These $50 Pocket Knives Changed Our Perspective

July 28, 2025 By: Seth Vietti Categories: Best

Think a cheap knife can’t be a good knife? Throw that idea out. A lot of us have grumbled about rising costs in the knife world, but honestly, the real story is how many more quality options you get for less cash. Today’s low-cost folders can compete with gear that used to cost triple the price. Premium-feeling opening actions, durable steels, and thoughtful ergonomics are now the bare minimum at this tier.

This guide is a brutally honest rundown of today’s best pocket knives under $50. There’s everything from the feather-light and modern, to classics that have outlived trends for decades. And while this list ranks them, don’t get hung up on the numbers. Each of these knives can perform. Placement is friendly and subjective, because what you carry in your pocket comes down to how you actually use it.

What you’ll find here:

Full overviews of the top choices informed by hands-on experience, because a good knife is more than a list of specs
High-value blade steels, design details that make a difference, and quirks that give character
Picks for hardcore work, fidget factor, and gifts that actually get used

Budget knives aren’t what they used to be. If you think $50 only gets you corner-cutting junk, prepare to have your mind changed.

The Surprising World of Sub-$50 Pocket Knives

These days, the options for great affordable pocket knives have exploded. Whether you’re fixated on edge retention, craving something lightweight for everyday carry, or you just want a “throw it in the drawer and forget it” backup, there’s never been a better time to be picky on a tight budget. For this list, anything between $0.01 and $49.99 qualifies, covering a massive spectrum of designs, lock types, and personalities.

Let’s break down the winners, counting up to number 1:

The Best Pocket Knives Under $50

11. Real Steel IRIS ($32)

Real Steel IRIS folding pocket knife on white background

See the Real Steel IRIS at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: 12C27
Handle: Folded stainless steel
Lock: Liner lock
Deployment: Front or standard flipper

Ultra-clean look, like what you’d expect in minimalist “designer” knives costing twice the price
12C27 steel resists rust, is easy to sharpen, and is forgiving in daily use—just don’t expect marathon edge retention
Construction feels tougher than it should at this weight due to the single-piece folded handle
Not a heavy-duty cutter, but excels at slicing tasks, opening packages, and generally disappearing in the pocket

This is the kind of pocket knife that makes you wonder if you even need much more blade. Want a simple, featherweight companion for light chores? This is the one. Built by SRM, which matters for reasons we’ll cover soon.

10. Kershaw Dawnstar ($35)

Kershaw Dawnstar folding pocket knife oh white background

Explore the Kershaw Dawnstar at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: 8CR13MoV
Handle: Injection-molded
Lock: Liner lock
Deployment: SpeedSafe-assisted flipper

Dramatic hawkbill blade scoops material right into the edge when slicing rope, cardboard, or anything tough and stringy
Assisted-opening is snappy and satisfying, but not intimidating; just right for “wow factor” on a budget
Handle is surprisingly comfortable; injection molding lets Kershaw throw in thoughtful shaping without costs ballooning
Not as versatile as a classic drop point, but makes quick work of certain tasks

This design isn’t just a budget karambit clone—it’s a practical work-oriented cutter hiding inside a tactical shell. It’s different in the best way.

9. Petrified Fish Forward ($28)

Petrified Fish folding pocket knife oh white background

Check the Petrified Fish Forward at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: D2
Handle: Milled G10
Lock: Nested liner lock
Deployment: Flipper

Killer deal: D2 tool steel, refined G10 scales, and bearings in the pivot for as little as $28 (did we time-travel to 2015?)
Grind is precise and symmetrical, faceted and almost jewel-like—unexpected at this price
Slicer geometry means it does real work, with a little extra thickness at the tip so you’re not babying the edge
Deep carry, not ambidextrous

This knife feels like someone took a few cues from much more expensive models and distilled it into something many can afford. Looking for a practical gateway to modern design? Look here.

8. KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter ($37)

KA-BAR Dozier folding hunter pocket knife on white background

See the KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: D2
Handle: Lightweight polymer
Lock: Lock back
Deployment: Reversible thumbstud

Featherweight (2.2 oz), nearly indestructible, and has a neutral handle that fits almost any hand
Upgraded to D2 steel for more edge retention, yet stays affordable and familiar
No-frills workhorse design—removable thumb stud, ambidextrous setup, classic lock back strength
Still sells huge numbers after all these years, for good reason

Ignore the throwback vibe; this is proven, functional, and so light you’ll forget you have it until you need it. Sometimes less truly is more.

7. Buck 112 Slim Select ($30)

Buck 112 Slim Select folding knife on white background

Check out the Buck 112 Slim Select at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: 420HC (BOS heat treat)
Handle: Slim polymer
Lock: Lock back
Deployment: Dual thumbstuds

Made in the USA, ticking the patriot box for many buyers
Light, deep-carry, and far sleeker than the classic Buck 112
Heat-treated 420HC doesn’t brag on a spec sheet but punches above its weight in day-to-day abuse
Feels like a thoughtful modernization of a known good thing

This is a gateway knife for new collectors, a “first real knife” for many, or a solid backup for the nostalgic. It just works, and that never goes out of style.

6. Ruike P801 ($35)

Ruike P801 folding knife open on white background

View the Ruike P801 at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: 14C28N
Handle: Stainless or optional G10
Lock: Frame lock
Deployment: Flipper or thumbstuds

14C28N is a sleeper hit among budget steels—good edge, easy care, and real durability
Frame lock at under $40 is a rare trick, and it’s executed well here
Crisp flipping action, with the option of a thumb stud for different opening feels
A bit slick with the plain steel version, but G10 helps (and the orange looks phenomenal if you’re into color)

For those who want the smooth, low-friction experience of pricier folders, but can’t justify the splurge. Some folks even call this the “budget Sebenza”—high praise among nerds, if you know, you know.

5. Ontario RAT Model 1 ($40)

Ontario RAT-1 folding knife open on white background

See the Ontario RAT Model 1 at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: AUS-8 or D2
Handle: Nylon scales
Lock: Liner lock
Deployment: Dual thumbstuds

Stout full-sized folder with full liners, four-way reversible clip, and just enough attitude to feel reliable without showing off
The RAT 1 built a cult following. There’s a thriving modding scene and a weird sense of community among owners (in a fun way)
It’s not light—instead you get durability and a knife you can beat up with zero worry
Blade geometry walks the line between slicey and robust, ready for outdoor, tactical, or shop tasks

Own one, use it, know why it’s recommended all over internet forums. Sometimes “old reliable” really means something.

4. QSP Canary ($45)

QSP Canary folding pocket knife open on white background

Meet the QSP Canary at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: 14C28N
Handle: Various colors/materials
Lock: Liner lock
Deployment: Dual thumbstuds

Compact profile that packs a surprisingly sturdy and broad blade—a “little big knife” vibe that inspires confidence
Ambidextrous deep pocket clip with filler tab (hidden detail, much appreciated for lefties or rotation obsessives)
Liner lock snaps open with authority, and every angle feels refined
Drop/clip point hybrid blade shape is ideal for EDC
Thicker blade stock means it’s not just a toy; you can lean on it

This one quietly overshadows the more famous QSP Penguin for some users—especially if you want a small but capable daily tool.

3. Remette Rhino ($36)

Remette Rhino folding knife open on white background

Check the Remette Rhino at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: D2
Handle: Variety of materials
Lock: Button-actuated liner lock
Deployment: Dual thumbstuds or front flipper

At $36, you get a button lock with character, strong styling, and more substance than you’d think
Blade has real presence: not a generic shape, more like a “designer” take that isn’t afraid to stand out
The action is incredibly smooth, and for those who fidget with their gear, it’s flat-out fun
Slight heft in hand, but not overweight; feels more expensive than it is

Frankly, a pleasant surprise that steals attention from more predictable options. Want to show off something different? This is a strong pick.

2. SRM 258L Terrier & SRM 168L ($43–$50)

SRM 258L Terrier folding knife open on white background

Shop the SRM 258L Terrier at KnifeCenter

SRM 168L folding knife open on white background

See the SRM 168L at KnifeCenter

Blade steel: San Mai (258L), D2 (168L)
Handle: Folded steel (258L), G10 (168L)
Lock: Crossbar lock
Deployment: Dual thumbstuds

Built around the folded metal frame trick seen in Real Steel IRIS, but chunkier and more ergonomic
258L offers San Mai (trilayer) blade at higher price, but the D2 with G10 version skims under fifty and is the sweet spot
Tool-free reversible clip snaps in and out with a squeeze—a bit of genius for lefties or the restless
SRM 168L is a real budget workhorse: washers instead of bearings stay cleaner and more reliable when things get gritty

SRM knives show up twice on this list for a reason. The crossbar lock design was once exclusive to the big names, but here it’s affordable and a joy to use. Edges are polished and thin, even crowned along the spine. Details like this don’t show up often on sub-$50 knives.

Honorable Mentions: Close, But… Not Quite

Some knives almost made it, and it hurt to leave them off. Here’s where they land:

Boker Kihon DC (See at KnifeCenter): At $60 for the base model, and $50 for an upgraded micarta and 14C28N exclusive, the Kihon brings Lucas Burnley’s design flair within reach. It’s good—just edged out by offerings with even better value-for-money or that spark a little more excitement.
CIVIVI Brazen & Sencut Sachse (Brazen at KnifeCenter, Sachse at KnifeCenter): CIVIVI and Sencut are still the “budget” brands to beat, but honestly, their best work now starts above the $50 mark. These knives are perfectly viable choices, but the rest of the field is catching up fast, and in this range they’re more “solid” than “spectacular.”

If you’re choosing between these and the top contenders above, you won’t go wrong. But there’s just a bit more fun and/or value to be had elsewhere.

The Top Slot: CJRB Maximal & The Pyrite Family

CJRB Maximal ($49.95)

CJRB Maximal folding knife open on white background

See the CJRB Maximal at KnifeCenter

This is the archetype of a “knife designed for everyone.” Crossbar lock? Check. Snappy, secure action? Check. Ambidextrous? You bet. The Maximal brings a modern, work-focused approach to the budget field without feeling generic.

Blade steel: CJRB’s proprietary RPM9 offers a strong mix of edge retention, toughness, and easy care
Handle: Contoured for grip, with a shape that maximizes usable space without wasting weight
Lock: Crispest crossbar actuator in the price bracket

The blade shape is an efficient hybrid of both clip point and drop point profiles—It does well at slicing, yet the tip is precise enough for detail cuts. For less than $50, you get a knife that covers every daily use without a whiff of compromise.

Not content to rest on its laurels, the Maximal is part of a bigger family of incredible knives from CJRB. If you crave more options (or lower pricing), the CJRB Pyrite and its variations are ready to deliver.

CJRB Pyrite (from $30 for Lite, $50 for G10)

CJRB Pyrite folding knife open on white background

Browse the CJRB Pyrite at KnifeCenter

The Pyrite is all about maximizing your dollar-to-performance ratio. The G10-handled standard Pyrite offers RPM9 steel for a modest $50, and the Pyrite Lite (with injection-molded handles) dips to $30—almost suspiciously cheap for what you get.

What’s the catch? There really isn’t one. These knives are well-machined, offer a crowned spine, deep-carry clip, a tough steel, and a lock action usually reserved for pricier models. If you crave maximum stainless edge retention on a budget, the RPM9 (a spray-formed steel, not just a cheap formula) is hard to beat, and there are drop point and alternative blade shapes to fit your style.

There’s a strong case that, for actual out-of-pocket value, the Pyrite Lite beats everything else—if you don’t mind the simpler handle. Want more blade? The CJRB Acacia is another standout in the same family.

For those keeping score at home, D2 will technically “out-edge” (last longer than) these steels in strictly controlled lab tests. But for daily life—where toughness and corrosion resistance save you frustration—RPM9 and 14C28N are kings.

These models are the current “can’t go wrong” recommendation. For anyone wanting to start a collection, give a great gift, or just own a single knife you’ll use for years, this is where you look first.

The Bottom Line: Why Your Next Knife Shouldn’t Cost a Fortune

The world of affordable pocket knives is no longer a minefield of mediocrity and shady branding. Now, $30 to $50 gets you well-designed tools with legitimate features—real steel, real lock mechanisms, and real handle comfort. The knives above satisfy a wide spectrum of users, from new hobbyists to old hands who know that price tags don’t always signal quality.

If you’re still unimpressed, take this as permission to dig deeper. Plenty of other great models exist, but these are the ones that rule the roost right now. Have strong opinions about anything left off, or live and die by a classic that didn’t make the cut? Sound off and tag us on social media. New knives drop every week, and the “best” list always has room for more.

Bottom line: Budget knives are better than they’ve ever been. Your wallet—and your pocket—will thank you.