The Best Budget Folding Knives of 2024: Top 10 Picks Under $100

Posted by Just Jul on Dec 19, 2024

When it comes to budget knives, 2024 has been a fantastic year for knife enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a high-quality EDC (everyday carry) blade or just need a reliable, sharp tool for outdoor tasks, there are plenty of excellent options that won’t break the bank. In this roundup, we’ve compiled the top 10 folding knives under $100, each offering amazing value for their price. Let’s dive into the countdown of the best budget-friendly knives of the year!

#10 - Civivi Yonder - Starts at $56.95

Kicking off our list is the Civivi Yonder—a versatile, compact folder that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality knife. Released just a few weeks ago, the Yonder quickly sold out in most variants, leaving only the wood-handled models available. However, if you can find one, you’ll be impressed by its sleek design and excellent build quality.

Blade: 2.88" 14C28N steel, stonewashed finish, flat grind, jimping
Handle: Black G10 handle, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $56.95 (Check availability at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Yonder is an incredibly smooth operator, thanks to its caged ceramic ball bearings, and the crossbar lock mechanism ensures secure deployment and easy disengagement. For an everyday carry option, it’s hard to beat at this price point.

#9 - QSP Dolphin - Starts at $85.00

Next up, the QSP Dolphin ranks #9 for its sleek, ergonomic design and affordable price tag. With a beautiful mirror-polished 14C28N blade and a variety of handle options, including carbon fiber and wood, this knife is both stylish and practical.

Blade: 3.15" 14C28N clip point, mirrored finish, single plain edge
Handle: Stabilized wood, carbon fiber, or pearl handle, with built in lanyard hole
Price: $85.00 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Dolphin’s clean lines, smooth action, and fantastic materials make it one of the best values in this price range. Plus, the ceramic ball bearings ensure buttery-smooth deployment, making it a joy to use.

#8 - Defcon Fulcrum Lite - Starts at $48.95

For just under $50, the Defcon Fulcrum Lite is a real standout. With its unique leverage lock mechanism, the Fulcrum Lite offers a refreshing twist on traditional knife locking systems. Despite its budget-friendly price, this knife feels premium in hand.

Blade: 3.2" 14C28N steel, drop point, satin finish
Handle: Black G10 and carbon fiber, with other options available, backspacer/lanyard hole, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $48.95 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Fulcrum Lite is well-loved for its ease of use, unique locking mechanism, and variety of handle options. Whether you prefer G10 or carbon fiber, this knife feels solid and dependable in the pocket.

#7 - Kershaw Mini Iridium - $59.95

The Kershaw Mini Iridium brings high-end features at a reasonable price. The latest versions brings a bronze anodized aluminum handle and D2 steel blade. This knife provides a premium feel for everyday carry without the premium price.

Blade: 3" D2 steel spear point, blackwashed finish
Handle: Bronze anodized aluminum, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $59.95 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: This knife’s versatility, ergonomic design, and smooth operation make it an excellent choice for everyday tasks. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a reliable knife with a bit of style, without breaking the budget.

#6 - Vosteed Raccoon Cub - $49.00

A favorite among knife enthusiasts, the Vosteed Raccoon Cub is compact, lightweight, and incredibly functional. It offers great ergonomics and a sharp 14C28N blade, making it perfect for everyday carry, especially for those who prefer smaller knives.

Blade: 2.34" 14C28N drop point, flat grind, jimping
Handle: Black, green, or white G10, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $49.00 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Raccoon Cub punches above its weight with sharpness, durability, and user-friendly design. It’s particularly popular for its small form factor, making it ideal for those who need a pocketable knife with solid performance.

#5 - Civivi Incindie - $63.75

The Civivi Incindie is a sleek, stylish folder that checks all the boxes for a great budget knife. While the Ivory G10 and Damascus steel version sold out quickly, the standard black G10 version, along with the blackout and OD green options, are still an excellent choice at a great price.

Blade: 3.48" 14C28N spear point, hollow grind, stonewashed finish
Handle: G10 Scales, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $63.75 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Incindie features smooth action via a button lock and ceramic ball bearings, making it easy to deploy and lock in place. Its sleek design, combined with solid materials, ensures this knife stands out for its performance and value.

#4 - Bestechman Dundee (Magnacut) - $83.95

When you can get a Magnacut steel blade for under $90, you know you’ve found a great deal. The Bestechman Dundee offers high-end materials at an affordable price, featuring a smooth flipper mechanism and a wide range of handle options.

Blade: 3.465" Magnacut steel, sheepsfoot or drop point blade cut, various finish options
Handle: G10 or Ultem, deep-carry, reversible pocket clip
Price: $83.95 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Dundee delivers exceptional value with its durable Magnacut steel, excellent fit and finish, and ergonomic design. Whether you’re a collector or a user, this knife offers unbeatable performance at an affordable price.

#3 - Ontario Rat 1.5 - $89.95

The Ontario Rat 1.5 is a standout in the budget knife market, offering fantastic performance with its Magnacut steel blade and rugged G10 handle. This knife has become a fan favorite and for good reason.

Blade: 3.25" Magnacut steel, drop point, satin finish
Handle: Black G10, 4-position pocket clip, lanyard hole
Price: $89.95 (Check availability at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Rat series has a well-established reputation for being reliable and affordable. With the addition of Magnacut steel, this knife has elevated its status as a top choice in the budget category.

#2 - Bestech Swordfish (Magnacut) - $89.95

Another knife featuring Magnacut steel, the Bestech Swordfish has been a favorite of ours due to its seamless operation, large blade, and comfortable handle. A true powerhouse at a budget price.

Blade: 4" Magnacut steel, satin finish, minimal jimping
Handle: Black and Jul jade G10 (other options available), tip-up pocket clip
Price: $89.95 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The Swordfish is a solid choice for those looking for a larger blade and high-quality materials. With its smooth deployment and user-friendly design, it’s one of the top options in the under-$100 range.

#1 - CJRB Pyrite Bowie - Starts at $50.95

Topping our list is the CJRB Pyrite Bowie—a knife that combines sleek design, impressive materials, and smooth operation, all while staying under $60. Whether you go for the titanium or Damascus version, the Pyrite offers excellent value.

Blade: 3.15" AR-RPM9 steel, bowie, flat grind, rose gold finish
Handle: Black steel, tip-up reversible pocket clip
Price: $50.95 (Available at Atlantic Knife)

Why it made the list: The CJRB Pyrite Bowie is a perfect blend of performance, aesthetics, and value. The ceramic ball bearings, button lock, and comfortable handle make it a top contender for the best budget folding knife of the year.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 budget folding knives of 2024—each offering impressive features, excellent build quality, and unbeatable value for their price. Whether you're an experienced knife collector or a beginner looking for a reliable EDC knife, these options provide a great balance of performance and affordability. Make sure to check out the links for each knife at Atlantic Knife to snag one of these fantastic blades for your collection today!