Looking for a knife to keep with you outdoors? You’ve come to the right place then. Pocket knives are useful in many fields and not just self-defense. When you’re traveling light or without backpacks, if you slip in a pocket knife with you, who knows, maybe it can save you in ways you couldn’t fathom.
Being cautious doesn’t account for any punishment; on the other hand, it’s rewarding. Pocket knives are compact, weighing almost nothing. Pocket knives are preferably found in both fixed and folded versions. For portability, some prefer folded knives over fixed ones.
By the end of this review, you’re gonna know all the basics about the best pocket & folding knives and which products offer the best for the price.
Best Pocket & Folding Knives – Comparison
Choosing the Best Pocket & Folding Knives for Yourself
- Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocket knife
Kershaw Blur marks as an ideal knife for your daily carry. Due to its convenient reversible pocket clip feature, you can clip it with your pocket, either tip-up or tip-down, as you prefer.
The haft of the knife is constructed of aluminum, which is anodized to contain color evenly. It also works as a protective coating that shields the handle from outer stains and scratches, without adding to the weight. It provides a firm yet comfortable grip every time.
The 14C28N stainless steel blade measures about 3.38 inches in length, it features a smooth razor-sharp edge. Along with the DLC coating, it has high aesthetics.
Pros:
- Trac-Tec inserts for a comfortable grip.
- Constructed of quality materials.
- Resists corrosion and stain.
- Easy release assisted by SpeedSafe.
Cons:
- The liner lock is reported to have acted up.
- Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife, Stainless Steel [22-48485]
This miniature pocket knife is overall only 5.25inches in length and the mini steel blade measures about 2.22 inches. It can easily fit in your purse, or you can clip it on your belt. Perfectly portable mini self-defense tool with easy lock and release function.
The handle of the paraframe is constructed of high-quality stainless steel that resists corrosion, rust, and wear, and the design of the frame compromises impractical weight. The blade is designed to retain edge reasonably well, and the sharpness is above average. It features a frame lock system for both opening and concealing the knife.
Pros:
- Sturdy build and constructed thoughtfully.
- Practical clip system.
- Low maintenance.
- Very affordable.
- Present frame-lock design.
Cons:
- Locking mechanism stiffens over time.
- Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife
This folding knife from Smith and Wesson looks like something out of a video game with its black aluminum handle with patterns of rubber inlay. While giving it an attractive look, the handle also provides a strong and easy grip.
The knife is made from quality materials top to bottom. The 3.6 inches long blade is made of 4034 black oxide high carbon stainless steel. So not only does it offer you a strong blade, but it also keeps edge for a long time. Very functional design, ideal for tactical and EDC uses. Their patented lock system will make your user experience a lot easier.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet heavy-duty construction.
- Features M.A.G.I..C assisted opening.
- Secured safety lock.
- Serrated edge.
- Offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Cheap screws used.
- Benchmade – Mini Griptilian 556 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife
The mini griptilian from Benchmade offers the best deal considering the price; it offers simplicity combined with practical features.
It has a manual locking design, so the worry about the releasing mechanism not being up to the standard upon regular use is invalid here. The whole knife is designed and manufactured in the USA, and they offer a limited lifetime warranty on the product.
The 6.78” knife offers a drop point 2.91inches long blade made of 154cm stainless steel, which is guarded and ornamented by a solid glass-reinforced nylon handle, ensuring utmost comfort.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed grivory handle.
- Thick 2.54mm blade.
- Features AXIS locking mechanism.
- Versatile blade; ultra-sharp.
- Low maintenance.
Cons:
- Quite expensive.
- CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife: Compact EDC Straight Edge Utility Knife
CRKT squid is a great choice if you want a knife that is not only useful in defense but also utility chores. The hollow ground blade offers maximum sharpness; the plain edge is easy to sharpen and operate.
It’s also rather light due to its compact size. Measuring about 5.7” overall with a 2.2” 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade; the blade is conveniently thick for you to take it with you for safety and even as a secondary knife in hiking. It boasts a stonewash finish both in the blade and handles, which enables the blade to age finely.
Pros:
- Low profile visual.
- The handle features a blade-friction groove for a better grip.
- One-hand operation.
- Features lanyard hole.
- Easy opening function.
Cons:
- Quite heavy.
- Framelock failed in some cases with time.
- Ontario Knife Co. 8846 Rat-1 Black Coated AUS-8 Stainless Steel
Ontario Rat knife is a result of quality and functionality combined. These knives are strongly coated to last even the roughest use out in the wilderness. These are also quite large in build compared to the others I’ve reviewed, making it an ideal carry for tactical and survival use.
The overall length of this knife is 8.5 inches, and it’s about 5″ when closed. Featuring a glass-reinforced nylon handle that provides buff without adding much weight. The mega-functional belt clip is reversible in 4 positions, so you can have a flexible option in portability. The blade has a straight spine with a taper ground hollow. Stability is guaranteed.
Pros:
- Ambidextrous design.
- Offers 55-56 Rockwell hardness.
- AUS-8 stainless steel blade with black finish.
- Large folding knife.
- Secure lock system.
Cons:
- Stiff lock.
- Heavy to wear in a belt.
- Buck Knives 0288 QuickFire Assisted Opening Folding Knife
The QuickFire from Buck knives offers a robust blade of 420HC steel that doesn’t need to be sharpened often as it has a high edge retention game. The polished steel offers an attractive shine along with assigning a protective shield against corrosion and stain.
The nylon handle offers enough circumference for a secure grip, and the deep pocket carry clip lets you carry it with style. The ASAP technology of assisted opening ensures an easy release function, designed to serve to time after time.
The USA manufactured knife featuring a 2.75” drop point blade offers a lifetime warranty of replacement and maintenance.
Pros:
- Mid-block and rotating blade safety to retain the position.
- Strong and versatile blade.
- Textured comfortable grip.
- Features dual spring design for quick release.
Cons:
- Handle not pro-ergonomic.
- Does not come sharpened.
- Benchmade – North Fork 15031
The north knife from Benchmade is aesthetically pleasing with a mesmerizing mechanism and visuals. On par with the aesthetics, it also stores a variety of features. It introduces a stabilized wooden handle that is tested to endure the adverse environment and pressure.
The superior CPM-S30V stainless steel resists rust and wearing like a pro. Its 2.97″ razor-sharp blade cuts with ease and the serrated part on the spine adds friction when you require. The 3.9inches handle is comfortable to hold and secured with a finger guard.
The AXIS locking system on this ambidextrous knife is strong and can be both opened and closed with one hand.
Pros:
- Magnificent satin finish.
- Features reversible belt-clip.
- Drop point blade with a straight edge.
- High aesthetics.
- Comfortably polished wooden handle.
Cons:
- Bit stiff release mechanism.
- Recurving blade may not suit all.
- SOG Money Clip Pocket Knife – Cash Card Folding Knife
SOG presents this fun little tactical knife, which is a combination of a compact EDC knife and also a wallet with a money clipper. You can use it to clip spare bills, business cards, or emergency contact information with the knife.
The whole construction of this knife is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, which furnishes a nice satin finish, proved to provide rust-resistance along with good looks. The 2.75 inches long blade offers a clip-point blade with a straight edge.
The smooth liner lock mechanism makes easy release possible. Along with a built-in lanyard hole, it presents multiple holes to compromise the weight of this solid steel blade.
Pros:
- Features 56-58 Rockwell hardness.
- Convenient finger grooves.
- Features cash card clip.
- Lightweight; one-hand operation.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Fragile tip.
- KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade
The Japanese styled handmade bamboo textured folding knife is a collector’s favorite for its unique look. It’s 7.5inches overall with 3” inches long D2 stainless steel blade. It is known to be tough and provide high resistance against corrosion.
This modernized higonokami has used the G10 handle to provide the durability accompanied by comfort. The release mechanism applied here is the renowned Japanese styled thumb lever, which only needs a press to release the blade.
The function is easy to operate and needs minimum pressure to trigger the blade, not stiff at all. The blade is ultra-sharp and keeps edge intact for a long time.
Pros:
- Moderately priced.
- Unique visual.
- Comfortable handle with a firm grip.
- Comes with a quality nylon sheath.
- Double-edged blade.
Cons:
- Not ambidextrous design.
Final Verdict
A pocket knife is useful in many fields. While one cannot highlight the importance of having a pocket knife both indoors and outdoors. So, considering that the market has an unlimited abundance of folding pocket knives.
They come in all shapes and sizes, varying in material, color, locking, and blade design. Therefore, making it tricky to fix the mind on only one. For such troubled users, we have reviewed some of the best pocket & folding knives that are offered by today’s market.
The choice may vary depending on your needs, budget, and preferences. However, we have tried to include multiple types of product thinking of customers of all stages. Hope it helped. Enjoy!
Buyer’s Guide: What are the Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Pocket & Folding Knife
Design: The design of the blade impacts the choice of many customers, and mainly knife collectors. It signifies not only the aesthetics of the knife but also many features. The design may vary from brand to brand and also the manufacturing country. The modernized and traditional themed knife will differ highly in design; a similar difference can be seen while exploring in the price range.
Features: Folding pocket nowadays offers plenty of other features. They are also somewhat part of the design, but useful features are prioritized more among the buyers; knives that offer comfortable inlays, notches, pointy tip, lanyard hole, reversible belt clip, and even cash clips. While these are not initially features of a knife, but now extra features are equally valued.
Fixed or Folding: Pocket knives offer you these two prime options. The question rarely dazzles anyone, as these two have distinct operating fields. Fixed knives are those which you bend to a shorter size, they are strong, preferably one-piece construction, and can handle tougher works.
While Folding knives are more popular for EDC and day-to-day practical uses. Because of their easy portability and availability, people prefer folding knives for lighter use.
Construction Material: Likely, your choice for high-quality construction material will be impacted by the budget. There are various steel options such as high carbon steel, Damascus steel, high chromide steel, stainless steel, etc. they offer a distinct set of features too. Choose the one which is budget-friendly to you, and also functional enough.
Ergonomics: The ergonomic of the knife dictates how comfortable the wielder of this knife will be, considering the shape, materials, and designed contours of the handle. The circumference and curves of the handle play a big role here. Choose a handle that turns not too big nor small for your hand.
Blade Locks: The locking mechanism marks the most vital part of a folding knife; without a secure lock, it can’t be functional. Average folding knives are equipped with liner lock, back lock, and frame lock, etc. while stretching your budget you can get AXIS and other high-end locks.
Weight: As folding knives are meant to fit in a pocket, thus portable, it doesn’t weigh much in most cases. Clipped in your belt you can barely feel the weight. Even so, you may come across some model that uses heavy material in the construction of the frame or blade, thus, adding weight. Stainless steel weighs significantly less than other substances, while HC steel and solid handles may feel quite heavier.
FAQ
Q: What is a Pocket Knife?
A: As the name suggests, a pocket knife indicates a type of compact knife that is portable and has a sharp all-purpose blade. For its shape and lightweight nature, it can easily be carried around. A pocket knife is useful in self-defense, as a weapon and a tool, bushcraft, survival, and tactical purposes. With a good pocket knife, one can be as prepared as one can be.
Q: What are the Best Pocket Knife?
A: What makes a pocket knife best, is its functions. When you come across a model that offers a sharp blade that keeps an edge well, a firm gripped the handle, and the quality of the locking mechanism not shy in quality while not stretching in the price department, you can call it the best pocket knife.
Q: What is the Best Locking Mechanism for Folding Knife?
A: There is not an exact answer. Various knife uses various locking system, each having its advantages. However, for average knives, we liked liner locks best. They are reliable, and will not fail in tough jobs. Liner locks are also very common, and the simple mechanism is easy to replace and fix, it also doesn’t cost much.
However, remember that folding knives aren’t fixed knives with their entirely different design, so it is futile to compare these two and treat the folding knives as carefully as such.
