When you need a reliable blade for everyday carry, outdoor tasks, or emergency use, an assisted opening knife offers the perfect balance of speed, safety, and convenience.
These knives use a spring-assisted mechanism that opens the blade quickly with just a slight push—ideal when you need fast, one-handed deployment.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a dependable, high-performing knife. In this guide, we highlight the best assisted opening knives under $50, along with the features that truly matter so you can choose a knife that delivers durability, sharpness, and long-lasting value.
What Makes a Great Assisted Opening Knife?
Before diving into the top picks, here are the key features to look for:
1. Blade Material
High-quality steels like 440C, 8Cr13MoV, 7Cr17MoV, and D2 provide excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability—often found even in sub-$50 knives.
2. Opening Mechanism
A smooth, reliable spring-assisted system ensures quick deployment. Look for flipper tabs or thumb studs for easy use.
3. Handle Comfort
Handles made from G10, aluminum, stainless steel, or wood should offer a solid, slip-resistant grip for safety and control.
4. Locking Mechanism
A secure liner lock or frame lock keeps the blade stable during use.
5. Extra Features
Many budget-friendly knives also include:
Pocket clips
Glass breakers
Seatbelt cutters
Reversible carry options
Best Assisted Opening Knives Under 50 Comparison Table
Best Assisted Opening Knives Under 50 Reviews
1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S
The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S is a lightweight, reliable, and budget-friendly folding knife designed for everyday carry. With its durable 7Cr17MoV high-carbon stainless steel blade and ergonomic aluminum handle, it offers solid performance for daily use, light outdoor tasks, and personal safety.
The quick-deploy design—with a finger flipper, ambidextrous thumb knobs, and pocket clip—makes it easy to access when you need it. Serrations and jimping add extra functionality, while the liner lock ensures safe handling. Overall, it’s a rugged, practical option for under $50.
Pros
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Durable 7Cr17MoV black oxide stainless steel blade
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Lightweight, easy to carry (only 3.5 oz)
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Fast deployment using finger flipper or thumb knobs
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Secure liner lock prevents slipping during use
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Includes serrations for versatile cutting tasks
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Convenient pocket clip for EDC
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Backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
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Smaller size may not suit heavy-duty tasks
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Serrated portion can be harder to sharpen
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Handle grip is solid but not deeply textured
2. Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocketknife
The Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocketknife is a crowd favorite among budget-friendly EDC knives thanks to its durable build, sharp edge, and fast assisted opening.
Featuring a 3.1-inch 8Cr13MoV blade with partial serrations, it’s capable of slicing through rope, packaging, and other tough materials with ease. Combined with a glass-filled nylon handle, deep finger contouring, and Kershaw’s reliable SpeedSafe-assisted flipper, it delivers a smooth, safe user experience at an excellent price point.
Pros
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Versatile blade design with both plain edge and serrations for everyday and tougher tasks.
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Fast, easy one-handed opening with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted mechanism.
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Comfortable, secure grip thanks to the contoured glass-filled nylon handle.
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Durable black-oxide finish boosts corrosion resistance and stealthy appearance.
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Reversible pocket clip supports multiple carry styles.
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Backed by Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Cons
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The knife is slightly heavier at 4.3 oz, which may be noticeable for ultralight EDC users.
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8Cr13MoV steel, while decent, requires more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels.
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Partial serrations can be harder to sharpen than a full plain-edge blade.
3. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife
The Grand Way 6681 Pocket Knife is a budget-friendly yet highly functional assisted-opening knife designed for everyday carry and outdoor use. Its 3.42-inch 440C stainless steel blade features a black oxide coating that boosts corrosion resistance and edge durability, making it ideal for camping, hiking, hunting, and emergency situations.
The one-handed deployment is smooth thanks to the integrated thumb studs, while the liner lock and safety lock button offer added security during use. Lightweight and comfortable with its aluminum handle, the 6681 is practical, reliable, and makes an excellent gift for men and women alike.
Pros
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Durable 440C stainless steel blade with corrosion-resistant black oxide coating
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Secure locking system with both a liner lock and safety lock button
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Smooth one-handed opening using ambidextrous thumb studs
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Lightweight aluminum handle with pocket clip for easy carry
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Versatile for EDC, camping, survival, hunting, and emergencies
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Affordable yet sturdy, making it a great gift option
Cons
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Aluminum handle may feel slippery compared to textured grips
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Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks
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Safety lock may require a slight learning curve for new users
4. Smith & Wesson M&P
The Smith & Wesson M&P 8.5″ Spring Assisted Folding Knife is a rugged, feature-packed tool built for outdoor survival and everyday preparedness.
With a 3.5-inch serrated drop-point blade crafted from reliable 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel, it offers strong cutting performance whether you’re slicing rope, opening packages, or managing emergency tasks. The rubberized polymer handle provides a solid, slip-resistant grip, while the spring-assisted opening ensures quick deployment when seconds matter.
This model also doubles as a mini survival kit, incorporating tools like a tungsten window punch, strap cutter, hex wrench, ferro rod, whistle, bottle opener, and screwdriver—making it a versatile choice for hikers, campers, and anyone who values multifunction gear.
Pros
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Durable 8Cr13MoV serrated blade handles both clean cuts and fibrous materials.
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Spring-assisted opening ensures fast, reliable blade deployment.
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Rubberized handle offers a comfortable, secure grip even in wet conditions.
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Packed with multiple survival tools, including window punch, whistle, strap cutter, and ferro rod.
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Pocket clip allows for easy everyday carry.
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Backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Cons
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Heavier at 5.6 oz, which may be bulky for minimalist EDC users.
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The abundance of built-in tools can make the design feel bulkier than a standard folding knife.
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Serrated blades require more effort to sharpen compared to plain edges.
5. RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool
The RoverTac 15-in-1 Multitool Knife is a versatile and budget-friendly tool designed for anyone who needs reliable functionality in a compact form.
Made from durable stainless steel, this golden multitool includes essential features like a knife, pliers, wire cutter, multiple screwdrivers, and openers—making it a practical companion for camping, hiking, DIY projects, and general everyday use.
Despite packing 15 tools, it maintains a compact folding design that fits easily in a pocket. With gift-ready packaging and a lifetime warranty, it’s a great option for gift-giving and long-term peace of mind.
Pros
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15 useful tools packed into one compact multitool
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Durable stainless steel construction
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Portable and lightweight enough for pocket carry
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Excellent value for outdoor, DIY, and everyday tasks
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Comes in gift-ready packaging—great for holidays or special occasions
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Backed by a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee
Cons
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Heavier than a standard pocket knife due to multitool design (9.76 oz)
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Knife blade is functional but not as refined as dedicated knives
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Tools may be stiff initially and require break-in
How to Choose the Best Assisted Opening Knives Under 50
Determine Your Usage
EDC, self-defense, camping, or rescue tasks may require different blade designs or features.
Consider Maintenance Needs
Stainless steels like 7Cr17MoV and 440C require minimal upkeep.
Check the Opening Speed & Smoothness
A good assisted mechanism should open fast without feeling “sticky.”
Look for a Secure Lock
A reliable lock prevents accidents and ensures safe use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an assisted opening knife?
An assisted opening knife is a folding knife that uses an internal spring mechanism to help deploy the blade once the user applies slight pressure—usually via a thumb stud or flipper tab. Unlike automatic knives, assisted openers require manual initiation, making them legal in more places and easier to control.
2. Are assisted opening knives legal to carry?
In most U.S. states, assisted opening knives are legal because they are not classified as switchblades. However, laws vary by state and city, so it’s important to check local regulations. Restrictions may apply in certain public buildings, schools, government facilities, and airports.
3. What are the benefits of an assisted opening knife?
Assisted openers offer faster and smoother deployment than traditional folding knives while still requiring intentional user action. This makes them excellent for everyday carry (EDC), work tasks, outdoor activities, and emergency situations where quick access is important.
4. Do assisted opening knives require special maintenance?
No special maintenance is needed, but they benefit from:
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Occasional cleaning of the pivot area
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Light lubrication for smooth deployment
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Tightening screws when needed
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Sharpening the blade as it wears
Regular upkeep ensures the assistance mechanism works reliably.
5. Are assisted opening knives safe to use?
Yes—most assisted opening knives include safety features such as liner locks, frame locks, or lockback mechanisms that secure the blade firmly when in use. Some models also include tip locks to keep the blade closed during storage or carry. As long as they’re handled responsibly, assisted opening knives are considered safe for everyday users.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend big to get a dependable, high-quality assisted opening knife. Each knife on this list offers excellent performance, durable materials, reliable locking mechanisms, and smooth assisted opening, all for under $50.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, someone who needs a reliable EDC tool, or simply want a knife for emergency situations, these budget-friendly options deliver impressive value and functionality.
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