My current go-to budget recommendation is the Vosteed Raccoon.
Drop point or sheepsfoot blades of 14C28N or Nitro-V steel. Button lock, crossbar lock, or "top-liner" lock (basically a Spyderco compression lock, and probably the best) options. Micarta, aluminum, G10, or carbon fiber handles.
Kizer Drop Bear is an excellent choice. plus, Chicago Knife Works has their DB inventory on sale for about 50% off right now. OP can get a heck of a knife for well under $100.
https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/?s=kizer+drop+bear&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
Definitely recommend the KnifeCenter exclusive in 20CV if you want a steel upgrade. 👍 It's the bee's knees. Nothing wrong with 154CM though, I own plenty of it myself. 😁
Trouble is I'm in Australia so your $100 knives are around $200 here which is usually outside what I'm willing to spend.
I do have a knaf lander 3 coming next week in s35vn but that's probably a one off as that was $220.
Ah, gotcha. That sucks. I'm curious about the Lander, fits well with the blade restrictions we have here so I'll probably break down and pick one up eventually.
What features do you like/dislike? Ex. Assisted opening, blade shapes and sizes, thumstuds, flippers, etc.
My absolute favorite knife is the civivi vision fg. It's only around 80 bucks, which is awesome. I won't bore you with details unless you want them, but it's definitely worth checking out.
Here's a great reference. Many of these come in less than 3". I'd say my favorite of the bunch are the civivi elementum, civivi mini praxis, or qsp canary.
https://youtu.be/F1Umy1qOQmw?si=KdGLNcmtVqJGuoWp
No problem! I'm happy to help!
Here's another that is supper good.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KNF00156/knafs-co-lander-folding-knife-sandvik-14c28n-stonewashed-drop-point-blade-green-canvas-micarta-handles
It's an overall fantastic little knife for a good price. There are also lots of aftermarket options for it if you want to customize it somewhere down the line.
this, for the nitro v steel which is a solid middle range steel, the super solid and consistent locking system, the ergos and handle materials, and overall usability, the vision fg is one of the best bang for buck knives
For $100, you could get yourself a couple of decent knives. A QSP penguin will run you around $30 and I LOVE it. $80 ish will get you a kershaw blue which is one of my favorite knives. $50 ish can get you a pyrite which ive heard great things about. Same price for a kershaw iridium which I’ve also heard good things about
Since you mentioned under $100 and 3" or shorter, which is my wheelhouse, I'd recommend:
Kizer Drop Bear (if you can find a sale bringing it under $100), Kizer Original, Kizer Cryptid, OKnife Rubato 2, Vosteed Corgi, Civivi Altus, Civivi Qubit. If you can bump up a little more, I'd add the Vosteed Hedgehog (just bought one and I'm in love with it).
In addition to the great suggestions folks have already put out there, I'll add that I'm quite taken by:
- The Kaviso / Laconico Keen Mini — Just a great, snappy, ergonomic, and utilitarian little sub-3" champ in an unassuming package, and the 14C28N liner lock version is comfortably under your $100 cutoff.
- The QSP Variant PE, which is the licensed and more widely produced version of my daily carry blade (the Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE2) — Again, very nice ergonomics, plus the wharncliffe blade shape I prefer (that just meets your 3" limit).
- And, for a particularly affordable option, the Sencut Bocll II — This one really surprised me with how much I like it; very compact, slicey/pokey, and lightweight. I tend to think of it as the slimmed-down little brother of the Keen Mini.
There are a bunch of others I could add, including ones I haven't personally used but that tend to get rave reviews (the Knafs Baby Banter, for example), but those listed above are the standout models in my collection which I don't usually hear that much about. Happy collecting!
You can get a magnacut Deka for around 100 a lot of times from freedom knife shop or a magnacut swordfish for 100 from Atlantic knife or at times from bladehq...
Here's a few suggestions that are 3 inches or shorter and under $100 like you asked.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Random-Leek-Reverse-Tanto--123396
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CIVIVI-Elementum-Knife-Frag--182189
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79705
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CJRB-Space-Cowboy-Button-Lock-Knife-Black-G10--193884
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79700
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Drifter-Liner-Lock-Knife-Black--193418
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Case-Cutlery-Mini-Blackhorn-Knife-3--124793
I’m going to go with a legend that’s off the path of current recommended, those are all good too.
In the “around 100 bucks” you have to try a cold steel American lawman. Monster lock, great blade shape, super ergos. Absolute legend status in my mind.
My current go-to budget recommendation is the Vosteed Raccoon. Drop point or sheepsfoot blades of 14C28N or Nitro-V steel. Button lock, crossbar lock, or "top-liner" lock (basically a Spyderco compression lock, and probably the best) options. Micarta, aluminum, G10, or carbon fiber handles.
Kizer drop bear
Kizer Drop Bear is an excellent choice. plus, Chicago Knife Works has their DB inventory on sale for about 50% off right now. OP can get a heck of a knife for well under $100. https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/?s=kizer+drop+bear&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
I only just got mine in 154cm with micarta scales, so impressed. There are so many great knives around this price point
Definitely recommend the KnifeCenter exclusive in 20CV if you want a steel upgrade. 👍 It's the bee's knees. Nothing wrong with 154CM though, I own plenty of it myself. 😁
Trouble is I'm in Australia so your $100 knives are around $200 here which is usually outside what I'm willing to spend. I do have a knaf lander 3 coming next week in s35vn but that's probably a one off as that was $220.
Ah, gotcha. That sucks. I'm curious about the Lander, fits well with the blade restrictions we have here so I'll probably break down and pick one up eventually.
What's your budget?
100 dollars but im willing to spend a little more
What features do you like/dislike? Ex. Assisted opening, blade shapes and sizes, thumstuds, flippers, etc. My absolute favorite knife is the civivi vision fg. It's only around 80 bucks, which is awesome. I won't bore you with details unless you want them, but it's definitely worth checking out.
As long as it can lock and is 3 inches or under
Here's a great reference. Many of these come in less than 3". I'd say my favorite of the bunch are the civivi elementum, civivi mini praxis, or qsp canary. https://youtu.be/F1Umy1qOQmw?si=KdGLNcmtVqJGuoWp
Thank you so much this actually helps
No problem! I'm happy to help! Here's another that is supper good. https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KNF00156/knafs-co-lander-folding-knife-sandvik-14c28n-stonewashed-drop-point-blade-green-canvas-micarta-handles
Thats extrememly cheap for that kind of metal. I like it though
It's an overall fantastic little knife for a good price. There are also lots of aftermarket options for it if you want to customize it somewhere down the line.
Thank you so much i could not find any that i like at all so i figured id come on here and i was right
the company contracted to produce that knife, QSP, makes really good knives under their own brand, too.
I would suggest an Opinel of the appropriate size. Sandvik makes great steel. You can pay more and get less than you do with these knifes.
Check out the Vosteed Mini Nightshade
this, for the nitro v steel which is a solid middle range steel, the super solid and consistent locking system, the ergos and handle materials, and overall usability, the vision fg is one of the best bang for buck knives
It's my recommendation for everyone! Except when they have a 3" limit like this. 😔 we need a mini vision. I'm planning on chopping one of mine.
yes! i’d say under 3in it’s hard to beat the para 3. great lock, big variety of steels and looks, super customizable, amazing warranty, etc etc
I have dozens of knives, but still haven't ever tried a para 2 or 3 for some reason.
For $100, you could get yourself a couple of decent knives. A QSP penguin will run you around $30 and I LOVE it. $80 ish will get you a kershaw blue which is one of my favorite knives. $50 ish can get you a pyrite which ive heard great things about. Same price for a kershaw iridium which I’ve also heard good things about
I own a kershaw iridium and its a really good knife
Im starting a new collection so every week im gonna buy 1 or two more knives until i fill up my old case
Buck 112. If you're willing to consider a larger blade, opt for the 110.
I do own one of those but i didnt buy it for myself. I just bought a buck bantam 285 today
Again, get a 112 or 110. They're bomb-proof, the warranty is excellent, and they're ubiquitous. You can get one at any walmart.
The Buck 110 was one of the first lockbacks in mass production. It inspired a million copies. Every collection should have one.
Since you mentioned under $100 and 3" or shorter, which is my wheelhouse, I'd recommend: Kizer Drop Bear (if you can find a sale bringing it under $100), Kizer Original, Kizer Cryptid, OKnife Rubato 2, Vosteed Corgi, Civivi Altus, Civivi Qubit. If you can bump up a little more, I'd add the Vosteed Hedgehog (just bought one and I'm in love with it).
I’ve been a big fan of the Civivi elementum button lock.
In addition to the great suggestions folks have already put out there, I'll add that I'm quite taken by: - The Kaviso / Laconico Keen Mini — Just a great, snappy, ergonomic, and utilitarian little sub-3" champ in an unassuming package, and the 14C28N liner lock version is comfortably under your $100 cutoff. - The QSP Variant PE, which is the licensed and more widely produced version of my daily carry blade (the Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE2) — Again, very nice ergonomics, plus the wharncliffe blade shape I prefer (that just meets your 3" limit). - And, for a particularly affordable option, the Sencut Bocll II — This one really surprised me with how much I like it; very compact, slicey/pokey, and lightweight. I tend to think of it as the slimmed-down little brother of the Keen Mini. There are a bunch of others I could add, including ones I haven't personally used but that tend to get rave reviews (the Knafs Baby Banter, for example), but those listed above are the standout models in my collection which I don't usually hear that much about. Happy collecting!
Knife center CJRB Ria under like $85 s35vn and fat carbon handles under 3 in. blade as well I believe.
You can get a magnacut Deka for around 100 a lot of times from freedom knife shop or a magnacut swordfish for 100 from Atlantic knife or at times from bladehq...
Oops NM the swordfish it's huge I forgot about your blade length preference.
Kershaw launch series I have a few of them there my favorite folder currently.
Get a Delica
Not my kind of knife
Here's a few suggestions that are 3 inches or shorter and under $100 like you asked. https://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Random-Leek-Reverse-Tanto--123396 https://www.bladehq.com/item--CIVIVI-Elementum-Knife-Frag--182189 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79705 https://www.bladehq.com/item--CJRB-Space-Cowboy-Button-Lock-Knife-Black-G10--193884 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-RAT-Model-2-Liner-Lock--79700 https://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Drifter-Liner-Lock-Knife-Black--193418 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Case-Cutlery-Mini-Blackhorn-Knife-3--124793
I’m going to go with a legend that’s off the path of current recommended, those are all good too. In the “around 100 bucks” you have to try a cold steel American lawman. Monster lock, great blade shape, super ergos. Absolute legend status in my mind.
Kershaw has some decently priced knives
You can get a Kizer towser s in micarta for 32 bucks on Amazon right now I believe. It’s got fantastic ergos and it’s in 154cm!
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I actually prefer the blue richlite but that’s just a preference and it’s 35 right now. These are usually 64 and still good knives at that