Two of my favorites are the Ontario Rat 2 and the Kabar Dozier.
https://smile.amazon.com/Ontar...id=1602733498&sr=8-1
https://smile.amazon.com/KA-BA...+%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-1

I’ve carried a Gerber Paraframe knife for years. It fits into the watch pocket of my jeans. It’s amazing how often I bring it out to use. Small, lightweight and cheap.

Kershaw fanboy here. Also our shop sells 'em. Solid knives, affordable prices...even the USA models.

I EDC a Kershaw Blur. Great all-around Made in USA knife but it's a bit above your declared budget (around $60 to $65 these days). My wife carries Kershaw's Scallion, also a nice USA knife that's a fair bit smaller (2.3" blade) than the Blur and should be able to be found for under $50. Both are assisted-opening folders; the Blur uses a thumb stud for activation, the Scallion a flipper protrusion towards the bottom of the blade near the hinge. Only real knock is that the blade steel for both is on the soft side, so regular sharpening is a must to maintain a sharp edge. More durable S30V steel is available on certain variants, but the price jumps as a result.

Another Kershaw knife I like is their Link; also a USA knife that's more budget-friendly and is sized more like the Blur (about a 3.25" blade to the Blur's 3.4"). I prefer the Blur over the Link because of the Blur's embedded rubberized texturing on the handle panels that provides a very positive anti-slip finish, especially with wet or sweaty hands. But the Link can be found for around $40-45, depending on color and/or blade finish. At this price you'll wind up with a softer stainless blade steel as well.

I saw the recommendation for the Kershaw Leek earlier; that one's an acquired taste to me. The natural finish version is slick in the hand, whereas the anodized (colored) examples offer a faint amount of texture so the fingers don't slip quite so easily. Another USA knife, usually under $50 for most versions. Our #1 selling Kershaw...mostly because people keep buying them as replacements for the last Leek that they lost!

Spyderco has a few units that fit your budget, but those are mostly PRC-sourced and not USA-made. Their Tenacious is our best-selling model from them and is available in a number of variants, most priced around $50. From a build standpoint it feels A LOT like their Colorado-made models, though the blade steel on all but a few variants is clearly a Chinese-spec (8Cr13MoV) material (the US steel versions typically double the price).

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Kershaw Leek

This

Spyderco Endela.

Unless you need a heavy duty knife, a Swiss Army Alox Cadet should handle all your daily cutting chores.

They have a 2 1/2" blade; screwdriver/bottle opener/prybar/wire stripper; can opener/small standard/phillips driver; and file, but it's so slim you'll hardly know it's in your pocket.

They're so useful there's no reason not to carry one, even if you carry a larger knife. About $30.

My Kershaw Leek has replaced my Mini Grip. It's slim, doesn't dig into my waist, and is a great little blade.

Keyshawn Scallion here. The plastic scales are a gripper than the metal scales. Besides, some places in Ohio have a 2 1/2” blade limit. I had to bail someone out one nite when their gf got a DUI and he was carrying a SAK. Charged him with CCW. Bullshit charge. They just wanted to fuck with him. He was probably running his mouth and they decided he needed a time out too. Cost $400 for lawyer to get it dropped. Lost the knife.

I’ve carried a Spyderco Delica with a FRN handle and a plain edge blade for years and it’s never let me down. Easy one handed opening and closing. Great little knife.

Spyderco Ambitious - about $45. Not the greatest steel, but good for an under $50 quality knife. If you can go a few more bucks the Spyderco Delica is a great knife available in various steels which dictates the pricing starting at about $80.

quote:

Originally posted by Icabod:
I’ve carried a Gerber Paraframe knife for years. It fits into the watch pocket of my jeans. It’s amazing how often I bring it out to use. Small, lightweight and cheap.

I will second this, normally it my is clipped to my house shorts/pants, it is thin and lightweight...holds a decent edge

quote:

Originally posted by ubelongoutside:
Just curious why a pocket clip?

I have a couple and after having them accidentally dislodged too many times just put them in my pocket. Then the clip is just a nuisance.

I'm that case I recommend a Victorinox Swiss Army. It has a blade plus all the other useful gadgets.

Agree here. I have lots of very nice knives ( every thing from Swiss army basics to microtech autosand never use the clips. Can keep secure and deploy from pocket more effectively, and it does not telegraph to everyone hey look I have a knife!

I went from clipped folders to Swiss Army ALOX in the little 5th pocket in my jeans.

You may have to spend a little bit more, but for a small light knife, Spyderco makes some nice knives. Not the Chinese made ones. I got a couple of these when they came out because they were cheap and I see why.

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:

quote:

Originally posted by ubelongoutside:
Just curious why a pocket clip?

I have a couple and after having them accidentally dislodged too many times just put them in my pocket. Then the clip is just a nuisance.

I'm that case I recommend a Victorinox Swiss Army. It has a blade plus all the other useful gadgets.

Agree here. I have lots of very nice knives ( every thing from Swiss army basics to microtech autosand never use the clips. Can keep secure and deploy from pocket more effectively, and it does not telegraph to everyone hey look I have a knife!

I like the clips for easy access, one negative I found out I ended up scratching the door jamb getting in/out of my car, now I am cautious of it and don't let it scrape.

I almost lost my new Chris Reeve Umnumzaan at work due to the pocket clip snagging on a pallet wrapped in plastic. It bent the clip 45 degrees outward.

Check WOOT under handtools I think, had some kershaws on sale.

Spyderco Delica or Endura.

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
Light and under fifty bucks?

Kershaw Emerson.

My vote. You can grab one off amazon for around $35-$50 depending on model. Super quick out of the pocket.

 
The Gerber STL 2.0 Knife is a nice little Chinese made pocket knife. It takes an edge well, and does not cost much.