjoy a classic look like bone, but don’t want to pay the price. There are plastic options that can replicate that design. Or maybe you prefer the tactical look, you might try micarta or Zytel. Also, take into account if you want a clip or not. The shape and position of the clip will affect how it hangs in your pocket, so take notice of the clip placement.
Handle Grip: Handle grip is important, you want it to sit comfortably in your hand. This will vary depending on the size of your hands and whether you’ll be using gloves or not.
What Type of Opening System Would You Prefer for a Folding Knife?
Opening mechanisms can vary from manual to automatic, be sure to know what is legal for you. In general, automatic knives are restricted to law enforcement and possibly the military. Also, some regions consider automatic and assisted to be the same.
Manual Opening Knife: The manual opening knife is the ancestor of knives, the original way a knife could be used. Manual opening knives would include single-hand and two-hand opening knives. Since they are not as fast to open as their automatic counterparts, they are widely accepted mostly everywhere.
Single-Handed Opening Knife: Single-hand knives can be opened with one hand and typically have either a stud or hole for your thumb to use in flicking the blade open. Even though it’s manual, it can be opened in a flash!
Two-Hand Opening Knife: Two-hand opening knives are like a Swiss Army knife, requiring the use of both hands to open them. They have a little niche for your fingernail to grab the blade. Although slower to open, they are faithful for everyday jobs.
Automatic Opening Knife: Automatic opening knives have been banned from the general public because they were considered too dangerous but think of the classic 1950’s switchblade. Opening effortlessly, with just one hand and the push of a switch. Be aware of your local laws before carrying one.
Assisted Opening Knife: An assisted-opening knife is a hybrid of the manual and automatic opening knife requiring you to the movement of the blade. Using one hand, your thumb presses the device that applies pressure until the internal spring swiftly forces the blade open. Some places deem a spring assisted tactical knife the same as an automatic, so it pays to check your local laws.
What are the Reliable Locking Mechanisms for the Best EDC Knife Under $50?
The locking mechanism is what keeps the blade in place, so it won’t snap down on your fingers. Your knife is then basically like a fixed blade knife, once your blade is locked in place. There are three basic varieties of locking mechanisms: the lock back, frame-lock, and liner-lock. Finding the one you prefer is really just a matter of preference.
Lockback Mechanism: The lock-back pocket knife offers strength and is reliable. When the blade opens it locks into a notch on the spine of the handle. To release the blade simply press the notch on the spine of the handle and the blade folds back down.
Frame-Lock Mechanism: In a similar fashion, the frame-lock pocket knife locks open, but its’ device is the frame itself. The inside part moves over, locking the blade in place. To unlock, reverse the process, carefully move the device from blocking the blade and return your knife to a folded position.
Liner-Lock Mechanism: With the liner-lock EDC knife, there is a liner, inside the frame of the handle, that moves in front of the blade locking it into position. So, the same is true here, push the liner piece out of the way of the blade and your knife is ready to fold again.
What are the Top Brands of EDC Knives?
Before buying a knife, you should check the best pocket knife brands in the world. There is an endless variety of EDC knife brands available in the market. The reason for the infinite number of EDC knife brands is that each manufactures a specific design knife, so the definition of the “Top” folding knife brand differs from person to person.
- Kershaw
- Benchmade
- Spyderco
- CRKT
- SOG
- Smith & Wesson’s
- Buck
- Ontario
- Gerber
- Zero Tolerance
Final Verdict
As you see, there are many choices out there, but equipped with this knowledge you can pick the perfect pocket knife under $50 for your style and duties. Whether for heavy or light assignments, there is a folding knife for all your tasks. I hope this has been helpful to you in deciding which EDC knife will suit you best.
I work for a company. How much-weighted pocket knife carrying would be hassle-free for an office employee?
Pocket knives under 4 ounces would be great for an office guy to carry every day.
Can you recommend a lightweight tactical pocket knife under $50 for women’s everyday carry?
Of course why not; the SOG Twitch II pocket knife on this list will be perfect for you. However, if you want to know better suggestions or variations about this, you can see my other post “Tactical EDC Knife“.