A hundred dollars is a useful line for a pocket knife. Above it you mostly pay for powder steels, titanium and limited colorways. Below it you can already get everything that decides whether a folder is pleasant to carry: a lock you trust, a blade shape that cuts, a clip that keeps the knife where you put it and a steel that sharpens without drama. What you can’t get is one knife that suits everyone, so this list covers different carriers: a classic back lock, a slim office knife, a button lock, a crossbar lock, an old-school hunter with a leather sheath and a budget workhorse. If you’d rather spend less, my list of the best flipper knives under $50 starts lower.
The one I’d hand most people is the Spyderco Delica 4: light, thin behind the edge, VG-10 steel, and after more than three decades still the folder others get compared to. For something slimmer and faster, take the Kershaw Leek; for the best value, the CIVIVI Elementum II.
My Top 7 Folding Knives Under $100
The Delica is my default answer when someone asks what folder to buy. It weighs next to nothing, the full flat grind slices like a kitchen knife, and the back lock is one of the strongest, most ambidextrous locks around. It looks odd to some people, but it works better than almost anything at this price.
Some knives disappear in a pocket; the Leek disappears in a dress shirt. It’s thin, elegant and fast, with assisted opening and a tip lock for extra safety. I’d choose it for office workers and anyone who wants a knife that looks more like a pen than a weapon.
This is where I’d spend the least to get the most. The Elementum II has a simple, classic shape, a button lock that’s easy and safe to close with one hand, and Nitro-V steel that shrugs off rust. It’s a lot of refinement for the money.
If you like the idea of a strong crossbar lock in a budget knife, the Iridium is my pick. The DuraLock is solid and fully ambidextrous, the bearing pivot spins freely, and D2 steel holds an edge for a long time.
Think of the Endura as the Delica’s big brother. You get the same light handle, the same steel and the same back lock, but nearly four inches of blade and room for a full grip. I’d choose it for outdoor work, big hands and anyone who wants reach without weight.
The 110 is the knife that made the lockback famous, and it still has a place in 2026. Brass, wood, a leather belt sheath and a heavy, reassuring feel. It’s not a modern pocket knife, and that’s exactly the point: I’d buy it for hunters, gift givers and anyone who likes things built the old way.
The RAT II is the cheapest knife on this list and the one I’d worry about least. It’s comfortable, light, easy to sharpen and simple to maintain. For a first real pocket knife, or a spare that lives in the car, it’s hard to argue with.
Folding Knives Under $100 Compared
| Knife | Blade | Steel | Lock | Opening | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Delica 4 | about 2.9″ | VG-10 | Back lock | Thumb hole | Light everyday carry |
| Kershaw Leek | 3″ | 14C28N | Frame lock + tip lock | Assisted flipper | Office and dress carry |
| CIVIVI Elementum II | 2.96″ | Nitro-V | Button lock | Manual | Best value |
| Kershaw Iridium | 3.4″ | D2 | DuraLock crossbar | Thumb studs, bearings | Strong lock, left or right hand |
| Spyderco Endura 4 | about 3.8″ | VG-10 | Back lock | Thumb hole | Big hands, outdoor work |
| Buck 110 Folding Hunter | 3.75″ | 420HC | Lockback | Nail notch (two hands) | Hunting, tradition, gifts |
| Ontario RAT II | 3″ | AUS-8 | Liner lock | Thumb studs | First knife, glovebox spare |
1. Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight (VG-10): Best Overall
Who it’s for: anyone who wants one light, sharp, trustworthy folder for daily use and doesn’t care about looking tactical.
Spyderco introduced the original Delica in 1990, and the design has been refined through four generations since. That long history shows. The fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle has skeletonized steel liners inside, so it’s stiff without being heavy, and the bi-directional texture keeps your grip in place whether you’re pushing or pulling the blade. You can mount the clip in four positions: tip up, tip down, left side or right side.
What I like most is the blade. It’s full flat ground, which means it tapers evenly from the spine to the edge, so it slides through cardboard, rope and an apple instead of wedging. The steel, VG-10, comes from Japan and shows up in plenty of good kitchen knives too: it takes a keen edge, holds it well and resists rust. The back lock, at the middle of the spine, works the same for left and right hands and has a long reputation for strength.
My reservation is the look. The big round opening hole and the leaf-shaped blade are love-or-hate, and the plastic handle doesn’t feel luxurious. If you want the same idea in a larger size, the Endura further down is it.
Key specs
- Blade: about 2.9 inch VG-10, full flat grind, plain edge
- Handle: fiberglass-reinforced nylon with skeletonized steel liners
- Lock: back lock
- Opening: Spyderco round hole, either hand
- Four-position pocket clip
Pros
- Very light for the amount of blade
- Thin grind slices better than most folders
- Strong, ambidextrous lock and clip
Cons
- Distinctive shape won’t appeal to everyone
- Handle feels plain for the price
My verdict: the safest recommendation I can make under $100. Choose something else only if you want a particular look or lock type.
2. Kershaw Leek (14C28N, Steel Handle): Best Slim Carry
Who it’s for: office workers, city carriers and anyone who wants a slim, quick-opening knife that looks tidy in the hand.
The Leek has been in Kershaw’s lineup for a long time, and it’s still one of the best-selling folders the company makes. The reason is its shape. The handle is narrow and flat, the blade is a slim three-inch drop point, and the whole knife weighs about three ounces. In a pocket it feels closer to a pen than a tool.
It opens with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assist: nudge the flipper and a spring finishes the job. A frame lock (a section of the steel handle that moves behind the blade) holds it open, and a small tip-lock slider keeps it shut in your pocket. The blade steel is Sandvik 14C28N, a stainless that is easy to sharpen and tougher than its modest price suggests.
The trade-off for that slim profile is a fine, pointy tip that won’t forgive prying, and a bare steel handle that can feel slick with wet hands. The clip only works for right-handed carry, tip up or tip down, which matters if you carry on the left.
Key specs
- Blade: 3 inch drop point, Sandvik 14C28N, bead-blasted finish
- Handle: 410 stainless steel, contoured
- Opening: SpeedSafe assisted flipper
- Lock: frame lock, plus tip-lock slider for closed carry
- 7 inches open; 3 oz; reversible clip for right-hand carry
Pros
- Very slim and light in the pocket
- Fast, consistent assisted opening
- Steel that’s easy to sharpen
Cons
- Fine tip breaks if used to pry
- Steel handle gets slippery when wet
- No left-hand clip option
My verdict: the best looking knife for suits and offices under $100. If your cutting is rougher, the Iridium or RAT II will take more abuse.
3. CIVIVI Elementum II (Nitro-V, G10): Best Value
Who it’s for: buyers who want a refined, modern folder and would rather keep a good part of the budget in their wallet.
The original Elementum is one of the knives that put CIVIVI on the map, and this second version keeps its clean drop point shape while switching to a button lock. Instead of pushing a liner aside with your thumb, you press a button on the handle and the blade is free to close. It’s easy, quick and keeps your fingers out of the blade’s path, which is why I think button locks are a good choice for people new to one-handed knives.
The blade is Nitro-V, a stainless steel with added nitrogen that is tougher and more rust resistant than the common budget steels. It won’t hold an edge quite as long as D2, but it’s far easier to live with if you cut food or carry in humid weather. The G10 handle is light and grippy, and the deep-carry clip keeps the knife low in the pocket.
Two small reservations: the clip is set up for right-handed carry only, and a blade a hair under three inches is on the small side for heavy outdoor jobs.
Key specs
- Blade: 2.96 inch, Nitro-V stainless
- Handle: G10
- Lock: button lock
- Deep-carry pocket clip, right-hand carry
- Lifetime service against defects; USA service center
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish for the money
- Button lock is easy and safe to close
- Rust-resistant, tough steel
Cons
- Right-hand clip only
- Small blade for bigger tasks
My verdict: the best balance of price and polish here. Spend more only if you want a bigger blade or a different lock.
4. Kershaw Iridium (D2, Reverse Tanto): Best Crossbar Lock
Who it’s for: left-handed users and anyone who wants a crossbar-style lock with a smooth action, without the premium price.
Crossbar locks used to be something you mainly found on expensive Benchmade knives. Kershaw’s version, the DuraLock, uses a solid steel bar that slides across the back of the blade when it opens. You pull the bar back with either thumb to close it, so the knife works equally well in both hands, and the action is fun to fidget with in a way liner locks rarely are.
The Iridium also has Kershaw’s KVT ball bearing pivot, so the blade swings open easily with the thumb studs. The steel is D2, and it keeps its bite noticeably longer than the Leek’s 14C28N. Like any D2, it isn’t fully stainless, so I’d wipe it dry after cutting anything wet. The anodized aluminum scales keep the weight to about 3.5 ounces.
The version I’ve linked has a reverse tanto blade, which looks aggressive and has a strong tip but is a little less handy for slicing food than a drop point. If that matters to you, Kershaw also sells the Iridium with a spear point blade.
Key specs
- Blade: 3.4 inch reverse tanto, D2 tool steel, stonewashed
- Handle: anodized aluminum scales
- Lock: DuraLock crossbar, ambidextrous
- Opening: thumb studs, KVT ball bearing pivot
- 7.9 inches open, 4.5 closed; 3.5 oz; reversible deep-carry clip
Pros
- Truly ambidextrous lock and clip
- Smooth bearing action
- D2 edge retention
Cons
- D2 can spot with rust if left wet
- Reverse tanto shape isn’t ideal for food
- Aluminum scratches more easily than G10
My verdict: my choice for lefties and lock fans on a budget. For pure slicing, the thinner Spydercos cut better.
5. Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight (VG-10): Best Bigger Blade
Who it’s for: people with large hands, campers, tradespeople and anyone who regularly cuts things wider than a box flap.
Everything I said about the Delica applies here, just scaled up. The Endura has the same full flat ground VG-10 blade, the same skeletonized liners inside a fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle and the same back lock and four-position clip. The difference is a blade of nearly four inches and a handle that gives all four fingers somewhere to go, even with gloves on.
That extra length makes it a better tool for outdoor chores like cutting cord, preparing food at camp or trimming branches, while the plastic handle keeps it surprisingly light for its size. I think it’s one of the best “big but not heavy” folders you can buy for under $100.
Size is also the downside. Nearly four inches of blade can be more than some local laws allow, and it’s a lot of knife to pull out in an office or on public transport.
Key specs
- Blade: about 3.8 inch VG-10, full flat grind, plain edge
- Handle: fiberglass-reinforced nylon with skeletonized steel liners
- Lock: back lock
- Opening: Spyderco round hole
- Four-position pocket clip
Pros
- Long reach and full grip without much weight
- Excellent slicer
- Works well for left and right hands
Cons
- Too large for some places and dress codes
- Plain-feeling handle
My verdict: pick the Endura if the Delica feels small in your hand. Stick with the Delica if your knife lives in a city pocket.
6. Buck 110 Folding Hunter: Best Traditional Folder
Who it’s for: hunters, people who carry on the belt rather than in the pocket, and anyone shopping for a gift with some history behind it.
No folding knife list feels complete to me without the Buck 110. When it came out, a folding knife that locked open as securely as a fixed blade was a big deal, and its lockback design was copied for decades. It’s still handcrafted in the USA, with brass bolsters, a wood handle and a genuine leather belt sheath.
The 3.75-inch clip point blade is 420HC stainless, put through Buck’s own heat treat recipe. It’s not a high-end steel, but it’s tough, rust resistant and very easy to bring back to sharp on a simple stone, which is what you want in the field. Buck backs the knife with its Forever Warranty.
The weaknesses are what make it traditional. At 7.2 ounces it’s heavy, it opens with a nail notch rather than one-handed, and there’s no pocket clip. If you want a knife for daily pocket carry, this isn’t it. If you want one to dress game, pass down, or keep on the belt at camp, it still makes a lot of sense.
Key specs
- Blade: 3.75 inch clip point, 420HC stainless
- Handle: wood with brass bolsters
- Lock: lockback; opens with nail notch
- 4.875 inches closed; 7.2 oz
- Genuine leather belt sheath; made in USA; Forever Warranty
Pros
- Iconic design with a lifetime warranty
- Very easy steel to sharpen
- Great gift or heirloom knife
Cons
- Heavy for its size
- Two-handed opening, no clip
My verdict: buy it for the belt, the hunt or the gift box. For a modern pocket knife, any of the first five suit better.
7. Ontario RAT II (AUS-8): Best Budget
Who it’s for: first-time buyers, students and anyone who wants a dependable knife for the car, the toolbox or the junk drawer.
The RAT series was designed with Randall’s Adventure and Training, a survival school, and it has a strong following among people who want a simple, honest knife. The RAT II is the smaller of the two main models, with a three-inch blade and a 4.1-inch closed length that sits comfortably in a front pocket.
AUS-8 is a Japanese stainless that doesn’t hold an edge as long as VG-10 or D2, but it’s tough, resists rust well and is quick to resharpen. The textured nylon handle is comfortable for long cutting jobs, and the dual thumb studs plus a four-way clip mean it works well for left-handers too. The liner lock is simple and reliable.
Where you see the lower price is the action, which is smooth but not as slick as the bearing knives above, and in the plain finish. Ontario also makes the larger RAT 1, but the RAT II is easier to carry and, to my mind, the better choice for most people.
Key specs
- Blade: 3 inch drop point, AUS-8 stainless, satin finish
- Handle: textured nylon 6 scales over steel liner
- Lock: liner lock
- Opening: dual thumb studs
- 4.1 inches closed; 4-way reversible clip
Pros
- Lowest price on this list
- Comfortable, ambidextrous setup
- Easy to sharpen and maintain
Cons
- Edge needs more frequent touch-ups
- Opening action is plainer than the bearing knives
My verdict: the folder I’d give a beginner or toss in a glovebox. If you can spend a little more, the Elementum II feels like a step up.
What to Look For in a Folder at This Price
The lock comes first
A folding knife is only safe if the blade stays open while you work. Back locks (Spyderco, Buck) and crossbar locks (Kershaw DuraLock) are strong and ambidextrous. Liner and frame locks are thin and quick to use. Button locks are the easiest to close with one hand. All of the knives above use locks with a good track record; my guide to folding knife lock types explains how each one works.
How it opens
Thumb holes and thumb studs work with either hand and are simple to learn. Flippers (Leek) are fast, and your fingers stay clear of the cutting edge as it swings. A nail notch (Buck 110) needs two hands, which some people actually prefer for a belt knife. If you’re not sure, try a thumb hole or stud first.
Steel you can live with
Under $100, the main trade-off is edge retention versus easy care. VG-10 and Nitro-V are a good middle ground: they hold an edge well and resist rust. D2 outlasts both between sharpenings, yet it may spot if you leave it wet. 14C28N, AUS-8 and 420HC are easier to sharpen and very forgiving, just a little less long-lasting between touch-ups.
Size, weight and carry
Around three inches of blade covers most daily jobs and keeps you within most local limits. Go bigger only if you work outdoors or have large hands. Weight matters more than people expect: a heavy knife ends up in a drawer. Also check the clip: right-hand only clips, like the Leek and Elementum II, are awkward for left-side carry.
Where your money goes
Spending more within this budget usually buys better steel and a smoother action, not a stronger knife. A well-made budget folder will do every everyday job; the extra money is about how pleasant it feels. If you’re shopping for a pure everyday carry knife, my roundup of the best EDC knives under $100 looks at the category from that angle.
Keeping a Folding Knife in Good Shape
- Keep it sharp with light, frequent touch-ups. A few passes on a fine stone or rod are better than a full regrind once a year.
- Clean the pivot and lock area. Lint, sand and food bits are what make actions gritty and locks sticky. Rinse with warm water, dry it well, then put a tiny amount of oil on the pivot.
- Dry carbon-rich steels. D2 especially benefits from a wipe after cutting fruit or anything wet.
- Don’t baton or pry with a folder. That’s what fixed blades and screwdrivers are for.
FAQ
Is a pricier folding knife really better than a budget one?
Usually yes, but in comfort and longevity more than raw cutting. Better steel stays sharp longer, the action is smoother and the lock is more carefully fitted. A good budget knife, like the RAT II, will still handle every basic job.
What is the strongest lock type on a pocket knife?
Back locks and crossbar locks are both very strong for everyday use, and they work the same for left and right hands. Any well-made lock is plenty for normal cutting; locks fail mainly when a folder is used for prying or batoning.
Which of these is best for left-handed people?
The Kershaw Iridium, both Spydercos and the Ontario RAT II all have ambidextrous locks and clips that can move to either side. The Leek and Elementum II are right-hand carry only.
What blade length is legal to carry?
It depends on your state, city and sometimes the place you’re visiting. Many areas set limits around 3 to 4 inches. Check your local rules before carrying a larger knife like the Endura or Buck 110.
Why won’t my folding pocket knife close properly?
Dirt in the pivot, a bent liner or a loose pivot screw are the usual causes. My guide to fixing a pocket knife that won’t close walks through the common fixes.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Spyderco Delica 4 is the best folding knife under $100: light, very sharp and built around a lock that suits either hand. If you’d rather carry something slimmer that opens with a flick, go for the Kershaw Leek. And if you want the most polish for the least money, the CIVIVI Elementum II is where I’d put my cash.
Heading into the backcountry rather than the office? My guide to the best knives for backpacking focuses on weight and trail use.
Gary Portman founded knivesadvice.com in 2019. He learned to cook in his family’s kitchen as a kid and has used kitchen, pocket and outdoor knives ever since, from paring and fillet knives to survival blades he carries camping and hiking. He writes the site’s buying guides, brand reviews and sharpening how-tos to help readers find the right knife for the job. More about Gary.