Best pocket knife

A pocket knife is a tool which could definitely come in handy in a variety of different situations, so don’t underestimate it. For centuries, people have been carrying and using good pocket knives, and today there are some quite complex multi-tool pocket knives around along with the simplest basic models. So, when picking the best pocket knife for your needs, you get to pick from the basic compact models to the Inspector Gadget-type knives with a wide variety of functions and tools.

What a pocket knife is good for and what it is not good for?

You need to know that the pocket knife is not interchangeable with the survival knife, since it is smaller and not as sharp and sturdy as the knives made for coping with extreme situations in harsh environments. Still, the pocket knife can in some cases save lives too, when someone needs to be freed from being tied up in rope or cord, or stuck in a crashed car behind a seat belt. Otherwise, the it will be very useful for tasks such as opening bottles, cans and preparing food in general, as well as with opening boxes and performing other simple tasks.
Of course, if you need a heavy duty knife, the pocket knife will not do the job. This is when time calls for a good survival knife. The best pocket knives are more of an everyday task tool, rather than something to use when camping, hunting or being stuck in the wilderness.
Since we have been interested in the subject, in order to make your choice easier, we are offering our best folding knife and pocket knife reviews for our top picks in the range.

Reviews of best folding knives that fit in the pocket

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Our first pick is the Benchmade Mini Griptilian knife. This wonderful pocket knife has a 2.91 inch, stainless steel blade, with a thickness of 0.100 inches. This folding knife has an ambidextrous modified drop point blade style and a tip up lock mechanism.

The overall length of the knife with the handle is 6.78 inches, and we must say that this is one pocket knife which is great for everyday use and for carrying around at any time or place because it is compact (just 3.87 inches when closed) and yet can do the job when in need to open a package, cut a cord, or perform any other everyday task. It is comfortable to hold, offers a tight grip, and its blade is surprisingly sharp. The downside, is that it is on the higher end pricewise, but if you are willing to spend a little bit more and get one of the top-rated small pocket knives, you should definitely consider purchasing one of these. Read our full review of the Mini Griptillian here

Kershaw Leek knife

Kershaw Leek knife

Our next pick for the leading pocket knives on the market is the Kershaw Leek knife. This is one elegant folding knife, with a 3 inch and extremely sharp Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, and an overall length of 7 inches. It is 4 inches when closed. The knife is fitted with a Speed Safe opening system which allows for smooth and easy ambidextrous opening and closing – almost like an automatic knife. This particular model is great for everyday tasks, as well as for fishing and hunting tasks. The handle is also stainless steel and is fitted with a reversible pocket clip for easy and safe attachment. It is made in the USA, and is sold with a life-time warranty by the producer. Although some maintenance is required, such as sharpening of the blade and periodically lubricating the spring mechanism of this knife, it is definitely a sturdy pocket knife worth owning. Also, be warned that the incredible sharpness of the blade could present a danger if this knife is misused.

Buck Knives 110BRS Folding Hunter

Buck Knives 110BRS Folding Hunter Knife

Another folding knife which we have chosen in our top pocket knives is the Buck Knives 110BRS folding hunter knife. With 50 years of experience in the production of the 110 Folding Hunter, the producer has definitely mastered its product.

The knife is sold with a lifetime warranty, and has a classic look and a razor sharp 3 ¾ inch steel clip blade, and a stunningly beautiful wood-grain handle fitted with brass polished bolsters. The closed length of this folding knife is 4 7/8 inches. This knife comes with an original leather sheath, and will serve you well for years to come, and is great for fine and controlled work.

556SBK Benchmade Mini Griptilian with Folding ComboEdge

556SBK Benchmade Mini Griptilian Folding ComboEdge

Our next pick is the 556SBK Benchmade Pardue Mini-Griptilian manual folding knife with a black ComboEdge. This pocket knife has a 2.91 inch blade, and is 3.87 inches closed and 6.78 inches when unfolded. So, it is more of a compact folding knife, but it has a serious and strong stainless steel ComboEdge blade, and a molded handle plus an “AXIS” smooth locking mechanism. It is yet another one of our picks which offers a modified drop-point and has ambidextrous thumb studs. This mechanism allows for an easy and smooth unfolding of the blade. The blade itself has a special B1 coating, which adds to the anti-corrosion feature of this wonderful knife. This sturdy little knife will be indispensable in the moments when you need to perform an everyday task at home or outside.

Spyderco Delica4 Blk Ffg Plainedge

Spyderco Delica4 Blk Ffg Plainedge

Another great folding knife which we would highly recommend to our readers is the Spyderco Delica 4 Blk Ffg Plainedge knife. Yet another perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife, this model has a plain edge VG-10 steel blade and skeletonized steel liners and a fiber reinforced nylon handle.

It is a solid and sturdy pocket knife which is not only visually impressive, but its razor sharp blade can cut through and handle a number of materials and tasks indoors or outside. It is compact so it easily fits in the front pocket with little or no obtrusion when the person sits down or drives, for example. The steel blade is easier to be sharpened, and will withstand on some very rough conditions including dampness, salt water, etc. without showing signs of corrosion.

Smith Wesson SWMP4LS Linerlock

Smith Wesson SWMP4LS Linerlock Generation

Another one of the top available folding every day carry knives is the Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS M&P Linerlock knife with 2nd Generation MAGIC Assisted Open and a 40% Serrated Drop Point Blade.

This knife shares some similarities visually to the famous Smith & Wesson guns and firearms, which makes it an obvious choice for fans of the brand. But the name is not the only pro of this folding knife. It has a 3.6 inch 4034 stainless steel blade and an easy spring-assisted opening mechanism for easy and fast unfolding and folding of the knife. The handle is made of aluminum, and the folding knife features an aluminum liner lock on the overall length, plus an additional safety lock to keep the owner safe when the knife is not in use. The opening mechanism though allows for easy and fast unfolding even with only one hand.

Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge

Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Knife

Another great folding pocket knife is the Spyderco Tenacious plain edge knife. As its name suggests, this particular knife is sturdy and will endure some serious cutting for a long time. The blade of this knife is made of 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, and has a leaf shape. The handle of the Tenacious is G-10 laminated and is designed especially for prolonged handling and use of this fine knife. The pivot tension of this folding knife is adjustable, and its nice skeletonized steel liners give the knife a steadier and more solid feel when in use, and the liner lock makes it a great tool to carry around with you at all times.

Benchmade 940 Osborne

Benchmade 940 Osborne Design Knife

The last folding knife which we would like to place in our top 8 is the Benchmade 940 Osborne Design Knife. This is an excellent everyday carry knife, with a 3.4 inch S30V stainless steel blade and green aluminum handles. The blade has a reverse Tanto design and the knife measures 4.47 inches when folded. This knife is fitted with a rock solid Axis lock mechanism and has an overall length of 7.87 inches. This Osborne design knife has a nice and slender curve which will perfectly fit your pocket and your hand. It has a reversible pocket clip made of steel to keep it safely attached.

Four Styles of Mini Knives

  • – The Jack Knife
  • – The Pen Knife
  • – The Multi-Purpose Knife
  • – The One-Handed Opening Knife

There are four main styles of mini knives for everyday carrying. One of them is the Jack knife, which has a hinge on one side, and two blades or more on the other. The pen knife has hinges on each end and can have more than two blades as well. The multi-purpose knife is probably best known from the famous Swiss Army knife-it is a combination of a variety of different tools, often times many of which are in excess. The last type is the One-handed opening knife, which as its name suggests is a knife which can be easily opened with one hand using the thumb to slide the knife open.

So, if you want a steady and stable knife, you better get a lock blade knife, which has a mechanism to keep the blade open when in use.

On the other hand, if you are looking for maximum functionality you should get a multi-tool, some of which have more than 85 tools of all types of tools, including USB drives, LED flashlights, wrenches, cigar cutters and a lot more of important and not so important tools in one.

For the fastest response time, the one-handed opening knife is probably the best choice, because only one gesture is needed to open this knife, which can be crucial in some situations.

What to look for in the Best pocket knife

Of course, depending on what you need a pocket knife for, you should always take a closer look at the most important features of an EDC knife, which are: the quality, the length of the blade, the design and number of components, the make and material of the handle, as well as the material used for the blade, and last but not least the overall style of the knife.

QUALITY

Naturally, if you want to purchase a pocket knife which will serve its purpose well and for a long period of time, you should consider the quality of the knife. Much like what we advised you in the previous article for Choosing the best survival knife, quality is extremely important. There are a number of very cheap pocket knives, which though wouldn’t last through one cutting session. It is important to consider paying a slightly higher price, but getting a tool which will serve you for years to come.

BLADE LENGTH AND MATERIAL

When picking an EDC knife, you should also consider what blade length and blade material will best suit your needs. If you are planning on using your folding knife in wet and moist conditions, then you should consider getting a rust-resistant one, whilst if you are going to use your knife for mechanics or electric work, then the anti-corrosion feature is more important.

HANDLE MATERIAL

The material of the handle is not to be ignored either when choosing the best pocket knife. The grip of the pocket knife like in any other knife is actually crucial for its safe and comfortable use. You should try a knife out before buying it if possible, in order to get a feel of the size and the texture of its handle.

BUILT QUALITY AND LESS MOVING PARTS

Also, in order to stay safe when carrying around or handling your knife, it is important to pick a knife with a good quality mechanism, a smooth closing and opening and of course a good lock to keep the knife closed when not in use. Much like when choosing a quality multi-tool, the built quality is extremely important.

BRAND

In general, it is difficult to label only one company as the best pocket knife brand. Our view is that – yes, brand matters when picking a knife, and that the EDC knives made in the USA tend to be of better quality than most other knives available on the market. Bigger brands will offer longer and even life-long warranties for their knives, which makes such an investment totally worth it.

Overview of the Best Pocket Knives

The best folding knives are not simply good pocket knives, but a lot more. In general, these types of knives have a mechanism which closes them when pushed to hard or when attempting to perform a strenuous task with the knife. It is common sense that when picking a knife, you should always keep in mind the tasks you will be using it for. Read carefully the folding knife reviews and select accordingly. Like with any other knife, you should consider what you are planning to use this pocket knife for before purchasing the best one for yourself.