Top 5 Military Grade Knives for Under $100

When you hear “military grade,” your first thought is probably rugged reliability—not price tags. But if you know where to look, there are American-made knives that deliver battlefield-level performance for less than a hundred bucks. And when those blades come from veteran-owned knives companies? Even better. You’re getting gear forged by people who’ve lived through the situations these tools are built for.

In this guide, we’re highlighting five military-grade knives that don’t cost a fortune but still deliver dependable performance. Every knife on this list is Made in the USA and ideal for fieldwork, survival, or everyday carry. And where possible, we spotlight veteran-owned knives businesses that stand behind their blades with integrity forged in service.

What Qualifies as Military Grade?

“Military grade” gets thrown around a lot. But real military-grade knives have a few common traits:

Tough steel: Think 1095 high carbon, 420HC, or 440C—blades that hold an edge and take abuse.
Functional design: Drop point, tanto, or clip point profiles that balance versatility with strength.
Solid construction: Full tang or dependable fixed blades you can trust when it counts.
Grip under pressure: Ergonomic handles that won’t slip, even when wet or gloved.

Military grade isn’t about flash. It’s about doing what you need, when you need it—without failure.

Why Choose Veteran-Owned Knives?

Veteran-owned knives brands aren’t just marketing a military look—they’re building from real-life experience. These companies are founded by people who’ve depended on their blades in warzones and on deployments. That experience shapes every element of their design process, from steel choice to grip ergonomics.

Choosing American-made, veteran-owned knives means you’re backing:

Authentic expertise
Domestic manufacturing
A legacy of service and discipline

Plus, every purchase helps sustain American small businesses, many of which employ fellow veterans in their production shops.

Top 5 Military Grade Knives for Under $100 (Made in USA)

Let’s break down the best blades in the category. These picks are durable, practical, and built for action—without the triple-digit price.

1. KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter

Price: ~$25–35
Blade Steel: AUS-8
Blade Length: 3 inches
Made in: USA
Best for: Everyday carry, utility

KA-BAR is a legendary name in military knives, and this Dozier model gives you their pedigree in a folding format. Lightweight, sharp, and surprisingly rugged, it’s a great value for field use or tactical backup. While KA-BAR itself isn’t a veteran-owned knives company, many military personnel swear by it.

2. Ontario Knife Company RAT-1

Price: ~$45–55
Blade Steel: AUS-8
Blade Length: 3.6 inches
Made in: USA
Best for: Utility, outdoor tasks

The RAT-1 is a classic workhorse. With its ergonomic handle and superior cutting geometry, it punches far above its weight class. Ontario Knife Company is known for supplying knives to the U.S. military, and this model echoes that legacy. It’s a perfect fit for anyone wanting military function at a fraction of the cost.

3. Buck 119 Special

Price: ~$75–85
Blade Steel: 420HC
Blade Length: 6 inches
Made in: USA
Best for: Hunting, survival, field carry

Buck Knives is a Made-in-USA staple with nearly 120 years of history. The 119 Special is their flagship fixed blade—used by generations of outdoorsmen and soldiers alike. While Buck isn’t a veteran-owned knives brand, their commitment to American production and practical design is unwavering.

4. ESEE Izula

Price: ~$65–70
Blade Steel: 1095 Carbon
Blade Length: 2.6 inches
Made in: USA
Best for: Neck knife, EDC, backup blade

The ESEE Izula is a compact fixed-blade powerhouse. Perfect for minimalist carry, it’s strong enough to baton kindling and small enough for daily use. Though ESEE is not a veteran-owned knives brand, their survival school was built around combat-realistic scenarios.

5. TOPS MSK Survival Knife

Price: ~$95–99
Blade Steel: 1095 HC
Blade Length: 3.5 inches
Made in: USA
Best for: Bushcraft, tactical backup

TOPS Knives was founded by Vietnam veterans and law enforcement. Every blade is built by hand in Idaho, USA. The MSK is small but fierce—a blade that can handle serious outdoor use while still tucking away into your kit or belt sheath. This is one of the few veteran-owned knives entries under $100 that delivers field-grade strength in a compact package.

Bonus: Stroup Knives Entry-Level Blade

While many of Stroup Knives’ full-sized models come in north of $100, they occasionally offer limited-run compact fixed blades or utility knives that sneak under that mark. Stroup Knives is proudly a veteran-owned knives company, and their commitment to hand-forged, Made-in-USA quality is unmatched.

Keep your eyes on their site for restocks or special drops—you won’t find gimmicks here, just battle-born blades made by warriors turned craftsman.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Break the Bank

It’s absolutely possible to get a military-grade knife that’s Made in the USA for under $100—especially when you know where to look. Even better, some of the finest knives at this price point come from veteran-owned knives businesses that have poured their experience into every detail.

If you’re building a kit, outfitting a team, or simply looking for a blade that won’t quit—you’ve got options. Just make sure your money supports those who’ve stood in your boots, fought the fight, and now forge the gear that gets the job done.

Support American grit. Buy military grade. Choose veteran-owned knives.