For all of you EDC’ers (everyday carry) and normal folks that need a good reliable pocket knife at work or around the house: this post is for you. What is the very best pocket knife you can buy? That’s a bit of a hard one to answer. It depends on the type, size and materials used in the knife. And of course your budget. The sky is sort of the limit here. But I have done some of the legwork for you and put forth my list of what I consider the top ten best pocket knives.
First off, let’s lay out the ground rules. I’m not talking multi-tools here. Just nice, durable knives. I’m also not going to be looking at one-piece knives. All of these are proper folding knives that can be put in your pocket with ease.
Now that we have that out of the way, here is my pocket knife reviews of the top ten best pocket knives you can buy today.
I have a particular fondness for Spyderco and Kershaw folding knives. If you stay within these two brands you kind of can’t go wrong. You’ll just need to decide on the size of the blade and the type of steel used on the blade. I have had a Spyderco Delica 4 as my main folding knife for almost a decade and absolutely love it. Spyderco’s distinctive thumb hole in the blade makes them some of the easiest to handle out there. If Spyderco isn’t your cup of tea, consider checking out the Kershaw Leek, as it is by far one of the best reviewed knives available. This particular knife comes in several different flavors so shop around.
Another notable mention is the Benchmade Griptillian which has been cited as being nearly indestructible by many in the BIFL community. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is essentially a larger bladed version of their smaller Delica 4 and it is also really well reviewed.
These are my absolute favorites, but see the list below for the full top ten best pocket knives that you can buy. They appear from lowest to highest price.
Benchmade 551 Griptilian Plain Drop-Point Satin Finish Knife (Black Nylon Handle)
$160.00
in stock
2 new from $160.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- HIGH-QUALITY: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well-balanced, offering superb edge qualities and rust resistance. The glass-filled nylon handle is tough yet attractive, making it ideal for hard jobs and everyday carry.
- WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Griptilian 551 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly.
- COMFORTABLE: The 551's lightweight design and handle grips make it comfortable to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
- VERSATILE: The Griptilian 551's drop-point utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday use, outdoor activities and even tactical applications.
Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight Signature Folding Knife with 2.90" Flat-Ground Steel Blade and High-Strength Black FRN Handle - PlainEdge - C11FPBK
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- Wide Spectrum of Handle Colors: The Delica 4 now offers new vibrant tones including blue, green, brown, gray, orange, zome green, black and purple.
- Superior Blade Steel: The blades are full flat-ground VG-10 Steel with a thinner highly refined cutting edge and a larger 13mm opening hole.
- Ultra-Lightweight: Inside the handle are dual skeletonized Stainless Steel liners which strengthen the knife without additional weight and double as an anchor for external and internal components to attach through generating more sturdiness.
- Ergonomic: Added to the blade's spine is slip resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left-or right-handed clip.
- A Secure Grip: Molded onto the FRN Handle's surface is Bi-Directional Texturing for slip-free tactile traction. It provides resistance to slipping in the hand.
Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife with 3.39" Black Stainless Steel Blade and Durable G-10 Handle - Everyday Carry - PlainEdge - C122GBBKP
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- Game Changer: Being tenacious means you are persistent and cohesive. It's being tough and tireless in achieving your best performance; all worthy descriptive words for a hard-use knife.
- Superior Blade Steel: The 3.39" 8Cr13MoV stainless blade is coated in a non-reflective black coating and ground-flat from spine to cutting-edge for non-stop cutting.
- A Secure Grip: It has a black G-10 laminate handle, Ergonomically milled with prolonged fatigue-free cutting in mind.
- Easy-To-Use: The blade's shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work.
- Pocket-Friendly: The Tenacious includes a Walker Linerlock and a 4-way pocket clip lets the folder be set in a variety of carry and draw positions: Tip-up/tip-down left-hand/right-hand.
Kershaw Leek, Black Folding Knife (1660CKT); 3” 14C28N Sandvik Steel Blade, 410 Stainless Steel Handle, Both DLC-Coated; SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Liner Lock, Tip Lock, Reversible Pocketclip; 3 OZ.
$56.65 in stock
7 new from $56.65
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- KERSHAW LEEK BLACK POCKETKNIFE: The Kershaw Leek, in a sleek, full black design. The black Cerakote coating adds blade protection and enhanced performance, for an EDC that’s anything but basic. Made in the USA
- DROP POINT PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel for a blade that holds its edge and resharpens easily. A Cerakote finish offers blade protection against daily use.
- 410 STAINLESS-STEEL HANDLE: A durable stainless-steel handle, contoured for a comfortable grip during use. Black handle with Cerakote coating to match the blade. Includes reversible pocketclip for right, tip-up/down carry.
- DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: Equipped with Kershaw’s assisted opening for easy one-handed release with flipper. Frame lock secures blade open while in use and Tip-lock keeps blade locked closed when folded.
- SIZE SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Length: 3in. Closed Length: 4in. Overall Length: 7in. Weighing in at 3oz. Backed by Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Opinel DIY No.9 Stainless Steel Folding Knife and Multi-Tool
$29.00 in stock
2 new from $29.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- The smart tool-knife essential in your tool bag, car and office: sturdy drop point blade is made of durable Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and is notched at the base to serve as both a wire stripper and wire cutter
- Virobloc: Invented by Opinel in 1955, the Virobloc double safety ring locks the blade in place and also helps protect the hand against slipping
- Handle: Fiberglass-reinforced polyamide withstands shocks and humidity, with two built-in bits : flat head(4 mm screws) and Phillips screwdriver (3. 5 to 5 mm screws), magnetized bit holder
- Screwdriver: Simply fold the blade down, and you've got a screw driver available to tackle those day-to-day tasks
Spyderco Endura4 Nylon Combo Edge/Black
$114.00
in stock
8 new from $114.00
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- Great Product
Cold Steel Recon 1 Series Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock and Pocket Clip - Made with Premium CPM-S35VN Steel, Spear Point
$89.95
in stock
29 new from $89.95
4 used from $80.99
4 used from $80.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- SUPERIOR DESIGN - The Recon 1 folding knives are characterized by their thin, lightweight design, yet they are exceptionally strong and resilient; Available with different blade shapes and edges to suit diverse preferences and requirements
- EXCEPTIONAL BLADE - The Recon 1 folder features an American S35VN blade with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, combining exceptional sharpness with remarkable durability; The DLC coating enhances corrosion resistance and extends the lifespan of the blade
- SECURE GRIP - The Recon 1 high-quality G-10 handle provides a secure grip even in challenging conditions, such as when wearing thick gloves or working in cold or wet environments; This ensures precise control and minimizes the risk of accidents during use
- TRI-AD LOCK - Equipped with Cold Steel's renowned Tri-Ad locking mechanism, the Recon 1 folding knife offers unparalleled strength and shock resistance; This locking mechanism enhances the knife's reliability and safety during heavy-duty tasks
- SPECS - Weight: 5.2 oz (147.4 g); Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm; Blade Length: 4"; Blade Steel: S35VN w/DLC Coating; Handle Length/Material: 5.375" G-10; Overall Length: 9.375"; Knife Type: Folder; Blade Shape: Spear Point; Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock
Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife with 3.42" CPM S30V Steel Blade and Durable G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C81GP2
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- An Improved Classic: Undeniably one of Spyderco's most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, Pocket-Friendly package.
- Superior Quality: We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but we've also lengthened the blade's tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger coil.
- A Secure Grip: The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the Ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position.
- Easy-to-Use: The Para Military 2 features extreme strength, reliability, and ease of use of our patented Compression Lock mechanism and versatility of a 4-position pocket clip.
- Dependable: Refinements to overall construction may not be drastic but from the G-10 textured handle to the steel full flat blade, everything is sharper, smoother and guaranteed to provide performance and user comfort.
Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Lock-back Knife, Brass Bolsters, Ebony Handles, 3-3/4" 420HC Clip Point Blade with Leather Sheath
$64.99 in stock
10 new from $59.31
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- Razor Sharp Blade - 3-3/4" 420HC stainless steel blade has excellent strength, edge retention and is corrosion resistant. The blade has a very sharp controllable point, and is good for detail work, piercing and slicing
- Strength and Safety - Easy to open with a nail notch on the blade. The lockback mechanism locks the blade open for reliable strength and safety while you work. Closed Length 4-7/8" Weight 7.2 oz.
- Durable and Multi Use - Meant to withstand even the toughest conditions and stay sharp for long. Great for hunting, camping, bushcrafting, fishing, hiking, and overlanding
- Convenient Carry - Includes a genuine high quality protective leather sheath with snap fastener. The integrated belt loop allows for safe and secure carry on your belt for easy access. The 110 is perfect as a hunting companion or for general outdoor use
- Forever Warranty - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is made in the USA. Includes imported sheath.
Benchmade - Bugout 535 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife Made in USA, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Coated Finish, Green Grivory Handle, Made in the USA
$187.00
in stock
2 new from $187.00
Amazon.com
as of December 14, 2024 5:29 am
Features
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: And incredibly tough; Ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking, and made for everyday use; A lightweight, go-anywhere tool.
- AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Precision drop-point construction for strength and versatility.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS GRIVORY HANDLE: Has an ergonomic textured grip and is molded from glass-filled nylon for superior durability.
- AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options.
