Here are some of the premium quality EDC knives that can meet almost any need of a knife enthusiast, collector, or fancy user.
The best knives under $500 I’ve featured here are from reputable pocket knife companies that combine top-level craftsmanship, superior materials, and cutting-edge designs.
Based on my long experience and feedback from other users these pocket knives have been selected so that your investment becomes worth every penny.
What Are the Best Pocket Knives Under $500?
- Zero Tolerance 0308BLKTS EDC Knife
- Benchmade 496 Pocket Knife
- BUCK 110 50th Anniversary Hunter Knife
Best Folding Knife Under $500
1. Zero Tolerance 0308BLKTS Tiger Stripe Pocket Knife
If you’re looking for a premium-quality tactical EDC knife that can handle heavy-duty tasks, I honestly don’t think there’s a better option than the Zero Tolerance 0308BLKTS. It has a substantial overall length of 8.9″, which I expected given its robust build – but once I had it in hand, it actually felt surprisingly compact thanks to the excellent craftsmanship.
Blade: Right out of the box, the blade was razor sharp – I even shaved some arm hair with it. The black-oxide finish with tiger stripes adds durability and tactical appeal. The 3.7″ blade is made from CPM 20CV stainless steel (HRC: 59-61). It’s a thick (0.15″) drop point blade, so chipping or cracking isn’t a concern. The tip is a bit thinner, but it still pierces hardwood and even thin tin cans without a problem. The flat grind makes it excellent for slicing and slashing.
Edge retention is top-notch – despite heavy use, it stayed sharp for over three months without needing a touch-up. And when it finally did, I brought it back to shaving sharp in just a few minutes using a whetstone.
Handle: The 5.125″ handle fits my large hands perfectly. It features G10 scales on the front, titanium on the back, and titanium liners for added strength. The texture and DLC coating give it a look like alligator skin, and the slight curve plus finger choil helped me keep a firm grip in tough conditions.
Opening: There’s no assisted opening, but the blade flies open fast when I pull the flipper. The action is buttery smooth thanks to KVT ball bearings. If it ever slows down, a bit of gun oil brings it right back to new. Some say it’s tough to open one-handed, but I found that after a few days of use, one-handed operation became second nature.
Locking: The titanium frame lock has never failed me – after hundreds of uses, it locks solidly every time. No blade play at all, and I always feel confident using it for heavy tasks.
Pocket Clip: At 6.9 oz, it’s on the heavier side for a folder, but I don’t mind since it’s built for hard use. The reversible tip-up pocket clip secures it well despite its weight and size.
For under $500, you get ZT’s lifetime warranty and free sharpening service. Made in the USA, it’s pricey – but in my experience, absolutely worth it.
Pros
- It is a very strong steel that holds a sharp edge longer
- CPM 20CV offers greater corrosion and rust resistance
- The tip of the blade is very pointed, sharp, and tough
- Textured handle is very grippy, comfortable, and easy to hold
- Choil/jimping for more control, even with wet/oily hands
- Fully ambidextrous, can be opened/closed equally with either hand
- Lock engages solidly, it feels like a rock-solid 1 piece of knife
- Strong as a tank capable of handling all heavy daily tasks
Cons
- Many people are not satisfied with the weight of the knife
- Missing the 4-way clip like other knives of this brand
2. Benchmade 496 EDC Knife
If you asked me to recommend the latest premium folding knife from Benchmade, I’d choose the 496 model. The Benchmade 496 EDC knife measures 8.42″ in overall length, has a folded length of 4.82″, and weighs 4.5 oz.
Blade: Of all the blades I’ve reviewed, this one stands out as the most unique, versatile, and visually striking. The stunning 3.6″ compound grind blade features a satin finish and is crafted from premium-grade CPM-S20CV stainless steel (HRC: 59–61). It’s also the first compound grind blade released by the legendary Benchmade brand. The modified drop point blade has a hollow grind on the main cutting edge and a thick tip, also with a hollow grind.
The scalpel-sharp, slightly curved blade is extremely agile for cutting flexible materials like paracord, utility rope, zip ties, and tie-wraps. Additionally, the 0.1″ thick blade cuts easily through tougher materials such as cardboard, plastic boxes, wood, electrical cables, and small branches. The tip is noticeably thicker than the primary cutting edge, allowing it to handle more abuse than the thinner tips found on most regular blades.
Handle: Like the blade, the handle design is also quite unique. The first third of the handle features eye-catching 6061-T6 aluminum bolsters. The remaining two-thirds are built in a sandwiched style, with OD green G-10 scales on the outside, white G-10 liners in the middle, and full stainless steel liners underneath.
The fit and finish of all components and corners are flawless – no mismatches, gaps, or sharp edges. The handle has light finger grooves, but it lacks texture, which can make it a bit slippery in wet, sweaty, or oily hands. Still, it feels comfortable and well-balanced – not too heavy, not too light.
Opening: This is a spring-assisted pocket knife that opens easily with one hand using the flipper. The assisted opening and closing actions are smooth and quick. I did miss the thumb stud as an opening option, but its absence makes the knife more compact and easier to slip in or out of the pocket.
Locking: The AXIS lock engages with a satisfying click when the blade deploys. It feels sturdy and secure, though closing it requires two hands. The lock is firm, and yes – the blade stays firmly in place.
Safety Spring: There’s also a safety spring retention lock tab on the spine to prevent accidental deployment in your pocket or from sudden pressure. This safety mechanism is easily operated with one hand.
Pocket Clip: The knife features a tip-up carry pocket clip that is reversible. I especially like the black clip; it offers excellent retention, so there’s little risk of the knife slipping out. The deep-carry design also allows for discreet everyday carry.
In the end, I think it’s unfortunate that such a uniquely crafted EDC knife isn’t already part of every serious collector’s arsenal.
Pros
- Right out of the box, the blade was extremely sharp
- Incredible corrosion resistance and edge retention
- Handle looks beautiful and has outstanding ergonomics
- Handle is durable, thick, and fits even an XL hand
- Open-back design for easy maintenance
- Assisted mechanism makes fast, easy & secure blade flip-out
- A safety sliding lock prevents any randomly flying open
- Lock-up is extremely solid, no wiggle or play in any direction
- Sits deep in the pocket for discreet carry
- Awesome USA product that fits any gentleman’s pocket
Cons
- Only flipper, no thumb stud as an opener
- Blade deployment is fast but not super fast
- The knife cannot be folded with one hand
3. BUCK 110 50th Anniversary Folding Hunter Knife
Buck 110’s 50th Anniversary edition has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and collectors. From small everyday tasks to hunting in the vast outdoors, you can count on this masterpiece to stay by your side.
This 8.5″ long folding knife is equipped with a 3.75″ long and 0.120″ thick 420HC stainless steel (HRC 56-58) straight-edge blade. Individually testing each blade to guarantee their quality standards, the high carbon stainless steel is treated with the industry’s finest heat treatments, and it shows.
This high-carbon stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance as the chromium it contains creates an oxide layer that prevents rust. The stonewash finish minimizes scratches, which makes it ideal for rough use.
From printer paper to thick cardboard, this blade glides through the material like butter. It slices through heavy-duty rope and shaves wood with minimal effort. It makes an excellent hunting knife due to its compact size and razor-sharp blade. The blade length is ideally suited to skinning and deboning large game.
The clip-point shape perfectly collaborates with the longer blade length which allows me to efficiently slice and saw through thick and thin materials. The well-defined tip allows for accurate and intricate piercing. Precision is almost effortless.
For everyday tasks, the blade holds up very well for long periods of time. There is little effort involved in sharpening the knife, and it results in a razor-sharp knife ready to tackle any task at hand.
The 50th Anniversary Buck 110 handle is constructed from Macassar Ebony Dymondwood and highly polished Brass Bolsters. The handle liners are made of brass and shape the handle foundation and add to the knife’s integrity and longevity.
The handle of this knife is 4.74″ long, which allows for a full-size grip and a snug fit. What I find most convenient is how I can adjust my hand grip in various ways comfortably without worrying about hotspots or changes in performance.
Despite being engineered perfectly, it may have a problem with the smoothness of the materials. If you’re skinning an animal, for example, the handle will get wet and the slickness can be dangerous.
Though I’ve been very satisfied with this knife, the opening mechanism was underwhelming. It has a manual two-handed opening system which is slower than other manual mechanisms.
I found the lockback mechanism reliable as it offers a safe and solid lockup. The sound it makes when it locks, the click, is very satisfying. It is possible to close one-handed but your fingers could come into the path of the blade’s edge which can cause accidental cuts so I wouldn’t recommend it. The opening and locking are smooth, swift, and trouble-free.
The classic EDC knife under $500 comes with a black leather sheath. Many people prefer the look and carry of a sheath, but the convenience of a pocket clip is unmatched.
Pros
- Precision heat-treated steel great for everyday use
- Blade holds an edge well & sharpens relatively easily
- Handle is classic, thick, and fits in my big hand
- Blade feels firmly locked in place with no play
- Buck offers a rock solid limited lifetime warranty
- Exquisitely crafted American product will last a lifetime
- You will never go wrong buying this brand’s knives
Cons
- Weight (7.4 oz) is a bit heavy for an EDC
- Minimal grip in slippery conditions
- Two-handed operation for opening/closing
- It doesn’t have a pocket clip