You don’t need to drop big money to get a knife that holds up. There are plenty of knives under fifty bucks that’ll take an edge, stay in your hand when things get slick, and handle real work without falling apart. I’ve carried and tested a lot of blades over the years, and while some cheap knives feel exactly like what you paid for, a few manage to punch above their price tag.
Here are the knives under $50 that I’d actually trust to carry, use, and rely on when it counts.
Mora Companion
The Mora Companion is one of the best fixed blades you can get for the money. It’s lightweight, easy to sharpen, and holds a decent edge. The Scandi grind makes it great for bushcraft tasks like feathering sticks or carving notches.
It’s not full tang, but the construction is tough enough for moderate field use. The handle stays grippy when wet, and the plastic sheath does the job. For under $20, it outperforms a lot of knives twice the price.
Opinel No. 8
The Opinel No. 8 is a classic folding knife that’s great for light-duty tasks. The carbon or stainless blade is thin but sharp, and the locking collar keeps things secure when in use. It’s ideal for slicing, food prep, and general camp chores.
It’s not made for batoning or hard prying, but it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to maintain. For under $20, it’s a solid option to keep in your pocket or pack when you need a slicer more than a beater.
Kershaw Cryo
The Cryo is a sturdy little assisted opener that feels more expensive than it is. The stainless frame lock is solid, and the 8Cr13MoV blade holds up well for everyday tasks. It’s compact and has a solid in-hand feel for its size.
It’s not a field knife, but for day-to-day carry, it does what it needs to do. The assisted open is snappy, and the design is clean without any fluff. For under $40, it’s hard to complain.
Ontario RAT I
The Ontario RAT I has built a strong following for good reason. It’s a budget folder that feels like it could take a beating—and often does. The AUS-8 blade takes a good edge and the full-size handle gives plenty of control.
The liner lock is reliable, and the thumb stud makes one-handed opening easy. If you’ve got a limited budget and want a folding knife that can handle field tasks without feeling fragile, this one belongs in the mix.
Civivi Mini Praxis
Civivi makes a lot of higher-end budget knives, and the Mini Praxis squeezes in under the $50 mark. It’s got D2 steel, smooth action, and a grippy G10 handle—all things you don’t usually find at this price point.
It’s more of an urban EDC knife than a field tool, but it holds up to regular use and stays comfortable in the hand. If you want a solid all-around flipper that doesn’t feel cheap, this one checks a lot of boxes.
Buck 110 Slim Select
The Buck 110 Slim takes the classic 110 design and trims it down for lighter carry. You still get the same blade shape and back lock, but in a modern, pocket-friendly package. The nylon handle keeps it lightweight and under budget.
The 420HC steel is easy to maintain and holds up fine for everyday use. It’s not a heavy-duty camp knife, but it’ll handle game processing, food prep, and light woodwork without issue.
Cold Steel Pocket Bushman
The Pocket Bushman is a bit of a tank. It’s big, heavy, and built tougher than most folders in this price range. The locking system is strong, and the blade is long enough to handle serious slicing or even light batoning.
It’s not the fastest to open or close, and the handle takes some getting used to—but if you’re after strength and durability under $50, this one stands out. It’s more tool than toy.
Gerber StrongArm (When It’s on sale)
The StrongArm usually floats above the $50 mark, but it regularly drops just under during sales. When it does, it’s worth jumping on. The fixed blade is solid, with 420HC steel, a grippy handle, and a practical sheath that mounts multiple ways.
It’s not fancy, but it’s field-proven and built for utility. If you can snag one around that $50 line, you’re getting a knife that can handle real-world abuse without hesitation.
Schrade SCHF36
Schrade’s SCHF36 is a thick, full-tang survival-style knife with a lot of features for the price. The 1095 steel holds an edge and takes a beating, and the handle is comfortable enough for extended use.
It comes with a sheath and ferro rod, making it a decent starter for bushcraft or camp use. You’ll want to keep it clean and oiled since the steel isn’t stainless, but performance-wise, it’s more than respectable for the price.
Mora Garberg (Carbon or Stainless) – When On Sale
Like the StrongArm, the Garberg usually lands above $50, but if you catch it on sale, it’s one of the best values in the fixed blade world. It’s full tang, has a solid spine for striking ferro rods, and the Scandi grind makes it easy to touch up in the field.
Both the carbon and stainless models hold up well, and the handle shape works in all conditions. It’s a knife built for hard use, and when it drops below $50, it’s worth every cent.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
