Although EDC knives are small in size, they can help you out in many different ways: either you want to defend yourself or you want to cut something delicate like a fruit or a veggie. Normal-sized knives are hard to carry and require a lot of work like sharpening and stuff but an EDC knife is really easy to carry and hold no matter where you go. So, during my scavenging for the best EDC knife under 50, I found 10 that will help you in any way possible:
The Best EDC Knives Under 50 In 2020
| PRODUCT | LENGTH | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
|
3.1 inches | Best Overall |
|
|
7.75 inches | Best Budget Pick |
|
 Kershaw Cryo II |
3.25 inches | Best for Quality |
|
 Ontario Knife OKC Rat Ii Sp-Black |
7 inches | Best Value |
|
1. Smith & Wesson SWA24S
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Multi-tool knife
- Pocket clip
This folding pocket knife is a multi-tool knife that can be used for literally anything. Having multiple features and made of quality material makes it a product worth having.
Construction: Smith & Wesson folding knife that has an ergonomic black handle made of aluminum includes jimping and a pocket clip so that you can easily attach it to your pocket or a bag. It also has a liner lock that is there for folding the knife with ease. The blade of this knife is made with a black high carbon stainless steel and is partially serrated.
Function: The easy access of the knife is possible with the thumb stud that deploys the knife in a split second, made possible by using only one hand.
Easy to use and store: You can use this knife for any task at hand but it’s not good for cutting wire. This knife can be kept in your side pocket or your bag so that when you need it you can easily have access to it.
Pros
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Ergonomic grip
- Thumb stud to deploy it with ease
- Easy to carry and use
- Liner-lock for folding
Cons
- Not for cutting wire
2. Spring Assisted Knife By Grand Way
Highlighted Features
- 440 Stainless steel blade
- Aluminum handle
- Spring-assisted system
- Pocket clip
Grand Way pocket folding knife is a durable multi-purpose knife that has a spring-assisted system. This knife has a tough military knife style and looks quite stunning. It is equipped with an extremely sharp blade to cut through anything.
Construction: The blade of this compact knife is made of black coated 440 stainless steel. Therefore, it is durable, long-lasting and razor-sharp. The material of the handle is aluminum. Since there is a semi-automatic system, this knife can be termed as an automatic device. It also has a liner lock, pocket clip and thumb studs on the left & right side. The black appearance which gives it an elegant look makes it a must-have. Due to stainless steel, it has corrosion resistance and it provides exceptional sharpness.
Function: This multipurpose knife may be used for several things including camping, hiking, scouting, bushcrafting, hunting & fishing, military & army needs, survival, self-defense, emergencies. The liner lock being dirt resistant aids you in its safe usage as it won’t close unexpectedly or harm you. Plus, there are thumb studs on both sides for right & left-hand use. Another advantage is that of the pocket clip that allows you to carry the knife anywhere you desire.
Grand Way spring-assisted knife is a sought-after tool by hunters, fishermen, tourists, etc. because the spring-assisted system makes it a semi-automatic knife. Even if something happens to the spring system, the knife would continue to work as a pocket knife.
Easy to use and store: The compact design and the spring-system make this knife very convenient to use. Plus, you can store it and take it anywhere you as it comes with a pocket clip.
Pros
- Durable & long-lasting
- Extremely sharp
- Multipurpose
- Thumb studs on both sides
- Semi-automatic tool
- Liner lock for safety
- Pocket clip for easy storage
Cons
- Safety does not disengage easily
3. Kershaw Cryo II
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel blade
- One-handed flipper
- Secure frame lock
- Lock bar stabilizer
Kershaw Cryo pocket knife exhibits great workmanship as it is beautifully crafted and superbly designed. Plus, its exceptional features make it a tool worth having.
Construction: The blade is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade that provides durability, edge retention, and rust resistance. The blade has a stealthy Kershaw’s patented black finish that is a combination of blade coating & stone washing. The blackness of the blade is attained by the conversion coating of black oxide that makes the blade surface magnetite. It adds a bit of corrosion resistance and reduces light reflection from the blade. For one-handed deployment, there is a SpeedSafe assisted opening system that consists of flipper or thumb stud.
It also has a secure locking system as the handle has 2 metal plates on both sides for the lock bar to fix at the back end of the blade and prevent it from closing. Other added features consist of a one-handed flipper, durable stainless steel handle, and a pocket clip.
Function: This very sturdy pocket knife is rust-resistant, long-lasting and can withstand any kind of damage. The SpeedSafe assisted opening system works in this way that you have to put pressure on the flipper or the thumb stud by pushing or pulling it back to release the resistance of the torsion bar. The blade would easily open and lock in place for easy use. The flipper can easily be operated by both left and right-handed users.
The handle is made of stainless steel but most often it is combined with some other material to make the grip stronger. Plus, almost all the stainless steel knife handles have etching, patterns, ridges or lines to make their grip stronger. The pocket-clip feature provides safety and easy usage. The 4-position pocket clip enables you to carry it tip-up or tip-down from the left or right side.
Easy to use and store: With a number of efficient features including the pocket-clip and SpeedSafe opening, this knife is very convenient to use and to store.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Rust-resistant & long-lasting
- Firm grip
- Safety features
- Flips open very fast
- Easy to carry
Cons
- A bit heavy
4. Ontario Knife OKC Rat Ii Sp-Black
Highlighted Features
- AUS-8 stainless steel blade
- Nylon 6 handle
- Dual thumb studs
- 4-way reversible pocket clip
- KitchenFaction Rating
Ontario OKC folding knife with a satin-finished stainless steel blade and a black handle delivers outstanding performance accompanied by utmost ease of usage. Its folding ability will enable you to carry it around easily as well.
Construction: This RAT knife has an AUS-8 stainless steel plain edge blade that has a satin finish. The material of the handle is a textured black nylon-6 scale. Plus, it has a steel liner lock, dual thumb studs, and 4-way reversible pocket clip.
Function: The knife has a durable construction, hence, it is sturdy and long-lasting. It has a sharp, plain, tapered blade. The grip provided by the handle may not be very firm but the pocket clip helps in making the grip stronger. It can be easily folded so it is also termed as RAT folders. The pocket clip has a tips down and up folding design. The steel liners help to lock the knife easily. Plus, you can close it with one hand and you can do it with your index finger rather than the thumb.
Easy to use and store: The 4-way reversible pocket clip and other fabulous features make this knife very easy to use. Since it is a folding knife, you can store it anywhere and carry it around with you.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Plain edge sharp blade
- Strong liner lock
- Suitably positioned studs
- Fast smooth opening
- Easy to carry
Cons
- The grip on the handle is slippery
5. TAC-FORCE Knife By Palmetto Wood Shop
Highlighted Features
- 3CR13 stainless steel blade
- Laser engraved burl wood handle
- Belt/pocket clip
- Built-in glass breaker
- Rope cutter
- Can opener
Palmetto TAC-Force pocket knife with your name engraved on the wooden handle is your true savior in times of distress or need due to its special features of built-in glass breaker, can opener and a rope cutter.
Construction: The partially serrated blade of this fabulous knife is made of 3CR13 stainless steel and it has an extremely sharp edge. The handle is of burl wood that can have customized engravings as per your requirement. It is lightweight, weighing just 5 ounces. Plus, it has a belt or pocket clip, can opener, built-in glass breaker and a rope cutter.
Function: This knife is truly amazing as it brings a unique feature of engraved personalized info that immediately insinuates a sense of belonging. Besides, the edge is serrated & razor-sharp, providing the ease of slicing whatever you want. The remarkable feature of rope cutting that can cut through a fishing line, or even a seat belt in case you are stuck, is awesome indeed. Besides, you can use the can opener if you are on a picnic or camping out in the wilderness. Most importantly, it has a built-in glass breaker to break the glass of a car in case you are stuck in one due to an accident.
Easy to use and store: Palmetto knife is a very convenient and handy tool. It is lightweight and easily foldable so you can store it wherever you want. You need to apply some force to open it though.
Pros
- Stylish design
- lightweight
- Sharp serrated blade
- Amazing features
- Easy to store
Cons
- Does not open easily
6. Gerber Freeman Guide Folding Knife
Highlighted Features
- Full fine edge blade or gut hook
- Nylon sheath
- Liner Lock
- Secure grip with TacHide onlay
- Large finger grooves
Gerber Freeman knife is surely a knife for hunters. Small & compact with a lightweight handle makes its maneuvering a piece of cake.
Construction: The knife has a blade with a full fine edge, lightweight handle, Tachide onlay, and larger finger grooves. It also has a liner lock and a nylon sheath that prevents any kind of damage.
Function: It is a knife that hunters would love to carry as it has a solid grip even when wet due to Tachide onlay. Besides, the larger finger grooves also help you hold it firmly while using it. What is important is that the handle is very light and does not put any strain on your hand or wrist. The liner lock ensures its safe usage as well. The blade or gut hook can be perfect for gutting deer or other animals.
Easy to use and store: The knife is easy to use but not very easy to carry as the blade is a bit on the heavier side. After some time, it flips open very quickly. Make sure to keep the knife dry otherwise it will get a bit rusty. Since it can be folded and has a nylon sheath, you can store it easily.
Pros
- Compact design
- Lightweight handle
- Strong grip
- Perfect for gutting
- Protective sheath
Cons
- A bit heavy
- No belt/pocket clip
7. CRKT Drifter EDC Knife
Highlighted Features
- 8Cr14MoV stainless steel
- Gray titanium nitride finish
- Tough G-10 handles
- Stainless steel liners & clip
CRKT Drifter EDC knife is a tough-looking sturdy knife that reflects its origins in Oregon. Innovative designs depict great workmanship and high moral values of integrity on the basis of which CRKT does its dealing.
Construction: The knife’s blade has 8Cr14MoV stainless steel construction with a drop point blade and gray titanium nitride finish. The blade has a razor-sharp or combined razor-sharp edge and triple-point serrated edges. There are tough black G-10 scales on the handle. The liner and clip are also made of stainless steel. Plus, there are thumb studs as well.
Function: The knife has a premium look and feel. The blade performs exceptionally well as it has been ground perfectly. The liners are on both sides so they provide a perfect balance. Plus, the locking and unlocking of the knives become very easy. The opening and closing with the thumb studs is a bit slow but smooth. The clip is sturdy but very large and it is tip-down only so cannot be reversed. The handle is ergonomic and provides a strong grip. You need 3 or 4 fingers to grip it. However, if you have extra-large hands, you need to test the handle in your hand before buying.
Easy to use and store: The features of this Drifter knife make its use easy. You need to be careful while storing it as the tip of the heel can penetrate your flesh in case the lock opens. Although it is something that may not occur at all, but one needs to be extra cautious.
Pros
- Premium design
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Firm grip
- Exceptional liner locks
- Smooth opening and closing
Cons
- Small for large hands
- The pocket clip not well-placed
8. Snake Eye Tactical Folding Knife
Highlighted Features
- 75 inch stainless steel blade
- One-hand opening & folding
- Finger retention ring
- Large finger grooves
- Belt clip
Snake Eye knife is pretty stylish, as if it came right out of some combat movie. With bright black colored handle and large finger grooves, it locks up firmly in the hand making it easier for you to handle it.
Construction: The Snake Eye knife has a stainless steel blade of just 2.75-inches that has a curved tip for better gutting. The handle has one finger-retention ring and large finger grooves. It also has a flip function to open and close the blade with even one hand. Plus, there is a belt clip for easy carrying.
Function: This multipurpose knife will assist you very well on your camping trip, hunting expedition, fishing saga or any other outdoor recreation. The knife has a smooth feel and luster that has a firm grip and easy one-handed flip open function. It can cut and carve pretty well with the sturdy stainless steel blade. Plus, it seems more of a fighting or a combat knife.
Easy to use and store: It is very comfortable in the hand and you can grip it firmly due to a finger-retention ring without worrying about it slipping through the fingers. Plus, it can cut amazingly well too so you can use it for even cutting open boxes. It can easily be stored in your pocket but you need to be careful as it can be dangerous if it flips open.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Quite a sharp blade
- Multipurpose tool
- Secure reverse grip style
- Easy to open and close
Cons
- A bit heavy
9. SOG Folding Pocket Knife
Highlighted Features
- 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
- Machined G10 handle
- Full-length stainless steel liners
- Lock-back mechanism
- Clip point blade
Salute knife designed by SOG exhibits military-style and performance. This multipurpose knife has a good feel in the hand and it provides robustness & flexibility.
Construction: The SOG pocket knife has 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with a straight edge and a clip point blade shape. It has a machined G-10 handle with stainless steel liners. The knife also features a lock-back mechanism. Plus, there is a sliding thumb stud as well.
Function: The SOG knife is basically a tactical knife that can be used as an EDC or a hunting knife or for any other outdoor activities. The stainless steel blade with a finely honed clip point can cut through a lot of things quite easily. The handle provides a comfortable, secure grip and the lock-back mechanism locks the blade in place for you to work conveniently. It is a flipper knife so it has a sliding thumb stud that lets you open and close the blade effortlessly with one hand.
Easy to use and store: This knife has a sturdy blade that cuts pretty well and has steel liners that provide a strong grip. Hence, this can be used easily for a variety of tasks. Storage is also convenient as it can be folded easily and carried around without any difficulty.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Sharp blade
- Effortless one-hand opening & closing
- Firm grip
- Multipurpose knife
- Easy to store
Cons
- Some prefer liner locks over lock-back mechanism
10. Re Personalized Elk Ridge Knife
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel blade
- Wooden engraved handle
- Pocket clip
- 20 different styles
- Free engraving
Elk ridge knife offers 20 different styles of beautifully carved knives for you to select from. Besides, personalized engraving makes it an incredible gift for those who are fond of knives or hunting.
Construction: The handle of the re-personalized knife is made of stainless steel. The handle is wooden with a beautiful engraving. There is a pocket clip included as well.
Function: The knife is sturdy due to its durable construction of stainless steel and wooden handle. The blade is quite rugged to carry out several tasks conveniently. It can be used when you are on camping, hunting or on any other outdoor excursion. Plus, it has an elegant style of engravings that can be personalized with a name or message to be given as a gift or for a keepsake. Pocket clip helps you carry the knife around easily. There is a flipper for assisted opening so you don’t have to put much effort in opening and closing it.
Out of the 20 styles available, many have a pocket clip and some have a protective sheath for holding the knife.
Easy to use and store: The knife is quite convenient to use. Assisted opening helps in simpler trouble-free opening and closing of the knife. The compact size with a pocket clip or a sheath makes it easy to carry and store as well.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Beautiful design
- Rugged blade
- Personalized engraving
- Variety of styles
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Not for cutting wire
Things To Look For Before Buying!
There are so many EDC knives and all are of different models, sizes, and shapes and it’s quite hard to find one that has all the attributes that one is looking for.
However, in order to make this hunt a little easier, I have listed some features that help will you in finding the perfect knife:
- Durable material
- Ergonomic handle
- Thumb stud for fast opening
- Liner-lock for folding
Buying Guide
What Is An EDC Knife? What Does EDC Mean?
EDC is a short form of “EveryDay Carry” knives. As the name suggests it’s pretty much self-explanatory: it is all about pocket knives. The small size of these knives makes them easy to carry and hold. They are used for ripping open can covers or even cutting through the cans and so much more.
What Is Jimping?
Indentation or incisions on the spine of the blade that help to get a firm grip on the knife past the bolster are termed jimping. Chris Myers explains on “bladeforums” that jimps or jimping are the grooves on the tang which not only look good but also provide a firm grip.
What Is A Liner-Lock?
A system of locking the blade in folding knives is called liner-lock. Liner-lock knives are very popular knives. This mechanism of liner-lock proved to be a huge transformation in locking knife technology and helped in the development of tactical & one-handed knives. Therefore, you can easily operate the knife with one hand. Plus, the lock is mechanized so it won’t wear out easily.
What Is A Thumb Stud?
By the usage of a thumb stud, you can easily open the knife in a split second. By pressing the button which can be found on either side of the knife you can open it with ease. Its single-handed operation allows you to use it with complete ease.
Why Do We Use An EDC Knife?
An everyday carry(EDC) knife can perform numerous tasks from opening items to cutting through things. According to the preference of people, it can be used from cutting fruits to sharpening little things like a pencil. Some people use it for self-defence. Although it is not good for hygiene some use it to even cut hair and shave as well. This small-sized knife is a wonderful tool to have and it can help in outdoor activities in every way possible.
Can An EDC Knife Be Used For Self-Defense? Is It Even Legal?
Yes, an EDC knife can be used for self-defence if you find yourself in an unfavourable situation. It is a multi-purpose knife that can be used for anything. The perfect construction of these knives allows you to penetrate through the things as per your liking. These knives are even illegal in some states of America but if you use it for a meaningful purpose other than using it as a weapon, then it’s legal.
What Opening Mechanisms Do These EDC Knives Have?
Some EDC knives have to be opened manually with the two-hand opening but due to this, they aren’t that fast. Other knives that have a single-handed opening allow you to easily deploy the knife in a second with the help of the thumb stud feature. As the thumb stud feature is quite useful in the deployment of the knife in the blink of an eye.
What Locking Mechanisms Do These EDC Knives Have?
EDC knives are said to have different locking mechanisms like lock-back, frame-lock and the one that is mostly found in EDC knives is liner-lock. Liner-lock helps in locking the blade into a fixed position and whenever you need to close it you can easily lock it into its place for safekeeping.
Does An EDC Knife Need Sharpening?
Yes, it certainly does but it depends entirely on the object you want to use your knife on. If you want to cut ropes and something that requires much force like sharpening wood, etc. then you definitely need to sharpen the knife. Get a sharpening stone and add some lubricant oil on it and set an angle to sharpen your knife. You should keep in mind that every knife has a different sharpening angle and according to that, you should sharpen one side and then another.
What Kind Of Blades Do These Knives Have?
EDC knives come in different shapes some blades have a plain surface and don’t have any kind of uneven edges but have a sharp, pointy end. On the other hand, some blades have serrations and are quite sharp but require plenty of time for sharpening it. Moreover, some blades come in a combination of both that is half plain and half serrated and they require sharpening of both; serrated with a honing rod, and plain on a sharpening stone.