Best Folding Knives Under $100: What You Actually Get at Each Price
By Blade Ranger editorial · Published · Updated
Under a hundred dollars the sweet spot for a folding knife is a D2 blade with a liner lock and G10 handle, which Atlas Knife Co lists from ABKT TAC in the mid-thirties. Below twenty you get 8Cr13MoV and assisted opening, fine for a glovebox or a first knife. Near the top of the budget, around ninety to a hundred, the Tenable Knives folders put a real Damascus blade in your pocket. Spend on steel and lock before handle color.
Under $20: disposable but useful
At this level the steel is usually 8Cr13MoV or unnamed stainless, and the draw is the opening mechanism. The ABKT Tac Ember Linerlock Assisted Opening folder with a 2.75 inch black oxide blade, the ABKT Tac Stiletto assisted opener at 3.5 inches and the ABKT TAC Assisted Opening Linerlock in black G10 all sit in the high teens. American Hunter's Assisted Opening Linerlock with a 3.25 inch satin blade is listed in the mid-teens, and the Albainox Vendetta slip joint with a 3 inch blade and brown wood handle is a traditional pocket knife for around twelve. These are knives to keep in a truck, a tackle box or a kitchen drawer. Expect to sharpen them often; 8Cr13MoV is easy to sharpen, which is its saving grace.
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | More Knives & Gear |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Type (from title) | Assisted |
| GTIN | 815949011648 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $16.99 USD (list $28.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949014342 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $16.99 USD (list $28.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949014335 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $16.99 USD (list $28.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Albainox |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Albainox |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 8435119705973 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $11.95 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
$25 to $50: where D2 shows up
This is the bracket to shop if you want a knife that holds an edge. D2 is a tool steel that stays sharp much longer than 8Cr13MoV, at the cost of being a little harder to sharpen and a little more prone to spotting if left wet. ABKT TAC builds most of its mid-range folders around it. The Catalyst Linerlock with a 3.5 inch D2 blade comes in black, green G10, stonewash and coyote tan; the Predator at 3.75 inches in black, tan and a tanto version; the Warthog at 3.25 inches; the Night Stroke and Kambo; and the smaller Elite and AB Elite at 3 inches. All are listed between the low thirties and high forties. The Switch Linerlock is the oddball: a 4.75 inch handle with three interchangeable blades for under thirty.
Pick blade length by use. A 3 inch blade is enough for boxes, cord and food; 3.5 inches is the all-rounder; 3.75 inches starts to feel large in a front pocket.
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949013185 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $33.99 USD (list $58.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949012836 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $33.99 USD (list $58.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949012959 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $33.99 USD (list $58.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949013741 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $33.99 USD (list $58.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
$50 to $70: better locks and handles
Here the blade steel often stays D2 and the money goes into the lock and the fit. The ABKT Tac Siege Slide Lock and Interlace Slide Lock folders, listed in the high fifties, use a slide lock that you operate without putting a finger in the blade path, which many people prefer to a liner lock. The Siege has a 3.25 inch D2 blade in black, blue or green; the Interlace runs 3.5 inches in gray with orange or red accents. Smith's Sharpeners also lists combo folders in this range, such as the Trail Breaker Linerlock and the Edgesport Firestarter Combo, which bundle a sharpener or fire starter with the knife for campers who want one item in the pack.
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949016742 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $58.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949016735 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $58.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949016759 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $58.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT Tac |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT Tac |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949016766 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $58.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
$85 to $100: Damascus and crossbar locks
At the top of the budget the Tenable Knives line is the interesting option. The Heron Folding Knife with a 3.13 inch Damascus blade and crossbar lock is listed in the mid-eighties, and at just under a hundred there are the Entity Button Lock with a 3.5 inch Damascus blade, the Goblin L Linerlock, the Kitpu Linerlock at 2.9 inches in brown, and the Link Linerlock with a 3 inch Damascus blade and carbon fiber handle. These are pattern-welded blades, not etched, at a price that is unusual for the material. The trade-off is that Damascus needs more care than D2; wipe it dry and oil it.
Details & specs
| Brand | Tenable Knives |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Tenable Knives |
| Steel / material (from title) | Damascus |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 6941811202136 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $99.99 USD (list $142.00) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Tenable Knives |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Tenable Knives |
| Steel / material (from title) | Damascus |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 6941811202877 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $99.99 USD (list $142.00) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Tenable Knives |
| Product type | First Aid & Survival |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Tenable Knives |
| Steel / material (from title) | Damascus |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 6941811203683 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $99.99 USD (list $144.00) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Tenable Knives |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Tenable Knives |
| Steel / material (from title) | Damascus |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 6941811202242 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $85.99 USD (list $122.00) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
What to prioritize
In order: steel, lock, blade length, handle material, then color and coating. A D2 linerlock in plain black for thirty-four dollars is a better knife than an unnamed-steel assisted opener in camo for the same money. Coatings such as black oxide or stonewash are cosmetic and wear at the edge. G10 is the handle material to look for at this price; it is grippy, light and does not swell. Budget five to ten dollars for a pocket sharpener at the same time, because even D2 arrives needing a touch-up sooner or later.
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949013765 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $33.99 USD (list $58.99) |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | ABKT TAC |
| Product type | Folding Knives |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > ABKT TAC |
| Steel / material (from title) | D2 |
| Type (from title) | Folding |
| GTIN | 815949015967 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $47.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Smith's Sharpeners |
| Product type | Knife Sharpeners |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Smith's Sharpeners |
| GTIN | 027925193020 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $16.95 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Smith's Sharpeners |
| Product type | Knife Sharpeners |
| Condition | new |
| Merchant category | Shop by Brand > Smith's Sharpeners |
| GTIN | 027925503645 |
| Sold by | Atlas Knife |
| Feed price | $24.95 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-23 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Sources
- Crucible Industries: CPM steel data sheets (S30V, S35VN, M4 and others)
- Alabama Damascus Steel: how their Damascus is made
- Smith's Consumer Products: sharpening guides
FAQ
Is D2 steel good for a folding knife?
Yes. D2 holds an edge well and is tough enough for daily use. It is semi-stainless, so keep it dry, and it takes a little longer to sharpen than 8Cr13MoV.
Assisted opening or manual?
Assisted opening uses a spring to finish the swing once you start it. It is convenient but adds parts that can fail, and some places treat it differently from a manual folder. Manual is simpler.
What is a slide lock?
A lock released by sliding a button on the handle spine or side rather than pushing a liner aside. Your fingers stay clear of the blade when closing.
More guides
- Damascus Steel Knives Explained: Real Pattern-Welded vs Etched
- Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Buyer's Guide
- Knife Steel Guide: 8Cr13MoV, 420, D2, MagnaCut, S90V and Damascus
- Knife Sharpener Guide: Whetstone vs Pull-Through vs Electric vs Rod
Editorial conclusions are drawn from the Atlas Knife catalog data and the manufacturer documentation listed above; we do not claim to have used every product shown. Updated 2026-08-23. Corrections: contact us.