Every man needs a good pocket knife.
More importantly, a man needs a knife that they are going to use, not just look at. Pocket knives can cost upwards of $300 and more, but I promise those owners fear using, dropping, or scraping those knives, let alone using them to pry open a beer bottle. Those kinds of knives are known as “safe queens”-knives that are nice to look at, but aren’t really used for anything.
Then there are knives that you keep in your pocket, use to break down your Amazon Prime boxes, cut weed eater string, open bags, use for self-defense, cut fruit, or cut a seatbelt in a burning car. See 101 pocket knife uses here.
I clip a knife inside my pocket everyday. In fact, my job requires it. Unfortunately, I lost my pocket knife while working recently, so I found myself in the market for a reliable, sturdy bladed, “everyday carry” (EDC) pocket knife that I would not fear dropping. Naturally, I did not want this pocket knife to decimate my savings, and I knew a good, reliable pocket knife could be purchased for around $50.
This led me to my search of the best pocket knives under 50 dollars. In other words, I wanted the best value pocket knife for the price.
Like all of my “best value” purchases, I opened my laptop, turned on some music and opened Google. Like a graduate school dissertation, I spent the next four hours researching the best pocket knives under 50 dollars, from dozens of different sources. I made lists, wrote down 70 options from knife “experts”, cross-tabulated, highlighted and researched.
Once I had my lists, I was able to pull out five knives that made the “expert” recommendations consistently.
Below, are the results from my research, the 5 best pocket knives under 50 dollars:
1. Ontario Rat II-$27.50
A solid, “tank” of a knife, described as comfortable, easy to sharpen, and a good size that can take a beating while holding a good edge.
- Blade Length: 3 inches
- Closed Length: 4.13 inches
- Overall Length: 7 inches
- Weight: 2.75 ounces
- Blade Material: AUS-8
- Handle: Nylon
- Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
2. Kershaw Cryo II-$39.55
With high quality stainless steel coated in titanium carbo-nitride, this is an extremely durable knife with a wide blade and four position clip.
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches
- Closed Length: 4.4 inches
- Overall Length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 5.5 ounces
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV, titanium carbo-nitride coating
- Handle: 410 stainless steel, titanium carbo-nitride coating
- Locking Mechanism: Frame lock
3. Buck Knives 110-$39.99
A “classic” that comes with a forever warranty and leather sheath. This is probably the first “pocket knife” your grandpa showed you when you were a kid.
- Blade Length: 3.75 inches
- Closed Length: 4.88 inches
- Overall Length: 8.63 inches
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Blade Material: 420HC steel
- Handle: Dymondwood
- Locking Mechanism: Lockback
4. Spyderco Tenacious-$44.97
With a large thumb ramp, this has an ergonomic, grippy handle that is an excellent slicer.
- Blade Length: 3.38 inches
- Closed Length: 4.45 inches
- Overall Length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 4.1 ounces
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
- Handle: G-10
- Locking Mechanism: Liner lock
5. CRKT Ripple-$35.30
A lightweight, sleek, and smooth knife designed by award winner Ken Onion. This is a badass looking pocket knife.
- Blade Length: 3.13 inches
- Closed Length: 4.34 inches
- Overall Length: 7.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 ounces
- Blade Material: 8Cr14MoV
- Handle: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Frame lock
After hours of research, this comprehensive list of the best pocket knives under 50 dollars should direct you to a solid, reliable knife that you can truly use with confidence. Good luck!
Thanks for reading,
Chris
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