Best Automatic Knife Under 50 – 8 Amazing Choices!

Automatic knives can be incredibly useful in survival situations, making them an essential part of any well-rounded gear kit. Often referred to as switchblade knives, push-button knives, or flick knives, they offer quick, reliable one-handed deployment when you need it most.

In this guide, we highlight the best automatic knife under 50 dollars to help you choose the right budget-friendly option.

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Before purchasing, always check and follow your state’s knife laws and regulations. When used responsibly, these knives are excellent for everyday carry and well-suited for campers, hikers, hunters, military personnel, first responders, and anyone who needs a reliable tool for indoor or outdoor tasks.

Comparison Table: 8 Best Automatic Knife Under 50

Best Automatic Knife Under 50 Dollars Reviews

1. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife (1660) 3-In.

The Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife is a top budget-friendly automatic knife known for its quick one-handed deployment, slim design, and excellent slicing performance.

Made from durable 410 stainless steel, it features a razor-sharp 3-inch blade, a precise tip for piercing, and the SpeedSafe Assisted Opening system for fast access.

Its anodized aluminum handle comes in scratch- and fade-resistant colors, while safety features like a frame lock and tip lock ensure secure use. Lightweight, versatile, and reliable, the Leek stands out as one of the best automatic knives under $50.

2. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife

Automatic knives offer fast, one-handed blade access, making them ideal for self-defense, rescue work, military use, firefighting, and outdoor activities.

The Grand Way Spring Assisted Pocket Folding Knife is a durable, budget-friendly option featuring a black oxide–coated 440C stainless steel blade that resists corrosion and maintains sharpness.

Its spring-assisted mechanism and reliable liner lock ensure smooth, safe operation, while the aluminum handle and pocket clip provide comfort and easy carry. With a 7.75″ overall length and a 3.42″ blade, it’s well-sized for everyday carry and versatile enough for camping, hunting, hiking, and emergency situations.

3. Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS

Smith & Wesson is known for producing reliable, durable tactical gear trusted by survivalists, first responders, military personnel, and knife enthusiasts.

Their Border Guard SWBG2TS folding knife is a standout pick, featuring a 4.4-inch serrated tanto blade made from 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel and a sturdy aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts.

Measuring 10 inches overall and weighing 8.8 ounces, it’s built for tough tactical, survival, and everyday carry situations. The knife includes a pocket clip, ambidextrous thumb knobs, a seatbelt/rope cutter, and a glass breaker—making it especially useful for vehicle emergencies. A secure liner lock ensures safe, reliable use.

4. Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife

Smith & Wesson is a trusted name among knife collectors, military personnel, and survivalists thanks to their durable, functional, and well-designed blades.

For those on a budget, the Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6″ Assisted Folding Knife is an excellent choice and one of the best automatic knives under $50.

It features a sharp, durable 3.6-inch blade made from 4034 black oxide high carbon stainless steel and a sturdy black aluminum handle with rubber inlays for a secure grip.

Weighing just 7.6 ounces, it’s easy to carry and ideal for outdoor use or self-defense. With a pocket clip, flipper/finger actuator, and the M.A.G.I.C. assisted opening system, it offers fast one-handed deployment. A liner lock keeps the blade safely in place during use, making it a reliable everyday carry option.

5. Grand Way Pocket Knife Spring Assisted Folding Knives

Grand Way is a well-known brand offering durable, high-quality knives, and their Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife is a versatile tactical option.

It features a 440C stainless steel blade and a stylish, sturdy wood-and-metal handle. Designed for real-world use, it includes helpful additions like a glass breaker, thumb studs for ambidextrous opening, and a pocket clip.

Compact and easy to carry, it’s ideal for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and emergency situations—making it a great tool for both men and women. A secure liner lock keeps the blade safely in place, and its small size makes it a perfect EDC or backup knife for your pocket, car, or backpack.

6. Voltstorm Steinbrucke Tactical Knife

The Voltstorm Steinbrucke tactical spring-assisted folding knife is built from high-quality materials, featuring a durable German 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade hardened to 58–59 HRC and reinforced with a 1.5 mm stainless steel inner frame. Its 3.4-inch blade stays sharp through heavy use, making it reliable for self-defense and everyday tasks.

Compact and easy to carry, it includes a reversible pocket clip for both left- and right-handed users. Designed with a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, it’s an excellent emergency tool for your car, boat, or outdoor adventures.

Corrosion- and abrasion-resistant materials make this knife suitable for camping, hunting, fishing, EDC, and even industrial environments—offering strength, versatility, and dependable performance in a wide range of situations.

7. Swiss Safe 3-in-1 Police Tactical Knife

8. EZKIT Pocket Knife

The EZKIT Pocket Knife is a compact yet surprisingly strong everyday carry tool designed for both home tasks and outdoor use. Despite its small size—just 4.6″ open and 2.8″ closed—it features a sharp, durable D2 stainless steel blade that handles cutting rope, twigs, boxes, fruit, and even self-defense situations with ease.

Its wooden handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, while its lightweight 3.2 oz build makes it extremely portable. The knife’s corrosion-resistant materials ensure long-term durability, and the secure liner lock keeps the blade safely in place during use.

Perfect as a mini EDC knife, it’s reliable for camping, emergencies, and everyday chores, offering practicality in a small, easy-to-carry package.

Best Automatic Knife Under 50 Dollars Buying Guide

Choosing the right automatic knife under $50 isn’t always simple. With so many brands, styles, and models available, it can feel overwhelming. To help you make the best decision, it’s important to understand the key factors that genuinely matter before making a purchase.

Below are the essential considerations to keep in mind when selecting an automatic knife:

Types of Automatic Knives

Automatic knives generally fall into two categories: folding and OTF (out-the-front).

• Folding automatic knives open like standard pocket knives, typically activated by a button or assisted mechanism.

• OTF knives deploy the blade straight out of the top of the handle, making them quick and unique in operation.

Each type has its advantages, so your choice depends on preference and intended use.

Materials

The material of both the blade and handle plays a major role in durability, performance, and comfort.

Common blade and handle materials include:

• Stainless Steel – Highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and strong.

• High-Carbon Steel – Extremely hard and holds an edge well, though it may discolor over time.

• Titanium – Lightweight, durable, and retains sharpness for extended periods.

Quality materials ensure your knife performs reliably in the long run.

Edge Style

Knife edges come in various designs:

• Straight Edge – The most common and easiest to sharpen. Ideal for everyday tasks such as hunting, camping, and general cutting.

• Serrated Edge – Excellent for slicing through tough or fibrous materials. Although more difficult to sharpen, serrated edges maintain their cutting ability for longer.

Choose the edge that best suits your typical uses.

Handle and Grip

A comfortable, secure grip is essential. The handle should feel good in your hand and offer reliable control.

Popular handle materials include:

• Steel

• Wood

• Composite materials

Wood offers a classic feel, while steel provides durability. Always choose a handle that feels balanced and comfortable.

Additional Features

Many manufacturers include extra features that enhance safety and functionality. Useful add-ons include:

• Glass breaker

• Seatbelt cutter

• Pocket clip

• Protective or anti-corrosion coatings

These features can be incredibly valuable in emergencies or outdoor situations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Are automatic knives legal to carry?

Laws vary widely depending on your state or country. In some areas, automatic knives are fully legal to own and carry; in others, they may be restricted or prohibited. Always check your local and state regulations before purchasing or carrying an automatic knife to ensure compliance.

2. What is the difference between an automatic knife and a spring-assisted knife?

An automatic knife opens instantly with the press of a button or switch.
A spring-assisted knife requires slight manual pressure on the blade or flipper before the spring mechanism engages.
The key difference is that automatic knives open fully with a button, while spring-assisted knives require manual initiation.

3. Are automatic knives good for everyday carry (EDC)?

Yes—many automatic knives are designed for everyday carry. Their one-handed, fast deployment makes them highly practical for daily tasks like opening packages, cutting rope, or handling outdoor jobs. However, always make sure they are legal to carry in your area before using one as an EDC tool.

4. How do I maintain and clean an automatic knife?

To keep an automatic knife in good working condition:

• Clean the blade regularly with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.

• Lubricate the pivot and internal mechanism sparingly using a light oil.

• Avoid exposing the knife to dirt, moisture, or harsh chemicals.

• Sharpen the blade as needed depending on use.
  Proper maintenance ensures smooth deployment and longer lifespan.

5. Are automatic knives safe to use?

Automatic knives are safe when handled responsibly. Many come with safety features such as liner locks, frame locks, or tip-locks to prevent accidental opening. Always keep your fingers clear of the blade path, use the locking mechanism correctly, and store the knife securely when not in use.

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Final Thoughts

Finding the best automatic knife under $50 doesn’t have to be difficult—especially when you know what to look for. Whether you need a reliable EDC blade, a tactical tool for emergencies, or a compact knife for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still deliver durability, sharpness, and fast one-handed deployment.

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