When you first introduce a knife into your EDC items, you’ll spend a few days wondering how on earth you got through life without it.
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a rural or urban environment; owning and carrying a knife is just so handy!
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the convenience either, since it’s pretty easy to find the best EDC knife under 30 bucks.
To help out, we reviewed five great products, created a buyers guide, and answered FAQs about these knives.
Comparison Chart
Best EDC Knife Under 30 Dollars: A Review
1. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Tinker Pocket Knife
The Victorinox brand is world-famous for its Swiss army knives, although it expanded to offer more products.
With functionality, quality, and design innovation at heart, this Swiss-made multi-tool offers its carriers a lot more than just a knife.
Product Highlights
As expected from Victorinox, this tool has a total of 12 functions in a supremely compact format.
Not only does it have a 2.45-inch blade, but it also has a smaller blade, a Phillips screwdriver, punch, wire stripper, and reamer.
Plus, you get many of the other attachments that the Swiss Army Knife is famous for, including a can and bottle opener, toothpick, and tweezers.
You’ll find so many uses for the EDC carry knife that you really will be lost without it, should you ever leave the house without it.
Measuring just 3.6 x 0.6 inches and weighing around 2.2 ounces, you can carry this knife in your pockets, EDC backpack, or ordinary bag without any hassles.
That means you won’t notice the extra weight when taking it with you on all your daily adventures.
This “Tinker” Pocket Knife is particularly targeted to crafty people who want to build, fix, or hack most small jobs on the spot.
The knife blade is fully ground, and because of its length, it’s better suited to making more precise cuts and cut rope and other materials.
The Swiss-made, tempered, polished stainless steel is highly durable and corrosion-resistant.
With the lifetime guarantee provided by Victorinox, this EDC tool can be a lifelong investment.
The Good
The Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Tinker Pocket Knife is ideal for people who want the convenience of carrying a knife, but not the stigma attached to it.
What we love most is that the blade has fantastic quality.
Overall, this EDC offers more functionality than any other product on this list.
The Bad
The problem with the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Tinker Pocket Knife is that access to the knife blade is more fiddly and slower than the other options on this list.
If you’re looking for a multi-tool over a knife, there are many other options for multi-tools out there.
Pros:
- Great quality
- Iconic design
- 12 functions in one
- Features two knife blades
- Small and lightweight
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- More expensive
- No serrated blade edge
- Pulling out the blade can be slow and fiddly
2. Grand Way Tactical Folding EDC Knife
Grand Way specializes in providing different types of knives to suit most lifestyles, from work to play.
This tactical EDC knife is the perfect addition to your EDC items if you’re looking for a longer blade edge than most achieve in such a compact size.
Product Highlights
The Grand Way Tactical Folding EDC Knife combines a Spanish clasp with a semi-folding design.
That means you get a modest, medium-sized knife with an impressively long blade.
This feature is great if you want the convenience of everyday carry but have never found the blades long enough for your needs.
Supporting a blade of 5.8 inches, it folds back into an extension on the handle, which also serves to lock the blade into place while extended.
Manufactured from matte, 440 stainless steel, it is an incredibly hard, fully ground blade resistant to corrosion and scratch.
The Grand Way Tactical Folding EDC Knife offers razor-sharp cutting performance without sharpening and high durability.
It’s the perfect knife for hiking, camping, bushcraft, and more.
The Grand Way Tactical Folding EDC Knife also comes complete with a strong nylon sheath, making it a great gift and easy to pack and store.
The Good
We love the way the Grand Way Tactical Folding EDC Knife looks.
With its rosewood handle and impressive blade length, it manages to conceal.
The Bad
Weighing in at a hefty 8.1 ounces, it may be too heavy for some people to carry around in their pockets daily.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Impressive blade length
- Good quality
- Stays sharper for longer
- Free hunting and survival skills eBook
- Comes with a carry case
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- May be too heavy for some people
- Blade length is not legal in some states for EDC
3. Statgear Pocket Samurai Knife
Statgear has been providing innovative rescue and survival equipment for the EDC market since 2010.
Their Pocket Samurai Knife offers samurai strength in an impressively compact package that is barely bigger than a key.
Product Highlights
From the longest blade to the shortest blade featured here, this Samurai knife from Statgear is ideal for those looking for a discreet yet effective EDC knife.
When folded, the Statgear Pocket Samurai Knife is barely bigger than your finger.
Measuring around 2.67 inches, you can attach it easily to your keychain or put it in your pocket.
The Statgear Pocket Samurai Knife also has a handy removable pocket clip for those who prefer to carry their knife by hanging it.
Despite its small size, it packs a surprisingly serious samurai-inspired tanto blade made from thick 440C stainless steel.
The blade itself measures just under two inches and is rustproof, easy to sharpen, and very well retains its edge.
The Statgear Pocket Samurai Knife may not be long enough for everyone’s needs.
Still, it will be perfect for those who want to carry a small, sharp blade for emergencies.
The blade is also encased in aircraft aluminum, which keeps it lightweight.
You can also order it in different colors to suit your style, from classic black or gunmetal gray to vivid violet, red, or yellow.
The Good
We love that this is a tiny and discreet EDC knife that is not instantly recognizable as a blade of any kind.
It would be perfect for city dwellers who want to carry a blade without the cultural taboo sometimes associated with it.
The Bad
At just under two inches, the blade will be too short for many tasks.
The Statgear Pocket Samurai Knife is also one of the more expensive options on this list, although it’s still well under the $30 mark.
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight, and discreet
- Great quality
- Very sharp edge
- Offered in a variety of colors
- Can be carried as a keyring
Con:
- Very short blade
4. GVDV Pocket Folding Tactical Knife
The GVDV brand has a small range of folding knives available online and a modest but reliable reputation for quality and affordability.
This tactical EDC knife is our top pick for practicality and affordability.
Product Highlights
This plain black pocket folding knife from GVDV epitomizes everything that is most associated with pocket knives.
It is highly durable, and although it isn’t the sharpest or strongest blade we’ve featured here, it will certainly excel at most cutting tasks.
The GVDV Pocket Folding Tactical Knife features a 7Cr17 stainless steel blade.
It has also been coated with a black oxide layer to enhance the blade’s cutting performance.
Equipped with thumb studs, this is the first knife we featured that enables one-handed opening, which is great for emergencies and self-defense.
The liner-lock system safely and securely holds the blade in its open position.
The anti-corrosion properties make it an ideal pocket knife for hunting, fishing, and camping.
The thoughtfully designed handle also features a slot cutter and a glass breaker to punch through windows in emergencies.
The GVDV Pocket Folding Tactical Knife folds down to 4.7 inches.
It weighs approximately 5.15 ounces, making it an ideal EDC size for your bag or pocket.
The price is also really great since it is the most affordable on our list.
When you invest in this GVDV tactical folding knife, you also receive a whetstone and gift box, which would also make it a really nice gift.
The Good
We really love the affordability of the GVDV Pocket Folding Tactical Knife!
Plus, you get a free whetstone for sharpening the knife and a gift box, making it a great value for your money.
We also love that you can open this pocket knife with one hand, thanks to the featured thumb studs.
The Bad
The GVDV Pocket Folding Tactical Knife’s blade isn’t as high quality as other knives on this list.
It will need sharpening more often.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- One-handed opening
- Budget-friendly
- Thoughtfully designed
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- Requires frequent sharpening
- Lesser-known manufacturer
5. Opinel Series 08 Colorama EDC Folding Pocket Knife
Opinel is a highly reputable knife manufacturer that has been operating out of France since 1890.
They have been upgrading and fine-tuning their folding pocket knife for over 130 years.
That is to ensure they provide a superior blade that can be passed from generation to generation.
Product Highlights
The first thing you’ll notice about the Opinel knife is that it’s a very fancy blade by all accounts, but it turns up without any “fancy” packaging.
This is a conscious effort by the company to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability.
When we say it’s a fancy knife, we mean that it exudes a timeless classical style while keeping things simple and very safe.
The Opinel’s Colorama Pocket Knife features a signature stainless steel Virobloc safety ring.
This ring allows the blade to slide in and out of the casing safely and quickly.
Another great thing is that the Opinel’s Colorama Pocket Knife’s blade locks safely into the open position.
As an extra precaution, the blade has recently been upgraded to lock in its closed position.
The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, while the handle is carved from Hornbeam wood, sourced from French forests.
Both the blade and handle carry an air of quality to them, designed to last a lifetime.
The Series 08 blade is 3.35 inches long, and when fully extended, the knife measures 7.5 inches in total and four inches when folded.
The Opinel Series 08 Colorama EDC Folding Pocket Knife is available in five different colors.
It also has a thin leather strap threaded to its handle for carrying purposes.
The Good
We love the simplistic and quality feel of the Opinel Series 08 Colorama EDC Folding Pocket Knife in our hands.
It offers a high-end, timeless design, is a great size, and the blade is really sharp.
The Bad
The Opinel Series 08 Colorama EDC Folding Pocket Knife’s design may not be to everyone’s liking.
We’re also worried that the leather cord might break over time, and there is no other way to hang it.
Pros:
- Timeless and classic design
- Quality and highly durable construction
- Highly reputable company
- Variety of color options
- Very safe to use and store
Cons:
- Very simple in design
- The leather strap may break after prolonged use
Buyers Guide
Since there are so many EDC knives under $30 on the market, it’s useful to narrow down your options before shopping.
We’ve put together this buying guide to help you better understand how EDC knives may differ.
This way you can invest in the best EDC knife under 30 dollars that will work best for your needs.
1. Fixed vs Folding
The first factor you’ll need to decide when buying an EDC knife is whether you want a fixed or folding blade.
A fixed blade needs to be covered with a sheath when you’re carrying it around.
It can usually only be worn on the belt or hang around your neck. For this reason, it’s more obvious that you’re carrying a knife.
The main advantage of this type of blade is that it allows for easier access, which is really handy when you’re using your knife a lot over the course of a day.
On the other hand, city dwellers who don’t need immediate or regular access to their blade may prefer a smaller, folding knife since it’s more discreet.
2. Size and Weight
Your knife’s size and weight should also be an important consideration to ensure the convenience you need from an everyday carry knife.
Ideally, the knife’s casing will be made out of strong materials that are also lightweight.
The best EDC knife under 30 bucks will usually measure five inches or less and remain lightweight, at five ounces or less.
3. Edge Type
You’ll likely be presented with three different blade edge types when shopping for an EDC knife.
Think about why you want the knife in the first place, and then buy a complimentary blade for your needs.
Here are the different types of edges and when you should one over the other:
- Full Ground Edge
A full ground edge is ideal for those looking for finer precision cuts, including skinning an animal or an apple.
They’re great for any pushing cuts, as well as skewering, stabbing, and poking.
- Full Serration
Serrated blades are more suited to rougher cuts through harder materials.
If you’ll cut through a lot of rope, wood, or drywall, then this blade will be better for you.
On softer materials, the serrated edge tends to get stuck.
- Partial Serration
A partially serrated knife aims to give you the best of both blades.
They usually carry the straight ground edge closest to the blade tip, with a serrated section towards the blade’s back.
It aims to offer all of the full ground edge’s benefits for finer cuts and a small serrated section to cut through tougher materials when needed.
Partial serration won’t be suitable for everyone, but it’s the blade edge of choice for most EDC carriers.
4. Opening Mechanism
The opening mechanism on your knife should be down to personal preference.
It’s a good idea to practice with a couple of options to see which one you like.
If you’re left-handed, then make sure you buy a knife suitable for you to open and use it comfortably.
You should also make sure that your knife will open reliably so that you always have access to it when you need it.
It’s really handy for many people to be able to open their knife with just one hand.
Assisted opening mechanisms are illegal in some states, so just be aware of this before buying or traveling with it.
5. Grip Style and Material
The grip and materials offered by your ideal EDC knife will ultimately affect the convenience of carrying your blade and comfort when using it.
At the very least, your best EDC knife should be non-slip, so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself or others around you.
If you’ll be using the knife a lot, then it’s important to choose a slightly padded grip to make it more comfortable to use.
Frequently Asked Questions About EDC Knives
1. What is the point of EDC?
Everyday carry items allow the carrier to be more prepared; therefore, more ready to overcome small everyday problems.
Everyday carry is becoming something of a buzzword, but basically describes the essential items you carry with you in your pockets or bag.
Your wallet, keys, and phone are EDC items, but you may also have a knife, flashlight, and other items on top of this to help you when you need it.
2. What is an EDC knife?
An EDC knife is a small, practical, and functional knife designed to be part of your everyday items.
You may use it in a rural environment to cut rope and twine, skin animals, and use it for self-defense.
In an urban environment, you’re more likely to use it to open objects, sharpen pencils, and peel fruit, as well as have it for self-defense.
3. Where can I carry my EDC knife?
The legality of carrying your knife will vary, depending on the blade length, whether it features an automatic opening, and how you choose to carry it.
The laws concerning each of these factors will also differ, depending on which state you live in or traveling to.
For this reason, you should always check before making a purchase and then check again before taking it somewhere new!
Generally speaking, blades shorter than 2.5 inches are legal in most places, except for schools, courts, government buildings, and military bases.
They’re also illegal to carry on planes, so it should always be in your checked luggage when flying.
4. Why the butterfly knife is illegal
The butterfly knife is illegal in some states for the same reason a switchblade or automatic opening knife is.
It doesn’t do anything that a normal knife can’t do, but look more threatening.
As such, a butterfly knife is viewed solely as a weapon.
5. What knives do the Navy SEALs use?
The answer to this will depend on who you’re asking.
Knowing which knives Navy SEALs get issued and knowing which ones they use are very different.
It will also depend on which Navy SEAL you speak to because the best knife for you won’t necessarily be the best knife for the other person.
Having said that, a couple of popular choices include the Ka-Bar Becker BK3 Combat Utility Knife and the Ontario MK3 Navy Knife.
Our Final Recommendation
As we mentioned previously, an EDC knife under 30 bucks that works best for you may be completely different from someone else’s first choice.
It all depends on what you’re going to be using it for, so check out our buying guide before making your final decision.
Our overall favorite EDC knife is the GVDV Pocket Knife, which is also the most affordable knife on this list.
It will need sharpening more often than the other blades featured here, but it comes complete with a whetstone to complete the task.
We like the thumb studs to assist one-handed opening and think the size and weight are just about perfect for everyday carry.
The slot cutter and emergency glass breaker are bonus features that didn’t really sway us either way because the incredibly low price has already blown us away.
You really can’t go wrong with such a great little EDC knife for half the price you’d expect to pay.