Shopping links reviewed in September 2026. The shortlist below features products priced under $100 at review; shipping and tax are additional. Prices and availability can change.
Start here: gift picks under $100
- For everyday carry: Kershaw Iridium 2038 — check price and availability. A manual folder with a D2 blade and gray aluminum handle.
- For a colorful gift: Kershaw Leek 1660TEAL — check price and availability. A slim assisted-opening folder with a teal handle.
- For a first Spyderco: Spyderco Tenacious C122GP — check price and availability. A plain-edge folder with black G-10 handles.
- For someone who prefers a large folder: Cold Steel Voyager XL 29AXT — check price and availability. This is the 5.5-inch plain-edge tanto version.
- For an outdoor fixed-blade enthusiast: CRKT Clever Girl Kukri 2710 — check price and availability. A substantial 7.75-inch fixed blade with an SK-5 blade and G-10 handle.
- For a traditional Bowie fan: Cold Steel Wild West Bowie 81B — check price and availability. A 10.75-inch 1090 carbon steel fixed blade with rosewood scales and a leather sheath.
Earlier gift recommendations
The original 20 selections below are retained for reference. Some models are unavailable or may now exceed the original budget. Use the shortlist above for current shopping options.
Our suggestions for gift ideas at certain price ranges continues with 20 knife gift ideas under $100.
The original list focused on the $50 to $100 price range. If you’re interested in the $20 to $50 range, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $50 post. For prices under that, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $20.
Consider the recipient’s preferred size, opening style, and everyday tasks when choosing a gift.
Check out way more knife gift ideas under $100 on our collections page.
1. CIVIVI Elementum
The first few iterations of this list featured the iconic Benchmade Mini Griptilian and then the fantastic Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight here. Unfortunately, rising prices have pushed these still great knives off the list. But the replacement may be a better overall knife and value.
The CIVIVI Elementum is one of the best everyday carry knives on the market. It is a simple design that countless people have fallen in love with the past few years. The great thing about the Elementum is that it comes in countless varieties, so you can get the Elementum that matches the personality of the recipient.
The featured Elementum C907U with wood handles and a black blade is a current option; check its product page for price and availability.
The one highlighted here is the handsome version with wood handles and a black blade.
2. CRKT Taco Viper
Despite its silly-sounding name, the CRKT Taco Viper is an amazing and underrated folder.
It has a great history because it’s made by veteran Antonio Rodriguez and gets its moniker from a nickname given to 82nd Airborne because they gave their leftover Taco Tuesday scraps to the snakes while serving in Afghanistan.
The knife itself is well-designed. It has a large 4.22-inch blade with Veff serrations and a black glass-reinforced nylon handle. It opens with an assisted mechanism and flipper tab, so it never fails to open.
When you combine the backstory with the design, you get a gift that will surely be a hit.
3. Kershaw Leek
What else is there to say about the Kershaw Leek? This Ken Onion design has been pontificated about, ruminated on, and carefully analyzed for years. Still, the knife holds up under scrutiny and belongs in every collection.
I was just going to put the standard Leek, but there are a ton of different variations you can see at the Kershaw Leek collections page.
The version in the picture is a brilliant teal color, but it’s also available in the plain version.
4. Cold Steel Wild West Bowie
It’s easy to disregard the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie 81B as a novelty knife, but it’s so much more than that. This is a modern take on a classic Bowie knife that can be used for all types of things.
What makes this a great gift is that it’s unique and carries the same functionality as other Cold Steel models.
Pretty much everyone should own a Bowie knife at some point.
Check current price and availability for the Wild West Bowie 81B
5. Gerber Strongarm
When it comes to survival and outdoor knives, it’s hard to beat the Gerber Strongarm. (Sheriff Mike Thompson from the TV show Resident Alien even said it’s the best blade money can buy.)
This knife is so good that it may very well be the best knife Gerber offers. It has a 4.8-inch 420HC blade with a rubberized handle that stands up well to the elements. Don’t look past this deceptively popular Gerber.
6. Victorinox Compact
Historical recommendation: Knife Depot no longer carries Swiss Army knives.
The Victorinox Compact is probably one of my favorite knives ever. I take it pretty much everyone because it has everything I need in a good multitool — all in a very compact package.
It has a blade, a pen, screwdrivers, a pin, scissors, combination bottle opener and cap lifter, and much more.
7. Smith & Wesson Ultimate Throwing Combo
Throwers are always a great gift, and this ultimate throwing combo is the perfect pack.
It comes with three 10-inch axes, 3 10-inch cleavers, 3 8-inch knives, and 4 throwing cards that all fit into included nylon sheaths.
It fits in as just under the threshold, but it’s an excellent value.
8. Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker
Check price and availability for the complete Sharpmaker 204MF kit. This kit includes medium and fine ceramic stones, brass safety rods, and a storage base.
Back before Spyderco became the company we know and love today, it was just a humble operation run by Sal and Gail Glesser. The two started the company with the Portable Hand, a device useful to jewelers and other hobbyists, but what came next helped propel the company even further — a sharpener.
That sharpener evolved into the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker, one of the best sharpeners around. While enthusiasts will insist you only freehand sharpen your knives, this is a good kit for anyone. Not only does it have a great backstory but it will keep your knives sharp and safe.
9. Ontario Air Force Survival Knife
This historical selection is not currently available in our catalog. Its original price is no longer a current buying guide.
The Ontario Air Force Survival Knife was built to military specifications with a 5-inch blade and stacked leather handle.
10. Boker Magnum Mini Bo-Kri
When it comes to premium throwers with a unique look that’s crafted by an expert, nothing beats the Mini Bo-Kri set.
Designed by John Bailey — a professional knife thrower with over four decades of experience — these throwers have been praised by experts and beginners alike for years. The knives have a 10.75-inch overall length, and the set comes with a leather sheath.
11. Kershaw Iridium
Most of the knives on this list are classics, but the Kershaw Iridium is a knife from 2023 that takes Kershaw into new and exciting places.
This was among the first Kershaw Knives to use their new DuraLock mechanism. When you couple it with a seamless design, you get a fantastic EDC.
12. Cold Steel 4-Max Scout
The 4-Max from Cold Steel was one of the biggest and most expensive knives they ever made. It was strong and durable but it cost an arm and a leg. But somehow Cold Steel managed to fit that huge design into a more budget-friendly work folder that’s a fraction of the price.
If you’re looking to give a work knife that will almost never fail, this is it.
13. CRKT Ritual
The CRKT Ritual was one of the most unique releases in 2022, so it’s no surprise this knife was among our top sellers.
Designed by the great Alan Folts, the Ritual is inspired by the old-world Persian fixed blade — only this knife is a folder with modern conveniences. The long, curved blade is 4.37 inches and bursts open with a flipper and assisted-opening mechanism.
The resin-infused handle features stainless steel bolsters that combine beauty with strength.
14. Buck 110 Folding Hunter (Engraved)
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is one of the most iconic knives of all time. You wouldn’t think a knife this old would still be so popular and such an amazing gift, but here we are.
The Buck 110 featured here is currently sold out. Check its product page for future availability and confirm any engraving options and total price before ordering. My dad still has his engraved Buck 110 from decades ago.
15. Gerber FlatIron
Gerber has done a few things wrong over the past few years but they’ve hit the sweet spot on more than a few knives, including the Gerber FlatIron. This folder features a cleaver-style blade that’s been upgraded with D2 steel.
This upgraded version also has comfortable gray Micarta handle scales.
16. Spyderco Dragonfly 2
I take the word of Everyday Commentary’s Anthony Sculimbrene very seriously and for years he’s been saying the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is the best everyday carry knife ever (this year the Dragonfly got a new companion for that honors in the ultra premium Benchmade 555-1 Mini Grip).
Here is an excerpt from his 2011 review:
The Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 (DF2 ZDP-189) is perfect. It does everything not just well, but with ease. I have been using and carrying this knife almost exclusively since I got it in May and it is awesome. Light, laser sharp, and made to fit your hand, there is nothing that I would do differently in designing this knife. Spyderco and Sal Glesser outdid themselves.
The review above refers specifically to the historical ZDP-189 version. For a current alternative under $100 at review, consider the Dragonfly 2 C28PBK2 with a VG-10 plain-edge blade and black FRN handle. It uses different blade steel from the knife reviewed.
17. BnB Damascus Karambit
Does your gift recipient have all types of knives? Consider getting them something a bit more unique in the BnB Damascus Karambit. This folder is a sexy Damascus knife with a folding Karambit design.
It has sculpted G-10 handles with a flipper or Wave feature on the blade to allow for quick one-handed opening. The blade is VG-10 Damascus.
18. CobraTec Ryker
Choose this for a substantial automatic folder: the black Ryker BAFRYK combines a 3.75-inch D2 blade with G-10 handles. For a smaller, lower-priced alternative, compare the black Diablo BLKDIABLOAUTO with a 3.5-inch blade. Check each product page for current price and availability.
The Ryker is at the lower end of the $100 threshold but punches well above its weight.
This knife has been among the top sellers of 2023 because of its budget-friendly price and striking design. It’s an automatic folder with a 3.75-inch blade made from D2 steel. The handle is textured G-10 for a reliable grip.
19. CRKT M4-02
The Kit Carson M4 series has been part of the CRKT lineup for years, and it’s always been a popular gift (especially with the engraving option).
CRKT recently released a newer version of the M4 with a G-10 bolster and white bone handle. The series has always highlighted a classic look with modern innovations, and this model further leans into it.
20. Spyderco Delica 4
Spyderco makes a ton of great knives at a budget cost, but for a true representation of the quality and design elements of the brand (aside from the first knife on this list), there’s the Delica. This is a truly beloved knife from the knife community because of its versatile size, excellent construction, and interesting design.
Like the Elementum, the Delica comes in several different colorations, including a Damascus variation. This means you can get the perfect version.
Unfortunately, TTAK is ended, but is still available on the web. No idea how long it will remain; there’s no info on the site. Last post was July 29, Thanks to H. Clay for all he’s done there.
Yup. It was a shame the site is no longer updated. Fortunately, Clay is with Knife Magazine now (follow them on social!) and working to bring the magazine into the modern era.
I’m sorry, what is TTAK?
It was an older knife blog called The Truth About Knives (TTAK).
KA-BAR BK2 Becker Campanion
under $100 dollar list is a BARGAIN!
The knife is built like a tank and comes out of the box razor sharp a mainstay of KA-BAR
Beretta has some cool knives for around $80 bucks and those are pretty good imo! Honorable mention to a 10$ shotshell knife(gimmick, but looks cool 😀 ) I’ve been carrying Steenbook that I’ve got for like 95$ last summer, decent folder.
Great list! I’ve been impressed with the CIVIVI Elementum as a daily carry, and the variety makes it easy to match a friend’s style. I’d add that when picking a gift, understanding the recipient’s personality can make the choice even more personal. I recently tried an AI palm reading insights tool that analyzes a photo of your palm to reveal personality traits and tendencies. It might sound unconventional, but it actually helped me narrow down a gift for my brother—he’s more practical than sentimental, so I skipped the ornate Bowie and went with a sturdy Gerber. Worth a try if you’re stuck between two similar options and want a little extra guidance. Thanks for the thorough roundup!