Finding the best EDC knife under 50 dollars can be done, but it will not be easy. That is not to say it is impossible. With the right information and patience, finding the best folding knife under 50 dollars is achievable. That being said, most people do not have the time, nor the willingness to do the proper research or bargain hunting. So, they end up buying a cheap EDC knife made from sub-par materials that will fail them sooner or later. When you consider what every day carry knives are used for, having one fail on you could be the difference between life or death.
Often times every day carry knives are used for, well, everyday tasks. Whether that be cutting open a package, cutting excess rope, or prying open a can of beans, EDC knives can be used for just about anything. Some of the more serious uses are self-defense and survival. These situations are when you can least afford your knife to fail. The old cliché of, ‘you get what you pay for’ carries with it a lot of truth. With that, just because a knife is lower in price does not mean it is junk.
Finding a quality knife for cheap is not the only decision to make either. Finding a knife that is comfortable to carry and legal are other things that need to be considered. Also, choosing a design and style that speaks to you should be on your list of factors when choosing a knife. One of the more important aspects that people often overlook is the legality of the knives they carry. Each state or country will have different laws dictating what type of knife an individual can carry.
When you look at the long list of things that must be considered when purchasing your EDC knife, it can be daunting. Lucky for you, our loyal reader, we have compiled a list of the 5 best EDC knives under 50 dollars. Each one has a unique look and style, along with different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Best EDC Knives Under $50
1. SOG Small Fixed Blade EDC Knife – Compact Protection
SOG knives have been around since the mid-1980s They are known for their replications of famous military knives such as the SOG knife from the Vietnam War.
As you can see with the SOG Instinct, they are fully capable of creating something of their own design.
This fixed blade knife is a total of 5.6-inches long from pommel to blade tip. The blade itself is only 2.5-inches in length. The compact design of this fixed blade knife is perfect to clip on your belt or backpack. The blade is comprised of stainless steel with a satin polish finish. This blade is full-tang, meaning the knife is one solid piece. The only pieces that are connected are the G10 compressed plastic pieces that are connected to the handle for grip. Three-finger grooves sit at the bottom of the handle for a more ergonomic and secure grip.
Since the SOG Instinct is a fixed blade it comes with a hard-molded sheath. This sheath has a 360-degree clip, meaning no matter what hand you favor, there is no need to adjust the clip.
If you are in the market for a light and compact fixed blade, with a clean and polished design, the SOG Instinct is the perfect knife for the job. The best EDC knife under 50 dollars is not always easy to find, this SOG is one of them. Click here to see the best price.
- Small and compact
- 360-degree sheath clip
- Ergonomic handle
- The smaller blade may not be great for all jobs
2. CRKT Squid Folding EDC Knife – Low Profile and Tactical
Columbia River Knife & Tool has been making knives and outdoor gear since 1994. The CRKT Squid is a foldable EDC knife. At just over 5-inches when fully extended, with a blade just above 2-inches in length.
With these dimensions, the Squid will be legal in even the more restrictive areas. The goal of the designer was to have all of the features of a tactical knife but in a smaller package. The blade is equipped with a spear tip at the point and a false blade at the top.
With jimping on the spine of the blade, the overall grip is exceptional.
With the squid being a foldable knife a proper locking mechanism is required. With that, the squid is equipped with a frame lock that holds the blade in place. The overall design is minimalist with a smooth body and black stonewall finish. The squid comes with a deep pocket clip that keeps the knife tightly secured on your body. With its smooth profile, it is not likely to get snagged on your clothes when you need to remove it.
The squid is not going to blow you away with its aesthetic, that is not what it was designed for. The Squid is designed to have all of the qualities of a tactical knife in a compact and non-threatening package. Click here to see the best price.
- Compact tactical knife
- A smooth and sleek profile
- Affordable price
- Weight of the handle is a little off balance
- May be too small for larger hands
3. KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement EDC Knife – Angled For Your Protection
Adopting the name of some of the most iconic military knives, the KA-BAR TDI knife is built and designed for today’s police force in mind.
This is not your grandpa’s utility knife. This blade is designed for close-quarters fighting when every other option has been exhausted. While the TDI is made for combat, its unique design does make it practical for everyday use as well.
The TDI is a fixed blade knife. At 5-⅝ inches in total length, the TDI is meant to be light and unobtrusive. The knife is full tang with a Zytel handle and stainless steel blade. The blade has a unique downward angle, perfect for keeping close to your body in a fighting stance. With this being designed for law enforcement, the knife is made to be concealed. With that, be familiar with local laws before you walk around with this knife hidden from view. The knife comes with two sheaths, one for the belt, and one with a pocket clip. Both are designed for comfort and concealment in mind. They are each made from hard plastic so they can take some punishment when out in the field.
Overall the TDI is built for personal protection more so than cutting open a can of beans during a hike. If you are in the police force, fire department, or just an average citizen looking for a solid knife for personal protection, the TDI is the best EDC knife under 50 dollars for that purpose. Click here to see the best price.
- Designed for close-quarters combat
- Lightweight and versatile
- Unique blade angle for self-defense
- May not be legal in some states
4. SOG EDC knives – Terminus XR EDC Knife – Rock Solid Design and Build
This is the second SOG knife to make our list of 5, so that should tell you something about this company. The Terminus XR is a versatile EDC knife that brings a lot in the features department.
The blade is made from cyro-hardened stainless steel with a spear point tip and a false blade at the top. The blade comes out to just under 3-inches at a length of 2.95-inches. This is a folding knife when the blade is exposed the overall length comes out to a little over 7-inches. Carbon fiber was used to construct the handle, so suffice it to say this knife can take a beating. Something every EDC knife needs to be able to handle. Grooves are etched along the handles for optimal grip and control. There is an XR locking mechanism towards the guard of the Terminus to ensure the blade stays closed at all times. There are three ways to open the knife. The first is to release the XR locking system. The second is to thumb stud to flick the blade open. And lastly, you can flick the kick.
The Terminus is made from some of the strongest materials known on this earth. The word Terminus also means “End of the line.” After buying this EDC knife your days of buying pocket knives will come to an end. If you are looking for the best flipper knife under 50 dollars, it stops with the Terminus. Click here to see the best price.
- Carbon fiber handle can take a beating
- Three ways of opening the blade
- Built to be beaten up
- Reversible pocket clip
- Thumb stud does not have great grip
- Flipper is a bit sharp
5. CRKT Provoke Kinematic EDC Folding Pocket Knife – Kinetic Knife
The last knife on our list is another by CRKT, but this knife is vastly different than any that came before it on our list. The Provoke is designed intuitively with the nature of hand movement and pasture integrated into its design.
It is hard to classify the Provoke into a category, is it a fixed knife? No. It is a flipper knife? Kind of. CRKT describes it as a “Kinetic” knife. When in its closed position the blade does not even really resemble a knife at a quick glance. To engage the blade, the user simply pushes with the thumb and the blade extends out. Describing it in words does not do the knife justice. You need to see it for yourself to get a real understanding of how cool the design is. The pommel serves as a finger hole for added control. And just above the pommel is the locking mechanism that locks the blade in place.
Now let us talk about the dimensions. The blade is 2.41” inches long by itself. The overall length when fully extended is 7.25-inches long. Made with D2 steel, the blade is naturally resistant to chipping and denting. Top that with a titanium nitride finish and there is no need to worry about abrasions or rusting. For the handle, CRKT used aircraft-grade aluminum.
The CRKT is a one of a kind EDC knife that sets it apart from any other knife on the market. It is designed to be equipped and opened at a moment’s notice. The provoke is truly one of a kind. While this might not be the best EDC knife under 50 dollars, it is one of the best premium-priced EDC knives you can buy. Click here to see the best price.
- A unique design sets it apart
- Lightweight at only 6.1-ounces
- Kinematic engagement
- On the pricey side
EDC Knife Buyer’s Guide
The best EDC knife under 50 dollars will not always pop out at you. Hopefully, our list gave you a better idea of what you are looking for in an EDC knife. With that, you are one step closer to making your final decision in becoming an owner of a new knife. There are a few other important qualities one must consider before making the final leap. A common mistake of new knife owners is to overlook the size, shape, weight, and materials of the knives they are interested in. It does not matter if you are using the knife as a tool in your workshop, or using it for self-defense, you will need a knife that is perfect for you when you carry it every day. So, let’s cover some of these important characteristics to help you make a more informed purchase.
EDC Knife Weight
When shopping for the best EDC knife under 50 dollars, a lighter knife will not mean cheaper. The weight of an EDC knife is extremely important when you consider it will be with you day in and day out. Most EDC knives will be around 7 ounces or lighter. Any heavier and it becomes a burden to carry. Another problem is a knife that is too light when a knife has little weight to it the blade can feel fragile or toy-like. Controlling a weightless blade can become an issue as well. The same can be said for a knife that is too heavy. Whether you have the knife strapped to your hip or a vest, heavier knives can become cumbersome over a 12 to 24 hour period. Typically the heavier a knife the bigger it will be. The most ideal weight is going to be in between the 5 to 7-ounce weight range. You just need to determine which weight is optimal for you. It can be a bit like goldilocks finding the bed that was just right, but when you find the ideal weight you will know.
EDC Blade Shape and Length
Finding the right blade for the job can be difficult. Especially if you are looking for the best EDC knife under 50 dollars. But just because the price point is lower does not mean there are not plenty of blade points to choose from. A traditional knife blade such as the spear point is great for piercing and thrusting into objects. That being said, spear point blades are not the most ideal for every job. There are many different blade shapes to choose from so let’s go over a few.
Drop Point: The drop point blade is the renaissance man of knife blades it can do just about any job well. The term drop point refers to the sudden drop from the spine of the blade to the tip. It gives the blade a very sharp unrounded point. This makes it great for piercing harder materials such as aluminum and tough cloth. Drop Points are one of the most common blade shapes that you will find on EDC knives.
Clip Point: Clip points are similar to Drop Point blades. The major difference is where the blade drops off. For clip points, the blade drops further down the spine of the blade. The blade tip looks like a chunk of the sine was, you guessed it, clipped off. It has many of the same uses as a drop point blade. It is great for piercing and slicing.
Wharncliffe Blade: The Wharncliffe blade has a unique look to it. The spine is completely curved all the way to the tip of the blade. This makes it a great knife for slicing, giving the user more control and space for the hands. It also decreases the chances of accidentally cutting yourself if your hands slip. The one downside is the blade’s inability to pierce reliably.
Handle Material
The grip of the knife you have is just as important if not more than the blade. It is what you will rely on to keep the knife securely in your hands. Knowing what materials are best will make your purchase choice that much easier. When looking for the best EDC knife under 50 dollars, you need to consider what your handle is made of. Here are a few materials to look for.
Zytel: Zytel is a type of plastic that is superheated, melted, then poured into a mold. This material is trademarked by DuPont and is a fairly common material used in EDC knives.
FRN: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon is one of the cheaper materials that EDC handles can be made from. Aesthetically makers are limited with what they can do with this material as far as coloring goes.
Carbon Fiber: Carbon Fiber needs no introduction. And when one is looking for the best EDC knife under 50 dollars, carbon fiber is a common material that will be used. This material is stronger than steel while also being lighter. It is used in many high-end products including fenders and bumpers in many luxury cars. On an EDC knife, this means you can beat up the handle and pommel without needing to worry about denting or cracking. Just do not take a hammer to it.
Metal/Steel: One might think that a metal handle would be the best option. In reality, it is heavier than most other handle materials. Not only that but most metal handles are smooth and can get slippery. So depending on your work environment, the knife can get slippery in your hands.
Blade Edge: A blade’s edge will be unique to what it is designed to do. A straight edge is great for slicing and dicing. Then there are serrated blades. Serrated blades are great for cutting into tougher materials like wood, meat, and rope. One downside is when you need to sharpen a serrated blade as it is tricky. Then there are hybrid blades. They have the best of both worlds, they have the straight edge for slicing and a serrated section, usually closer to the blade guard, for any tougher materials you may need to cut through.
Blade Steel
When some think of a knife blade they may not realize how many different types of stainless steel that it could be made of. In fact, there are over ten different types of stainless steel and each has different benefits. Some are less resilient and are used in cheaper EDC knives. Others are more prone to dulling in shorter periods of time. It ultimately depends on what the manufacturer wants to spend on materials and what the knife’s intended use is.
FAQs
What is the best EDC knife Brand?
There are countless EDC knife brands on the market. Each of them has a unique take on what makes a great EDC knife. SOG, for instance, takes inspiration from the SOG military knife and incorporates features from that classic knife into their own designs. Finding the brand or company that speaks best to you will take some time. Trying out different knives from different brands is the best way to find this out. Luckily we have a list of the best EDC knife under 50 dollars for you to browse.
What is the best EDC knife steel?
Some people do not realize that there are several different types of steel that EDC knives are made from. The best type for a knife will typically be stainless steel with some kind of coating to reduce the risk of rust and abrasions.
What is an EDC knife?
EDC stands for “everyday carry”. EDC knives are intended for everyday use. Whether you are an avid outdoorsman, a first responder, or a fisherman, your EDC knife is intended to be with you at all times. That said, EDC knives are not all one and the same. They can vary in size, shape, and material. What works best for you will depend on personal preference and what the knife will be used for on a day to day basis.
What is the best EDC knife?
The best EDC knife will ultimately come down to personal preference. What you will want to watch out for are knives that are made from bad materials. Cheap steel and plastic can snap or break easily. Often times these situations can be dangerous and cause serious injury. The best option is to buy from a reputable company that has years of great reviews to back up their products. You do get what you pay for.
Best Selling EDC Knives
- Dimensions: 7.1 Inch (18 Cm) Overall Length With A Blade Length Of 3.1 Inches (7.9 Cm) And A Weight Of 3.5 Ounces
- Durable: Blade Is Made Of Reliable 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel With A Black, Aluminum Handle
- Backed by the trusted name of Kershaw, the misdirect folding pocketknife is a value-priced, affordable, helpful tool for any job around the house and great for taking on outdoor adventures
- With a closed length of 4-inches, overall length of 6. 8-Inches and a blade length of 2. 9-Inches, the misdirect is small enough to comfortably carry in pocket, bag, Pack, or Purse
- DIMENSIONS: 7.8 inch (19.81 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3 inches (7.62 cm) and a weight of 6.4 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel with Titanium Nitride coating and a tan, G10 handle
- CIVIVI MINI PRAXIS --- Constructed from black stonewashed D2 steel that perfectly blends edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. This folding knife with the handy pocket clip is the ideal option for everyday carry that is legal in all states and will stay strong through all of your adventures.
- COMFORT GRIP --- We use G10 handle that is smooth to the touch, extremely durable and resistant to moisture and temperature changes. The comfortable handle provides a substantial grip while still being light and maneuverable in hand.
- Low Profile: Slim clip fits comfortably in pocket-
- Fast Opening: Thumbstud with IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade fast
