3 Top Picks
3 Reviewers
6 Hours of Research
15 Products Considered
Reading Time: 21 minutes
If you are new to pocket knives, it can be a bit too overwhelming to know all the different kinds and types of it, leave alone the terminology. Did you know more than 350 new EDC knives were launched last year alone?
Everyone has a different set of requirements for things in life, and the same goes for knives. There are quite a few factors that determine the type of knife you should buy, like the purpose, budget, size, and so on.
Well, EDC knives are one-of-a-kind, which only makes your day-to-day tasks more manageable. Being small in size, they are perfect to fit in your pocket. In this article, we have given you an overview of a few EDC knives and also some recommendations from different price points.
Best EDC Knife Under 100 Reviews 2021 - Our Picks
1. Best Overall: Kershaw Cryo 1555Ti Speed Safe folding knife
Editor's Rating:
Kershaw Cryo Folding Knife got its name as its handle freezes during cold. It is known as the best value knife, whether it is its precise blade or nice look.
It is a medium-sized knife with its blade being 3.25 inches long while it is 7.75 inches and weighs around 5.5 pounds. Its blade is of 8Cr12Mov cold steel with a fine edge in a drop point blade design. Additionally, you will find its blade oxidized in black.
It also has a stainless-steel handle, providing a tight grip whether you use it in any position. Also, it contains a steel pocket clip, availing 4 position carry. Thus, the pocket knife includes a SpeedSafe opening and locking system.
Because of its attractive style and ergonomics, knife enthusiasts are going to love this pocket knife. You can style them with denim jeans. You can open it using either of your hand.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
Affordable knife with an easy-to-use environment. Sharp, rust-free blade with an anti-slip handle. Additionally, stylish design that goes with all your outfit.
2. RUNNER-UP PICK: Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
If you are willing to buy a knife that will support you outdoors tasks, like camping, fishing, hiking, or picnic, then Outdoor Edge Razor is the ideal knife under a hundred bucks for any kind of utility tasks. With a G 10 handle, it is the perfect pocket knife for outdoor survival.
This EDC knife's handle provides a tight grip with nylon or glass fibre material while using this knife. Another advantage is its fine blade, which is nearly 3.5 inches long, making the whole length of the knife 8 inches. Apart from this, this knife keeps the complete care of your safety as well. It is one of the safest and most versatile EDC knives ever.
Additionally, you will be getting a color option in this knife. It is available in orange, blue and grey color. You can also find it with 6 different blades, which you can change whenever needed. This knife is suitable for all the activities you want to perform and profoundly impacts the items you are using.
Also, it has a multiple carry clip holder, making it easy to carry a blade. For opening it, Schrade EDC knives provide a thumb hole, thumb stud, and axis lock. All-in-all, it is a heavy-duty knife, perfect for all your adventures.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It has a full-tang design. You can find it in 3 different color options. Additionally, you will be getting nylon handles and a sharp blade at an affordable price.
3. Editor's Choice: Ganzo G704 Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
Next in our list is among the best EDC knife under 100 in our list is Ganzo G704 everyday carry a knife, which has its origin in China. You are getting a sharp blade in Ganzo G704, with a blade length of 3.50 inches. Additionally, the total length of the knife is 8.3 inches.
You will find an Aus 8 steel blade and a VG 10 material blade. There is 5 color option and ergonomics available for the handle of this knife. With a thumb studs opening, it contains a 4-way deep carry pocket clip.
It is an ideal knife to be carried at camping and is even suitable for every day carry it in the pocket. In my opinion, it is the best knife for knife enthusiasts and knife collection in terms of price point, design, and quality.
With a fiberglass or nylon handle, you will get an excellent grip, texture, and edge retention while holding it in hand. It is of alloy steel; its blade is rust free.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It's a medium knife with long-lasting blade alloy and handles. Additionally, available at an affordable price, you will be getting great texture and edge retention.
4. Sharp pick: Columbia River Knife and Tool M16-03S
Editor's Rating:
In this world of dangers, for your protection, you need nothing but an EDC knife that can protect you whenever required. Columbia River knife is one of the best folding knives, ideal for all outdoor and indoor situations. Whether you need a knife while food prep or fishing or even hunting, this knife is going to help you every time.
It is a large knife with an overall length lying somewhere between 8.1 inches, while its blade steel has a length of 3.5 inches. This knife is made of Sandvik 14c28n stainless steel, providing ultimate safety and versatility to its users. You will find it pretty easy to carry this knife with a 4-way pocket clip being light in weight.
With a liner lock, it is easy to fold and unfold this knife. This EDC knife provides a sharp and corrosion-free cutting edge. Its flipper acts as a blade guard as soon as you fold it. But the most crucial feature of this knife is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. You can get it repaired anytime with a lifetime warranty.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It comes with a finished handle made of aluminum and a sharp blade with a Carson flipper, apart from being wallet-friendly.
5. Finished knife: Sanrenmu 7010LUC-SA 710 EDC Pocket Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
If you are looking for a small cutting tool small in size and price, you must include Sarenmu 7010LUC-SA & 20 EDC model pocket knives in your considerations. Ideal for all kinds of cutting tasks, the blade length lies near 2.75 inches, while its total length is 6.5 inches.
Weighing only 0.20 pounds, you will be getting a 2.5 mm thick blade. With a sharp flat grind blade and textured handle with excellent finish and ergonomics, this knife is a great contender among the best EDC knives 2020 as it contains a safe frame lock, no need to worry about opening and to close this knife. It ensures the safety of its users.
In this carry blade, you will be getting a swiss army knife-like law enforcement, compact to carry but fast in action. If comfort is what you are looking for, this knife, similar to American Lawman, is perfect.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
Looking similar to American Lawman, it is like an army knife, with a comfortable to be used in indoor and outdoor activities.
6. BEST BLADE knife: Schrade SCHF14 Fixed Blade Knife with Drop-point and Sheath
Editor's Rating:
Schrade is known for the production of high-quality, heavy-duty knives for outdoor chores like hunting. On account of that, it is one of the best knives you can use in action. In its SCHF15 drop point blade steel knife model, you will find a VG 10 carbon blade steel, a g10 handle, and a sheath for easily carrying it along.
With a beautiful design, you will be getting a stonewashed blade 3.40 inches long, with the overall length being around 08 inches.
Another impressive feature of this knife is its drop point blade and a 4-way pocket clip, making it portable. With finger grooves unfolding, no need to worry about slipping the knife from its cover. With all these features, no one can doubt the fact that it is the top-rated EDC knife under 100.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
The most impressive feature of this knife is its sharp blade. Being light in weight, you will be getting a rust-free knife with an anti-slip handle.
7. Best grip knife: Ganzo G712 Pocket EDC Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
Ganzo is another famous name in the market when it comes to EDC knives. G172 knife model by Ganzo is a camping and hunting knife, an ideal choice for every type of usage. A foldable pocket knife with an axis lock mechanism is perfect for carrying in a pocket.
It has a g 10 handle scales nearly 5 inches to provide a better grip to its users. Its blade is 3.5 inches long, while the overall length of this knife is around 8.5 inches. You will also be getting a money pocket clip, CPM S30V steel knife, which has corrosion resistance.
Another feature you will be getting is a drawstring bag you will receive at the time of shipping. Also, the g 10 handle provides great stress mechanics while using the knife.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
One of the best features because of which I liked it most is the grip that its handle provides. Even if you have oily hands, there is no need to worry about the knife slipping off your hands.
8. Best Under $50: Ontario Rat 8848 Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
Ontario knife company is known for the production of top-rated EDC knife under 100 and its RAT 8848 model is known for its ease of cleaning and maintaining it. Native to the USA, these EDC knives are now being used all over the world by professional and civilian people.
Made up of Aus 8 steel, its plain edge-blade is 3.5 inches long while its handle scales 5 inches. Its grip additionally is of nylon 6. you can also find the Ontario Rat model in od green color.
I won't be wrong calling Ontario Rat one of the best pocket EDC knives under 100. You will find a liner lock deployment, 4 position pocket clips, and an easy to unfold flipper. Among the Rat series of Ontario, Rat II is another most durable and stylish pocketknife you can consider. Also, being water and rust proof, you can use it without worrying about corrosion. And all its versions are available at affordable prices.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
Ontario Rat range is known as the best hunting knife range. Thus, you will be getting a portable yet sharp knife suitable for hunting purposes.
9. Persistent knife: Spyderco Tenacious Knife with Plain Edge
Editor's Rating:
If you want a budget-friendly EDC knife, then none other than Spyderco Tenacious Knife is perfect for you. This knife's blade is made of 8Cr13Mov steel, known for its easy to maintain, durability, and quality this EDC knife. Additionally, this pocket knife's blade height is approximately 3.3 inches, while the total length is 7.7 inches long.
This pocket knife's handle is of g 10 material, making it anti-slippery and resistant to temperature and chemicals. Although this knife is not mainly for a single purpose, it does everything. You are going to find a slight edge in this EDC knife.
Additionally, it comes with a four-side pocket clip making it easy to take it away. Also, Spyderco Tenacious has a full flat grind, thumb studs, and liner lock.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
Whether it comes to looks or the blade's sharpness, or the handle's grip, this knife tops all the features, with a pocket clip, it becomes way easier to carry it along.
10. Multipurpose Knife: Buck knives 0750 Redpoint Serrated Pocket Clip Folding Knife
Editor's Rating:
Buck Knives is known to be serving for more than the last 100 years and are known for their best quality knives. If you are looking for a knife with great design and great value, then 0.750 Redpoint Serrated by Buck knives are the perfect knife of 2020 you can own. It is more similar to American Lawman look wise.
You will be getting a CPM s30v stainless steel knife blade, known for the perfect edge retention, serration, and sharp cuts. Its blade is corrosion-free and rust-free. Thus, you can even use it in water without worrying about rusting. It has a spear-point type of blade.
Moreover, it is a small knife, making it easy to take away on an everyday carry basis. Additionally, cost-wise, it is one of the best EDC knives under 100 one can own.
Also, it contains a handle made of nylon to provide proper grip, comfort, finish, ergonomics, and safety while using it. Additionally, it comes with washers, which one can use for cleaning the knife. It also comes with a deep carry pocket clip to everyday carry it conveniently. you can even hand it in your cars key
But the most impressive feature is that it comes with a bottle opener. Thus, you will be getting the functionality of a knife and bottle opener at the same time.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It is a multipurpose knife that one can use as a bottle opening, EDC knife, and a keychain. Additionally, you will be getting it all at an affordable price.
11. The Tough One: Cold Steel Recon 1 folding knife
Editor's Rating:
The cold steel company is serving users with high-quality knives since 1980 and has now become a brand. Cold steel recon 1 is one such EDC knife known for its long-lasting service and great use. Its country of origin is known to be Taiwan.
You will be getting a 4.16 inches blade with an overall height being 9.25 inches in this knife. Additionally, you will be getting a CPM s30v blade and g10 handle, making it the best choice when it comes to EDC knives.
It has a non-slippery handle, which provides an excellent grip to the product while using it. Also, the blade of this knife is ideal for sharp cuts, whether you want one at home depot or somewhere out.
It also has a Tri-ad liner lock system, compression lock, and a deep carry pocket clip.
Thus, everyone, whether a newbie or a professional, can use this carry knife without worrying about safety.
Because of its ambidextrous opening and closing, even a left-hander can use it, making it the best pocket knife. Additionally, it has a 5.2-ounce weight. Thus, you can easily everyday carry and use it.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
There is not just one reason for liking it, but the list is long. It is ideal for army personals, fire and rescue persons, and even civilian. It's made of premium steel, no need to worry about safety while using it.
12. Best Training Knife: Spyderco Delica 4 EDC knives
Editor's Rating:
Among the best knives under 100 2020, Spyderco Delica 4 can be a great competitor; even though it has an affordable price, it's still worth purchasing because of the features it provides. Along with a 2.9 inches long VG 10 blade, you will be getting a handle made of nylon with a fiberglass coating and healthy ergonomics.
Giving attention to its details, Spyderco Delica 4 contains a triangular drop-point design blade, with a strong handle, which provides a tight grip while using it. Infact, this pocket knife has a back lock and a 2-side pocket clip to make it portable. You can even make it a keychain or store it in a pocket.
It is a heavy-duty knife, ideal for outdoor as well as home chores. It is one of the shortest knives by Spyderco. Also, it provides a Speedsafe opening mechanism. As a design, you will notice a large hole of Spyderco unique in the blade.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
This knife is widely used for training purposes. Also, because of its great look and sharp blade, it is suitable for indoor, outdoor usage and shows purpose.
13. Best in Portability: Benchmade Mini Griptilian S555HG Mini-Knife
Editor's Rating:
Among the community of knives, Benchmade Mini Griptilian S555HG mini pro has a unique identity. It is a mini version or upgrades of its original version. The only difference between the two is that Benchmade mini Griptilian and Benchmade Griptilian is the blade length, which is 3.45 inches in the original and 2.91 inches in the mini version. It is the best mini-EDC knife you can have and is one of my favorite knives.
Its compact size and lightweight become easy to use and everyday carry with toughness and style. Its blade is made of 154CM stainless steel, while its handle is of nylon fiber. You will be getting a tight grip and a sharp drop point shape blade.
With axis lock, even left-handers will find it easy to use Benchmade Mini Griptilian. You will also be getting an axis lock alongside this knife; like any other Benchmade knives, you will be getting excellent knife steel, which will last longer because of its superb quality.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It is the mini version of the actual Benchwood Griptilian, perfect to be carried along daily.
14. Best in Use: Kershaw Blur
Editor's Rating:
Kershaw is a known name brand of knives. It is the manufacturers of many great EDC pocketknife models like Kershaw zing, Kershaw ken onion, and Kershaw blur. Kershaw blur knife's blade has a DLC coating with an odd green color.
Additionally, its blade is made up of CPM s30v stainless steel and a g10 handle. It has a Speedsafe deployment, along with a liners lock mechanism. It is a light in weight knife weighing only 3.9 ounces, making it easier to carry this knife. It additionally has a two-sides deep carry pocket clip.
Overall, it comes in stylish colors and design, which give looks at me vibes. Its deployment makes it pretty easy to open and close this knife again and again.
Among all the models by Kershaw, it is the most stylish everyday carry knife. But there is only a 50-50 chance that you can open it using both your hand. It is easier to open with only one hand, that is, the right hand making it unsuitable for lefties.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
It is available in beautiful colors and is easy to use as a knife.
15. Buck Vantage Pro
Editor's Rating:
Last on our list is the Buck Vantage EDC knife, the best budget knife in 2020. If you want a sports knife ideal for outdoor usages, then Buck Vantage Pro can be under your consideration. Its blade is made of CPM s30v stainless steel, and its handle is of g10 material.
Being small, it is perfect for everyday carry and tasks. This model of Buck vantage is the most affordable options of all. Its handle provides a tight grip to the people using it. It is the best choice in terms of the blade. You will be getting a sharp blade that is free from rusting, corrosion. Thus, you can take that out in the water. Also, you are getting washers along with this knife.
Coming with a liner lock, you can use either of the two hands to open and close it. It has a lighter weight, less than 4 oz, making it suitable for everyday carry with a two-direction pocket clip.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Why We Like It
The best feature of this knife is that you can take it out while raining.
Buyer Guide
Although we have availed the list of best EDC knife under 100, still, if you want to explore more, then what all factor of considerations are there that one must look before buying an EDC knife?
To answer this question, here we are with a complete list of all those factors that you can consider before selecting a pocketknife. Whether you are purchasing one for self-defense or a knife lover, you will find the clarity of the element to consider.
Material of Blade
A blade's material is the primary feature that defines the durability, reliability, price, maintenance required, price tag, or weather resistance. The more money you spend on the blade, the better will be its performance.
No doubt, blades do depend on the thickness of the edge, sharpening, and usage. Different materials vary in terms of their sharpening ability. It requires precision in the sharpening of the blade of pocket knives so that it doesn't remain too thin to break or too thick not to work properly. Additionally, sometimes a low-quality knife can serve more precisely than a high-quality one.
Steel is the primary material used to manufacture blades. But now, with more experiments, we have come up with some steel mixes, providing quality to a knife. Among top-quality blade steels, 3 major materials are most popular:
● Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is primarily a mixture of 3 things, namely, steel, chromium, and carbon. The stainless-steel blade is known for its performance and high tolerance.
Although after using them roughly for an extended period, eventually, stainless steel blades may incur damage or failure, they will last long. Example of stainless-steel blade includes VG 10, Aus 8, 154CM, and so on.
● Carbon Fiber or Carbon Steel
Carbon steel, as its name suggests, is a mix of steel with carbon. Pocket knives made of Carbon fiber are known as one of the sharpest blade steel knives. Also, it is going to provide long-lasting service. But there is just one issue. These pocketknives are more prone to corrosion and weathering.
● Tool Steel
Tool steel is moreover a steel alloy, hardened to give a good performance. But it doesn't provide exceptional preciseness. Although it is not durable, similar to stainless steel, or is not sharp like carbon fiber, it can be ideal if you are looking for budget knives.
You can find g 10 steel handles, nylon handles, fiberglass handles, titanium handles, and many more options among handle materials.
Weathering Protection
When talking about an EDC knife, you will undoubtedly be carrying it all day long, whether for self-defense or any other reason. Thus, one thing that is most crucial while looking for a pocket knife is its corrosion and weather resistance.
Indeed, you will have to maintain your knife to make it last longer appropriately, but it is still recommended to choose a rust-free pocket knife.
But the rust-free knives do fall behind in terms of edge retention. But it doesn't mean you won't be getting edge retention at all. Indeed, you will not have a horrible experience, but the fact is that there might be a difference between its ability to perform when compared with any other pocket knife. But if you have no problem spending a little more bucks, then you can find a decent knife with edge retention along with anti-corrosive properties.
Design of Blade
Another crucial factor you can consider is the design of the blade. Many design options are available in a pocket knife, like drop point blade, clip design blade, Tanto, Gut Hook, Straight Back knife, etc.
On the one hand, where the drop point blade is the standard blade we encounter on day to day basis, the clip point is like a fingernail. Each design of a knife has its property and usage. Thus, you can choose among the blade style, depending on their size and type.
Size and Length of The Blade
Although EDC knives don't have a specific length or size, they vary depending on the size of your thumb. But ideally, you can find a pocket knife with a height ranging from 2.75 to 4.5 inches. More commonly, you can find a knife having a length of 3.5 or 3.75 inches. The ideal range is where the knife is not too short and not too long to become uncomfortable to carry.
But this is the size of the blade of the knife. When unfolded, the whole knife can be as small as 5 inches or as large as 9.25 inches. You can ideally find knives in a range of 7.50 to 8.125 inches when unfolded.
Opening Mechanism
Whether users are knife enthusiasts or having a pocket knife for self-defense, you will be using a knife daily. And thus, you must look for a knife that is easy to fold and unfold. Before heading towards the opening mechanism, a quick fact for you: Some opening mechanisms are illegal in some places. Thus, make sure to search for compliance before buying a knife.
Plenty of the most common opening styles knives include nail slot that opens with a fingernail or thumb hole, where you use a thumb instead of the nail, hidden release, a covert hidden way to open the knife on.
You can find a liner lock, axis lock, frame lock, and lots of other options among locks.
Must decide the style of the knife opening pre-handed so that you can find the most convenient EDC knife for yourself.
Cost
Price range or cost is among the crucial features that everyone should consider before purchasing any products. Before buying any of the products, decide your budget. Once you finalize the account, look at the features and needs of the product you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the use of an EDC knife?
If you have a mindset that people only use EDC knives for abuse, this thinking is wrong. People use EDC knives for household purposes and hunting, but there are other ways people can use EDC knives.
Not just pocket knives are compact and lightweight, but they can be plenty useful sometimes. There are a lot of situations when this product can help you. Imagine a problem you are traveling from an unsafe place, and you are concerned about your surroundings. A pocket knife in such a case can give you courage and a sense of comfort.
Or even if you are going on hunting or camping or any other outdoor activities, it can help you a lot in various ways from arranging food to getting other things of need. Being compact, you will not have to worry about carrying it.
What would be the average weight and height of the best EDC knife?
Obviously, people choose EDC knives because of their compactness, which makes them suitable for everyday carry. Additionally, carry knives has a lot of features that can grab the attention of peoples.
And thus, it must look like a knife made of sturdy material but is light in weight and small in length. Usually, knives that weigh less than 6.5 oz are said more appropriate
as their lightweight makes it easy to hold and carry them in a pocket.
The height of the carry knifes moreover is said to lie between 5 to 7 inches. At the same time, the measurement of the blade should ideally scale between 2 to 3 inches. You can find plenty of knives with a blade height of 2.75 inches.
How does the lock of EDC knives work?
EDC knifes, which are foldable, have some kind of lock mechanism, which doesn't let the knife's blade come out after folding it. A lock is moreover a safety mechanism for knifes. It is the most important feature if you are looking for a knife. There are a lot of different types of locks available in knives. To unfold the knife, you will just have to press a button with either of your hands to unfold the knife's blade. It ensures that the edge will not come out until or unless you want to unfold it.
Conclusion
Now that we have come to the end of the article. With an in-depth knowledge of what features to look for in an EDC knife or what factors you can consider before purchasing it.
The best features of EDC knives that I loved the most is their clean finish, tight grip, and portability they provide to people. Whether you want to take it on vacation or you need to keep it on an everyday basis, it belongs to the category of those compact things that makes their space somewhere.
Although you can find many options from the list of best EDC knives under 100, if you have any other queries, feedback, or suggestions, let us know in the comment section below. Do mention your name email comment section. Do comment and let us know how helpful this article was for you. We will be looking forward to your comments.
Expert Tip
As EDC knives are sharp tools, you should always use them with care and safety. Must look for a knife, which comes with a sturdy and reliable locking mechanism, as otherwise, the consequences can be painful.
And if you are looking for an even safer option, you can customize your pocket knife with the finish and features you want in that knife.
Did You Know?
The full form of EDC is every day carry. It not only includes a pocket knife but all those things that one should or can take daily like a wallet, pen, and paper, compass, and even your mobile phone.