The BEST EDC Folding Knives Under $100 - 2024 TIER LIST!

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Metal Complex's recommended knives! - kzbin.info/aero/PLqAK7GyLGMyGrXe7FzsLOgd71pzbwSqbc&si=BYIIatGa8E3Lh86Z Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@CedricAda]

Congrats on 500k, I honestly never thought a straight up knife guy would get there but its really hopeful to see we can do well on this platform.

[@metal_complex]

Thanks man!!

[@royconestoga7326]

Ders is a knife guy.

[@MikeJ602]

Uh oh I think the same person that broke into your place and wiped poo on everything broke into crkt’s factory. 🤣

[@SuperGcraig]

Dude, the blade rules.

[@zachmcmahan8481]

@CedricAda You are an absolute legend as well. Love your content brother.

[@hificat101]

I'd put the Nightshade in legend. I bought my wife the mini one, and she LOVES it. Carries it her purse every day. If my wife will EDC a knife, that's legend.

[@pipe_dev_null]

Congrats on 500k! I’m a relatively newer sub, but man I love your style and the fresh perspective you bring to the table. Much appreciate the work you do.

[@prinskipperskipple]

I think the Elementum should be in the “glad it exists” category. I find myself grabbing it when I need something small but not too small, simple, light, thinner, less snaggy, low profile, with a deep pocket clip.

[@christopherr1711]

Poopoo town being back made my Saturday

[@metal_complex]

Poopoo town is back forever 👍

[@a2thak1981]

A knife resembling poopoo found at poopoo town. All is well.

[@Mikey_Trailz]

Congrats on the new bambino!!!

[@timtitus2532]

I agree with most of your classifications. But there are so many, as you mentioned at the beginning, that aren't on the list. I'm glad to see the Moyarl and Vision FG at the top, a couple of my favorites. Thanks for doing this.

[@scipio7837]

Thanks for doing this. Because of your exposure to, and familiarity with, your insight is invaluable.

[@stephencoleman3179]

Civivi Stormhowl is great for the money, Damascus blade, textured aluminum scales. Huge win!

[@kelefane6233]

I'd move the Leek up a slot or two. It's always a best seller.

[@rogersiples3335]

What a great knife review. I'm buying a Racoon soon. I have an AD-10 and AD-15. I consider my 110 as a grandfather knife that I grew up with. A must-have knife.

[@RagingPoo]

12:02 Did you mean SR1? Iirc the SRK is a fixed blade.

[@ratface4az]

Miguron Valona 100% agree.

[@jimmywhite1285]

The praxis when it's the Kaviso exclusive WE version is so much better with the thumb studs and titanium, I can't believe the civivi version has never had thumbstuds added

[@jakefromohiostate]

Yeah man, I definitely want a budget version!!

[@acid6urns]

i want one of those premium praxis but they’re a bit expensive

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

The Imperium was my favorite Civivi for a number of years - well, the Pintail too. Now the Vision has replaced it for me. Great call on the Sheepdogs. It was a Black Friday sale, but I picked up both the full sized and the mini in CPM-10V for under $70. Mind blowing value.

[@isthebeeflol]

Can't believe they discontinued the imperium is such a good budget knife.

[@prolificpeasant1007]

Personally the Elementum is a decent knife, but I think it's more of what it did for the budget knife sector when it came out that makes me think it deserves a higher spot. I remember such a buzz around it when it launched that it forced everyone else into the sub 100 price point to level up.

[@GUNSnARMYRN]

Absolutely love the formats of these you have been doing lately!!! And completely agree with poopoo town!! lol. Everyone I know loves opinel. I hate them sooooo much for ever.

[@michaelbowman7398]

Amazon had the blacked out sheepdog in 154cm on sale. Picked it up for $57.55 out the door

[@ramzcoldlampin5460]

I’m really liking these tier listing videos for Saturday mornings. It’s reminiscent of waking up and listening to TKG on a Sunday morning.

[@northernninety7]

Thanks for putting the sheepdog near the top. One of the best knives I've ever used.

[@malcolmholt2010]

Oh man! The one that I strongly disagree with you on is the Nightshade. It is such a different shape and if I am honest it is ugly but I have never found anything that can compete with it for legendary “usability “. I would put it as a legend but would accept it if someone said Huge w. 😢

[@geraldroberts4721]

On the Rat 1 & 2. Aus 8 meh. D2 fine. S35VN huge W. I know folks get sick of hearing about it but it's a knife that keeps evolving with the steel it uses. Maybe one day soon we'll see one in Magnacut and a top liner lock and takes Glock mags..............what will the haters say then? Good vid as well as the knife steel ranking, diggin' the format. SUBSCRIBED!

[@chrisjosekuehl]

I wonder if you’ve checked out the Buck Selkirk Folder. I got one as gift, I like the steel bolsters and contoured micarta but the action is surprisingly very very good.

[@SaiyanPony]

I love my Buck 110, it has a place on my hip in the leather sheath it comes in. I carry like 5 knives at a time, a modern locking knife mainly spyderco or civivi, 3 slip joints (Case Sod Buster Jr., buck single 379 , buck trio 373), and lastly my buck 110. I wear pants with many pockets so I can carry a lot of things, I promise it's not a purse.

[@Killlerbee]

Loved the journey MC, thanks!

[@RogerMcEneany-kn3tg]

Ever consider NedFoss knives?

[@Reid18]

Great list! I believe the Tekuo Ventr would’ve been in one of the top 3 categories.

[@davidcoats1037]

lol. I grew up during the Buck 110 hey day and you weren’t cool unless you could open yours one handed. Either by wearing it out to the point you could wrist flick it or by holding the blade and flicking the handle down. I think they call that the Spydie drop but it definitely started with Buck. In fact I’d say the whole industry of folding knives now is a result of trying to perfect on the Buck 110 short comings. The new locking methods, deployment methods, lighter thinner materials, better blade steels, etc. All of it. So if you enjoy EDC folding knives today you can thank the heavy, bulky, slow to deploy Buck 110. 😆👍🏼

[@rlepidi3573]

I would’ve put the Buck 112 slim pro TRX on the list under the “huge win” category. I’m not a big lockback fan, but there’s just something satisfying about it. It’s been in my EDC rotation since I got it.

[@cgarrand78]

I can't believe you put the Buck 110 in POOPOO TOWN.I have the Buck 110 my great,great,great,great,great grandfather used to dig his ass with.He would start taking it out on sat to scratch his ass on sun. LOL I love it when you do these videos because I know there is a bunch of people watching it and freaking out!

[@HelplessTeno]

It's kinda funny cause you'd think the type of person to love the Buck 110 wouldn't care what other people think. But they REALLY care.

[@katanasmith]

That was when they used 440c way better than today's 420 Hc

[@cgarrand78]

@@HelplessTeno I love the Buck 110 and all kinds of old traditional and new modern slip joints and flippers.It's just funny how many ppl care what someone else thinks or says about a knife or anything else they like.Like ppl aren't allowed to have their own opinion.But I guess it's gotten that way about everything these days.I like knowing something is going to freak those kind of ppl out or piss them off.I find it hilarious!

[@cintage]

I totally understand the Buck being in Poopoo town.

[@rays5163]

If they ever made a 112 ranger (the one with a pocket clip) but with traditional wood and brass and maybe some bearings i would buy it so fast.

[@HandsomeFerret]

Appreciate the lefty considerations and one of the main reasons I EDC the raccoon crossbar. As a knife enthusiast - fix blade sheaths are even worse to deal with haha. A few kydex options out there but so many righty only sheaths...cheers

[@MikeJ602]

I have maybe three or four of those but I was really glad to see the badlands vagabond make it so high on the list. I don’t have it anymore but it was a great user with the hollow grind and, from what I remember, snappy action.

[@bzebarth]

I love the Vision but I'm scared to carry it now because it opened in my pocket. I'm not sure if it was the weak detent or the fact the lock faces the middle of the pocket where something can catch on it and allow the blade to open. Because of that issue I wouldn't rate it up there now.

[@krisyoung447]

The Vision FG is PooPoo Town for me as a knife. Maybe ok for a fidget toy. Clip digs into my hand. Lock makes it awkward to hold and use. Lock is uncomfortable to release too. It is innovative and cool to look at, just not a user for me. I like bigger knives. The CJRB Frack is my current new love. I got an Opinel at a gas station in France. I love it for what it is. Light, cheese cutter. :)

[@MikeyD8716]

The AD10 in S35VN steel was on sale for $75 last week.

[@HelplessTeno]

You can sometimes find the We Banter for under $100, although it's more like a $120 knife. If you can get one under 100 though, that'd be my choice.

[@Andreravone]

CJRB Frack and the Sencut Serene are huge Ws for me. I love them both!

[@michaelcarr2619]

What do you think of the Sencut Glide Strike?

[@briandougher5741]

Some of my underrated faves that weren’t on the list: Real Steel Sacra, Civivi Odium, Kizer T1, Sencut Watauga, Olitans T024, Kizer October Mini

[@wes.killed.it.5511]

Another excellent tier list from the knife youtuber who would undoubtedly be in the "legend" tier list among content creators. I will say my only critique would be that "fine" and "glad it exists" kind of seem like they could be one in the same as far as category goes. Maybe switch the "glad it exists" tier with "great" or "excellent", that would have served as a slightly better slot for the categories. But just my unnecessary two cents of course; thanks for the video on this Saturday morning, and congrats to you on you 500K yesterday. Been with you since 7K in 2019 after I found your Spyderco Manix 2 LW video that you recorded right in the front seat of your pick-up. Cheers to 500K more bud!

[@johnricks7277]

The Openel is only good for camping food prep. But it does that very well.

[@krefcenz]

Ones not on your list but for me are glad it exists or higher: 1) SOG Terminus XR, 2) Vosteed Corsair, 3) Kershaw Heist, 4) SRM 9201, and 5) CMB Predator

[@Mike-mi3yw]

I don’t know why but I just love the FRN lockback spydercos. They are either beloved or completely hated by peoples. But I’ll be honest as long as K390 exists (so forever) I’ll never buy one in VG10. I have a buck 112 and have carried it one time ever….so a solid investment 😂

[@tyshindeldecker7800]

The leak price, quality design and steel alone should at least be in the glad it exists

[@onlykneelforGod]

CIVIVI Sentinel Strike is a sweet knife, congrats on 500k!

[@johnricks7277]

I do agree with most of your rankings, including my two favorite carry knives. The Tenatious, and the Rat 1. I do believe that in the grander skeam of things they belong in the fine category because I know theirs a lot of better designs out there for around the same money. However I do now carry them both in S35vn now, although I first carried the Rat 1 in D2, and the 8cr13mov Tenatious and loved them. So as soon as I found out that they made them with s35vn I had to grab them up. By far my two favorites to actually carry on a daily basis. Mixed with my Griptilian it's the only 3 knives that I actually put in my pocket. Lol. As a side note I know there's probably a lot of better knives to carry, but those just do it for me. I'm that guy that once I find something that works for me I usually just stick with it.

[@MrRed9393]

Mostly agree with the list. Love my Vision FG, such a smooth and tough knife for the price though I’ll concede that the holes in the scales do cheapen the aesthetic. I would probably drop the CJRB knives down one rung, though I do like the knives, mine have slight blade play and Artisan Cutlery’s customer service is essentially non-existent.

[@alexandregraulle607]

I think the Kizer Nice guy are exactly the same blade than the Brat, but with two platines ..! ^^

[@phil2082]

25:53 "9cr18mov is the equivalent of 440b? I think?" I dont think so. I think its VG-10 tier. Let me go look it up again, as it is stainless, like its little brother 8cr13mov which is basically Aus8. Yeah, looks like 9cr18mov beats VG-10, and probably even beats D2, in addition to being a stainless steel with much better corrosion resistance. Honestly, I would reevaluate that. I really do think that anything in D2, unless it is CPM-D2, is a considerably worse option due to corrosion resistance than 9cr18. This goes double for people who use their knives, like taking them ourdoors.

[@DeerUNIT42]

I feel like you can generalize some things to say here. HUGEST WINS: Kizer clutch locks, Civivi button locks, and pick a design from those that hits your feels

[@Wyoming.307]

I just ordered a FG yesterday after looking at it for a while. Looking forward to getting it soon. Really like your list.

[@JohnnyBoy20x2]

I was looking at the FG for awhile as well since the price is amazing and had the super lock. But I couldn’t get over the holes, went for the Vosteed Raccoon instead. Weird name but as long as it works lol

[@Tyler0789]

Love my 3.5" Moyarl ❤

[@derik4eel284]

I love the new top knife videos under your new videos so you can see the knives and where they ranked. It makes it very easy for people with not as much experience to get an idea Where a knife they might possibly want Wood rate. (under your opinions, of course) I don’t wanna get either. But I love your sarcastic in your video.. God bless sarcasm… hey congrats on a half million subs. That sounds a lot better than 500k.. you.5 million subscribers that’s a hell of a good job

[@davidheath2427]

The FG will be my next knife buy . Still a bit away but will be the next .

[@ianorourke9709]

Leek placement spot on

[@Az-88706]

Great list just for me i would add the iridium and the AD-15 to the legend status

[@DavidDoingLife]

You ranked the lightning for reliability?!? How does the lightning get a higher ranking than the Kalashnikov when you said before you believe the Kalashnikov would outlast the lightning. Plus better steel? I don't get it at all

[@jeremynedrow7003]

Congratulations on 500k i can't wait for the epic giveaway. I really like the list.

[@egyptian316]

I personally like the Opinel, but I don't think your dislike is necessarily an indictment of it. Knives are tools. If they don't feel right in your hand no blade steel is going to make up for that. I have kinda small hands, and carpal tunnel,m so to me that Opinel handle feels fantastic. I've gotten poked by a knife unfolding in my pocket, so I appreciate that the Opinel locks shut as well as locking open. I like carbon steels because they're tough and easy to care for. Super steels are interesting, but who uses their pocketknife that much? I'm fine with the wood. G10 and Ultem look nice, but they're mainly for looks I think. I also like a lot of the knives you have on the top of your list, so it's not like we disagree on everything. :) (and I keep a RAT 2 in my pocket, but I get you can't review everything)

[@llamawizard]

Kershaw strata XL Cold Steel Luzon L Petrified Fish PF 939

[@bikehigh]

WOW! imagine my surprise when three of my four knives are in the huge win column! The Praxis is just a sweet easy flipper. The Ekko is a super fidget with a great blade. The Sheepsfoot is an amazing compact knife that I keep in my EDC tool bag. The Livewire is too expensive, and the various RATs don't count.

[@OhNellly]

Can you please do a video featuring just the legends.

[@HighCRI]

Loving these tier list videos!

[@natehoover5266]

The premium Keryx to me is huge win. I haven't tried the budget but I can't believe it didn't get higher. So is the Vision FG snappy? It seems mushy. I have to have crisp detent.

[@Luis_fmo]

It's not very snappy. Similar feeling to a shark lock or a crossbar lock.

[@natehoover5266]

@@Luis_fmo that's a deal breaker for me.

[@alexandregraulle607]

I don't understand why you don't speack about the Vosteed Psyop. And the Kizer Huntsman to ..! ^^

[@hellhound2260]

25:50 lol I remember you arguing with me in the comments about 9cr being as good as d2 xdd I guess you came around.

[@metal_complex]

Agree to disagree. See how this works? Let's not take it further.

[@orendz7740]

Congrats on the KZbin success. Hey man I remember when Kershaw and others were using the alphabet soup steel on their budget line everyone complained. And wanted something better. Kershaw moved to d2 that’s better than 8cr13mov and everyone complains lol. I know they were essentially wanted 14c28n. I wanted 14c28n. Not sure why that steel isn’t on more budget blades.

[@alexandregraulle607]

I like the Beluga blue micarta !! ^^

[@clark3015]

Maaan I know its not a favorite but still has a place for my, wpuld like to see what everyone thinks of the ka-bar Dozier

[@tommywei1154]

That parrot got me giddy ❤

[@brianroyster7510]

Thank you for the hard truth about the Buck 110. It was fine in the 80's when I first got one. Why would you carry it today?

[@katanasmith]

Can't see this on my phone. Where's the list?

[@jarman_2000]

The Kershaw Leek was my first ever pocket knife. I bought it because it was small, thin, and USA made. It got me into pocket knives so i cant hate it, but I too think it's meh. If mine disappeared forever, I wouldn't be sad.

[@gaiusgermanicus8296]

I know a lot of people aren’t big fans of the maker, but there’s no doubt that Eutektiks $85 knives are both great under $100 knives. They have the best action for a knife in that price range that I’ve ever felt.

[@HammerheadStarcraft]

I love my Eutektik EFD. Was there some drama with Liong Mah?

[@burmesebeef]

Have you tried the Cold Steel recon 1 before? I'm deciding between that and the lawman

[@Luis_fmo]

I have both, and the Recon 1 is much larger and thicker. It feels indestructible and it's very "tactical". The American Lawman is a lot more EDC-friendly, being thinner but still with great ergos, while still having that stout feeling expected from Cold Steel.

[@burmesebeef]

@@Luis_fmo do you prefer the ergos on the lawman or the recon?

[@Luis_fmo]

@@burmesebeef the Recon has more girth, which makes it feel solid, but it's one of those knives that has a very opinionated handle. The Lawman gives you way more freedom to hold it in multiple ways, and it has a nice finger choil, which I quite like and makes me prefer it.

[@burmesebeef]

@@Luis_fmo ahh thanks for your input

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Hey man. I just got the Icon knife from HF. Haven’t really been into knives ever but I’m falling down the rabbit hole. Found your channel been watching a lot of your videos. I’m curious what your thoughts are on the Icon Knife. From my 0 experience I think it’s pretty damn nice.

[@Cycle774]

I have 2 of the 5 Legends, so I’m happy with that. 🎉

[@bionick4281]

This list category is my Favorite because I own lots of these knives on your list MC, also MOST of my collection consists of knives in $75-100 range!👍🏻

[@cintage]

Love these tier lists! May I ask which app/website you use? It’s amazing how much I agree with you here (apart from the Cold Steel knives, but that’s highly personal).

[@Cyanoblades]

We need some OG scales for the Vision FG, make it happen MC.

[@davidhalbleib5040]

These are always fun videos. I did get the conspiritor quite a while ago and feel it just belongs right with the sachse. Although it does have a better blade steel. It still has that terrible pocket clip i think for the price, civivi could be like miguron step it up a little and put a titanium clip on their knives that are over $50.

[@5MinEDC]

You young whippersnappers don’t know how good you have it… the budget category has blown up with great options. Back in my day its was kershaws and spydercos with poop steels 😂

[@gordonc2377]

Love these tier formats, want more videos like this one. I have been wanting the FG for a while now but just cannot decide which one. I think am going to buy BOTH the Damascus Ivory and the translucent with satin blade. Then I can decide to keep both or gift my least favorite. Thanks for sharing your opinions and knowledge with us

[@Luis_fmo]

There's a Knife Center exclusive with s35vn blade and carbon fiber handle. Goes for a bit more than $100 though.

[@stevensmith9496]

Come on. We all know your favorite knife would be a custom Buck 110 with a fully serrated Opinel blade, 3/4 length wire pocket clip with two tactical dips, and and extended glass breaker.

[@llamawizard]

Legend status to anything over 4.5 inches

[@CarmineCross]

AYE!!! another tier list! This might determine my next buy :) Btw, Love the vids MC

[@chrisjosekuehl]

I know I’m not the only fan that has spent way more money on knives than we normally would thanks to metal complex exposing us to knives I would never have looked into, I just finally got a kizer and it’s great, same with the vision fg, I thought there’s no way it compares to the ad20.5, miguron has received a bit of my paychecks

[@the_knights_edge]

Great list brother

[@beachbeach2766]

The fossil is the knife that I learned how to spydie flick... so it has some nostalgia for me... then I immediately went and got a spyderco...😂

[@ghostkeeper5910]

The feldspar is the best button lock made period! Not on the list?

[@metal_complex]

Na

[@ghostkeeper5910]

@@metal_complex best CJRB ever period. Awesome blade and stellar action. I have all the pyrites it is better

[@metal_complex]

​@ghostkeeper5910 it's alright. Not something that needed to be a part of this. If you enjoy it, that's all that matters

[@ghostkeeper5910]

@@metal_complex my 2nd favorite knife under $100 to the vision FG. For $80 the Damascus is beautiful and sharpened up great. Action is perfectly smooth with no play.

[@chrisjosekuehl]

I hope you listen to the real steel pathfinder folder, I know you’ll list the vision fg lol.

[@toreycasey1214]

Dillon from Knife Addict makes Fat Carbon for the Vision have 2 sets very nice! Towser K in Micarta is legendary, Richlite blows

[@wayneo5342]

I am surprised I didn’t see the pyrite Bowie knife in there

[@metal_complex]

It's just a variation of the pyrite. Same rank

[@dank5015]

How dare you talk bad about the Buck 110! I love that knife it has sat in my drawer as a jewel since I bought it. i did carry it once it was really heavy. Best knife ever!

[@MrBhcole]

Surprised the QSP Penguin wasn't on there

[@sloppyfinish]

it was

[@MrBhcole]

@@sloppyfinishmy attention span is obviously not what it used to be

[@zachmcmahan8481]

I’m a little late but congrats on 500k. You should do an epic giveaway and give away 7 lanyards so everyone in the lanyard community can have one. 💪

[@stevelegas9749]

Def Moyarl for the win!

[@VDC_EDC]

Don’t even have to watch this to know there’s going to be at least 120 seconds of MC unloading in his pants talking about the Vision FG

[@pablofranco2692]

SOS knives OTF needs to be checked out!!!