An Award-Winning, Cult-Favorite EDC Brand Finally Drops a Sub-$100 Knife

The up-and-coming Vero Engineering has a growing catalog of excellent blades, but this is its most affordable yet.

Black and silver multitool with a circular pivot and a small screw, resting on soil with green leaves in the background.Vero Engineering

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Founded in 2018, Vero Engineering has quickly established itself as a name to know in the knifemaking world. However, the brand’s offerings have slotted into the more premium end of the spectrum, with its most affordable option to date coming in at $185.

That’s set to change, as the brand has now launched its most affordable folder ever, the Vero Engineering Aura. While this knife still offers the same precision craftsmanship the brand is known for, it’s also the first to clock in under $100.

Knife with a silver blade and orange handle resting on a worn black tire.
Here is just one of the knife’s 12 possible configurations.
Vero Engineering

Aura farming

Although this knife is nearly $100 cheaper than the next most affordable Vero folder, it still bears the brand’s signature stylistic hallmarks, as well as some of its functional ones.

For instance, the silhouette is entirely minimalist, as is standard across the brand’s catalog. It could even be argued that, with its angularity, this knife verges on brutalist. It has virtually no unnecessary stylistic flair; every design choice serves a purpose.

Blue-handled folding knife with a partially serrated silver blade and water droplets on it.
The handle is available in four colors: blue (above), orange, grey and black.
Vero Engineering

For instance, the spine of the blade (regardless of which shape you choose) has jimping and a ramp, which serve to add safety and stability when using downforce for difficult cuts. Similarly, the handle has a solitary finger notch to increase grip stability.

But none of that restraint means the knife isn’t stylish. Even against Vero’s other impressive offerings, this one stands out as unique and easy to pick out. And yet it still hinges on the same precision and performance as its peers.

Blue metal folding knife with a partially open silver blade held in a hand against a black background.
The blade comes in 14C28N steel and is available in either a drop point or a sheepsfoot shape.
Vero Engineering

A cut above

The Aura measures 7.7 inches in total, with a blade that, depending on the shape, measures either 3.2 or 3.3 inches. While it’s on the larger end of the spectrum, it still fits into what I’ve lovingly dubbed the EDC sweet spot.

However, it is not overly bulky, courtesy of its design and materials. It weighs just 4.2 ounces, which can be attributed in part to its lightweight aluminum handle scales. Of course, they’re also incredibly strong and durable, too.

The Aura also gets a reliable crossbar lock and reversible wire pocket clip. Pair that with the blade’s finger hole deployment and you’ve got a fully ambidextrous knife.

Black and silver folding knife with screws and a thumb stud, resting on a tree stump with green leaves in the background.
The minimalist, almost brutalist styling of this knife underscores its precision engineering and lends it a sleek appearance.
Vero Engineering

The blade is offered in either a drop point or sheepsfoot (what the brand calls “talon”) blade shape. In either case, it’s made from 14C28N steel. Admittedly, this (alongside the aluminum handle, as opposed to titanium or steel) is where much of the savings come into play.

Still, this is an old standard blade material that has maintained its place in the EDC world for a long time precisely because it is reliable, easy to care for and performs well.

Hand holding a blue folding knife with a silver blade against a black background.
The Aura measures 7.7 inches overall with a 3.3- or 3.2-inch blade (depending on the shape).
Vero Engineering

Availability and pricing

The Vero Engineering Aura will be available sometime today, June 17, for $98. There are also black-on-black or Damascus options listed for $109 and $148, respectively.

You can, however, sign up for stock notifications right now.

It’s also live over at Smoky Mountain Knife Works for the same price.

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