>>2375108>>2375366You can get a Spyderco Tenacious for $50 if you shop around. It's got 8Cr13MoV steel which is fine for EDC, but could do a better job at holding an edge. The Tenacious has a thumb-hole for opening, as opposed to thumb-studs; some people like it, some hate it, but it's something you have to try. You can get both G-10 and Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) scales for your budget, FRN will tear up your jeans over time if you use the pocket clip, but makes the knife very light, which is why the FRN version is referred to as the lightweight version. The Tenacious has a liner lock, but its actually a really good EDC. A few years ago this would have been the only thing people would recommend for under $50. The market has evolved since then, but it's still an option that I need to mention.
Finally, if your brother is terminally addicted to losing things, get him an Opinel no 8 or 10. They're $17 and get the job done nicely with a carbon steel blade and solid beechwood handles. They don't look very fancy since the design has been the same for over 130 years, but honestly the rustic old fashioned look is a draw to some people. It's a "dad knife", and I get one every year for my tackle box. Carbon steel gets destroyed by moisture though, so don't expect the knife to live long if you live near the ocean. However, if you look after the blade with oil and sharpen it maybe twice a year, you'll have a $17 knife that will last a lifetime.
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