Top 5 Pocket Knives under $100

When it comes to pocket knives, there are a plethora of options available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. However, not all pocket knives are created equal, and choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, here are some things to consider when buying a pocket knife.

Blade Material

The blade material is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a pocket knife. Different types of steel are used to make blades, and each has its unique properties. High-carbon steel is a popular choice due to its durability and edge retention, but it requires more maintenance than stainless steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and requires less maintenance, but it is not as durable as high-carbon steel.

Blade Design & Shape

Pocket knives come with various blade designs, including straight, serrated, or partially serrated edges. Each blade design has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and your choice will depend on your intended use. For example, if you plan on using your pocket knife for heavy-duty cutting tasks, a serrated blade may be the best option. For blade shape, you will choose from drop point, clip point, tanto, leaf, spear point, and more.

Blade Length

The blade length of your pocket knife will have a major impact on the size and weight of your knife. If you plan on carrying your pocket knife every day, you may want to consider a smaller and lighter option that won't weigh you down. Most pocket knives have a blade length of under 4 inches.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is another essential factor to consider when buying a pocket knife. A locking mechanism ensures that the blade stays securely in place while in use and prevents accidental closure, which can be dangerous. Some common locking mechanisms include liner locks, frame locks, and back locks.

Handle Material

Pocket knives come with various handle materials, including wood, plastic, nylon, G-10, carbon fiber, and more. Your choice of handle material will depend on your intended use and personal preference. For example, if you plan on using your pocket knife in wet conditions, a handle made of a non-slip material like rubber may be the best option.

Opening Mechanism

The traditional pocketknife has a manual opening mechanism which means it’s done entirely by the user. Assisted opening knives have a spring that assists the user when they use some manual force to open the knife.

In conclusion, buying a pocket knife requires careful consideration of several factors, including blade material, blade design, size and weight, locking mechanism, and handle material. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right pocket knife for your needs. You can shop all pocket knives here.
1

Cold Steel Voyager Folding Pocket Knife 4" AUS 10A Steel Blade Grivory Handle Black

The Voyagers are, ounce for ounce, far stronger than 99.9% of competitor's folders. And this is a fact, not an idle boast. Each knife features precision made parts with a stiff spring and the incomparable Tri-Ad lock mechanism which is arguably the strongest, most reliable, low maintenance lock in the world! The thick, extra wide blades are made from AUS 10A steel and meticulously ground to a thin edge for maximum shearing potential. This thin edge also allows Cold Steel to hone each blade to astounding sharpness. And, because of the high carbon content of the steel, and their near perfect heat treatment, you'll find this sharpness last a surprisingly long time.

If you like serrations, you'll really appreciate the Cold Steel exclusive pattern. It features groups of very small, sharply pointed teeth separated by wide, shallow arcs so it will rip smoothly yet very aggressively through a wide variety of tough fibrous materials without snagging or hanging up.

The Voyager Series also offers all the other latest refinements in lock-back construction including lightning quick, one-handed opening, state of the art mechanical fasteners, massively oversized pivot pins that are fully adjustable and properly hardened, and dual stainless steel pocket clips for ambidextrous carry and deployment. The Griv-Ex handles feature 6061 heat treated aluminum liners for the utmost in strength and stiffness and are ergonomically designed to afford a wide array of grip options including the palm reinforced forward grip for which they are particularly well suited. Griv-Ex is unparalleled as a handle material as it is considerably stronger than Zy-Ex and, when deeply textured, offers a terrific non-slip grip. As an added bonus, it's impervious to moisture and won't crack, warp or shrink and remains remarkably resistant to abrasion or discoloration.

As tools these lightweight, super sharp knives are appropriate in almost any environment from hunting and camping to hiking and general utility chores. They can also readily fill specialty functions such as a boat or river knife, chute knife or police/military and survival/rescue applications.

 

Features

  • Tri-Ad locking mechanism
  • One-handed opening
  • Lightweight and super sharp

What Customers Are Saying

Best XL folder for your mmoney!

Out of all my knives, this is my favorite xl folder to carry daily (when not carrying my swift 1). It carries more comfortable than my recon xl (even though the recon is slimmer). When folded it is the same dimensions as the recon xl, the difference, I found out, are the contours and the grip girth. This makes the voyager carry slightly deeper, and slightly more comfortable than the recon xl carries. The grip is comfortable, even for small hands. If you want and affordable xl folder that can perform, and is less than $100 (about $60-75), I suggest getting this beast.
- William G, 2/20/2016

About Cold Steel

Cold Steel has pioneered new materials and designs that have helped shape the world of modern knives, edged weapons and tools, from the introduction of checkered Kraton® handles and the "Americanized" Tanto blade, to the innovation of the new San Mai III® blade steel, and game-changing, new, locking mechanisms. As we look to the future, Cold Steel will bring new levels of strength, safety and performance to the market, providing products that you can rely on -- Anytime, Anywhere!

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2

KA-BAR Dozier Folding Knife

The KA-BAR Dozier Folding Knife is an award-winning lock back designed by Bob Dozier is an affordable, practical all-purpose knife appropriate for daily tasks. It can be worn on either side with its ambidextrous pocket clip and opens with a thumb stud.

Features

  • Designed by Bob Dozier
  • Dual thumb studs for quick deployment
  • Reversible pocket clip

What Customers Are Saying

I would buy this again

pocket knive
- joke, 6/23/2022

About KA-BAR

KA-BAR was founded in 1898 in Tidioute, PA and rose to prominence with the creation of the 1219C2 USMC Fighting/Utility Knife. Today KA-BAR marks fixed blade, folding knives, and accessories for camping, hiking, hunting, military and law enforcement.

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3

Buck 110 Folding Hunting Knife 3.75" 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade

The Buck 110 Folding Hunting Knife is a classic and traditional favorite. The knife features brass bolsters with genuine Crelicam ebony handle scales, and a razor-sharp clip point, 3 3/4”, 420HC stainless steel blade. Securely locks in the open position with the lock back design. It folds down to a convenient 4 7/8” when closed and comes with a genuine leather sheath so that it can be carried on your belt. The knife was designed for hunting but is perfect for any task requiring a large folding knife.

Features

  • Crelicam Ebony handles
  • Paul Bos Heat Treat
  • Forever warranty

What Customers Are Saying

This is the most classic ...

This is the most classic folding knife of all time. It is sharp enough to shave with, and can do any chore required of a small folder. From opening boxes, to skinning large game. If you were to own only one outdoor knife, this would be the one you would want. It would give a lifetime of service.
- Doug, 2/25/2010

About Buck Knives

Behind every Buck knife is over 110 years of experience and craftsmanship. We use the very best materials and state-of-the-art technology to create knives that meet the exacting demands you would expect of a high quality knife. We guarantee our knives with our Forever Warranty, because we believe in the integrity of our products.

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4

Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife 3.38" 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade G-10 Handle Black

The Spyderco Tenacious is true to it's name. Tenacious means being tough and tireless until achieving your goal.
The Tenacious is a mid-size folder with black G-10 handle scales, milled with prolonged fatigue-free cutting in mind. Beneath these G-10 scales are skeletonized steel liners which increase the handle's rigidity and strength without adding non-functioning weight or bulky thickness.
The Spyerdco Tenacious features a 8Cr13Mov leaf-shaped blade that features a full flat grind for exceptional slicing and cutting performance. The blade's shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allow you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work. Screw together construction.

What Customers Are Saying

Sharpest, best knife for Backpackers

I carry this knife with me on all my outdoor adventures. The absolutely sharpest and easiest to use knife I have ever owned. People I trek with who carry knives are always asking to use mine...so light, so sharp, so safe!I would buy this knife again, and have purchased one for my son and my brothers.
- Greg D, 8/4/2018

About Spyderco

Over 40 years ago, Spyderco literally defined the form of the modern folding knife, pioneering now-common features like the pocket clip, one-handed manual opening via the Trademark Round Hole™, and the option of a fully serrated edge. These innovations revolutionized pocketknife design and changed the knife industry forever. Today, that creative spirit and an uncompromising commitment to quality are still the heart of Spyderco's distinctive product line, which includes a full range of folding knives, fixed-blades, sharpeners and other accessories produced in five different countries, including our facility in Golden, Colorado, USA. Spyderco’s OpFocus® knives—specialized tactical tools intended for duty-bound personnel and first responders—a full line of high-performance kitchen cutlery, and the economical byrd® line further expand its spectrum of products to include something for every knife user. Those who know carry Spyderco.

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5

Kershaw Camshaft Folding Knife 3" Clip Point 4Cr14MoV Stonewashed Blade Glass Filled Nylon Handle Black

With its custom touches, Kershaw SpeedSafe assisted opening, and versatile clip-point blade, the Camshaft is designed to get your engine going. The clip-point blade offers good piercing capabilities, while its slight belly curve provides excellent slicing. The contoured handle is textured for a solid grip. Custom touches include the unique pivot design and decorative backspacer. SpeedSafe assisted opening makes it quick and easy to open one-handed. The Camshaft’s pocketclip is designed for deep carry and is left/right reversible.

Features

  • Provides amazing bang for the buck; Decorative pivot and backspacer add style
  • Opens quickly and easily with SpeedSafe assisted opening and a flipper
  • 4Cr13 blade steel offers good corrosion resistance, high strength; stonewashed finish hides use scratches
  • Contoured glass-filled nylon handle is comfortable, promotes secure grip during use

 

What Customers Are Saying

Great knife

Very pleased with this knife. Opens and closes easy. Strong spring. Sharp out of the package. Would buy another one when and if needed. AAA+++
- John, 7/31/2020

About Kershaw

From award-winning technologies and advanced materials to the solid sound of the blade lockup, when you’re carrying a Kershaw, you know you’re carrying the real thing. With Kershaw, you get incredible bang for your hard-earned buck. Even our inexpensive models are impressive. In fact, everything about a Kershaw is solid, crafted, reliable. That’s why we can back each of our knives for the life of its original owner against any defects in materials and construction with our famous Limited Lifetime Warranty. You can always look to Kershaw for everyday carrying knives that can tame any cardboard box and liberate any purchase from its plastic packaging, sporting knives that make hunting, fishing, watersports, and camping even better, work knives that won’t let you down, and tactical knives that ensure you’re ready for anything.

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