This post was updated in 2022.
Our suggestions for gift ideas at certain price ranges continues with 20 knife gift ideas under $100.
This list only features knives in 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.
These recommendations cover the full gamut of styles, designs, and functions, so if you can’t find something to your satisfaction, you’re trying too hard.
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.
An even better aspect is that all of the CIVIVI Elementums fall in the $50 to $100 price range.
The one highlighted here is the handsome version with wood handles and black blade.
2. 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. This means you can get the perfect version.
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 in honor of H. Clay Aalders over at The Truth About Knives, I decided to pick the Leek with the D2 composite blade. He was effusive about the composite version of the Leek (which features a D2 edge attached to a Sandvik 14C28N blade)
It’s available in a Composite BlackWash or Composite Satin. Or you can just get the standard Leek in almost any color you want.
4. Cold Steel Marauder
It’s easy to disregard the Cold Steel Marauder 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, not stuck in the past, and carries the same functionality as other Cold Steel models.
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, it may very well be the best knife Gerber offers. It has as 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 Soldier
The Swiss Army Knife is a truly classic gift for any holiday. But instead of getting the same old models, check out the Victorinox Soldier.
This model has roots that date back to the very first Swiss Army Knife, but it has some of the conveniences of modern technology, including a liner locking blade and ergonomic handles. I know I say this a lot, but the Soldier is not your grandfather’s Swiss Army Knife.
7. Smith & Wesson Throwing Combo Pack
Throwers are always a great gift, and this throwing combo is the perfect starter pack.
It comes with three 10-inch axes and 3 8-inch knives that all fit into included nylon sheaths.
8. Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker
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 Carter Prime
The RAT Model 2 made our 20 under $50 list, but for those who want a little more heft in their knife, there’s the Carter Prime. It was made by knife designer Robert Carter — grandson of Mel Pardue and son of Joe Pardue.
It has a 3.37-inch blade made of D2 steel and a titanium frame lock blade. This robust knife springs to life with a reliable flipper. It recently joined our list of best-sellers.
10. Cold Steel Rajah III
The two Rajah knives are some of Cold Steel’s best and most unique designs. The larger Rajah II gets most of the attention, but the smaller Rajah III is more versatile and just as strong.
This folder has a 3.5-inch blade and black Griv-Ex handle.
11. Kershaw Launch 10
If you think you can’t get a good US-made automatic knife in this price range, think again. The Kershaw Launch series is one of the best auto families for the price.
The Launch 10 has a small sub-2-inch blade that makes it legal to carry in places like California. It’s a good intro to EDC auto knives.
12. ESEE Izula
The Izula is yet another option for fixed blade EDC. The knife has a 2.875-inch blade made from 1095 carbon steel and a bare skeletonize handle waiting for customization.
You can pick up the Izula with just a sheath or with a full survival kit. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the ESEE Izula.
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. Parker River Classic
I really like the folks over at Parker River Knives. The company started about 100 years ago along the banks of the Parker River in Newbury, Mass. It’s run by Jim Bowes and his wife who take great care of the old family business.
The Classic is one of their most popular models and comes with engraving on the wood handle. That engraving makes it the perfect gift. The knife is available in a rosewood, red grain, or ebony wood handle.
16. 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.
15. 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.
That sentiment still resonates all these years later. Whoever gets it will be thanking Santa above.
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. Victorinox SwissChamp
The Soldier is not a typical Swiss Army Knife, but if you’re interested in getting a classic model, I recommend the SwissChamp. This is the flagship model of Victorinox and for good reason. This guy has everything — 33 tools to be exact.
Here’s just a small selection: a large and small blade, can opener and bottle opener with screwdrivers, scissors, wood saw, ruler, magnifying glass, hook, wood chisel, ball point pen, straight pin, and more.
Few other tools can stand up to the might and versatility of the SwissChamp. You can even get it in black, ruby, sapphire, or hardwood (if you’re willing to go above the $100 limit).
19. CRKT Clever Girl
No, it’s not just the line from Jurassic Park, Clever Girl is a fantastic fixed blade. It is a streamlined tactical blade with a 4.6-inch SK5 blade and black G-10 scales. Its upswept blade makes it great for all kind of tasks.
The best part is that it was designed by Austin McGlaun, who served in Iraq and as a cop in Georgia.
20. KA-BAR Bridge Breacher Tool
If the person you want to give a gift to is a knife collector that wants to expand their horizons, this KA-BAR Breacher Tool is a great place to start.
It is a solid piece of 1095 Cro-Van steel coated in gray powder coating that can be used to pry and chisel and much more.
It’s also part of the KA-BAR and United States Space Force collaboration.