If you’re searching for the best folding knife under 100, you could end up wasting hours and hours, as there are so many products to choose from. Not all folding knives are the same; the best ones are easy to use, compact and versatile enough to be used as an EDC or for other purposes such as camping or hiking.
Here are our top picks.
Table of Contents
Best Folding Knife Under $100 – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Primary Material | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point | Stainless steel | 4 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kershaw 1660 Ken Onion | Sandvik Steel | 3 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | CRKT M16 EDC Folding | Stainless steel | 5 tools | Check Latest Price |
 | Ontario 8848 RAT Folding | Stainless steel | 3.5 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Browning Knives 276 Mossy | Stainless blade | 2 1/2 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kershaw 1620FL Scallion Folding | 420HC | 2 1/2 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Gerber Gator Folding Knife | 420HC Stainless Steel | 3.76 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kershaw Blur Tiger Stripe | Sandvik 14C28N Stainless | 3-3/8 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Spyderco Delica 4 | Stainless steel | 7.125 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kershaw 1660OR Leek Folding | Stainless-steel | 3 inches | Check Latest Price |
Best Folding Knife Under 100 – Reviews
1. Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Plain Edge Knife
The Cold Steel Recon 1 has earned a solid reputation among enthusiasts, and that is not surprising given its excellent features and comfortable grip. The Recon 1 is not the only plain edge best folding knife under 100 dollars in the market, but for flexibility, it’s hard to match.
What we liked:
- The Cold Steel has a G-10 handle, which is nonslip and protects your hands.
- A pocket clip is included and you can switch the clip with any T-6 torque wrench.
- The knife utilizes the patented Ultra Lock mechanism so you’ll have peace of mind when using it for extended periods.
- The Cold Steel sports a black Teflon finish. This not only adds to the aesthetics but also prevents rust and reflection.
What we didn’t like:
- The knife’s lock back hole is very wide and moves up and down.
2 Kershaw 1660 Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife
The name Kershaw is well-known for its quality knives, and the Ken Onion Leek is one of their best. It combines portability, power and protection for all-around use. Furthermore, it’s safety features are top-of-the-line.
What we liked
- The 1660 frame lock provides safety, and it doesn’t move side to side or front to back.
- The Onion Leek series comes with two blade options, S30V stainless and Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel.
- Its SpeedSafe assisted mechanism ensures the knife opens smoothly.
- The knife has a thumb stud that takes just a little push to flip the knife open.
What we didn’t like:
- The Ken Onion Leek feels a bit slippery and narrow for large hands.
3. CRKT M16 EDC Folding Knife
As the name makes clear, the CRKT M16 makes for an ideal EDC knife and one of the best backpacking knives under 100 dollars, and it is versatile enough to be used in emergency situations as well. The company is known for their durable knives, and this one lives up to the tradition.
What we liked
- The knife is equipped with a Zytel handle, giving you a solid grip without compromising durability.
- The CRKT M16 has a 3-inch spear point blade, increasing its versatility in day-to-day and emergency situations.
- The knife comes with an LED light with four function modes that you can use in dimly it areas.
- The CRKT M16 series offers different textures for the handles that are all ergonomic and comfortable.
What we didn’t like:
- The M16-01KS light/knife combo does not come with an auto lock liner safety feature.
4. Ontario 8848 RAT Folding Knife
If you’re looking for a compact folding knife, the RAT is a good option, as it is built for convenience and flexibility.
What we liked:
- The RAT knife utilizes an open post design that allows for easy cleaning and usage.
- The ergonomic handle is made of nylon for extra grip, and it is also nonslip.
- The scope weighs only 5 ounces, so it’s convenient to carry around.
- The knife’s blade has a plain edge that has been sharpened for piercing and cutting.
What we didn’t like:
- The built in pocket clip rattles around a bit.
5. Browning Knives 276 Mossy Oak Linerlock Knife
The 276 Mossy Oak makes it on our list for its versatility and ease of use. We’ve come across a lot of quality Browning folding knives, and the 276 Mossy Oak ranks up there. We like the ergonomic handle as well as the sharp blade.
What we liked:
- The blade is 3 inches long with a durable tip. It is sharp enough for various camping chores.
- There is a lanyard hole built in.
- The knife has a Mossy Oak finish and aluminum handles for extra durability and strength.
- The 276 Mossy Oak has dual thumb studs so it takes little effort to open and close it.
What we didn’t like:
- Its clip on handle feels a bit loose.
6. Kershaw 1620FL Scallion Folding Knife
The Scallion Folding Knife lives up to its claim of being ideal for pocket carry. It has the SpeedSafe for easy access along with many other features that are useful and practical. While it’s designed mainly as an EDC, the Scallion is just as good for camping.
What we liked:
- The Scallion is equipped with tip lock and frame lock for additional safety during use.
- Its handle is 410 stainless steel and bead blasted for durability and nonslip grip.
- Its 2.4-inch blade is stainless steel and has been specially designed for extra sharpness.
- The knife weighs just 2.9 oz and is 5.75 inches long, making this the ideal size for a pocket knife.
What we didn’t like:
- The lock is bit difficult to find, especially if you’re using it for the first time.
7. Gerber Gator Folding Knife
The Gerber Gator made it to our top 10 for its compact design, and it’s also one we can say is really for EDC as well as camping. With its textured handle, sharp blade and safety mechanism, it’s the kind of knife you can use every day.
What we liked:
- The Gator Grip handle is textured so it won’t slip from your hand whether it is dry or wet.
- The Gerber Gator sports a lock back mechanism so the blade doesn’t accidentally close during use.
- The knife’s sheath is made from heavy duty nylon, so it’s suitable for outdoor use.
- The blade is made of 420HC stainless steel, making it stronger than the average folding knife.
What we didn’t like:
- The knife doesn’t come with a clip.
8. Kershaw Blur Tiger Stripe
Another Kershaw makes our top 10, this time the Blur Tiger Stripe. This tanto blade is not only versatile but also strong enough to be used for camping and as a backup knife. If you want to add another Kershaw to your collection, the Blur would be a nice addition.
What we liked:
- The Blur blade is made of Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, giving it the strength to handle a lot of tasks.
- The handle is made out of 6061-T6 anodized aluminum and has been fortified for ergonomic purposes.
- The blade is 3.3 inches long when open, just the right length for cutting, piercing and other tasks.
- The knife weighs only 4.2 oz, so it’s not going to be a burden.
What we didn’t like:
- The blade needs sharpening when used extensively.
9. Spyderco Delica 4
Available in a wide range of colors and styles, the Delica 4 retains the best features of the original while adding new ones that make it even more practical.
What we liked:
- The blade is VG-10 Flat Saber-Ground, so it’s stronger than the average knife and can handle extensive use.
- Its handle is Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) for comfort and has patented texturing for a stronger grip.
- The blade’s spine has been fortified so the handle won’t slip from your hand.
- The washers used for the knife are phosphor bronze so it’s more durable than other folding knives.
What we didn’t like:
- The Delica 4 is smaller than the typical EDC knife.
10. Kershaw 1660OR Leek Folding Knife with SpeedSafe
The Kershaw 1660OR has many of the features of the other Leek knives, but it also has additional elements that set it apart from the rest, as we will show here. This is the number # 10 on our list of best edc knife under 100 dollars, but in terms of quality – it deserve a better position.
What we liked:
- The Kershaw 1660OR blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N steel, and its finish is bead blasted to reinforce the design.
- Its 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle is one of the most comfortable we’ve come across.
- The knife has SpeedSafe assist so it is easier to open, and the pocket clip is reversible.
- The knife weighs just 3 ounces, making it lighter than the typical folding knife.
What we didn’t like:
- The blade’s tip is thinner than those found on most folding knives.
Conclusion:
We use knives more often than we think. They are tools that we have come to depend on for a wide range of tasks, from opening packages to preparing food. If you’re going to carry one on a budget, make sure you’ve got the best folding knife under 100, and that is what you’ll get with any of the products above.