7 BEST EDC KNIVES UNDER $50 

For the record... the tenacious was my first choice but that was already on your list 😂

Glad you love that Elementum as much as I did😁. Got the winner in my pocket right now! -Zac

Elementum is the best one on that list imo, we did a review againts the civivi durrus and it definitely has taken up some of other knives pocket time

I personally would recommend CRKT Squid XM if you can find one under 50$, I got mine from Knife Center for $47. It's sturdy, durable, easy to operate and the design for me is just timeless and sleek!

1. Elementum 2. Tenacious 3. Rat 2 4. Natrix Copper 5. Cutjack 6. Cryo 2 7. Strike

Unlimited budget video incoming...

Solid list, but I would like to say that I’ve been carrying a kershaw kryo 1 pretty consistently for around 3 years and I have never had any problems with the frame lock sticking. The lock has sincerely impressed me and is definitely one of the best that I’ve seen in this price range (personally). As far as it not opening completely using the spring assit, it does happen, but as long as you keep it clean you shouldn’t have any problems. I agree that is is a heavy knife, but I did get the the smaller version due to that fact and I think that pretty much solves that problem if you don’t mind a smaller knife. Anyway, just wanted to give my opinion on it for anyone looking into buying the knife.

Great list. I own some of these knives. The tenacious, rat 1 and 2, boker strike and civivi elementum. They are all great but my favorite sub $50 EDC is hands down the Kershaw skyline. Great steel, great handle and ergo's (4 finger). Rides in the pocket like it's not there and they are extremely well built and robust for their danty stature. Also the blade is amazing. The thinness and shape of the blade lend to phenomenal cutting. It isn't a heavy duty folder that typically isn't what a folding knife is used for. After carrying a skyline for years not even the elementum has dethroned it yet. Yet. I do love the little bugger.

I have been carrying a Kershaw blur for 15 years. I absolutely love them and trust them. I don’t know why it is never mentioned in knife reviews.

Just bought my second RAT 2, brown, coated blade. Really like it for EDC.

Tenacious is my consistent work edc knife and its perfect for every task I set it to. A Cryo is ALWAYS in my back pocket, no matter what occasion or what other knives I'm carrying. My Cryo is a beater, and it shows...but for the many months I've beat on it I've Never had a misfire.😑

Just getting into knives, first time viewer. What’s the little leather lanyard for?

As a Civivi Praxis owner, it’s got everything you mentioned plus a little more size like you were looking for. I was a long time Kershaw carrier but felt this was a huge upgrade from anything I’ve ever owned.

I'm blown away that I inadvertently own 5 out of 7 of these knives, and the Cold Steel is in my Blade HQ wish list...it kind of makes me feel better knowing I bought knives that have a big enough following to have made people's top 7 list...and I also don't feel so weird about how much I love my customized Tenacious...

Love my CutJack mini. I’ve beat the hell out of my knife and it’s still perfect. No blade play. Perfectly centered. Action is still great. D2 is a joy to sharpen. Just have to keep her clean because of the susceptibility to rust. Other than that it’s the perfect knife at the price point.

hey i would really love to see a edc all american made

This video sold me on the Elementum... had it 2 weeks and I liked it so much I came back to buy another of his suggestions, the list, the Rat 1... and now I'm back to buy another, the CutJack. My point is this dude really knows knives and his suggestions are a great way to build your collection

here from the future...just got the elementum 2 (button lock) for fathers day...LOVE IT

What does everyone think about the Ka-Bar Dozier D2 though?

I'm poor so this video is perfect for me😄

I've not used the Elementum, but my two favorites are the CIVIVI Praxis and the Steel Will Cutjack. Good list!

The Cryo 2 was my first “good” knife. Definitely took me to USA made Kershaws and then into ZT!

No CRKT polar?

I rate the Elementum highest on the list. I carried the Rat2D2 for several months and liked it (medium hand size). However when I disassembled it for cleaning, I found the liner was already rusting under the scales! Replaced it with the Elementum (stainless liner) and love it more.

The Boker Strike is my number one pick. One for me another for a gift. Great price, you can reverse the clip if you like. T8 star are the screws that are used. The main screw for the spring can be adjusted for a snappier or slower opening if you like. If you slow it down a bit, it is perfectly quiet, so if you need to pull it while on a tree stand or just need a quiet opening, you can do that. Stone washed blade is nice, Steel liner is a great addition, that yields a lot of strength to this knife. They could have left them out and just used the aluminum, but they did not. This is a great solid knife. It is not a hammer, it is not a pry bar and like any tool, if you use it for the wrong thing you can over stress it and damage it. If you use it as a solid tactical/bugout bag or EDC it will serve you for 10 years easily. I have had a number of Boker knifes like the SpeedII and the AK74 and this is by far the best of them I have owned so far. Those others I have had for years, and they have yet to fail me. I have heard some reviews that the jimping is overly done, but that is crap. I can solidly grip this knife with my thumb solidly on the jimping and it is not at all uncomfortable. Pussies. The blade out of the box is sharp, but you can easily take the edge to as sharp as a straight razor and mine is that way. Wicked Sharp. Now the blade looks like a sabre grind which I prefer over flat or others. The drop point, clip point blade gives it lots of strength. The only thing that would improve this automatic I can see are two things. High Carbon steel so you don't have to sharpen it as often, although for the price AUS-8 is not bad and as I said it will take an Edge pretty fast. 5 minutes with some carbide and ceramic and you can shave with it. The other thing, is a free 6 pack. Ok, so technically one thing. BUT, you wouldn't get it for the outstanding price if they used 1060. I got a deal on two for $79 bucks. Sign me up for that deal anytime, anywhere. I would pay $60 or a little more for this knife with no regrets, so if you want a solid Automatic that won't let you down or break the budget, stop screwing around and wondering if you should get one. Get IT!! SMKW will set you up and you will not be disappointed.

I love my tenacious but I think he needs a better steel at its price point to compete anymore. Elementum, Cutjack, and Rat 2 D2 would be my winners. The rest are all kinda in a group just underneath.

I literally got this notification in the discord and there are 4 comments lol

Rat 1 in d2 should've been on the list. You get a lot of knife for the money. I know it's big, but it's my edc. I use it for everything. I own Gerber, Cold Steel, Benchmade, and Spyderco. But for what you pay for the Rat 1, what a bargain. Had it for 2 years and beat it to hell, and it still works great. I use what works. I don't have to walk around with a $200 knife in my pocket, although I own a few. The Rat sharpens pretty easy and holds a decent edge. A touch up here and there with a ceramic rod and she's as good as new. I have a Rat 2 in d2 also. It's great, but I tend to favor larger knives.

I have been waiting for this!! Clicked off one of your other vids to see this

why not the Buck 112 ?

This was the perfect video for me. My M16 is getting close to retirement and as good as it has been for the last 4ish years I’m one of those people who always likes to try something new.

Hi, 2024 here and these under 50 USD knives are now 70-90 😭 4 years...

My Tenacious from Blade HQ just showed up today. Im very happy with it. Its my first EDC

For a first beginner should I buy the tenacious or the elementum?

I've has the cryo 2 for a long time and it's still one of my favorite ones. It's a bit heavy but not bad at all, it can get super sharp too.

The knife that I would put on the list is $54 so just a little bit more money but it is worth it. It is the sog terminus xr (the red one)

SOLD OUT EVERYWHERE: Civivi Elementum more coming June / July 2020

I agree the Cutjack rocks one of my absolute favorites: ))

I got the cryo2. Great knife. Carry it at all times.

Where did you buy the cord of all your knives?!

Got the Civivi Elementum, at first I thought that the design was too plain, but after searching for other knife and looking at it more properly. You're right, in that price range that's the best knife. My first knife btw.

Boker magnum MERMAID is the best knife under $50 with out a doubt

i just got a ferrum forge gent for $40. I did have a $20 discount though haha

Okay, I'd say in this order. 1) Steel Will Cutjack - I loved this knife when I reviewed it. It's an excellent cheap EDC in every way. light, good flipper, good clip, great ergos, good steel, tough, simple, easy to work on. 2) Ontario RAT - all the things great about the cutjack but no flipper 3) Civivi Elementum - everyone needs a fancy knife. 4) Spyderco Tenacious - used to be the best. now it's just OK. Don't like the steel or ergos, do like the blade grind and lock and thumb hole. 5) Kershaw Natrix - a copper knife? No. 6) Boker auto - EDCing something that can get you arrested? No. 7) Kershaw Cryo II - an assisted opener? No.

crkt squid d2 best knife foe 50 cnd

crkt squid d2 best knife foe 50 cnd

I actually got my tenacious on sale for $35

I picked up the Ontario Rat after watching your stuff and it came in today! Am not the least bit disappointed so thanks!

I love my RAT 1 in D2. I also like Kubey knives. Of the list I like the Cut Jack.

The Rat I and Rat II are my favourites, especially now Flytanium make scales for them. I know that takes them out of the budget range, but I think the D2 versions are worth more than they cost anyway. I agree about the Rat I being easier to use though, and I have small (female) hands.

You can opt for the Esee Avispa or Zancudo, instead of the Rat. Same geometry of blade but its a frame lock not a liner lock. Fits slimmer in the pocket

I've got the Boker and its a great quality knife, also it came with life warranty which I didn't expect at this price point. It feels super sturdy and the spring is very strong. I hope it will last me many years

With the caveat that I don't own and haven't used any of these knives, here's how I would rate them. I'm rating in terms of what I would think about if trying to make a decision on whether to buy or not. 1. Civivi Elementum - good steel and a simple yet elegant shape; caveat that I don't like G-10 and so this knife is not sub-$50 when purchased with one of the wood handle options - WOULD BUY 2. Kershaw Natrix - good steel and the copper handles are fantastic; I'm not quite sure how I feel about the blade shape - WOULD BUY 3. Steel Will Cutjack - good steel and I really like the shape of this knife; but I do not like G-10 and I think the pattern in the handle scales is REALLY ugly - WOULD NOT BUY (but if they change the handle I would reconsider) 4. Ontario Rat II - good steel; another nope on the G-10 and there's something unattractive about the overall shape - WOULD NOT BUY 5. Kershaw Cryo II - I really prefer metal handles over just about anything; but the steel is meh and that takes this one out of the running for me - WOULD NOT BUY 6. Boker Strike - I'd like this shape better in a fixed blade knife; meh steel and G-10 - WOULD NOT BUY 7. Spyderco Tenacious - meh steel, nope on the G-10, and I don't really like the look of Spyderco knives - WOULD NOT BUY (*** Since you said you wanted a bigger Elementum when do we get to see your review of the Civivi Incite? ***)

Where are the ganzo knives?

No love for the U.S. made Kershaw Blur? I got mine at Walmart for $35. Love that knife

You can't beat the value and quality of the RAT-2 in d2. The Cutjack mini in d2 is great too. If you can get d2 at this price point, you've got a great knife. The Civivi Hooligan (d2) belonged on the list.

Great knife video. But I love your watch. I found Bertucci a few months ago. Since then, my son took my first A-2T that I bought from Bertucci as a "certified pre-owned" watch. I just bought a new A-2T from again direct from Bertucci. Their watches are great and customer service is tops. Thanks again.

I would REALLY prefer the Civivi with a coated, satin, or...whatever less reflective blade. Great presentation, ty.

Just bought copper natrix on Amazon for, $45

I prefere manual knives overall.but auto's and even assisted knives have their place to. Live my emissary and barrage for example.

1) Civivi Elementum - Beautiful flipper with D2 and available micarta scales makes this a no brainer. So choice! 2) Firebird by Ganzo FH71-BK - D2 and G10 ball bearing flipper for less than $30! It is a disservice to this community to not include these knives. 3) Honey Badger D2 in Small - Another knife that should be in all these lists. It is similar to the Steel Will and comes in a variety of sizes, colors, blade steels, and shapes. My favorite flipper, but I don't own an Elementum yet. 4) Steel Will Cutjack - Much better looking than the RAT II. For my money, I'd still take a Honey Badger if for nothing other than its deep carry clip. 5) Boker Strike - Such a nice auto. This is the lowest knife in the list that I actually like and would spend my money to own. 6) Spyderco Tenacious - Old standby, but the blade steel should be better for that price. It could also be better looking. Also, their clip is not deep pocket enough for me. 7) Kershaw Natrix - Not for me, but cool. Personally, I'm not a fan of frame locks. 8) Ontario RAT II - Sure the price is great, but both the blade and handle are unattractive. 9) Kershaw Cryo II - Maybe not too big, but way too heavy. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and for making them such a pleasure to watch. Thumbs up.

I picked up a Kershaw "oso sweet" in like 2010 or something.... still on my jeans, brilliant little tool and maintains really easily. Been looking for ideas on an upgrade so thankyou for making this video.

Can you do a comparison of edc from North America and Europe for under $100?

Love these budget knives, but I have finding myself getting more into traditional folders. Too many knives, not enough time or money for all of this goodness.

Could you please tell what video you showed how to tie that little lanyard, thanks!!🔪🗡🔪🗡🔪🗡🔪🗡🔪🔪🔪

When it comes to aesthetics, would you consider reviewing a deejo tattoo knife

Have a spring assisted kershaw that is the 30$ version so lower tier(no idea if it’s legal in my area shipped to my house so I assume it is, no ones ever gotten upset over it having a spring), but never once had a miss fire on it. You can see how I’ve wore the liner lock down severely and it still locks beautifully. If chipped the hell out of it using it to pry thing or as a screw driver. Have skinned countless squirrels and filleted countless fish, idk if the model in this video is a poorer design, but I’ve fidgeted with this thing doing things the way the spring isn’t supposed to be and still didn’t miss fire then, hell I’ve grabbed the blade and tried to fling the handle it locked out completely. Never tried the other knives on this list, but at getting a spyderco manix 2(only reason I’m replacing the kershaw is it’s very sentimental and I want it to be in ok shape) Edit- I have the kershaw clash

for that price I can not believe the Blur wasn't on the list,I do think the Boker was a good idea though

Can you do an update for 2021?

The OKC Rat1 is an absolutely excellent EDC, I have beat mine up for a year now . And it has been unbelievably tough...

I would love to see the Cutjack with other scale material. AKA- put Micarta on it and I will buy one!

Best Knives Under $50 (redux): Civivi Baklash Kershaw Leek Bastion Braza Bro (D2) CJRB Feldspar Spyderco Tenacious CRKT Dactyl Outdoor Edge Slidewinder (utility)

I considered more than one of these while looking for a budget knife. Rats cool, looks really basic tho. I'm not a huge fan of spydercos designs either. I don't like the Frn or whatever it's called too much. Techno 2 is sick but definitely not budget, lol. Don't like assisted knives, Cyro was considered however. In the end, I chose none of these. I spent around 5 bucks above the limit. Got a Kizer Mini Begleiter, which I really like. I'm particular however, so it's probably not for everyone.

Bought my Elementum with carbon fiber scales because of this video and still love it. My daily. Thanks!

Ontario rat two.....A real EDC knife, something you have 9 of at home so you don't care about losing one, breaking one or giving one to a new knife person.

The cut jack is a great knife that reminds to review it i forgot k had it lol

You had to T pose in the intro

I want the Elementum

So my list of Sub $50 10. 9. Boker Strike/Kalashnikov AUS 8 8. Spyderco Tenacious 8CR13MOV 7. Ontario RAT Model 2 D2 6. Steel Will Cutjack D2 5. Steel Will Modus D2 4. ESEE Zancudo D2 3. Kershaw Skyline 1760 14C28N 2. CIVIVI Elementum D2 1. CRKT Caligo D2

I love that pena knife style. do you have a knife recommendation for this style under 100 USD? thanks

I don't know how many of us there are, but for your British viewers, id love to see a budget UK legal knife guide!

1. Civivi Elementum 2. Kershaw Natrix 3. Steel Will Cutjack 4. Ontario RAT II D2 5. Spyderco Tenacious 6. Boker Stryke 7. Kershaw Cryo II I sold off my autos, they're good toys but not good for EDC imho. Assisted is almost as bad.

Nice job. I carry the Cryo II. My reason is that it is very thin and very smooth and won't tear up my pant over time. I do wish they made a D2 blade version of that Cryo II. Other that that I have carried it over a year and the knife stayed solid and no issues. Flips open perfectly every time.

Civivi Elementum Ontario RAT II D2 Steel Will Cutjack Spyderco Tenacious Kershaw Copper Natrix Boker Strike Kershaw Cryo II Any Ganzo FH series knife would be second or third on this list. I would carry the Cryo if I didn't have any other knife available. I hate assisted knives.

I really like most of the knives on your list i think you picked some good ones! I plan on asking santa for a fully serrated tenacious and to throw on some copper scales from flytanium 😎

What about the lanskay and Mikkel Willumsen collaboration the responder LKN111 which was at the time £16.80 ($21) and the responder X9 LKN222 which at the time cost £32.99 just over $41, they come very sharp, there is also the world legal slip joint which at the time also cost £16.80. I think ($56 - $62) it comes in a better steel sandvik 12C27 steel I believe and the responder and also the world legal comes in 9Cr18MOV, also the handles on the X9 are G10 other than nylon on the other 2,

saying this as a spyderco fanboy....I'm shocked Rat2D2 was not #1 both from community and from you with the only exception possibly being Rat1. I get what you're saying about ergos. I bought an R2D2, and...my hand fits it just fine, but still, you can tell that it's just a wee bit off. The overall design was made for the R1. But...I'm blown away by Ontario's quality. I don't need ball bearings. I'm not looking for a toy. Washers are just fine AND washers are better if you need to use the knife as a weapon. All that stuff said, R2D2 is a pleasure and a great EDC. The handle is smaller for a reason. That handle is so solid, the feel is...I mean it just feels like a knife that costs 4x as much. And the D2 and blade shape make it a great beater. For my purposes, my delica is a better knife, but...it costs $84 bucks rather than in the 40s, and the FRN/skeletonized liners still feels cheap in comparison. The R2D2 makes me want to get a R1 just to keep around the house for beating it up. Also, I think you need to include the Ka-bar Dozier--it's a bit cheaper than these, but it's also a lockback.

I have a RAT 1 in D2. made before all of those soft D2 RATs. It has good edge retention, but D2 just isn't worth the care it requires... Make yourself a steak, smother it in steak sauce, enjoy your meal, garnished with some blade oil... then let your knife sit overnight before washing it... I guarantee you will regret following this advise... D2 just isn't a suitable pocket knife steel, it requires too much maintenance for average users. I also wouldn't recommend anything in 8Cr, there are just so many better knife steels out there for under $50.00 like 14C28n or S35VN. For all of it's shortcomings, which aren't major... I carry the LAPG TBFK in S35VN. Yes, it's tempered on the softer side, but it still takes a great edge that lasts ok, it's tough as nails, it has bearings and a flipper and it doesn't rust in everyday use.

BUDGET??? $50 bucks for a pocket knife? Wow. I can't imagine paying that kind of money for a pocket knife.

I know this knife is 1)hard to new 2)hard to find at $50 mark which you can the Gerber Applegate Fairborn I started carrying one(the same one) in February 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I just bought a second one new for $60 and going to buy a third one later this month. My original one go with a Boker Applegate Fairborn in a display on my fireplace. Both knives are great knifes,

The Elementum rocks. You will have to center the blade, which is quite easy to do; otherwise, the ball bearings are silky smooth and lockup is very solid with a satisfying click. You will find yourself playing with it a lot, which will only make it smoother. My only complaint: I've dropped the knife twice and, both times, the blade popped out of frame to about 90 degrees. Probably not an issue unless you're on a scaffold with people beneath you. Quality of build is evident when you first hold it and the hollow grind cuts like a scalpel. Super gift idea for any man ... and an intriguing gift for a woman, most of whom have never owned a pocket knife but would enjoy finally getting one.

I can't believe no one said the Kershaw Link or Skyline. American made BABY.

So you hit the nail on the head for me on the RAT 2. Ergos get wonky when they shrank it. Love my Rat 1 though. Dig my Kalashnikov also. Something to be said about the Kalashnikov (IDK if this applies to the Strike) is the different blade styles available. Dagger and standard and there's several. For me it would be number one, I haven't had an elementum yet, out of the knives in own from your list. Until Spyderco drops a better steel on the tenacious like you mentioned.

The RAT is sooooo much knife for the money. 2 years of daily carry and it still flicks open like it came out of the box

The Kryo can be de-assisted fairly easily, by removing the spring… The weight doesn’t bother me. As a full- grown man, a few ounces makes no difference to me (or it wouldn’t, if I like the knife)!

I also don't understand the constant love for the Cutjack...I have one and am constantly disappointed in the feel.

this is impossible to answer...it all depends...purpose..where I'm going..what I'm doing...what I'm wearing...on and on...Depending on what I'm wearing, where I'm going, can I conceal carry a real self defense weapon where I'm going, etc etc...all of these factors aid in my choice of knife for that day. Personally, if you carry a knife with it having any chance of being used for personal protection, I don't see any point in carrying a knife that isn't an auto or self opening knife. The average persons chance of getting a knife open when they're being attacked if it's not assisted or auto opening, are slim. FACTS!!

Seriously don’t understand the appeal of Spyderco knife, don’t like the look of them. The Civvivi seemed to be the most overall pleasing knife of the batch. My EDC is the Kubey Siren and I have 3 they are like scalpels. Sure I have work and tactical knives for days that require more robustness.

My top knife under $50 isn't on your list the Ruike P801. Love that knife so much. The tenacious I like but don't carry because like most Spyderco knives the hole makes it too wide in my pocket and I find it hard to reach in my pocket for change or whatever without ripping my hand up. I like the Elementum but honestly don't get why everyone is so obsessed. It's a good knife, I don't find it mind blowing in any way though. I need to get a cutjack it's been on my list for a while and also a d2 rat 1 (I have an aus8). I'm with you on the rat 2 it doesn't fit my hand and I find it really awkward.

Yea tenacious for sure bro! Ive owned 4 of them. No surration, ever. Rat 1 is also one of my favorite hard use knives, the rat 2 didnt get me though. I bought my dad a cryo 2 for his birthday a while back. Not a fan of the assisted opening and the weight. But he lost it within a week. Lol hes not a knife guy.