Top 10 Pocket Knives Under $100: Your Guide to Affordable EDC Excellence

Got a hundred bucks and want a new knife? This list is for you. We’ve compiled our top 10 EDC folding knives under $100. With so many options, narrowing it down wasn’t easy. Expect some familiar favorites and a few surprises.

Why This List Matters

The knife market is huge. There are many choices available. We see so many new products, we know what stands out. This list helps you find worthy knives that might be overlooked.

The Countdown: Top 10 Pocket Knives Under $100

10. North Mountain Blades Chop 2

• Price: Starts around $80.
• Blade Steel: SLD-Magic, San Mai construction.
• Blade Shape: Tanto with hollow and flat grinds.
• Handle: Sculpted G10 or Copper.
• Lock: Button lock.
• Opening: Flipper.

The Chop 2 is our best button lock flipper under $100. The fit and finish are impressive. The blade feels special with its laminated core and premium finish. It offers high edge retention and good toughness. We recommend this knife to anyone looking for a unique EDC option.

9. Buck 112 Ranger Slim Pro TRX

• Price: Around $100.
• Blade Steel: S30V.
• Blade Shape: Clip point.
• Handle: Micarta.
• Lock: Lock back.
• Opening: Dual thumb studs.
• Pocket Clip: Deep carry, reversible.

This Buck 112 is a USA-made classic with modern upgrades. It’s a competitive alternative to imports. The S30V steel provides great edge retention. Its slimmer profile and deep carry pocket clip make it more pocket-friendly than the decades-old original. We think this knife is perfect for those who appreciate classic designs with modern features.

8. Kershaw Iridium

• Price: Around $65.
• Blade Steel: D2.
• Blade Shape: Drop point.
• Handle: Aluminum.
• Lock: Crossbar lock.
• Opening: Dual Thumb Studs.

The Kershaw Iridium feels more expensive than it is. The aluminum handles are well-made. The blade offers distinctive styling and the grinds are crisp and precise. The crossbar lock offers finger-safe closing. The KVT ball bearings provide addicting action. We consider this a great choice for everyday carry due to its versatile blade and comfortable handle.

7. Petrified Fish Hourglass

• Price: Around $64.
• Blade Steel: K110 (D2).
• Handle: Titanium bolsters with wood inlays.
• Lock: Liner lock.
• Opening: Flipper.
• Pocket Clip: Deep carry.

The Petrified Fish Hourglass has custom knife vibes. The shape is dramatic and the attention to detail is impressive. The materials elevate it beyond its price. The K110 steel blade is cleanly ground. The titanium bolsters and wood inlays feel next-level. We believe this knife is a steal for the price.

6. QSP Penguin (Titanium Frame Lock)

• Price: Around $97.
• Blade Steel: 154CM.
• Handle: Titanium.
• Lock: Frame lock.
• Opening: Thumb studs.
• Pocket Clip: Milled titanium.

If you want a titanium frame lock, this is a good option under $100. The 154CM steel is better than other titanium options in this price range. The Penguin is iconic. The aggressive sheepsfoot blade and stone wash finish look great. We suggest this to anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy knife.

5. SRM 255L

• Price: Starts around $60.
• Blade Steel: 10CR series stainless.
• Handle: Sculpted G10 or carbon fiber.
• Lock: Crossbar lock.
• Pocket Clip: Pinch style, deep carry, reversible.

The SRM 255L makes old technology new again with its minimal folded steel frame. This gives it sublime lightness and balance. The pinch-style pocket clip is unique. It’s easy to remove without tools. The sculpted G10 handles feel good in hand. We think this knife offers a great balance of features and value.

4. Vosteed Shilin Cutter

• Price: Starts around $99.
• Blade Steel: 154CM.
• Handle: G10 or aluminum.
• Lock: Vanchor Lock (pivot button lock).
• Opening: Thumb studs, front flipper, rear flipper.

The Vosteed Shilin Cutter features the Vanchor Lock. This lock operates like a button lock but it’s actually the pivot that you push. It feels good, operates well, and is very strong. It has multiple opening methods. The leaf-shaped blade offers the best attributes of a drop point and a Wharncliffe. We consider this knife innovative and versatile.

3. Tie: Ontario RAT 1.5 MagnaCut and Bestechman Dundee MagnaCut

MagnaCut is one of the best stainless knife steels on the market. It holds an edge well and is also very tough. Getting this steel for less than $100 is a rarity, so we couldn’t decide which of these two designs deserved to win.

Ontario RAT 1.5 MagnaCut

• Price: Around $95.
• Blade Steel: MagnaCut.
• Handle: G10.
• Lock: Liner lock.
• Opening: Thumb studs.
• Pocket Clip: Four-position.

The RAT Series has a proven track record. It’s known for durability and adaptability to any job. 

Bestechman Dundee MagnaCut

• Price: $90-$100.
• Blade Steel: MagnaCut.
• Handle: G10.
• Lock: Liner lock.
• Opening: Flipper.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible, deep carry.

This knife feels more modern. The action is crisp, the fit and finish is world-class, and it is available with either a clip point, or modified sheepsfoot blade.

Which would you pick?

2. Cold Steel Voyager

• Price: Around $72.
• Blade Steel: AUS-10A.
• Handle: Injection molded.
• Lock: Tri-Ad lock.
• Opening: Thumb studs.

The Cold Steel Voyager is a hard-use knife with a proven track record. Despite being large, it is very manageable in use. The AUS-10A steel is very durable. The Tri-Ad lock is strong and long-lasting. Various blade shapes are available. An XL version is also available.

1. CIVIVI Vision FG

• Price: High $70’s to just under $100.
• Blade Steel: Damascus or Nitro-V.
• Lock: Snecx lock, ambidextrous.
• Opening: Dual Thumb Studs.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible, deep-carry.

CIVIVI leads the sub-$100 market with a ton of great designs but the Vision FG brings something special. The reverse tanto blade is extremely sharp and useful, and the Damascus bladed version is especially stunning. The dorsal-style Snecx lock is ambidextrous and provides finger-safe closing.