This is our official list in search of the best hunting knife for under $50 on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and an overview of hunting knives.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Buck Knives Hunting Knife with Walnut Handle
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars 12″ Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife w/ Sheath
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Knife King “Helmand-1” Damascus Handmade
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars REG-274 – Handmade Damascus Steel 13″
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Hunting Knives for Under $50
Other than a gun, one of the most important parts of a hunter’s arsenal is a hunting knife. If people buy a high-quality blade, it is a good investment that should last for several years. Hunters can choose between a fixed-blade hunting knife and a folding hunting knife. There are advantages and disadvantages to either one.
For hunters who want a knife that is compact and can be carried in a pocket, a folding hunting knife would be best. Although fixed-blade hunting knives are larger and have to be carried in a sheath, their tang is made of a piece of solid metal. According to Modern Survival Online, these knives are the best for slicing or chopping wood and other hard things.
The folks over at Pick a Bow remind us that, when looking for a good hunting knife, the blade should be made of quality steel that can easily be sharpened. Hand-carved handles of wood, bone, or steel that are comfortable to hold are also desirable. Buyers should also consider if they are going to use the knife to butcher game or cut things in the woods.
Although many hunting knives can cost hundreds of dollars, a quality knife can be purchased for a lot less. Hunters and knife collects can buy the best hunting knife that will fit in their budget. Here are five hunting knives under $50 to consider.
1.) Buck Knives Hunting Knife with Walnut Handle
Buck is a knife brand that has been trusted for generations. This hunting knife has a 3 1/8 inch wide blade made of 420-grade stainless-steel. It is 7 ¼ inches long, durable, and keeps a sharp edge. Since it only weighs about 5.2 oz., it is perfect to take on a hunting trip.
The Buck knife’s ergonomic handle is carved from genuine American walnut and is forged with a brass bolster. In the top of the handle is a lanyard hole, and it comes with a natural leather sheath for easy carrying.
It is proudly made in America and carries a lifetime warranty called Buck Forever. This is a quality knife that can easily become a family keepsake.
PROS
- Forged of top-quality carbon stainless steel
- Genuine American walnut handle is ergonomic
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Some customers say the wood finish is a little dull
2.) Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife
As the name implies, this hunting knife is fit for a king. It has a hand carved 5.25-inch walnut handle with a handy finger notch and a Damascus guard for safety.
The 8-inch blade is made of over 200 layers of quality 15N25 and 1075 Damascus-patterned steel. No matter how much the knife is used, it will retain a razor sharp edge each time. It is made to last, with a hardness of 58-60 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale.
This hunting knife comes with a genuine leather sheath for convenience. The knife can be used as a utility knife or for butchering game.
PROS
- Forged of rock-hard Damascus-style steel
- Hand-carved walnut handle
- Keeps a sharp edge
CONS
- Handle not totally ergonomic
3.) 12″ Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife w/ Sheath
In the survivalist world, Bowie knives are quite popular. This tactical survival knife is made to military standards and is an excellent tool for hunting. It has a 7-inch black stainless steel blade that features a spine with a double saw edge.
The 5- inch knurled grip handle makes the knife easy to hold and use. With an overall length of 12 inches, it packs away neatly in a hard composite sheath. Buyers will also appreciate the belt-buckle carrier on the sheath, as well as its easy-to-open fastening system. It makes quick work of chopping fire kindling, cutting brush, or skinning game.
PROS
- Double saw-edged blade
- Easy to transport
- Works well as a survival and a hunting knife
CONS
- Handle is made of plastic
4.) Knife King “Helmand-1” Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife
The Helmand-1 is another great hunting knife made by Knife King. The 4.25-inch blade is forged of materials with a 15N25 and 1075 alloy quality. There are over 200 layers in the blade’s Damascus designed steel.
Since its hardness rates to almost 60 HRC on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, it will always stay sharp after the toughest jobs. The 4.75-inch handle is hand-carved walnut with brass rivets. It fits well in the user’s hand and is ideal for hunting or survivalist activities.
Collectors will love the beautiful swirls etched in the heavy blade. It comes with a sheath for handy transport. This hunting knife would be a great gift idea for the outdoor enthusiast.
PROS
- Multi-layered Damascus-styled steel blade
- Hand-made walnut handle
- Sheath included
CONS
- Sheaths are not made as well the ones from competing brands.
5.) REG-274 – Handmade Damascus Steel 13″ Hunting Knife
Many hunting knife collectors choose those with Damascus steel blades, because of the beautiful patterns in the metal. This hunting knife has a full 7.5-inch blade of beautifully forged Damascus-style steel. It is 1095/15N20 alloyed steel, melted into nearly 200 durable layers.
Because each knife is carefully crafted by hand, the Damascus swirls will be unique. The blade registered between 58-60 on the hardness scale and is honed to a razor-sharp edge in the factory.
Buyers will also be impressed with the beautiful 5.5-inch handle carved of precious rosewood. The knife also features a Damascus hand guard for safety. It is tough enough for hunting, and beautiful enough for display.
PROS
- Each blade is forged of Damascus-style steel with unique pattern variations.
- Hard steel keeps a sharp edge
- Damascus hand guard for safety
CONS
- Some buyers said that the handle was a little thinner than expected
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right hunting knife is important for those who take their hobby seriously. The best hunting knife can be carried easily and will keep its edge for a long time between sharpening sessions. It is not uncommon for a hunter to have a collection of quality knives. These tools will be dependable in the woods season after season.