The Best Hard-Use Folding Knives Under $50

A budget shouldn’t stop you from getting the most out of a knife. When it comes to a folding knife, generally a higher price tag means better performance. These budget EDCs buck the trend and deliver top-level endurance for less than $50.

Featured Knives:
0:00 The Best Folding Knives for Hard Use Under $50

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[danaquino]

Dude, you're like a Bob Ross of pocket knives! So informative, articulate and soft spoken! Great content!

[faceinthecrowd]

For work I currently am using an esee avispa. It did require some tuning and sharpening before I began to really like it. I prefer the thinner handle for ease of carry over the Rat 1. These D2 budget bruisers are perfect for work, if I lose it or destroy it…..just replace it…..after all I carry a tool not jewelry on the job!

[hunterglaspell]

Firstly, no knife with bearings are hard use, no argument with few exceptions. I’m a farmer and work in industrial settings and do not carry bearing knives if I can help it. Any sideways pressure most people use on washer knives will crack the bearings and break the cages. Plus, bearings gunk up far faster than washers. Not a hard use feature. I love the rat 1, but I can say without pause that it is not “hard use”. I’ve disengaged the lock on it several times (and honestly most liner locks) by just bearing down cutting some harder material (causing lock flex). The plastic on the rat flex along with the liner lock, and with the right angle and pressure, it will disengage. Frame locks do the same if poorly designed.

[garrettferrell]

The RAT 1 is such a classic, you really can’t beat it for its price

[jamesberry]

I find I tend to select an open back folder for dirty work. They are easier to clean after the job is done - just hold under running water. They also dry faster.

[timbo]

The Real Steel H6 is a very underrated knife. 14C28N is one of the best steels you can find in a budget knife, and the knife itself is well built. It's a sturdy no nonsense no frills work knife.

[duaneraymond]

I've been waiting for a segment like this that showcased the Ontario Utilitac2 and Real Steel knives. About bloody time!!!

[uia]

I bought a Esee Avispa several years ago. I use it in a fire ems environment. I have absolutely abused it and it is still in fantastic shape. Cutting airbags seat belts insulation wires etc. Edge retention is good enough it's easy to sharpen and extremely durable.

[eriktaylor]

My RAT 1 is an excellent beater knife. Camping, hiking, fishing, construction. I drop it in the bag as a companion knife to my fixed blade without fretting.

[wwm]

The CRKT M16 was $15 when they first came out. Still have mine.

[phantomknight]

The CRKT M16 line has never let me down and I bought my first one on a whim over a decade ago, and still use it. Definitely a dedicated hard-use knife, and I love the Auto-LAWKS system!

[FredHenry]

The ESEE Avispa in D2 meets all my day-to-day needs. It is a great knife. It is my "all-purpose" EDC knife.

[mountaingoattaichi]

I just spent a week in Alaska fishing and hiking and the Ontario Rat 1 was perfect. It was tough and I didn't have to worry about losing it or using it hard. I would definitely take it on a return trip.

[JayKoczan]

I have had my RAT1 in D2 for several years now, and I love it.

[Storebrand_]

I'm really loving the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman. It's like the P-38 can opener of knives!

[Errcyco]

I think I’d choose the Range Boss. You get a lot of knife, with a Tri-Ad lock that’s thin. I’ve never used that steel but I’m sure it’s fine if you wipe it off and strop it now and then.

Good list 👍

[Fr_dG]

The PocketBushman is now my daily EDC. I almost never use the lanyard to close. SnaggletoothMF makes an aluminum snaggletooth that works with this knife, so I open it one handed. Using my belt or my pocket, I catch the ramlock and do a 1 handed close as well. It's a super good knife, and it's worked well for me. (I use it for cutting fruit, vegetables, to cutting amazon boxes, tarps, and the like). It sharpens pretty easy as well.

[undercoverasiant]

May I add to the list, cold steel tuff lite.
I have given out about 6 or 7 to friends and workmates . They seem to like them
And I have one myself that saw daily use til I upgraded.

[joshuaritzheimer]

I love the RAT 1 and 2. Both are tough and long lasting. I really want to try that Cold Steel Range Boss. I really like the shape of the blade, and I highly trust the Triad lock. Thanks for putting on these great shows guys!

[MLKusername]

I have to endorse Metal Complex's take on the Cold Steel Tuff Lite and its smaller variant as excellent hard use options. Easy to sharpen utility blade with an excellent lock for under $50.