Thursday, February 27, 2014

Best survival knife under 50$

Searched high and low for top survival knife under 50 dollars? My last list featured a number of the top survival knives under $200 many people wrote back which they would love to see some cheaper options preferably below the 50 dollar budget. So that’s why I’ve develop this handpicked set of the top 10 survival knives under $50!



I’ve done all the hard work for you and each of such tactical/skinning/survival knife continues to be chosen keeping in mind that it’s of a very high quality (remember, we don’t need to compromise on quality too) but doesn’t lighten your wallet by a lot more than 50 dollars.

In fact, bearing in mind the holiday season, Amazon will surely have some great deals running on most of those so you might be capable of geting hold of the knives for a few dirt cheap prices. Wherever possible, I’ve linked out straight to Amazon to really make it more convenient for you.

However, if you’re less than time and don’t wish to go through every one of the 10 knives; then simply go with my option for the #1 survival knife inside the less than $50 budget. If you only had to pick a single knife from this list, then this survival knife needs to be it!

Note - Although I’ve tried my better to list down all knives for into this cost range (after discounts), there can be a possibility that this price rises slightly. If you discover a major price change, do notify me through the comments form below.
#1 - KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corp Knife

So my pick to find the best fixed blade survival knife under 50 dollars will be the KA-BAR US Marine Corp Knife. With a 1095 Cro van steel, the USMC is amongst the most famous knife designs inside the world and it has a 7 inch straight edge blade.

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corp Knife

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You’ll have an excellent grip because of the leather stack handle and I found the check on the blade to be perfect. The blade carries a very sharp point using a sufficient belly to generate all your skinning and dressing tasks every one of the more easier. True, you could spend more money to get a custom made top class combat knife in case you have only 50 dollars to invest, next the knife won't let you down.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 7.0″ length USMC stamp, 0.24″ thickness, 1095 Cro-van steel and flat grind, 56-58 HRC
Handle: 4.8″ length, leather handle
Weight: 11.2 ounces

#2 - SOG Seal Pup

Coming in close at #2 may be the SOG Seal Pup M37N-CP that features a corrosion resistant, partially serrated 4.75 inch fixed blade. The handle can be made of glass enforced nylon and is also extremely comfortable to hold.


I’ve abused this knife a good deal and can vouch for the fact that it holds its edge adequately. Not only does it function as a combat knife, you can even use this for survival and hunting purpose. The AUS 6 steel might attract somewhat rust but that problem can be solved by applying a bit oil from time to time.

SOG Seal Pup M37N-CP

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It also comes included using a black nylon sheath that features a nice compartment to support a multi-tool or even a sharpener.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.75 inch length, 0.156 inch thickness, AUS 8 steel blade, partially serrated, 56-57 HRC
Handle: 5.25 inch length, glass reinforced handle with grip lines, black nylon sheath having a belt loop attachment
Weight: 11.2 ounces

#3 - Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife

Another great pick just for this list is the Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife that features a 4.75 inch, 420 HC stainless-steel blade. It’s among the best tactical knives I’ve ever used and the right size - large enough to use in combat and small enough in confined spaces.

The handle is comfortable to hold and comes using a rubber groove to keep up sweaty or rainy conditions. It’s a complete tang knife so that you don’t need to be concerned about the pommel breaking off plus the sheath is incredibly secure. The sheath has strappings around the back to attach other relevant items like ire starter, first aid, sharpener, 50′ of paracord etc.

Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife

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All in every, an excellent survival knife that costs less than $50; although if you've a little more money to spend, you might want to check out its big brother - the Gerber LMF II.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.75 inch length, 0.24″ thickness, 420HC stainless-steel blade with black oxide finish
, 59-61 HRC
Handle: 5 inch length, over-molded rubber handle, MOLLE compatible hard sheath
Weight: 10.4 ounces

#4 - Schrade SCHF9 Extreme

If you’re looking for the best 7 inch survival knife, then your Schrade SCHF9 needs to be on your grocery list. With an almost 7 inch blade (6.4 inches actually) and which has a 1095 steel body, this is one of my favorite under 50 dollar survival knife.

It’s beefy, the handle is comfortable and provides numerous hold positions even though the knife itself retains its sharp edge despite a year of abuse. The Kraton handle features a nice swell to it and is checkered which has a circle/ half circle pattern which provide it with a nice, slightly rubbery grip.

Schrade SCHF9 Extreme

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All in all of the, a great knife to own at this cost range and comes strongly suggested from my end.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 6.4 inch length, 0.25 inch thickness, 400 stainless steel, 56 HRC
Handle: 5.6 inch length, black nylon sheath with plastic insert
Weight: 10.1 ounce

#5 - Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore

One of the most effective bushlore knives as of this budget price, the Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore features a 5.25 inch blade made from 1075 high carbon steel. It features a convex grind that extends every one of the way to the heel and this wilderness tool is beautifully balanced with just the correct amount of weight.

Whether it’s batoning hickory to get a cooking fire or simply just cutting and trimming branches, this knife will hold you in good sway. The history behind the knife is additionally a fascinating one and you’ll also have a good story to inform people concerning the how the knife is made in El Salvador.

Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore

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Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 5.25 inch length, 0.1875 inch thickness, 1075 High Carbon Steel, 56-58 HRC
Handle: 5.25 inch length, High Impact Polypropylene, epoxy black coating , manufactured in El Salvador
Weight: 14 ounces

#6 - Ontario SP1 Marine Combat Knife

We’re mid-way through this listing of the 10 best survival knives under $50 and at #6 for this list may be the Ontario SP1 Marine Combat Knife. Again a powerful contender to find the best 7 inch survival knife, the SP1 is .125 inches thick and it is made from 1095 carbon steel.

The blade is full tanged and powder coated and it has a good edge over it. I found the grinds being a little irregular but only at that point, that’s form of acceptable. One point to learn before-hand is that the whole handle is produced from molded Kraton and also this includes the pommel and quillions (I wasn’t expecting that whenever I bought the knife).

Ontario SP1 Marine Combat Knife

It also comes which has a black sheath that carries a Cordura covered front panel and contains leather fillers or spacers between your front and back panels, along the very best and the bottom in the blade to help protect the edge along with the clip.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 7 inch length plain edge, 0.125″ thickness, 1095 carbon steel, 57-59 HRC
Handle: 5 inch length, Kraton handle with finger grooves
Weight: 10 ounces

#7 - Cold Steel 17T Kobun Tanto

In at #7 is really a Tanto style boot knife from Cold Steel that isn't only lightweight and sleek but carries a reinforced point that’s highly resistance against bending and breakage. It also features a checkered, nonslip Kraton handle which offers an extremely good grip and I’ve not had any difficulties with it in cold or sweaty conditions.

The blade length is approximately 5.5 inches long and also the AUS 8 steel holds a great edge even after repeated usage. Because the blade is often a bit around the longer size, this will easily be termed as a mid-size knife and is great for carving and cutting. Also, the profile is slender so that you won’t have problems carrying it around and all in most, a great self defense knife for less than $50.

Cold-Steel-17T-Kobun-Tanto

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 5.5 inch length tanto style blade, 3.5 mm thickness, Japanese AUS 8A steel, 58-60 HRC
Handle: 4.375 inch length, non slip Kraton handle with secure-ex sheath
Weight: 4.4 ounces

#8 - Buck 105BKS Pathfinder

One of my personal favorite hunting knives may be the Buck 105BKS Pathfinder and also this one is kind of an upgrade on my old 102 so yes, I’m somewhat partial towards it. With a 5 inch fixed blade created from 420HC stainless and a comfortable phenolic handle, you truly can’t go wrong with this survival tool.

I personally love the taper in the blade and works ideal for skinning purpose. You’ll realize how easy it really is to field dress a white tail deer and delay pills work even better when it comes to large size catfish. However, I wouldn’t suggest you to try this knife for either prying or batoning as the thickness in the blade is about the lesser side at 3mm.

Buck 105BKS Pathfinder

With in spite of this, this is an incredible low budget quality hunting knife that accompany Buck’s 4-Ever Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. You really have nothing to lose!

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 5 inch length,3 mm thickness, 420HC stainless steel modified clip point blade, 58 HRC
Handle: 4.125 inch length, Phenolic handle, polished aluminum butt and finger guard, fitted black leather sheath
Weight: 4.5 ounces

#9 - Smith & Wesson CKSURG Homeland Security Tanto Knife

One of the biggest knives on this report on the best survival knife under $50, the Smith & Wesson CKSURG Homeland Security Tanto is perfectly suited to big, tough jobs. I always feel completely comfortable when I have this strapped to my bug out bag because I know it’s the best knife in rough situations.

It’s ideal for chopping and prying tasks and a good batoning tool as well. It features a stainless-steel titanium coated 8.06 inch length blade and possesses very good edge retention. Remember it’s a whopping duty knife so for all those who don’t like weighty knives, this can not be the best choice for you personally.

Smith & Wesson CKSURG Homeland Security Tanto Knife

However, for individuals who love a reliable and tough knife (or a machete as an example), then you can’t go wrong with this price.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 8.06 inch length, 0.2 inch thickness, 440C metal titanium coated blade, 58-60 HRC
Handle: 5.69 inch length, full tang G10 green handle, nylon sheath with sharpening stone included
Weight: 14.2 ounces

#10 - Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife

And finally, rounding up my list of the 10 best survival knives under 50 dollars will be the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife

The first version on this knife was panned by survival experts and outdoor enthusiasts alike because a whole lot of people made note of broken pommels and steel quality. However, Gerber heard those complaints seriously and took out a new version this year which eliminated each of the known problems. This knife is thicker and features a 4.8 inch long blade that is produced from 7Cr17Mov stainless.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife

For all those around the fence regarding this knife, I can vouch for it from general observations.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.8 inch length, 0.1875 inch thickness, Saw ground back blade, 7Cr17Mov stainless-steel, 57-59 HRC
Handle: 5.2 inch length, Molded rubber grip and knurled striking surface butt cap, Emergency micro lanyard whistle
Weight: 11.2 ounces

More Survival Knives Under $50?

The above list is fairly exhaustive and covers all of the very best survival knives within the 50 dollar cost range but in case you really feel I’ve omitted a particularly good blade, then do let me know via the comments below.

I’ll also try and update this list every once in awhile to include newer and knives to be able to truly find the top survival knife below $50!