Best US-Made Knives Under $100

It should be everyone’s goal to buy American-made products to support manufacturing and jobs in the country. However, prices and quality of knives compared to foreign competition can be tough to ignore, especially with inflation significantly raising prices the past few years.

But, if you think you can’t get a solid American-made knife for less than $100, you’re sorely mistaken.

Here is a selection of 10 knives you can pick up for under $100.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

Let’s start with an iconic no-brainer: the Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

Even 60 years after the folder was introduced, the 110 remains one of the best American-made knives you can buy. Not only that but you can get it for under $70.

For those who don’t know, the knife has a 3.75-inch blade and wood handle with bolsters. If you don’t have one of these yet, what are you doing?

Case Sod Buster

This is the first of many Case knives to grace this list. The Sod Buster is a legendary slip joint pattern that has captured the hearts and minds of knife enthusiasts everywhere. The knife has a single blade that measures about 3.5 inches. The handle on this version is red impact resistant synthetic material.

KA-BAR Black Fighting Knife

Not all cheap US-made knives have to be folders. KA-BAR has a few fixed blades that cost under $100, but we’re highlighting the KA-BAR Black Fighting Knife here.

This is a tactical version of the beloved KA-BAR Utility Knife. This one has a 7-inch 1095 Cro-Van blade with black coating. Its handle is made of Kraton G instead of the typical stacked leather. It comes with a leather sheath.

Kershaw Leek

Let’s continue with yet another all-time great everyday carry knife with the Kershaw Leek.

Except for a variation or two like the Composite or Copper version, all Kershaw Leeks are still well under the $100 mark. That means you can get a tried-and-true design for cheaper than other Chinese-made budget knives.

The Leek has a slim design with a 3-inch blade and steel handle with frame lock. It uses an assisted-opening mechanism to ensure lightning fast firing every time.

Old Timer 5OTG Bruin

A few decades back, Old Timer and Schrade closed their doors in America. The brand name was sold and manufacturing moved overseas.

However, three of its most beloved knives are once again being made right here in the United States. The first one is the Old Timer 5OTG Bruin, which is a good-looking lockback.

It has a 2.8-inch blade that opens via nail nick and a chestnut bone handle. It has tons of history and is a good reminder that nothing beats

Kershaw Launch 4

All of the knives in Kershaw’s renowned Launch series of automatic folders are made in the United States. Unfortunately, most are just a tad over that $100 threshold, except one: the Kershaw Launch 4.

This is a unique folder that’s designed to be legal to use and carry in California. That means it has a small sub 2-inch blade. If you think it’s just a gimmick though, you’re mistaken. Because it uses high-quality materials and a well-built construction, this little folder can handle all sorts of tasks.

Gerber StrongArm

Gerber makes a handful of good all-American knives like the Gerber 06 Auto. But most of them are well over the $100 mark. The Gerber StrongArm is another story.

This knife is frequently touted as one of the best all-around survival and outdoor fixed blades, and the fact that it’s made in America is just icing on the cake.

Kershaw Chive

We already have the Leek on this list, but it’s hard to ignore the Scallion and the Chive. All three of these knives are in the same family of knives named after onion-like vegetables.

The Chive is the smallest of the bunch with a 1.9-inch blade and steel handle. This is one of the cheapest EDC US-made knives you can buy.

Old Timer 152OTG Sharpfinger

The Sharpfinger is pretty much the fixed blade version of the Buck 110. It’s an iconic hunting knife that’s been widely mimicked by tons of other brands. Like all the other Old Timers, it started to be made overseas recently. But Old Timer decided to bring back a premium version of the Sharpfinger made in the United States.

The Generational Series Sharpfinger is about $90 and uses 1095 steel and chestnut bone scales. Its hard to ask for a better fixed blade than this.

Case Trapper

Finally, we end with another Case. This version of the  Trapper from Case features a rogers jig navy blue bone handle.

This makes a nice little EDC because it is a classic-looking knife that’s unassuming. It’s the kind of knife you can take anywhere without a second look.