The Best Pocket Knives of 2025

Our Picks of Pocket Knives

Best Overall Pocket Knife

Benchmade Mini Barrage 585

Weight: 3.50 oz | Blade Length: 2.75 inches

Built for precision with a design that has maintained top status for years, the Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 houses a 2.75-inch blade that arrives razor-sharp and is paired with the LifeSharp sharpening service to sweeten the deal — just cover the shipping costs, and Benchmade will sharpen and return the blade to its factory specifications for life. The Mini Barrage's Valox thermoplastic composite handle fits in the palm well, and its rounded edges slide easily in and out of your pocket. “The pocket clip is strong, and I love that it's modular. You can swap and wear it on either side,” our lead tester noted. An assisted opening system tied into the proprietary Axis lock reliably snaps the blade to READY status and is deployable by either hand. The blade can be locked in the closed position (one of only a few with this feature in our tested lineup, including the Kershaw Leek and SOG Twitch II) for extra peace of mind while carrying it in a pocket or bag.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	2.75 in
Blade Material	154CM stainless steel
Weight	3.50 oz
Length Closed	4.00 in

Unfortunately, the locking mechanism can be difficult to unlock the first few times, but this can be a plus if you like the added security. The Mini Barrage 585 is also quite short compared to other top performers. If you're not into the compact size, we recommend checking out the Spyderco Para Military 2 G-10, which has a bigger handle and delivers a stellar in-hand performance, albeit at a bit higher cost. A slightly more affordable option that sports a similar rounded grip style is the also excellent Benchmade Griptilian, though it has a manual AXIS open action. The Mini Barrage is pricey, but less so than other top performers, and we firmly believe its value will be realized over its long lifespan.

Read more: Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 review

Stylish High Performer

Benchmade 940 Osborne

Weight: 2.7 oz | Blade Length: 3.33 inches

The Benchmade 940 Osborne has been a longtime staple in the knife community for a reason. Sure, it sports much of what makes Benchmade famous: unmatched build quality, the Lifesharp program, and the excellent Axis lock, among them. But what separates the Osborne is its timeless aesthetic. Widely lauded for its beauty, we appreciate the variety of colorways, finishes, and material upgrades it offers. The handle comes in a few material choices, but we prefer the sophisticated satin sheen of the anodized aluminum. The aluminum slides smoothly into a pocket and gives a good grip while in use. It's lightweight like many of the plastic handle options out there, but still gives that solid feel that only metal can. However, the blade is undoubtedly Osborne's most striking feature. The reverse tanto shape and unique swedge grind make this blade instantly recognizable, and enduringly useful.

Blade Style	Reverse Tanto
Blade Length	3.33 in
Blade Material	CPM MagnaCut stainless steel
Weight	2.7 oz
Length Closed	4.5 in

The Benchmade 940 doesn't have a built-in opening assist, and the thumb stud sits just a bit too close to the handle to get enough leverage to open the blade one-handed. Due to its slim profile and light weight, this is one of the more classic EDC (everyday carry) knives out there. However, the Osborne doesn't sacrifice utility to earn its EDC moniker. Its full 3.33" blade is among the longer offerings in our lineup, and the 4.5" handle will comfortably fit all but the largest hands. This is nearly the perfect EDC, but the Kershaw Leek is just a hair better.

Read more: Benchmade 940 Osborne review

Best Bang for your Buck

CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II

Weight: 3.15 oz | Blade Length: 2.77 inches

The CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II is the first knife from the Chinese maker that we have been legitimately impressed with. The original Elementum had some major design flaws, but since the update, the difference could not be more stark. From the outside, the Elementum II doesn't look much different than its predecessor. It has a similar shape and length, with a non-assisted flipper open action that reveals a Nitro-V stainless steel blade of 2.77 inches in length. The main upgrades are in the lock and the blade steel. The Elementum now features an excellent button lock, which is easy to disengage yet also inherently safer than the liner lock of its predecessor (and of roughly 70% of the pocket knife market). The knife is slightly thicker to accommodate this mechanism, but overall, it's an acceptable trade-off. The really impressive feature of this knife, though, is its blade steel alloy. Nitro-V is among the top knife steels produced today (competing with the top dogs in our lineup like the Bugout), and knife of this quality at this price point is a real gem.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	2.77 in
Blade Material	Nitro-V stainless steel
Weight	3.15 oz
Length Closed	4.15 in

The main divisive feature of this knife is the G10 Composite scaled handle. The texture is pleasant while giving just the right amount of grip, but it doesn't have the same heft that you get from a metal handle. If you're on the hunt for a truly inexpensive knife and don't mind average performance in use, the Gerber Paraframe Mini is hard to beat. Or, the CRKT Drifter may cost just a bit more but delivers better in-hand performance and a greater overall value for a budget product. You'll have to choose if the Elementum's aesthetics suit your own sensibilities, but the actual knife metrics can't be ignored. It is a beautifully functional knife offering quality steel for a steal of a price.

Read more: CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II review

Best on a Tight Budget

CRKT Drifter

Weight: 2.20 oz | Blade Length: 2.75 inches

The CRKT Drifter is also a great value and our great choice for anyone on a tight budget, but it is a very different knife from another high-value option, the Elementum II. To start, it's nearly a full ounce lighter than the CIVIVI and nearly a quarter inch thinner, but the blade length is still about the same at 2.75 inches. The Drifter's D2 stainless steel is typical for what we see in budget knives. The G10 fiberglass laminate handle is also a familiar and reliable material seen on multiple models in our lineup, including high scorers like the CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II. A couple of things we really liked in this model include the recurved shape of the edge side of the blade, a great choice for carving and slicing along rounded or non-uniform materials, and the knife's unassisted flipper, which is not only great for quick opens but can also double as a formidable finger guard when open.

Blade Style	Recurve blade, plain edge
Blade Length	2.75 in
Blade Material	D2 stainless steel
Weight	2.20 oz
Length Closed	3.65 in

The CRKT Drifter is a budget knife. It has a bit of play in the pivot if you crank enough, and it is on the small side in hand at only 3.65 inches long (among the smallest we tested) and may not be comfortable to wield for some users. However, we would argue that a well-performing knife this small and light makes for a great candidate worthy of carrying every day. Even if it is not the lightest or thinnest option we've tested across the board, all things considered, we think it deserves your consideration for a place in your pocket. If you're in the market for even smaller, especially portable knives, consider the Leatherman Skeletool KB or Gerber Paraframe Mini.

Read more: CRKT Drifter review

High Performance Heritage Design

Benchmade 15032 North Fork

Weight: 3.25 oz | Blade Length: 2.85 inches

Exceptionally well made with a more traditional look, we love the Benchmade 15032 North Fork. Although ostensibly a hunting knife, at a weight of only 3.25 ounces and a closed length of 3.91 inches, our lead tester, Kyle Hameister, is quick to point out, “It's portable enough to basically disappear in your pocket.” Users of the North Fork can feel confident that their knife has an impressive all-around blade. Unsurprisingly, it's made with one of the best knife steel alloys available - CPM S30V - which is known to be characteristically balanced, offering good edge retention and corrosion resistance while also ensuring it can be easily sharpened. The orange accents incorporated into the handle are a nice design touch, and two sets of pronounced ridges along the spine of the blade (jimping) give ample anchor positions for a thumb pad to provide added pressure on top of the blade for tough cutting tasks.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	2.85 in
Blade Material	CPM S30V stainless steel
Weight	3.25 oz
Length Closed	3.91 in

The knife features Benchmade's famous Axis blade lock. However, in this case, it's a non-assisted version, which is less convenient. But in theory, it is easier to clean out the knife after messy tasks. That said, we ultimately recommend the field-swappable 2.31-inch scalpel blade of the Havalon Piranta as our hunter's companion of choice to ensure you won't need to worry about sharpening anything deep in the wilderness. The Piranta is smaller and won't feel as comfortable in hand, but it is easier to clean out than the North Fork and weighs a significant 43% less. It's worth mentioning the CRKT Drifter again, as it's one of the only popular recurve-bladed knives we've seen. A recurve blade can be particularly helpful when dressing a kill, as it helps 'lock' onto the cutting surface. It was a feature originally included in the first generation of the North Fork but has now been lost in the updated version. Still, the North Fork is a beautiful high-end knife that we feel is perhaps a little shoehorned under the 'hunting knife' label. Although it has a longer blade at 2.85 inches, we prefer it as an EDC instead.

Read more: Benchmade North Fork review

Best Lightweight Knife

Benchmade 535 Bugout

Weight: 1.90 oz | Blade Length: 3.04 inches

The Benchmade 535 Bugout is the best knife we know of for self-propelled outdoor adventures. Longtime top manufacturer Benchmade made this knife precisely for carrying in the backcountry, with a lightweight and low-profile design. It's also a great EDC, too. This smaller knife still sports a top-quality, full-size 3.04-inch blade that opens, locks, and closes with predictable smoothness. And, at only 1.90 ounces and 4.25 inches in length with a 0.40-inch width, it makes an ideal choice to toss in a bag or pocket on the go.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	3.04 in
Blade Material	CPM S30V stainless steel
Weight	1.90 oz
Length Closed	4.25 in

The lightweight design of the 535 Bugout comes with one pretty notable concession: the handle is a tad flexible. It is built entirely of plastic (technically, a Grivory thermoplastic composite) but constructed without an internal skeleton liner, as seen on most other knives. The result is decently stable, but this isn't the tool for intense cutting tasks. If you need a knife for regular, work-heavy days, then we recommend a couple of Benchmade cousins, the Mini Barrage and North Fork. In contrast, the Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army is an option we'd consider carrying on longer camp trips; even though the knife isn't impressive (at all), it would ensure you are equipped with a mini multi-tool. But the Bugout is still one of the lightest knives we have tested, and if this is your top priority, then it's a reliable option.

Read more: Benchmade 535 Bugout review

Best Heavy Duty Knife

Kershaw Link

Weight: 4.75 oz | Blade Length: 3.31 inches

The Kershaw Link features a thick, compound-ground blade of high-quality steel and an ergonomic grip that makes big cutting jobs easier. “Whenever I face a daunting task like preparing kindling without an axe, this is the knife I reach for,” our lead tester says. Now offered in arguably the best all-around knife steel alloy known to man, MagnaCut, the Link is even more worthy of its $200 price tag. Exceptionally tough and corrosion resistant, its only 'weakness' is an average edge retention rating compared with other top steels. If edge retention is important to you, know that the Link is also offered with CPM 20CV, known for its top-tier hardness and edge retention. Either option will stay sharper and won't bend or flex under pressure better than just about any other knife out there. Beyond the blade, the overall construction is bomber, and the large anodized aluminum grip feels secure, safe, and ergonomic. This is a superb option if you need a knife to carry on the construction job site or just want a trustworthy blade for your camping or outdoor kit.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	3.31 in
Blade Material	CPM MagnaCut stainless steel
Weight	4.75 oz
Length Closed	4.38 in

The major downsides to the Link are bulk, weight, and cost, all reasonably associated with such a burly knife. The full weight and closed size is absolutely noticeable in a pocket or backpack. This is the heaviest option in our lineup and among the longest knives, too. If you are looking for a smaller knife for everyday use or occasional one-off needs, a more compact option like the Kershaw Leek, Benchmade 535 Bugout, or Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 is likely a better option. Considering the price tag attached to the Link, it is a serious investment, but one that we're sure will pay off in the long run for those who regularly turn to a pocket knife to get the job done.

Read more: Kershaw Link review

Best Everday Carry

Kershaw Leek

Weight: 3.00 oz | Blade Length: 2.90 inches

The Kershaw Leek packs a pedigreed blade into a compact 7-inch (open), 3-ounce assisted-opening knife that costs roughly half the price of other high-end options. The Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel alloy blade comes sharp and defect-free from the factory. Like the assisted opening on other models such as the Link, the Leek can be opened with either thumb via the blade studs or via a well-tuned flipper tab along the spine. It is quick to open, impressively well built, super portable, and reasonably priced, positioning the Leek as a strong competitor to the more expensive Benchmade 535 Bugout and Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 models to become your everyday companion.

Blade Style	Drop point, plain edge
Blade Length	2.90 in
Blade Material	Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
Weight	3.00 oz
Length Closed	4.00 in

The Leek is undeniably sleek and beautiful. But while most of our testers appreciated the thin profile for carrying, others really disliked the handle design, feeling that it compromised overall utility. The knife is excellent for light cutting, but lead tester Kyle Hameister confirms, “I wouldn't trust it for anything heavier-duty — both the handle and blade are just too thin.” It's not meant for heavy slicing or prying – we even watched the tip deform slightly in real time during more intense testing. For a knife with a similar (but slightly thicker) shape and profile, the CIVIVI Elementum II can better stand up to more medium-duty tasks, and it sells for a little more than half the price. Or if you want a truly heavy-duty option for bigger jobs, take a look at the Kershaw Link — that's exactly what it was made for.

Read more: Kershaw Leek review

Best Knife for Hunting

Havalon Piranta Original

Weight: 1.85 oz | Blade Length: 2.31 inches

Every ounce counts, and that's why we recommend the Havalon Piranta Original as the best hunting knife. The crowning feature of this hunt-ready knife is its smart, swappable blade. Twelve spare blades ship with the knife and are designed to easily pop on and off the stud in seconds, making it a breeze to swap blades whenever one dulls. Field dressing and processing anything but the smallest wild game can dull a blade partway through the process. Some bring a sharpening kit, some carry multiple sharpened knives, while others simply forge on with an unsafe, dull blade. There's no question the Piranta option is much easier than any of those other choices.

Blade Style	Interchangeable scalpel blades
Blade Length	2.31 in
Blade Material	S30V stainless steel
Weight	1.85 oz
Length Closed	3.79 in

While other high-end knife companies offer blade sharpening services with their hunt-ready options, like the North Fork, Havalon keeps prices low on its knives by providing accessory blades; it's up to you what option you prefer and where and how you want to absorb the extra cost. With the Piranta's scalpel-style blades, you can work with a finer edge than any permanent knife blade. However, the interchangeable blades can rattle or even pop off the blade stud if you pry too much, which can be disconcerting when bearing down on the knife or cutting through a kill that you plan to eat later. The narrow handle on this lightweight knife can also feel a little less than adequate for tough cutting. The similarly lightweight Benchmade 535 Bugout offers better ergonomics, and you can have the company hone your knife back to factory standard when your hunting season is through. For anyone not interested in the time and effort needed for sharpening, the choice is clear: the interchangeable blades of the Piranta are a game changer when it comes to dressing game.

Read more: Havalon Piranta Original review

How We Tested

This review started with a thorough combing of the knife market. We considered upwards of 100 models before selecting 22 of the best pocket knives for side-by-side testing. We purchased each one at retail price from the same retailers you would, and we never take payment from manufacturers, which helps keep our review free from bias. We used a combination of controlled tests and general daily use – each model is evaluated across four rating metrics. Daily use ranged from routine tasks like simple camping food preparation and opening packages to more specialized applications like home improvements and automotive repairs. We used them to whittle, cut materials like rope and webbing, and even bore holes with the blade's tip.

We used four different rating metrics to score these knives:

• Blade and Edge Integrity (30% of overall score rating)

• Ergonomics (25% of overall score)

• Portability (20% of overall score)

• Construction Quality (25% of overall score)

See our full How We Test article for more in-depth information on our testing processes.

Why Trust GearLab

Aside from testing gear, Review Editor Kyle Hameister's main thing is Industrial Design. From building prototypes in his shop in Colorado to (sometimes literally) running around on product installs, his day-to-day is wonderfully diverse, and a well-chosen pocket knife is a necessary tool of the trade. As our resident product design expert, Kyle also leads up the testing in our multi-tools review and contributes to our robot vacuums and 3D printers lineups (among others) over at our sister site, Tech Gear Lab.

He builds upon the testing experience of Senior Review Editors Jediah Porter and Jeff Dobronyi who both work as certified IFMGA/American Mountain Guides. Professional mountain guiding changes with the seasons: backcountry skiing and ice climbing during the winter, ski mountaineering in the spring, alpine climbing in the summer, and rock climbing in the fall. This variable line of work requires having the right tool for the job, which always includes a solid pocket knife.

Analysis and Test Results

The pocket knife landscape is incredibly broad. There are knives with single-digit prices, or you could spend five figures on a collectible-grade knife. We focus on the broad middle of pocket knives. Our lineup includes knives that fold for easy carry, have blades between one and four inches in length, are commonly available at various retail outlets, and are optimized for daily or outdoor carry. We also comment extensively on a knife's utility in day-to-day life.

What's the Best Value?

Pocket knives are unique in that they can be both high-performance tools and collector's items. Price and quality can certainly correlate, but sometimes, part of what you're paying for is name recognition. A collector is going to buy a knife based largely on aesthetics, and their value considerations will be different than those looking for an actively used cutting tool. We'll focus on knives for the latter, and when it comes down to it, the best value is a representation of price versus performance.

The CIVIVI Elementum II can't be beat in the value category. Roughly 2.5x cheaper than the Mini Barrage(!), the Elementum punches up with its fantastic button lock and blade steel choice. The Kershaw Leek is pretty spendy at over $100, but the steel quality, portability, and stellar assist-open function push it to compete with options well above its price range. The same can be said for the Spyderco Delica 4 and the CRKT Drifter — our current budget value award winner. If you're looking to buy someone their very first pocket knife, it's tough to beat the value of the ultra-classic (and cheap) Victorinox Classic Swiss Army knife with its added tool features.

Blade and Edge Integrity

In this metric, we're talking about the specific blade steel alloy used, and how that directly relates to characteristics like sharpness. However, many materials can be made sharp, and we're more interested in related but distinctly different characteristics. A blade's hardness, toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance are all functions of the raw material, treatment, knife geometry, and blade maintenance. These things balance to deliver actual performance and, yes, sharpness.

To start, accept the reality that every knife will need to be periodically sharpened if it gets regular use and doesn't sit in a trophy case. Different blade steel alloys and designs will hold a sharp edge longer, but all will eventually need some TLC. There are professional knife-sharpening services and many commercially available sharpening kits for home use. Some companies, like Benchmade, offer a blanket sharpening service. All you have to do is cover shipping, and they'll sharpen these premium knives for the life of the product.

But it all comes back to the alloy, the specific blend of metals chosen to deliver the desired characteristics the designer is looking for. All of our reviewed knives are made of some type of stainless steel. Steel is ferrous (iron-containing), and when that iron is mixed (i.e., "alloyed") with certain metals such as carbon or chromium, it creates a new material that has a variety of desirable properties.

A blade must be hard enough to resist the abrasion of the material it is cutting, and soft enough to deflect slightly (rather than break or crack) in the face of significant forces. Too hard, and the brittle steel can chip while also being nearly impossible to sharpen. Too soft, and the steel will lose its edge rapidly. It must resist corrosion in the face of a wide array of commonly encountered substances, from water to more acidic liquids like citrus juice.

There is a dizzying array of steel types. We're slowly seeing more and more knives – and not just the ones with premium price tags – move past the standard (and outdated) alloys used for decades. High-end alloys like 154CM and S30V are popular in Benchmade offerings like the Griptilian. The S35VN steel of the Zero Tolerance 0450 Sinkevich Carbon Fiber, the Nitro-V alloy of the CIVIVI Elementum II, and the 14C28N alloy used in the Leek are all truly world-class steels. The relatively new MagnaCut alloy, however, is now widely considered the cream of the crop, the best all-around performing option these days. We have been lucky enough to test several MagnaCut knives, in the recent upgrades of the workhorse Link and classic Osborne.

These days, decent knife steel is so common and inexpensive that all branded knives (and even most truck stop or flea market knives) will be made with good enough steel. Manufacturers of high-quality knives proudly advertise the alloy used, usually with a stamp right on the blade. We've found that it's a pretty safe bet that if the manufacturer is willing to tell you what the blade steel is, it is well above average.

The hardening method is just as important as the raw material. Once a manufacturer chooses the steel for a knife, it is shaped and then hardened in some variation of a heating-and-cooling process, called tempering. The process is the same for almost any blade, even kitchen knives. Unsurprisingly, we especially like budget knives produced by companies that also make high-end kitchen knives or other fixed blade options (which is how CIVIVI started out). A company like this might downgrade the steel to hit a price point, but it doesn't make sense to tool up an independent heat treatment infrastructure.

The specific shape of a blade and the grind of its edge also dictate the tasks a particular knife is best suited to perform. The blade of the hybrid tactical Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker is sharpened to a steeper angle for excellent wedging properties, for example. On the other hand, the Victorinox Classic SD's tiny blade starts thin and is sharpened thinner, making for a very sharp yet fragile edge. The CRKT Drifter, Opinel No. 8, Benchmade Bugout, and Petzl Spatha are similarly slender.

Many knives aimed at all-around performance, like the North Fork and Mini Barrage, have blade geometry that splits the difference between the above extremes. This classic shape offers a fairly tall surface through the main body of the blade, with a slight drop from the spine down to the tip and a similar sweep up from the belly of the edge side.

Some manufacturers go the other direction, including the shorter but taller blade on the Spyderco Para Military 2, which features a full flat grind for a uniform surface to press material flat with (think: crushing a garlic clove) as well as wedge stubborn materials apart. The grinds, facets, and angles cut all serve a purpose. The Piranta is also worth mentioning, with its interchangeable blades. Havalon was a longtime producer of scalpel blades before they started also making pocket knives (and a few multi-tools). These scalpel blades are undoubtedly the thinnest and sharpest of any in our tested lineup. They can do this because it doesn't need to be resharpened at home, and if it breaks in use, you can just slide on a new one. It does sport a tiny handle, though, and it's worth taking a look at the other changeable blade option we've tested, the Outdoor Edge RazorLite EDC. This knife may feel and look cheap, but it'll get the job done while offering a full-handed grip and the versatility of a variety of blade shape options.

As with steel hardness, there is no single perfect edge finish. If the angle is too narrow, the blade's leading edge will be prone to chips. If the angle on that leading edge is too broad, it doesn't feel nearly as sharp in actual use. Rest assured that knife manufacturers have this largely figured out, and generally sharpen their knives to the optimal angle range.

As mentioned, drop-point or clip-point shapes are the most common we've seen on consumer-focused knives. Note that many products in our test and elsewhere are offered in several combinations of materials and features, including plain edge or serrated. Serrated blades can definitely be a benefit, effectively producing a sawing motion that is useful for cutting rope and webbing, while straight-edge blades are easier to sharpen. The GearLab team generally prefers plain edge blades, but a serrated blade has its place. For example, the hybrid blade of the Petzl Spatha is great for its niche in the climbing industry.

We do want to make a special note of the Osborne here too: it has a unique reverse tanto blade shape, which helps keep some weight and strength all the way to the tip. That shape alone helps make it a heavy-duty working tool as well as a slim pocket carry option.

Ergonomics

Regardless of the blade itself, heavy (and safe) cutting requires a sturdy handle that fills the user's grip, a well-designed thumb rise, and proper material selection. In many ways, portability and ergonomics are direct competitors, so it can be important to understand the build of a knife.

Pocket Knife Ergonomics vs Portability

Product	Ergonomics	Portability
CRKT Drifter	8	9
Benchmade Mini Barrage	9	7
Benchmade North Fork	8	7
Benchmade Bugout	7	8
Spyderco Delica 4	7	8
Spyderco Para Military 2	9	6
Kershaw Leek	6	8
Gerber Fast Draw	7	6
Gerber Paraframe Mini	4	9
Leatherman Skeletool KB	4	9
Petzl Spatha	5	8
Havalon Piranta Original	6	7
Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker	7	6
CIVIVI Elementum II	6	7
Kershaw Link	8	5
Zero Tolerance Sinkevich	7	6
Victorinox Swiss Army	3	10
SOG Twitch II	4	8
Spyderco Tenacious G-10	7	4
Albatross EDC Tactical	5	5
Opinel No. 8	4	5

An ergonomic knife should have a long, rounded-profile handle that fills a loosely clenched fist. The most comfortable-to-use knives tended to be the least portable, and vice versa. Even our beloved Osborne, which does a great job blending portability with heavy-duty capability, is still not fantastic in the ergonomics department since the handle is so slim, and the thumb rise is a little too shallow to feel totally secure.

The tool also needs to be easy to open and smooth to deploy and stow. The locking mechanisms should be intuitive and straightforward, and one-handed blade deployment is best. So-called 'assisted opening knives' are the easiest to use. In most cases, we prefer this segment of the market, which includes examples like the Mini Barrage and many Kershaw products, among others. Knives for backcountry use and hunting are some notable exceptions since the more complicated mechanisms of assisted-open knives are tougher to clean out. In these cases, a flipper-open (like the Drifter) or thumb stud option may serve you best.

The assisted opening function requires at least a bit of a learning curve. For instance, deploying an assisted-opening blade is best done with one hand. In fact, opening with one hand is actually easier than opening the same knife with two hands. For this reason, some users seek assisted-opening models that also come equipped with a closed-blade lock in order to ensure there's no chance of opening the knife blade unintentionally. While unintended deployments are rare, it's comforting to know most assisted knives include such a lock as a safety precaution. The only assisted knife we tested that doesn't lock closed is the Kershaw Blur.

The humble pocket clip is a ubiquitous feature on almost every pocket knife these days, but there is a long-standing debate surrounding this feature. Ideally, the clip is oriented so that your tool can be pulled from the pocket and thumbed open without regripping — namely, a 'tip-up' carry. This is the fastest to deploy, and our testing team's preference. Benchmade and Zero Tolerance knives are often made this way, but overall, we've noticed this style only occupies about 50% of the market.

Another emerging trend is the modular clip. Most models now at least allow you to swap your clip to the other side of the knife to accommodate lefties, But we're seeing more and more offer 4-position clips that not only allow you to switch sides but also choose if the knife sits tip-up or tip-down in the pocket. Spyderco products are great in this regard, including the Para Military 2, and Delica 4.

The Classic SD is the only knife in this lineup that offers multiple tools, not just a knife blade. While you can't open any of the features with one hand, you should be able to engage each of them with even the most closely trimmed fingernails. The Opinel No. 8 also opens with a fingernail slot. All other knives have some form of one-handed opening.

One-handed opening options include a thumb stud, thumb hole, and flippers. All have their pros and cons. A thumb stud is the easiest to work with, but it adds protrusions from the knife that can snag in and out of a pocket. A thumb hole, such as the signature ring seen on Spyderco knives like the Delica 4, is inherently ambidextrous and removes such excess material and weight from the blade. The Petzel Spatha is unique, as it opens with a unique ribbed ring inside the hinge that can be managed with gloved or bare hands.

The Leatherman Skeletool KB is the only knife we have tested that has a one-handed opening but is not designed to be ambidextrous. Its thumb hole is only accessible from one side. Right-handers will have no problem with it; lefties will have to adjust. Finally, a finger flick opening using a flipper on the back of the blade is inherently ambidextrous, fast, and accessible, ultimately one of our favorite options. Flipper knives include the Zero Tolerance 0450, Elementum II, and Leek, among others.

The Opinel No. 8 has unique ergonomics. The wooden handle, nearly perfectly round, feels nice in hand, and is more than adequate for light-duty tasks like cutting food. A more oval-shaped handle profile, like that of the Benchmade 15032 North Fork, is preferred for more substantial use, like extended whittling or cutting of rope and webbing. We also love the grip shape of the Kershaw Link, which is perfectly shaped to fit the user's hand for comfortable all-day use.

With a somewhat outdated shape, the Spyderco Delica 4 is a longtime player on the market. The handle is narrower than ideal, while the wide blade sticks out and takes up pocket space. The wide blade accommodates the thumbhole, which assists in opening the blade. While this is a convenient and ergonomically friendly way to open the knife, it feels more substantial than necessary in our pockets.

Portability

A pocket knife is only as good as it is handy. Will it be there for you when you need it? Will you leave a bulky, heavy knife at home more often than not? On the flip side, extra-small knives floating around in a glove box or crowded jeans pocket can be annoying or too time-consuming to dig out. The most portable knives in our test were either relatively small or had a low profile and a pocket clip that could be configured in the user's ideal arrangement.

The Victorinox Classic SD is the most portable knife we have tested, and stands out for its tiny stature while weighing under a single ounce. The Kershaw Link is Godzilla in comparison. However, bulk and weight can be justified by some in these cases for their function and versatility.

With both large and small knives in the review, the middle-of-the-line options like the Mini Barrage and Delica 4 are our overall favorites. For most users, the Mini Barrage's 6.93-inch length (only 4 inches when closed) with a 2.75-inch blade is manageable while still being functional and easily pocketed at 3.50 ounces. The North Fork captured our attention with very similar measurements and performance results.

Pocket Knife Size Comparison (Closed and Open)

Product	Measured Length Open	Measured Length Closed	Measured Blade Length
Victorinox Swiss Army	3.81	2.25	1.29
Gerber Paraframe Mini	5.30	3.1	2.2
Leatherman Skeletool KB	5.90	3.4	2.3
SOG Twitch II	6.20	3.6	2.6
Havalon Piranta Original	6.62	3.79	2.31
CRKT Drifter	6.49	3.65	2.75
Albatross EDC Tactical	6.50	3.9	2.5
Spyderco Delica 4	7.00	4.1	2.5
Benchmade North Fork	6.9	3.91	2.85
Benchmade Mini Barrage	6.93	4	2.75
Petzl Spatha	7.00	4.2	2.7
Kershaw Leek	7.00	4	2.9
CIVIVI Elementum II	7.05	4.15	2.77
Gerber Fast Draw	7.23	4.25	2.88
Zero Tolerance Sinkevich	7.40	4.1	3.2
Benchmade Bugout	7.45	4.25	3.04
Opinel No. 8	7.60	4.3	3.3
Kershaw Link	7.69	4.38	3.31
Spyderco Tenacious G-10	7.90	4.5	3.4
Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker	8.00	4.6	3.4
Spyderco Para Military 2	8.25	4.8	3.05

Other Benchmade options focus on portability by going with slim handles (though they are both full length): The Osborne weighs 2.7 oz, while the Bugout weighs only 1.90 ounces. For a full-sized knife, that's our pick for the best lightweight knife we've tested. The CRKT Drifter and SOG Twitch II are inexpensive options with a similarly small stature for everyday carry, both with reliable blades. The Para Military 2 is our biggest knife tested, while the Kershaw Link is the heaviest. Both are likely to appeal most to those in need of a heavy-duty blade for job sites or high-demand outdoor pursuits rather than casual home or everyday use.

A growing market knife makers are targeting these days is called EDC, or 'everyday carry' (i.e., a knife suitable for everyday use). Such utility has ostensibly always been the reason to carry a pocket knife, but it's a surprisingly tough task designing a high-performing knife that's slim enough to be EDC worthy. Again, this market tends to be on the hunt for a thin knife (not necessarily small) that is easily portable while sturdy enough to tackle a wide range of jobs. For this purpose, our test team thinks the Leek, the Benchmade 535 Bugout, and the Skeletool KB are among your best bets.

We'll mention again that there exists an almost fundamental rift between a portable knife and a comfortable-to-use knife. A thin, light knife like the CRKT Drifter will virtually disappear in a pocket but won't fully fill out a fist when gripped tight. Conversely, a larger knife like the Spyderco Para Military 2 will feel much more secure in the hand and when used to slice through tougher material due to both its size and weight. But at 3.85 ounces (versus the 2.2 ounces of the CRKT Drifter), it's going to feel a lot more substantial in your pocket as well and may be less pleasant to carry on an everyday basis.

Construction Quality

The manufacturing quality of everything but the blade varied far more than the blade's quality in the models we tested. Our evaluation of these knives' construction quality was mainly subjective but equally applied across the board. Does it feel sturdy and confidence-inspiring? When this assessment came up short for a given pocket knife, it inevitably followed that some aspect of the knife's mechanical function would act finicky.

Handle, hinges, and locking mechanisms revealed the attention paid to detail. Sturdy parts and materials, tight design, close manufacturing tolerances, and carefully thought-out construction stood out immediately and only increased how much we noticed as time and usage wore on. Overall, construction quality was adequate, with no outright failures or breakages during testing. Cheap options like the Outdoor Edge RazorLite EDC and Opinel No. 8 can't hold a candle to the top-tier manufacturers.

Locking mechanisms are the best window to construction quality. Well-made knives like Kershaw's Leek and Link open and close smoothly every time. These knives both employ liner locks though — that is, locks built into the skeleton liner of the handle. Many (most) knives on the market have liner locks, which we are happy to see manufacturers slowly moving away from, since liner locks are inherently dangerous in that your finger is in the path of the folding blade when it's disengaged. Instead, we prefer button-style locks, like on the Elementum II, or the axis-style locks on Benchmades, like the North Fork. These are on the side of the handle, designed so that your fingers are out of the way when closing.

It is generally more difficult to optimize construction quality with a small knife. The miniaturized components don't leave much room for error. A testament to our high selection standards, the small knives we test are better than average for their size. The Classic SD seems to escape some of the other small knives' issues — all its components work well and smoothly. None of the features on the Classic lock, which likely saves some hassle. The Skeletool KB is right here, too; it is small but well-made.

The Opinel No. 8 has a unique construction. With only five parts (handle, blade, hinge pin, and two collars that serve as the locking mechanism), it's primitive, but its overall build is clean enough. The result is a light and reliable but a little uninspiring classic folding pocket knife. Opening and locking require two hands.

How to Select a Pocket Knife

Faced with the dizzying array of options available on the pocket knife market today, where does one even start in making a choice? First, know that most knives are designed with a specific use or task in mind, and your best bet is to start by understanding your own needs before making a choice. Material selection, size, shape, and cost are all specific considerations from user to user.

What Will You Use It For?

The major benefits of a folding blade over a fixed-blade knife are convenience and portability. Within that framework, though, there's a huge variety of options available. A knife collector may be more interested in displaying a knife for its beauty rather than using it as a tool. Certain brands, such as CIVIVI, have built a loyal following by offering models in a huge variety of colorways and material combinations.

A keychain-sized knife can essentially disappear in a pocket and be useful for opening packages or trimming the occasional thread from your hem. An Everyday Carry (EDC) knife will be sized for 3-4 full fingers to fit on a handle while still being light and thin enough to sit unobtrusively in a pocket day after day.

Larger, heavier knives are going to have handles sculpted to fill a fist more fully and, generally, have upgraded materials to hold up to heavy-duty tasks. Then, you have options that are geared specifically to specialized tasks, which will have unique blade shapes or features. A recurve blade will help in field dressings on hunting knives, and edge serrations are helpful for 'sawing' type tasks like cutting through rope. Assisted-opening knives will deploy extra fast, and swappable blades will allow you to keep a blade sharp without requiring manual sharpening.

What's Your Budget?

You generally get what you pay for, though there's value to be found at all tiers of the price spectrum. We've noticed that cost is most strongly correlated to the specific blade steel used, but even a lower-end knife will usually still have a stainless steel blade specifically designed as a knife steel, so there are plenty of great knives that are affordable in the $30-50 range.

Costs jump quickly as exotic alloys are used instead, which offer relatively minor improvements in edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Handle materials can bump costs up for special editions like carbon fiber, but generally don't have the variety or performance improvements seen on blade materials. Certain other features, like assisted-opening blades and safer blade locks, will add $50-100 to the price tag as well.

Ultimately, upgrades like this can easily push unit costs past $200 for a higher-end knife, but many users will undoubtedly find that to be well worth it. Be sure to check out our individual award-winner reviews for more in-depth breakdowns of what we learned from testing to help you make the right decision for your ultimate knife.

Conclusion

The spectrum of available pocket knives is immense. We have carved out the important features of knives that fall in the middle of this spectrum and always work to organize our findings better. Hopefully, what we have found and shared will help you make your final selection with confidence.