EDC Knife For Less Than $100

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ucfgrad93

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Dec 13, 2017
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I'm looking for an EDC knife for less than $100. My only other requirement is a blade length around 3 inches.

So far, I'm looking at

Cryo II, Blackwash from Kershaw
Cutjack C22M from Steelwill
Extreme Spitfire from SKBlades

What are your thoughts about these knives? Any other knives I should look at?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.
 
Hard to beat a Griptillian. Upgrade the scales at a later date and you can make a good knife, a GREAT knife

:Cough: Wilkins Ti Grips :Cough:
 
I've never owned a Spyderco Positron, but they go for $90 new. I would be intrigued at that price point. Can't speak for quality but maybe somebody else could chime in. At that price range and blade length, a mini grip is hard to beat in term of the overall package, versatility, warranty, etc. Amazing "if I could only have one knife" example IMO.
 
The new Spyderco Chaparral Light Weight is well below your requirement and you get a super thin knife designed as a gentleman's knife with a super steel (CTS-XHP).

I would have one myself, but for some reason, the US Postal service routed my knife literally circumnavigating the globe through many small countries and is now on its non-stop journey back to the seller. Good job USPS.
 
It's a tad over your budget but the Spyderco Caly 3 might float your boat. Otherwise I suggest trying any of the 3 you mentioned. A friend of mine and many others like the Cryo II, one thing I noticed it lacks compared to your other two choices is a thumb ramp. Ask yourself what feature is most important to you, buy the knife that has it, and then carry it to find out which feature actually is most important.
 
It depends on what EDC tasks you might be doing. The reality for the majority of people is that typical EDC work is composed mostly of opening the occasional mail or grocery package. If that is true for you then any knife would do in terms of utility. You don't need a premium steel or high-end components. Just pick the knife that is most appealing to you aesthetically. It's a matter of personal preference. Any one of these knives will work. If your daily EDC tasks will involve a lot of heavy duty tasks(cutting up lots of boxes at the office, field work etc) then thats when selecting by steel and components really matters.
 
As Bubba pointed out.
Some more helpful info to choose a knife might include what will you be cutting and how often.
I returned to traditional folders about two years ago and have not looked back.
 
The Buck Spitfire from SkBlades looks interesting. I recently got a folder from them and they do good work.

Couple others to check out. I own all these so the recs are firsthand.

ETA: Might find this thread helpful, too.
https://bladeforums.com/threads/list-recommended-high-value-us-knives-at-each-price-point.1534926/
 
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I agree with those who've mentioned the mini grip. If you're patient and a bit lucky you could find the G10/20CV model for $20 more than you're budget. That's a helluva deal.

The plain Spyderco Manix 2 could be of interest if you're ok with a large(ish) knife.

I loved all my Kershaw Leeks too, but see them more as a stepping stone anymore. That doesn't mean they don't have any value, they're one of my favorite knives under $100.
 
cashville said:
I'm a big fan of the Mini Griptilian line by Benchmade. Spyderco Delica is another one that will come up a lot. Kershaw Leek is another good option. This was kind of my gateway knife to more expensive offerings. These are probably three of the most obvious choices though.
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These would be my recommendations as well. I would add the spyderco native 5 as well. The spyderco sage 1 and 5 are sometimes close to the $100 mark and are good. The new Chaparral lightweight is a good option for something very slicey and pocket friendly; the blade is a little under 3". The Ontario rat 2 is a great knife for a great price also.

Here's a few I tried when looking for a 3" EDC that was a length limit in the city I worked for the better part of the previous year and the first half of this year. The blue handled BM mini-grip is the only knife I still have of this group. I do have a customized native 5, a teal leek, and rat 2 as my other 3" knife options (not including traditionals).
lj0cQxjl.jpg

OaPn2xLl.jpg

Edit: Green knife in 2nd pic is a kizer begleiter which is similar in pocket to a BM 940/943. Very nice knife and kind of wish I still had it even though I sold it because it wasn't getting used.
 
I bought a Cutjack C22M ('m' for mini) with M390 steel and G-10 scales. Love the thing. It however will cost more than the $100. They do make a D-2 version that is less expensive. Honestly, if you decide that is the knife for you, I'd up the budget a bit for that one.

Most of my favorite knives now cost more than $100. The Spyderco Native 5 with G-10 handles is one of them. So, when I'm looking for something new, I try to keep it in the $100-$150 range now (or less). Personally, I have found it's worth the extra $. If you bounce the price up a little, I believe the Benchmade Mini Barrage would fit and it is a great AO in your size range. That size is pretty much my sweet spot for folding knives that I carry.
 
bikerector said:
These would be my recommendations as well. I would add the spyderco native 5 as well. The spyderco sage 1 and 5 are sometimes close to the $100 mark and are good. The new Chaparral lightweight is a good option for something very slicey and pocket friendly; the blade is a little under 3". The Ontario rat 2 is a great knife for a great price also.

Here's a few I tried when looking for a 3" EDC that was a length limit in the city I worked for the better part of the previous year and the first half of this year. The blue handled BM mini-grip is the only knife I still have of this group. I do have a customized native 5, a teal leek, and rat 2 as my other 3" knife options (not including traditionals).
lj0cQxjl.jpg

OaPn2xLl.jpg
Click to expand...
Pics of your customized native?
 
DocT said:
The new Spyderco Chaparral Light Weight is well below your requirement and you get a super thin knife designed as a gentleman's knife with a super steel (CTS-XHP).

I would have one myself, but for some reason, the US Postal service routed my knife literally circumnavigating the globe through many small countries and is now on its non-stop journey back to the seller. Good job USPS.
Click to expand...
I second this. Though, be aware, the Chaparral us a true slicer. Very thin blade and thin behind the edge. If you're looking for something to pry with, it's not the knife for you, but it cuts exceptionally well.
 
Very few knives can beat the D2 Rat1 these days, below $40, outstanding ergos and quality.
A real user that will last long time regardless what you're doing with it.

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I'm a big fan of the BM Mini Grip for a knife in this price range (hell in any price range really), choice of blade shapes, handle colors, etc.
Lock is easy to manipulate right or left handed, fairly lightweight and unobtrusive in the pocket, well rounded EDC steel (154cm).
 
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