Everyday carry (EDC) knives are versatile tools designed to handle a wide range of tasks in our daily lives.
They can help with opening packages, cutting cords, preparing food, and even self-defense in emergency situations.
One popular brand that has gained a solid reputation for producing reliable, well-built EDC knives is Spyderco.
With their unique designs and quality materials, Spyderco has become a go-to choice for many knife enthusiasts looking for a reliable EDC tool.
In the world of EDC knives, Spyderco stands out with its distinctive leaf-shaped blades, easy-to-operate thumb holes, and ergonomic handle designs.
These knives are not only functional but also provide great value within their product range.
For those seeking a high-quality EDC knife without breaking the bank, finding the best Spyderco knife under $100 may seem like an overwhelming task.
When choosing a Spyderco EDC knife, it’s essential to pay attention to critical factors, such as blade material, size, weight, handle material, and ease of use.
All these elements contribute to the knife’s overall performance and cater to individual preferences, ensuring you find the perfect tool for your daily tasks.
Investing in a well-constructed knife that suits your needs will save you time and frustration in the long run.
After spending years researching and testing various Spyderco EDC knives, we have narrowed down the best options available (under $100) to help you make an informed decision.
Our top picks will provide you with a reliable, efficient, and practical tool for your everyday needs.
Best Spyderco EDC Knives Under $100
Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight 7.15″ Folding Knife
The Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight is an excellent EDC knife under $100 with a durable design and superb cutting performance.
Pros
- Wide variety of handle colors
- Superior blade steel with refined cutting edge
- Ultra-lightweight and ergonomic design
Cons
- Price may be steep for some
- Some users may find the overall size too small
- Shortness of pocket clip may not suit everyone
The full flat-ground VG-10 steel blade features a thinner, highly refined cutting edge, which makes slicing tasks a breeze.
Additionally, the larger 13mm opening hole ensures easy one-handed opening and closing.
The Delica 4 is not only a functional knife but also a visually appealing one.
Available in a wide spectrum of vibrant handle colors, it caters to various personal tastes.
The FRN handle material is both lightweight and durable, offering a secure grip thanks to its Bi-Directional Texturing.
Inside the handle, dual skeletonized stainless steel liners enhance the knife’s strength without adding extra weight.
Our experience using this knife has been mostly positive, but we can’t ignore a few potential drawbacks.
Some users might find the overall size of the Delica 4 too small for their hands or needs.
Secondly, the shortness of the pocket clip may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those who prefer deeper pocket carry.
In summary, the Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight is a fantastic option for those looking to purchase a reliable EDC knife under $100.
Its combination of excellent cutting performance, durability, and ergonomic design makes it a top choice in the market.
Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight Signature Knife
The Spyderco Endura 4 is a reliable folding knife well-suited for daily carry and versatile cutting tasks, all for under $100.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable FRN handle
- Advanced cutting performance with Flat Saber Grind blade
- Secure grip with Bi-Directional Texturing
Cons
- Partially serrated blade might not be ideal for all users
- Might be too large for some pockets
- Manual opening can be slower compared to assisted opening knives
When we got our hands on the Spyderco Endura 4 and it quickly became a favorite for everyday carry.
The Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) handle made it lightweight and comfortable in our hands while maintaining durability.
The FRN handle also features Bi-Directional Texturing, which provided a secure grip during use, ensuring no accidental slips.
The Flat Saber Grind blade on the Endura 4 offers advanced cutting performance.
It maintains full thickness through a larger portion of the blade, giving it increased strength.
The CombinationEdge blade includes both PlainEdge and SpyderEdge grinds, making it efficient for cutting fibrous materials as well as providing control and precision when working with more delicate tasks.
One potential downside to consider is the size of the knife.
It may be too large for some pockets or preferences.
Additionally, the manual opening mechanism might not be as fast as an assisted opening knife, although it did open smoothly for us.
In conclusion, the Spyderco Endura 4 is a top choice for an EDC knife under $100.
Its lightweight design, advanced cutting performance, and secure grip make it a versatile and reliable folding knife for everyday carry.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Signature Knife
This Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is an exceptional option for anyone seeking a reliable, lightweight, and compact EDC knife under $100.
Pros
- High-performance VG-10 steel blade
- Ergonomic design with a comfortable grip
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Might be too small for some users
- Clip may not be tight enough for heavy-duty use
- Zome Green color may not be everyone’s preference
After using the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Signature Knife, we were impressed with its compact size and lightweight design, making it ideal for everyday carry.
The 2.3″ VG-10 steel blade delivered excellent cutting performance, and the high-strength Zome Green FRN handle made it easy to hold and maneuver.
The ergonomic design of the Dragonfly 2 features a front-finger choil and spine cusp, which contribute to its comfortable grip.
We also appreciated the patented Bi-Directional Texturing on the handle, assuring a secure grip even in wet conditions.
The knife also had a smooth blade opening thanks to the precise positioning of the Spyderco Round Hole in relation to the blade’s pivot.
However, we noticed that the pocket clip might not be tight enough for more heavy-duty use, making it necessary to double-check it’s secure when carrying the knife in more demanding activities.
Additionally, the Zome Green color of the FRN handle might not be everyone’s preference.
Overall, the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Signature Knife is a fantastic option under $100 for those looking for a high-performance, lightweight, and ergonomic EDC knife.
Its compact size and comfortable grip make it a joy to use, and despite a few minor drawbacks, we believe it’s well worth the investment.
Spyderco Centofante 3
The Spyderco Centofante 3 is a lightweight, versatile EDC knife with a sleek design that we confidently recommend for anyone seeking a reliable folder under $100.
Pros
- Lightweight with an FRN handle
- VG-10 stainless steel blade for excellent edge retention
- Mid-positioned back-lock for security and convenience
Cons
- Pocket clip is not adjustable for left-hand carry
- Slightly less smooth opening compared to some Spyderco models
- Hollow-grind blade may not be suitable for all tasks
The Spyderco Centofante 3 impressed us with its collaboration design by custom knifemaker Frank Centofante.
We appreciate the slim profile, excellent craftsmanship and the light FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon) handle.
The handle features furrowed channels for an improved grip, ensuring the knife stays securely in our hand during use.
The 3.14-inch VG-10 stainless steel blade has both a hollow-grind and swedge-grind, providing versatility in cutting tasks while maintaining a sharp edge.
We also like the added touch of non-sharpened spine serrations, or jimping, to keep our thumb steady during cutting tasks.
However, the hollow-grind may not be suitable for tougher tasks like prying or heavy-duty use.
One drawback we noticed was the pocket clip – it only allows for tip-up/down, right-hand carry.
This might be a problem for left-handed users.
Additionally, while the back-lock is easy to use and well-positioned, the knife’s opening action may feel slightly less smooth compared to other models like the Endura 4.
Overall, the Spyderco Centofante 3 stands out as a remarkably designed, lightweight, and versatile EDC choice, with a few compromises.
For those seeking a reliable folder under $100, this knife undoubtedly deserves consideration.
Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife
The Spyderco Tenacious is a top choice for an affordable, reliable EDC knife under $100.
Pros
- Durable blade and handle
- Easy-to-use and secure grip
- Versatile 4-way pocket clip
Cons
- Blade steel isn’t premium quality
- Non-reflective coating might wear off over time
- Stiff opening may require some break-in
We were impressed with the Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife’s performance as an everyday carry option.
The 3.39″ 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is designed for efficient and effective cutting, while the black G-10 laminate handle offers both comfort and durability that lasts.
Despite having a stainless steel blade not as premium as other options, it still maintains a sharp edge and is coated in a non-reflective black coating to avoid drawing attention.
Using the Spyderco Tenacious was a breeze, as the blade is easy to open with its oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping, providing a slip-proof grip.
However, we found that the opening mechanism was a bit stiff at first, so you may need to break it in before it opens smoothly.
One of the standout features of the Tenacious is its 4-way pocket clip, which allows for a variety of carry and draw positions – tip-up, tip-down, left-hand or right-hand.
This versatility ensures that the knife is ready for work whenever and wherever you need it.
In conclusion, the Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife is a reliable and versatile choice for those seeking an EDC knife under $100.
It may not be the most high-end option on the market, but it certainly gets the job done while offering convenience and a user-friendly experience.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Spyderco EDC knife under $100, there are several factors to consider.
Blade Material & Edge Retention
One of the most critical aspects of any knife is the blade material.
This will determine the edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability of your EDC knife.
Some popular blade materials include:
- Stainless steel
- High carbon steel
- Tool steel
Each material will have its pros and cons, but it is essential to choose a blade material that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Handle Material & Ergonomics
The handle material of an EDC knife significantly impacts its overall comfort and usability.
There are various handle materials to choose from, including but not limited to:
- G-10
- FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon)
- Titanium
- Aluminum
Consider the ergonomics and feel of the handle material, as this will affect your overall experience with the knife.
Blade Design & Length
When choosing a Spyderco EDC knife, consider the blade design and length.
This will depend on your intended use and personal preferences.
Blade designs include:
- Drop point
- Clip point
- Tanto
Each blade design has its advantages and is suitable for specific tasks. Blade length is also essential, as it will determine the knife’s versatility and ease of carry.
Locking Mechanism & Deployment
The locking mechanism and deployment of a Spyderco EDC knife are other crucial considerations.
Some common locking mechanisms include:
- Liner lock
- Frame lock
- Compression lock
- Back lock
Additionally, the deployment of the blade (how it opens) plays a role in the ease of use and overall safety of the knife.
Look for features such as thumb holes or flipper tabs for quick and easy deployment.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best Spyderco EDC knife under $100 that suits your needs and preferences.