The Best Pocket Knife of the Year: Reviewed, Tested and Rated

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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The Best Pocket Knife of the Year: Reviewed, Tested and Rated

We can purchase many different products that serve multiple uses, and versatility is always a plus as long as other aspects don’t suffer. A pocket knife embodies this philosophy, as it can be used for many purposes beyond what many would expect.

Key Takeaways

1. 1. Versatility of Pocket Knives: Pocket knives are multi-functional tools that can be used for various tasks, including self-defense, utility, and survival. Their compact and portable design makes them an essential everyday carry item.
   2. Comparison with Other Knives: The article contrasts pocket knives with other types of knives, such as Swiss Army knives, survival knives, kitchen knives, switchblades, and butterfly knives, highlighting their distinct uses and features.
   3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pocket Knife: Important factors include size, durability, sharpness, weight, and grip. These elements determine the knife’s portability, usability, and overall effectiveness.
   4. Top Pocket Knife Recommendations: The article reviews and recommends several top pocket knives, including the Kershaw Blur, Kershaw Brawler, Case Yellow CV Trapper, SOG Aegis Assisted, and Gerber Ripstop I, each catering to different needs and budgets.
   5. Alternative Options: Additional knife options, such as the Kershaw Cryo and CRKT M16-01KS, are discussed for those seeking specialized or premium features.

There are points where a pocket knife may become invaluable, and it may not be for the reasons you expect. Throughout this guide, we will primarily look at ten of the best pocket knives on the market. You may be wondering why we are going over so many of them.

We have chosen a diverse set of knives (all of which are high-quality offerings) to improve the likelihood that every one of our readers will find something that they like. Five-pocket knives in this guide will be our top recommendations, while the others will be alternative options.

Remember that there is no such thing as the best pocket knife in the world; rather, there is the best pocket knife for you. Since everyone has different needs, the ideal knife for another customer may be useless to you, or perhaps vice versa. We will also cover finding the best pocket knife for your needs.

First, we will discuss what exactly makes a knife a pocket knife, as there are many similar products. We’ll also be covering some of the differences between pocket knives and other types of blades that are typically carried, as there may still be some lingering confusion

In addition, you may want to look at the section in which we discuss the features to look for when choosing the best pocket knife. Considering the different aspects of the available pocket knives and selecting the one that suits you is often the best way to pick one.

Of course, if you are used to buying pocket knives, you likely already know what you are looking for, so feel free to skip through that section. In the end, please read through this guide as you see fit since there is no wrong way to use it as long as you get the information you seek.

Let’s lay down some groundwork without further delay by looking at what exactly makes up a pocket knife.

What Are Pocket Knives?

As you may have guessed by the name, a pocket knife is a blade compact enough to fit in one of your pockets, but this still doesn’t give us an obvious idea of what to expect. There are many different kinds of pockets, all of varying sizes, and the same can be said for pocket knives.

There are pocket knives for various needs, ranging from self-defense to utility uses. They typically feature designs optimized for the job they’re made for. Pocket knives can have many features, but we’ll describe the most common type.

Most pocket knives feature a folding design, as that is the simplest way to collapse a knife without compromising its structural integrity while it is in use. Remember that most pocket knives are not spring-loaded, as individual states may have a legislature forbidding such blades.

Most pocket knives do not feature a very large blade, demonstrating that they aren’t meant to be used instead of dedicated knives. That means that a pocket knife can get you out of a tough situation, but you shouldn’t rely on it if you go camping or into the wilderness for an extended period.

While these blades may excel in utility, you must remember that they are still relatively small and light, meaning they aren’t made of heavy-duty materials. Unless you invest in an advanced model, a pocket knife isn’t designed for protracted use but is made for maximum portability.

Even though some pocket knives are built to last longer than others, they are typically unable to compete with survival knives and other heavy-duty blades.

If you expected something different from your pocket knife, there isn’t much cause for concern, as we will now look at various other kinds of knives you can come across. You may find another blade more suitable than a pocket knife.

Pocket Knives Vs. Other Types of Knives

There are many different types of blades, and this will not be an exhaustive list by any means. The purpose of this section is to go over knives that are similar to pocket knives and explain the differences. This will help clear up any confusion about the purposes of these various blades and may even help you choose the right one.

Swiss Army Knives

Likely the most famous of the blades on this list, the Swiss Army Knife is a cultural icon of Switzerland. These blades were originally designed in the late 1800s for Swiss soldiers, and they are more of a multi-tool than a full-blown knife, which makes them the most versatile option on this list.

Remember that the Swiss Army Knife and a pocket knife serve two distinct roles, as it is unlikely that you will ever use a Swiss Army Knife to defend yourself. However, a few select Swiss Army Knife models can still be used as a defensive weapon in a tough situation.

Regardless, the primary use of these products is versatility, as they can come equipped with dozens of tools. A typical Swiss Army Knife will often feature miniature scissors, a corkscrew, screwdrivers, tweezers, blades of varying lengths and styles, and much more.

These knives are an excellent choice for anyone out of the house often and who needs access to a wide range of tools in a convenient package. Most of the time, a Swiss Army Knife won’t replace the need for a pocket knife, but it will rather go hand-in-hand with one as items that you should always keep on you.

Survival Knives

Now, we get into knives that have a truly specialized use. Survival knives are optimized for use in the wilderness and other tough situations. Bringing one of these knives with you is crucial if you plan camping, hiking, or any other activity involving going out into the wild.

Survival knives are not so much knives as they are tools that can facilitate your survival in the most desperate situations, so they are made to take a beating without failing. You will find that survival knives are the most durable of the common knife varieties that you will see available.

Other than durability, survival knives also feature a versatile design that is useful in situations where you have to cut through a wide range of tough materials. Whether you are trying to slice through some foliage or you need to use your knife to pry something, a survival knife will have you covered.

Most knives of this type feature a rubberized grip with an ergonomic design to keep the blade in your hand even in the rain and in other tough conditions. These knives often feature a blade partly serrated for additional purchase on some substances.

Kitchen Knives

This is the kind of knife you can expect to see in your kitchen drawers, and they share almost no similarities with the smaller blades you can fit in your pocket. Of course, both kinds of knives consist of blades with handles, but that is about where the similarities between them end.

First, kitchen knives rarely feature a folding blade. They are also much larger than other knives, so you have a broader chopping surface. Many kitchen knives are sharper than pocket knives, so you will know to be more careful with them.

There are many different subtypes of kitchen knives, from meat cleavers to cheese knives, but most people think of the chef’s knife, which has a broad, flat blade. This knife was initially developed to cut through large cuts of meat, so it is capable, if not unwieldy.

Kitchen and pocket knives are not similar in terms of use, as a kitchen knife will never leave your home. However, they are still among the more common types of knives people purchase. You can usually expect to pay far more for a quality kitchen knife.

Switchblades

All switchblades are pocket knives, but not all pocket knives are switchblades. This statement may cause some confusion, but you’ll find that it makes sense when you further examine it. Almost all switchblades will be small enough to fit into your pocket and still fold up to be stowed.

So, where does the difference between switchblades and pocket knives lie? Most people will tell you that a pocket knife becomes a switchblade when the mechanism to deploy the knife is spring-loaded. Since the blade is deployed by pressing a switch, it is evident to see where the knives got their name from.

This feature makes switchblades particularly suitable for self-defense since the blade will be ready far faster than it takes to unfold a pocket knife’s blade manually. On the other hand, you will have to consider the governments of some states regulate that switchblade, so you will have to do your research.

In the end, there is some significant overlap between the functionality of the pocket knife and the switchblade since they are essentially the same knife with a different method of operation. If switchblades are entirely legal in your state, and you will use your knife for self-defense, we recommend opting for one.

Butterfly Knife

The last kind of knife we will be looking at is the butterfly knife, also referred to as a balisong. A butterfly knife has a blade attached to split handles that rotate around to cover each half of the blade when it is not in use. These handles are connected to the tang, so the blade is well-balanced.

If you know of butterfly knives, then it is likely that you have seen some of the impressive performances by wielders of these blades. Many butterfly knife owners learn how to spin the blade around their fingers, which makes for an impressive (albeit dangerous) display of nerve and resolve.

Much like switchblades, there are certain areas where butterfly knives are forbidden, so you must review your local regulations before deciding to purchase one. Other than for performance, you will find that a butterfly knife can fulfill all the uses of a typical pocket knife.

While they may look unwieldy, butterfly knives are still useful as defensive weapons and sometimes as utility blades when needed. If you are proficient with this blade, it may work better for you as an everyday carry knife, but you may want to purchase a training blade before trying some tricks.

Uses for Pocket Knives

This section will examine some of the most common uses for pocket knives. Of course, since everyone has a different purpose for their blade, don’t expect to use your pocket knife in all these ways, but be aware that they are very versatile tools.

Self-Defense

The most obvious reason for carrying a pocket knife is that it provides an easy way to defend yourself in a tough situation. Since these blades are so much smaller than other knives, keeping them in your pocket until the need arises is easier, which it hopefully never will.

Remember that pocket knives aren’t fighting knives, so they will not be the ideal blade you would use in a defensive situation. Rather, a pocket knife is convenient to carry in case you need it, a distinction you must understand for your safety.

If your assailant is coming at you with a six-inch blade, you may have to reconsider your options, as a pocket knife is not meant to compete with the kind of reach that a blade such as that offers. Always keep an eye on your options in a defensive situation, as there are several ways to defend yourself.

Utility

Besides protecting yourself, a pocket knife can be useful in various utility situations. Have you ever been in a position where you couldn’t open a package for your life? One quick poke with your pocket knife and that packaging won’t give you any more trouble.

Remember that if you use your pocket knife for utility purposes, you may wish to invest in a slightly more durable blade. Many pocket knives are made with too thin blades to withstand daily use, so you will want something built to last.

Survival

While a pocket knife isn’t the ideal tool to have on you in a survival situation, it is better than having no blade. Since a pocket knife will always be on your person, you will likely have access to it in case of an accident or another unfortunate situation that may necessitate a blade.

Remember that if you know you will be headed out into the wilderness, you will want to bring a dedicated survival knife. A folding knife may end up damaged, or it can even break if subjected to the stress that a survival knife is commonly put through, but it can work for you in a pinch.

Choosing the Perfect Pocket Knife For Your Needs

Finding the right knife can often be challenging because of the various features you must look for. In this part of our guide, we will cover all the essential aspects to look over in your search for the best pocket knife on the market.

Size

Of course, the first thing you will want to consider when buying your new pocket knife is its size. The whole point of a pocket knife is to fit in your pocket and carry it around wherever you need it, and you won’t want one that is too big.

Remember that a smaller knife will also have a smaller blade, diminishing its usefulness in various situations. When looking for the best pocket knife for your needs, you will have to balance the size of the blade with the overall size (with the handle included) so that it fits comfortably and is also useful.

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Vince D’Souza

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Durability

You will also want your blade to be reasonably durable, as nobody wants to buy a knife that will fail within the first few months of usefulness. Getting a durable knife is more than a blade made of quality steel; you will also want to ensure that your folding mechanism is reliable.

A pocket knife that can’t fold will be impossible to carry, so there is more to a durable one than just the blade. It would be best if you also looked at the handle’s material, as a cracked handle may compromise the blade’s ability to fold into it in the first place.

Sharpness

When buying a new knife, you may consider whether it comes pre-sharpened. Unlike other blades, many pocket knives arrive in that condition, which you must sharpen yourself. If you prefer to do the work sharpening the blade, look at whether or not this is the case.

Weight

Another factor to consider when shopping for the best pocket knife is its weight. Since you will likely carry your pocket knife everywhere, you won’t want a massive monstrosity that drags your pants down.

The best pocket knives combine exceptional durability with a lightweight design that provides the best of both worlds. This way, you can carry the blade wherever you need it and use it in tough situations without worrying about the blade snapping or the mechanism failing due to stress.

Grip

Another thing you should consider when making your purchase is your pocket knife’s grip. You want something comfortable and prevents slippage. In a defensive scenario, the last thing you would want is for your blade to slip out of your fingers, which could be rather dangerous.

Our Recommendations

Best Overall Pocket Knife – Kershaw Blur 14C28N Steel Blade Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• The opening is made easy thanks to the SpeedSafe system
• The pocket clip can be reversed for your choice of carry
• Features a liner lock to keep the blade tucked away, but the whole package is slim
• The grip features a trac-tec insert for improved grip, even in wet conditions
• DLC coating improves resistance to corrosion
• The handle is made of anodized aluminum for light weight and durability

Regarding the best pocket knife on this list, we must hand it to the Kershaw Blur since it is so versatile and much more affordable than you would expect from such a quality model. Let’s look at some features that make this knife stand out.

First, let’s start with the handle made of anodized aluminum. This helps keep the knife much lighter than many other models. Of course, there is also a substance set into the grip to help keep the knife in your hands, and it is trac-tec, which will even provide grip in wet conditions.

This blade is also serious about safety. Its liner lock is set into the grip, which is much more secure than the mechanisms used in other blades.

You will find that this liner lock helps keep the handle’s width down, making it easier to carry this model around.

Best Compact Pocket Knife – Kershaw Brawler 8Cr13MoV Folding Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• Black oxide finish
• Nylon scales on the handle
• SpeedSafe opening system
• Pocketclip features 4 positions
• Line lock keeps you safe
• Tanto-style blade

Overview

For our readers who need a compact pocket knife that is a little more versatile, this tanto-style offering from Kershaw is one of the best options on the market.

This blade is versatile enough for utility applications, such as opening cans, cutting rope, breaking through foliage, etc.

The four-position pocket clip on the Brawler ensures that you can carry your knife how you need it to have it ready as soon as possible. The included liner lock ensures you will not accidentally cut yourself while using the blade.

As with many other pocket knives, this product features SpeedSafe, which allows you to open the knife with one hand without worrying about injuring yourself. The blade is nearly straight, which makes this knife easier for beginners to sharpen and provides a deep, consistent cut.

Best Trapper Pocket Knife – Case Yellow CV Trapper Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• Choice of chrome vanadium or stainless steel blades
• Features a clip blade and a spey blade
• Available in a range of different colors
• Ideal for a variety of different applications
  

If you are looking for a pocket knife that is also a hunting knife, you will have found your ideal product in the Case Trapper Knife. This product is available in a wide range of colors, and you can even choose a different material for the blade if you prefer.

The model we reviewed was a CV (chrome vanadium) bladed example with a yellow handle, though you can find these knives on sale in a wide range of combos. Stainless steel is another blade material option.

Perhaps the most unique feature of this knife is that it has two blades. The Case Trapper Knife includes a slim clip blade and a longer Spey blade. Both can be used for a wide range of applications, and including the second blade doesn’t make the handle much wider.

This blade is defined by its versatility. It can be used in various situations, from utility to food prep.

Best Pocket Knife Under $100 – SOG Aegis Assisted AE06-CP Folding Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• SAT dual spring lock
• Nylon handle reinforced with glass
• Cryo heat treatment
• 3.1 ounces
• Features a bayonet clip

If you want a knife under $100, this one from SOG is the best option. The Aegis is a versatile knife designed to military specifications, perfect for combining a defensive and utility tool.

First, this blade has received cryogenic heat treatment for improved durability, making it much less likely to snap or otherwise break. If you need longevity, then there are worse options than the Aegis. The same can be said for this knife’s nylon, glass-reinforced handle.

However, the handle on this blade provides more durability. It features a rubber insert to help improve grip.

The inclusion of SOG’s bayonet clip combined with this knife’s low weight means that this model is much easier to carry around anywhere you go, even compared to other pocket knives.

Best Budget Pocket Knife – Gerber Ripstop I Knife

Specifications:

• Frame lock improves safety and durability
• Streamlined handle
• Thumb studs for opening and closing
• Lifetime warranty

If you are searching for the best knife for the money, you won’t come across many that match the Ripstop I from Gerber. This blade may be bare-bones, but it is still capable. For instance, the lightweight, streamlined design makes carrying it around effortless.

This blade has thumb studs on both sides, making it easier to open and close. They are also ambidextrous. The entire blade is 5.75 inches long unfolded, meaning you won’t have any issues fitting it into your pocket when it is closed.

Gerber also offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products in North America, meaning that you can always get another knife if this one fails. Remember that this product’s simplicity results in a pocket knife with few components that can go wrong.

Including a frame lock means this knife is safe enough to carry around in your pocket without worrying about it suddenly opening up. Overall, this is the best pocket knife for customers who aren’t looking to spend too much money on additional features.

Alternatives

Kershaw Cryo 1555TI Steel Blade Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• Titanium carbo-nitride coating
• SpeedSafe opening
• Frame lock improves safety
• The pocket clip can be used in four positions and is of the deep-carry variety
• Weight of 4.1 ounces

The Kershaw Cryo is an excellent pocket knife choice if you are looking for something with some versatility and don’t mind paying extra for quality. This pocket knife has features that suit various tasks, from everyday use to survival situations.

First, the Cryo features a titanium carbo-nitride coating, which makes it much more durable than competing blades. This coating helps the knife resist scratches and nicks and improves its resistance to corrosion forces.

The pocket clip that comes with this knife is also rather impressive. It can be used in four different positions and is of the deep-carry type. A deep-carry clip lets you carry the knife lower in your pocket, which makes it more discreet.

This knife also comes with all of the extras you can expect from a blade in this price range, including the SpeedSafe opening system, which lets you open the knife quickly and safely.

CRKT M16-01KS Folding Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• Features a liner safety
• Blade has Veff serrations
• Comes included with a lifetime warranty
• Tanto blade improves strength
• A four-position clip is included

This knife from CRKT is designed for special forces use, as evidenced by its resilient design and innovative features. For example, the tanto blade on this knife helps improve its durability relative to many of the other models on the market.

One of the more impressive features of this pocket knife is the automated liner safety, which ensures that the locking liner is less likely to fail due to an additional pin. If you are concerned about your knife opening up on you, you can rest easy with this model.

While the handle features friction grooves and a few other implementations to ensure you can maintain your grip, we would have preferred a softer inset. This is one of the reasons that this knife is an alternative.

The clip with these knives can be used in four different positions, but you must keep something in mind. These knives are not meant to be carried with the tip up in your pocket, and we would not recommend it, as it could be unsafe.

SOG Salute FF11-CP Folding Pocket Knife

• Adjustable thumb stud
• Capable of one-handed deployment
• Lockback keeps the blade open
• Handle of G10 fiberglass
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Straight-edged blade

Next on our list of best pocket knife alternatives is the Salute from SOG, which is a worthy option, if not a little bit pricey, for its capabilities. This knife features an adjustable thumb stud, making it much easier to optimize the blade’s opening for your preferences.

Besides the adjustable thumb stud, there isn’t all that much that is very innovative about this knife, but that isn’t necessarily bad. While this blade may be a little plain, it is made with care, and you can tell that a lot of thought went into its design.

For example, it features a lockback to ensure that you won’t have to worry about the blade collapsing on you when it is in the open position. The handle on this knife is textured and made of G10 fiberglass, a relatively common material for pocket knife handles.

The inclusion of a lifetime warranty with this knife ensures that it will be able to serve you for years to come, and it is an excellent (if not a little unimaginative) choice.

Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Folding knife

Specifications:

• The blade is 3 – ⅜ inches
• The handle is made out of G10 textured fiberglass
• Knife weighs 4 ounces
• Steel liners improve durability
• Walker liner lock
• 4-way pocket clip

Overview

This blade from Spyderco is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best pocket knife and don’t want to spend too much on it. While it may seem simplistic initially, you may be surprised that this knife has several impressive features.

For example, the Tenacious features a Walker liner lock to ensure the blade remains locked inside the handle when tucked away. The handle itself is another discussion point, made out of G10 fiberglass that is textured to help improve grip.

The steel liners within the knife’s handle are skeletonized to help keep it slim while improving its durability. This knife is highly portable thanks to its combination of small size and lightweight, coming in at only four ounces.

Even the pocket clip that comes with this knife is impressive. It allows you to position the blade any way you please, regardless of whether you are a rightie or a leftie.

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife

Specifications:

• Available in two colors
• Frame lock keeps you safe
• Deep pocket clip
• Blade made of high carbon stainless steel
• 3.4 ounces
• 3.5 inches closed

The last entry on our list of the best pocket knives will also be the second one from CRKT, and it is certainly not the least of the offerings on this list. The Squid is a small blade designed to be compact yet formidable, and we feel that the designers accomplished their goal admirably.

First, the blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, which improves durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring that this blade will serve you for some time. Carrying this pocket knife around is a breeze, thanks to its much smaller size than many other options.

This blade is only 3.5 inches long when closed and weighs 3.4 ounces, meaning you won’t even feel it in your pocket as the day progresses. Coupled with the deep pocket clip, you will have a secure way to carry this knife.

Thanks to the inclusion of a frame lock, you also don’t have to worry about this knife suddenly opening up on you. This is an excellent choice for those needing a compact pocket knife.

Conclusion

We hope this list has helped you find the best pocket knife. Remember that there is no ideal model for everyone; you must put time and effort into researching what will work best for you. Thank you for taking the time to read through our article, and feel free to let us know what you think.

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