Finding an excellent fixed blade fnife that won’t break your budget can be difficult – let this guide show you the best fixed blade knife under $50!
When thinking of outdoor survival or general do-it-yourself projects, having a reliable fixed blade knife is key. A quality unboxing under $50 can be hard to find, but this guide will give you five alternatives that have impressive reviews from consumers just like yourself.
Whether you need a knife for camping, hunting, or simple utility tasks – these cost-effective models should fit the bill with dependable performance and good blades that won’t break your budget.
From sturdy pocket knives to all-around workhorses like the standard Bowie-style knife, these fixed blades have something for any task and all at reasonable prices.
Let’s take a closer look!
1. Best Fixed Blade Knife Under $50 – Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
The Morakniv Companion Heavy-Duty Knife is an outstanding outdoor knife for beginners to experts because of its spectacular features.
Its high carbon steel blade offers durability even with intensive use, and its classic Scandi grind ensures that it retains a sharp edge easily.
The handle features the perfect combination of rubberized grip for maximum comfort in cold or wet conditions while also providing users with a high-friction design to prevent accidental slips.
The blade measures just 3.2mm in thickness, providing excellent strength while staying lightweight and easy to carry around thanks to the included belt clip on its plastic sheath, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities like backpacking, hunting, or fishing.
Pros:
- Premium carbon steel build
- Thick yet lightweight blade
- Large ergonomic handle with a high-friction design
- Comes complete with sheath and belt clip
- Superb craftsmanship & quality materials
Cons:
- Blade can dull sooner than expected for heavy use
2. Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife
The Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife is the perfect tool for the outdoorsman. Its partially serrated 4.8” inch blade is made of durable steel, making it the perfect knife for all kinds of tasks while out and about. It offers a comfortable grip with its economic rubber handle, allowing you to take on any task without slipping or getting tired hands quickly!
Additionally, this product includes survival features like an emergency whistle and fire striker, as well as a military-grade nylon blade sheath for easy transport and safekeeping.
Overall, the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take on outdoor adventures. Its practical design and extra features make it a great value purchase under $50.
Pros:
- Comfortable grip
- Durable steel blade with a fully serrated edge
- Blade sheath made of military-grade nylon
- Partially serrated 4.8” inch blade
- Economic rubber grip
_Fire striker & striking edge
Cons:
- Whistle disrupts the view
- Feels less durable
3. Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife
You won’t regret getting the Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife.
This iconic blade shape has been used with great success by military and law enforcement special units all over the world to survive extreme or hostile conditions in battle, making it ideally suited for those daring outdoor adventures of yours as well! The Tri-Ad locking system ensures its strength and durability while also providing easy access when needed.
The pocket clip is added plus that guarantees you won’t miss it at a crucial moment, and the carbon steel SK-5 material makes this knife virtually indestructible!
Pros:
- Superior quality
- Great value for money
- Developed for extreme military activities
- Combat or survival circumstances
- Revolutionary Tri-Ad locking system
- Tip disc for simple opening
- Additional strong pocket clip.
Cons:
- The sheath is not very durable
- Heavy
4. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife
You won’t be disappointed with the CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife! It’s lightweight and comfortable to keep around your neck, even under a sweater.
The high carbon stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp, making it great in emergencies or for everyday use, such as cutting open packages or peeling apples.
Plus, its bead blast finish minimizes reflection, so you don’t alert nearby prey when hunting outdoors. I found the resin-infused fiber handle strong and visually appealing.
The included thermoplastic sheath allows the knife to be mounted easily for storage. Practical, affordable, and fashionable! I liked it so much that I purchased six more as gifts.
Pros:
- Custom designed by Alan Folts
- 3-finger choil design for a flawless grip
- Lightweight knife sitting at just 45 grams
- Reduced reflection to help catch prey in the wild
- Resin-infused fiber handle combines strength with visual appeal
- Durable thermoplastic sheath with mounting options
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons:
- The grip is not comfortable for folks with smaller hands.
- It can be difficult to sharpen.
5. Ontario Knife Company 8680 Sp-2
You won’t be disappointed with the Ontario Knife Company’s 8680 Sp-2. This knife has an impressive tactical design, featuring a large Bowie-style blade and a durable black epoxy powder finish.
The Kraton handle is comfortable to hold and fits perfectly in your hand, with a rubberized grip rounded for that extra comfortability factor. Plus, you can rely on its 1095 carbon steel build -it’s exceptionally tough and will take a sharp edge quickly.
It also has the perfect full guard to keep your fingers from touching any of its blade’s areas. What makes it even better? You can use its blood groove when skinning or dressing caught animals in the field.
Pros:
- Epoxy powder finish reducing reflection
- Durable 1095 carbon steel build
- Longer blade and easy to sharpen
- Ergonomic design with rubberized round grip for comfortability factor in the Kraton handle
- Full guard to protect your fingers from the blade
Cons:
- Poor quality sheath with it
- Knife will be dull upon arrival
What to Look for in a Fixed Blade Knife Under $50
When looking for an excellent fixed-blade knife under $50, it’s important to consider factors such as material quality and craftsmanship.
Many knives on the market don’t look very attractive but can still be good performers in various tasks. By taking into account the following points, you can ensure that your purchase is a worthy one and deliver good service:
Steel Quality
It’s important to choose a knife that has a steel of excellent quality so it stands up to regular wear and tear. High-carbon steels usually offer superior edge retention than other types of steel, but they can be more susceptible to rusting without proper maintenance.
Stainless steel blades are another great option for a fixed blade: they don’t corrode as easily as high-carbon varieties but take longer to sharpen.
Blade Thickness and Finish
The blade’s thickness should also be considered when purchasing a fixed-blade knife. Thin knives may not hold up as well to heavy use, while thicker blades are more difficult to sharpen and maintain their edge. Moreover, look for scratch-resistant finishes like titanium and stonewashed, as these allow for easy cleaning.
Handle Material
Aside from the steel, you should also check the handle material of your chosen knife. Go for something that offers a good grip, such as rubber or polymer materials, especially if you’re going to be doing tougher tasks with it.
For eye-catching designs and superior durability in wet environments, G10 is an excellent choice too!
Blade Type
The type of blade is also a major factor in choosing the right knife. Drop-point blades are more suitable for general purposes, while clip points provide speed and agility when cutting. Tanto blades offer extra strength and durability against hard surfaces but can be difficult to sharpen.
Blade Length
When deciding on a fixed-blade knife, you should make sure it fits your hand and the tasks at hand as well! A longer blade provides more control when slicing through thick materials, while shorter knives are more versatile for everyday carry purposes. Consider what activities you will be doing frequently with this purchase to get an adequate blade length.
Overall Build Quality
The overall build quality of the knife can also be a determining factor in whether it will last over time or not. Investigate how well made and balanced your fixed blade is, as this could help you have an easier experience with sharpening and cleaning when required!
Consider factors such as construction materials, grip type (tang/guardless), and weight to gauge a particular model’s robustness before making your purchase.
Sheath Construction
When deciding on which fixed-blade knife to buy, its sheath construction is also important. Look for good protection from the elements, such as leather or Kydex, and make sure it has secure belt loops so you can easily carry your blade while on trips in nature.
Brand Reputation
When looking for a quality product that won’t cost too much money, it’s best if you go with brands that have established their reputation through customer satisfaction ratings and word-of-mouth reviews. Check what buyers say about certain models to gauge the quality of a particular knife.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor for many people when selecting their fixed-blade knives, so you must stay within your budget. Fortunately, many wonderful models are available today that come in various materials and prices to suit every need and pocket.
FAQs
Is a fixed blade better than a folding knife for self-defense?
Fixed blade knives merit consideration in a self-defense application. They are typically sturdier and more reliable than folding knives due to their lack of moving parts, which can be unreliable or even break after extensive use or mishandling.
Additionally, they tend to be larger than folding knives and can have heavier, more ergonomic blades that facilitate better blade control in a tense situation.
Fixed-blade knives also often come with sheaths for convenient carrying on the body or elsewhere, making them an ideal choice if you need quick access to your knife when encountering danger.
Are fixed blades better than pocket knives?
It is difficult to say definitively if fixed blades are better than pocket knives. This comes down to the intended purpose of the knife and personal preference.
Fixed blade knives may offer more stability, strength, and durability due to their structure as a single piece without additional moving parts or hinges that can break over time, making them ideal for more strenuous tasks.
They may be better suited to rougher activities such as bushcraft, batoning, or other outdoor pursuits.
On the other hand, pocket knives offer portability and convenience due to their compact size, making them suitable for everyday carry uses like opening packaging, cutting rope, etc. Ultimately it depends on what you need a knife for, but both have advantages depending on the intended task at hand!
What is the best blade thickness for a survival knife?
The best blade thickness for a survival knife depends on the intended use. For general-purpose outdoor tasks, such as splitting firewood or taking down small trees and bushes, it is recommended to go with something around 3/16 – 1/4 of an inch thick.
This provides enough strength and durability while not being overly bulky or heavy in your hand when holding the knife.
Thinner blades will be easier to control but are more prone to breakage if used in tougher tasks. In survival situations, a thicker blade may be necessary for heavy-duty use. It should provide the user with sufficient strength without sacrificing much versatility or weight when carrying it about.
Final Words
Finding the best fixed blade knife under $50 that is reliable and dependable can be difficult but with the right guidance and some informed picks, you’ll have no problem getting an excellent knife for your everyday needs.
After going through each of the five models presented in this article, it is clear that there are many quality fixed blade knives available on a budget from classic buck knives to more utilitarian-sized blades.
Each of these models should have no problem tackling any outdoor tasks or addressing general utility needs that come up, and each is individually backed by the exceptional reviews of consumers just like yourself who are looking for a quality knife at an affordable price!
Overall, finding cost-effective models that have the durability and quality for everyday use is made easy with any of these knives, guaranteeing a dependable tool that won’t break the bank.
