Best Survival Knives Under $50: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Performance
When you’re in the wilderness, having a reliable survival knife can mean the difference between life and death. While the high-end survival knives on the market can cost you hundreds of dollars, there are plenty of high-quality options available for under $50. A survival knife should be durable, versatile, and sharp, all while staying within your budget. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best survival knives that not only meet these criteria but also have strong customer ratings and positive feedback from real users.
Whether you’re prepping for a hiking trip, camping in the backcountry, or adding to your emergency kit, there are excellent options under $50 that you can trust. Here’s a breakdown of the best survival knives on the market today.
1. Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Fixed Blade Knife
- Price: Around $30
- Blade Length: 4.1 inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 8.6 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
The Morakniv Companion is a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned survivalists. Known for its sharpness, reliability, and affordability, this knife can handle a wide variety of tasks. Its heavy-duty blade is made from high-carbon steel or stainless steel, which ensures excellent durability, and its ergonomic handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions.
Many users rave about the blade’s ability to cut through wood, skin game, or process firewood, making it a versatile tool for outdoor use. The knife also comes with a plastic sheath that is simple but effective, keeping the knife secure and easily accessible.
Why it’s great:
- Lightweight but tough.
- Comfortable grip and easy to handle.
- Affordable yet high-performing for survival tasks.
2. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
- Price: Around $45
- Blade Length: 4.8 inches
- Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife has earned a strong reputation for its strength, versatility, and durability. Designed in collaboration with military professionals, this knife is built to withstand the toughest environments. Its full-tang construction, ergonomic handle, and striking pommel (useful for breaking glass or other hard surfaces) make it an all-around reliable survival tool.
The blade’s serrated edge allows for cutting through ropes or fibrous materials with ease, while the flat grind ensures sharpness and smooth slicing. The StrongArm also features a modular sheath system that lets you carry it in a variety of positions, whether it be vertically, horizontally, or on your MOLLE gear.
Why it’s great:
- Full tang construction for added strength.
- Multifunctional sheath for different carry positions.
- Rugged design ideal for various survival tasks.
3. KA-BAR 4062 Beater Knife
- Price: Around $25
- Blade Length: 4.5 inches
- Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van Steel
- Overall Length: 9.25 inches
- Weight: 5.7 ounces
The KA-BAR 4062 Beater Knife is a reliable, durable knife that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank. KA-BAR is a name that’s trusted in the world of survival knives, and this model proves that even their budget-friendly options are top-notch. The 1095 Cro-Van steel blade is tough enough to handle any task, from chopping wood to preparing food or self-defense.
The handle is made from rubber, which provides a comfortable grip even when your hands are wet or covered in debris. The blade is easily sharpened, and the knife comes with a sturdy, no-nonsense nylon sheath for safe carrying.
Why it’s great:
- Reliable brand with a reputation for quality.
- Tough steel that holds up in harsh conditions.
- Great value for the price.
4. SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife
- Price: Around $50
- Blade Length: 4.75 inches
- Blade Material: AUS-8 Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 9.5 inches
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
SOG knives are renowned for their precision and strength, and the SEAL Pup Elite lives up to the brand’s reputation. This knife is built with tactical applications in mind, but it’s also highly effective in survival situations. Its 4.75-inch AUS-8 stainless steel blade has an excellent balance between edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for a variety of tasks in the wilderness.
The knife is equipped with a textured, glass-reinforced nylon handle for a secure and non-slip grip, even in the most challenging conditions. It also features a versatile sheath that allows you to carry it in multiple configurations. Whether you need it for skinning animals, preparing meals, or self-defense, the SEAL Pup Elite is up to the task.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal for tactical and survival situations.
- Well-balanced, durable blade.
- Comfortable, secure grip even under extreme conditions.
5. Cold Steel 20CP Drop Forged Survivalist Knife
- Price: Around $50
- Blade Length: 5 inches
- Blade Material: 52100 Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
Cold Steel’s 20CP Drop Forged Survivalist Knife is a no-frills, robust blade designed for heavy-duty survival use. The drop-forged construction of the blade ensures superior strength and toughness, making it perfect for tasks like chopping, slicing, and even prying. The 52100 carbon steel is incredibly durable and holds an edge well, though it does require regular maintenance to prevent rusting.
The knife’s handle is made from polypropylene, a strong and durable material that is impervious to water and won’t rot or degrade over time. The survivalist knife also comes with a sturdy Secure-Ex sheath for safe storage and easy access.
Why it’s great:
- Drop-forged construction for superior strength.
- Carbon steel blade that is tough and durable.
- Strong, water-resistant handle.
6. Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
- Price: Around $45
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 10.5 inches
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
The Buck Knives 119 Special is a classic and well-loved design that has been a staple in the outdoor community for decades. Known for its sharpness and ability to hold an edge, this knife is excellent for hunting, skinning, and general survival tasks. The 420HC stainless steel blade is both durable and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for use in a variety of outdoor environments.
The knife also features a comfortable, textured handle that provides a secure grip in all conditions, as well as a leather sheath for safe and easy carrying.
Why it’s great:
- Classic design trusted by hunters and survivalists.
- Long-lasting and easy to maintain.
- Comfortable and secure grip.
7. Opinel No. 8 Outdoor Knife
- Price: Around $20
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 7.5 inches
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
Opinel knives have a long history of providing excellent value for money, and the No. 8 Outdoor Knife is no exception. While it may not have the heavy-duty construction of other knives on this list, it’s still a great choice for lightweight tasks like food prep, cutting rope, and carving wood. The blade is made from carbon steel, which takes and holds an edge well, though it requires regular maintenance to avoid rust.
The handle is made from beechwood, and the blade locks into place with the brand’s signature Virobloc safety ring, which ensures that the blade won’t close on your hand while in use. This knife is lightweight, simple, and effective, making it perfect for light to medium survival tasks.
Why it’s great:
- Inexpensive but functional.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Simple design that gets the job done.
8. Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife
- Price: Around $40
- Blade Length: 5.1 inches
- Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 10.4 inches
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
Schrade has been a trusted name in outdoor tools for years, and the SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife is no exception. This knife is built to tackle the toughest tasks with ease, from chopping firewood to preparing meals in the backcountry. The 1095 high-carbon steel blade holds an edge well and is easy to sharpen, though it does require attention to avoid rust.
The knife’s ergonomic handle is made from thermoplastic elastomer, ensuring a secure grip even in wet or cold conditions. The full tang construction adds to the overall strength and durability of the knife, making it a great option for any survival situation.
Why it’s great:
- Strong, durable construction for tough tasks.
- Full tang blade for added strength.
- Comfortable, ergonomic grip.
Conclusion
When it comes to survival knives under $50, you don’t have to compromise on
quality or performance. Each of these knives offers durability, versatility, and strength, all while keeping your budget intact. Whether you choose the dependable Morakniv Companion, the tactical Gerber StrongArm, or the heavy-duty KA-BAR Beater, any of these knives would make an excellent addition to your gear.
Remember, when selecting a survival knife, you should consider factors such as blade material, handle comfort, weight, and sheath functionality. A great survival knife should feel like an extension of your arm and perform well under pressure, whether you’re building a shelter, preparing food, or facing an emergency situation.
So, which knife will you choose to add to your kit? Each of these options is a solid choice for anyone in need of a budget-friendly survival knife.