Best Pocket Knives for 2022| Outdoor Life

I’ve been fortunate sufficient to personal and deal with lots of the greatest pocket knives, together with manufacturing and customized blades. Now, the Fifth Amendment protects me from self-incrimination, so I gained’t say what number of knives I at present personal, or have owned, as a result of it’s attainable that my spouse will learn this. However, I’ll say that I’ve been a prolific purchaser of cutlery since I obtained my first knife at age 5. I even began a sharpening enterprise years in the past simply to fund my “hobby.” 

If you don’t need a drawer(s) stuffed with knives and simply wish to discover the most effective pocket knife for you, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective pocket knives for quite a lot of customers and makes use of. I didn’t randomly decide the next knives out of a hat. I’ve had many knives move by means of my arms on the sharpening bench and in my assortment, and have realized loads about what makes an incredible pocket knife by means of hands-on expertise.

Nobody desires second-best something, so listed below are my picks for the most effective pocket knives.

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.3-inch drop level blade
• CRUWEAR metal
• Ambidextrous AXIS Lock
• 4.3 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The Benchmade Mini Adamas takes a few of the greatest qualities from a number of different knives on this listing, and combines them into one do-it-all package deal. It additionally sports activities CPM-CRUWEAR metal, which is among the greatest knife steels in the marketplace right now. 

Pros

• CRUWEAR metal has an unimaginable mix of edge retention and resistance to chipping or breaking
• Drop level blade with beneficiant stomach is most versatile blade form for EDC or searching
• Built robust, however with out the heft
• Good grip supplied by a well-designed deal with form and well-placed jimping

Cons

• If the coating wears off, it’s attainable to have corrosion as a result of CRUWEAR isn’t thought of stainless-steel 

Product Description

The Benchmade Mini Adamas is a shrunken and up to date model of one in all Benchmade’s greatest and hardest folders, the Adamas. In the replace, the Mini Adamas was blessed with CRUWEAR Steel, which is a superb enchancment. Benchmade additionally up to date the full-size Adamas and sells each the full-size and the Mini. 

The previous model had D2, which isn’t dangerous by any measure, however doesn’t maintain a candle to CRUWEAR. There was quite a lot of hype surrounding the discharge of the Mini Adamas, as a result of folks had been asking for a smaller model of the unique, and I can say that the Mini Adamas lived as much as the hype—and truly outshined it. 

It’s my decide for the most effective pocket knife general as a result of it could actually do most issues effectively. It excels in a tough use setting due to its good ergonomics, robust liners, and CRUWEAR blade. The blade form is right for searching and tenting wants. And, it’s an almost excellent measurement and really feel for an EDC blade. Heck, this might even be a gents’s knife for those who went for the blacked-out model. 

Why It Made the Cut

You’ll hardly discover this knife in your pocket, nevertheless it has a full-sized, super-steel blade and nice ergonomics. 

Key Features

• Blade Length: 3.25 inches
• Steel: S90V
• Handle: Carbon fiber
• Weight: 2 ounces
• Lock: Axis
• Price: $298

Pros 

• Great edge retention 
• Extremely mild 

Cons

• Somel match and end flaws 

Product Description

The Benchmade Bugout is available in a number of trim ranges, ranging in worth from $160 to $540. The worth fluctuates with the supplies. If you need a tremendous metal and carbon fiber, it’s going to value you. But, all of the fashions share the identical blade form, ergonomics, and locking mechanism. 

The Bugout has a drop-point blade that places the tip within the knife’s centerline. That function makes it intuitive to know the place the purpose is whilst you’re working. The stomach has a mild sweep, which is helpful for lots of slicing duties. If I had to decide on one blade form for all my knives, the Bugout’s drop level could be it. 

In a pinch grip or energy grip, the Bugout is fantastically snug and the deal with is deceptively detailed. The high of the deal with has a slight drop from entrance to again. The backside of the grip locks your index finger into place to forestall slipping and has simply sufficient of a pinkie hook to offer you additional grip. The pocket clip is reversible and the thumb studs are straightforward to hit with a thumb or center finger. The axis lock makes one handed opening and shutting a cinch. You should buy a Bugout with S30V, S90V, or M390 metal. All three steels are shut of their toughness. M390 has the most effective corrosion resistance, S90V has the most effective edge retention, and S30V is probably the most inexpensive. -Scott Einsmann

Why It Made the Cut

This fully corrosion-free knife has a singular blade materials and nice ergonomics. 

Key Features

• Blade Length: 3 inches
• Steel: Terravantium 
• Weight: 3.7 ounces
• Lock: Framelock 
• Price: $380

Pros 

• Will not rust 
• Good edge retention 
• Comfortable to make use of

Cons

• Detent is a bit too robust 

Product Description

I’ve used my Invictus for EDC, searching, and fishing this fall. I purchased it due to its distinctive development and I preferred that each part of the knife is corrosion free. So whether or not I’m moist wading in saltwater or use it to subject costume a deer, I don’t have to fret about rust. It has the financial institution vault click on that’s an indicator of a effectively made framelock and it rivals many midtechs for it’s match and end. 

The blade metal used within the Invictus isn’t your typical blade metal, it’s not even metal. Terravantium is a cobalt alloy that doesn’t should be warmth handled. It’s additionally fully rust proof, non-magnetic, and retains an edge for a really very long time. Although I’ve discovered it doesn’t hold a razor edge lengthy, it holds a toothy edge seemingly indefinitely. Mine has damaged down tons of of cardboard containers while not having a touchup. 

The spearpoint blade form on the Invictus is right for piercing and slicing cuts. The slight distal taper reinforces the purpose and whereas I wouldn’t use it as a pry bar, it could actually take abuse. The ⅛ thickness is an efficient compromise between toughness and slicing. While the grip seems straight, it’s properly contoured and has a deep finger choil for a safe grip in all circumstances. Terrain 365 presents the knife with titanium, carbon fiber, micarta, and G10 handles. -Scott Einsmann

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.75-inch clip level blade
• Stainless 420 metal with BOS warmth deal with
• Lockback
• Glass Filled Nylon (GFN) deal with materials
• 2.8 ounces

Why It Made the Cut

For round $30, you get basic traces, up to date options, and Made-in-the-USA high quality, which makes the 110 Slim stand above the remaining on this class and the most effective pocket knife for below $50.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Left- or right-hand carry and opening
• Easy on the pockets
• Classic design
• Pocket clip and thumb stud are nice updates to the Original 110

Cons

• There is a few flex within the deal with scales, nevertheless it doesn’t harm efficiency

Product Description

The Buck 110 Slim is a contemporary model of the Iconic Buck 110. As the title implies, it’s slimmed down in each weight and thickness from the unique. It additionally has a pocket clip and a thumb stud for blade opening: each new options for the 110. One of the issues I didn’t like in regards to the unique 110 is that it sat like a sideways brick within the backside of my pocket. The 110 Slim has a properly executed pocket clip that retains it oriented and stationary in my pocket for straightforward, constant entry.

Buck saved all the pieces folks love in regards to the basic Buck 110: It has a tried-and-true again lock design. The impartial deal with form with textured deal with scales makes for a snug and safe grip in moist or dry circumstances. The hole floor blade is an actual slicer. I really like that Buck up to date this knife and saved the manufacturing right here within the U.S., which is uncommon for knives on this worth class. If you’re on a good price range however nonetheless need high quality, it’s going to be very arduous to beat this up to date basic. 

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.4-inch blade
• S30V metal
• Ambidextrous AXIS lock
• Aluminum and titanium deal with
• 2.9 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The topic of the most effective EDC folder is a hotly debated subject within the knife world. There are a couple of names that all the time come up within the dialog, and the Benchmade 940 is one in all them. What units it aside from the opposite contenders within the 940’s guarantee, its practically indestructible deal with design, and its extremely useful blade form.

Pros

• Top-notch guarantee and customer support
• High-end supplies in each deal with and blade
• Easy to hold and rapidly deploy
• Blade design provides a robust tip for arduous work
• Smaller kind issue makes carrying straightforward for any apparel

Cons

• Finish on aluminum feels “chalky” till its damaged in

Product Description

I’ve referred to the Benchmade 940 Osborne because the “Mary Poppins of pocket knives” as a result of it’s virtually excellent in each approach. This is clearly subjective, however many knife nuts share my opinion. Comfortable, straightforward to hold, practically unattainable to kill, and backed by an organization that stands by their product. For instance, for those who handle to bend the clip, Benchmade will ship you as much as three per yr freed from cost. Most corporations don’t match that. They can even sharpen it free of charge for all times. 

Its lock design makes it straightforward to make use of with both hand, even with gloves on. Add to {that a} lengthy blade-to-handle ratio, and modest kind think about your pocket, and you’ve got a winner. I’ve been beating on mine relentlessly for about eight years, and it exhibits no indicators of slowing down. The Benchmade 940 was a straightforward selection for the most effective EDC Pocket Knife.

Read Next: Benchmade 940 Review

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• Blade shapes: Clip level, spey, and sheepsfoot
• Nail nick opening slip joint
• 2.5 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

Case is among the most recognizable knife makers within the U.S., and the Stockman sample is what most individuals consider once they consider Grandpa’s knife. I do know my Grandpa had one. 

Pros

• Three totally different blade shapes cater to virtually any slicing process
• Wide number of supplies obtainable
• Well constructed with a protracted, wealthy historical past
• Small sufficient to not compete for pocket area, however sufficiently big to get the job executed

Cons

• Blades don’t lock
• Two-handed opening

Product Description

I really like my fashionable pocket knives, however I nonetheless carry my conventional blades as effectively. My Medium Stockman has Black G-10 handles for a contact of recent, however the remaining is all nostalgia. The greatest conventional pocket knife, the Case Medium Stockman has been round ceaselessly and confirmed itself to be helpful and dependable on farms, in retailers, on the workplace, and round the home for numerous folks through the years. 

It’s obtainable in many alternative deal with supplies to go well with any model, and is the quintessential non-locking conventional knife. The totally different blade shapes are good for various duties, and the clip level blade is perhaps the most effective splinter elimination instrument made. Although the blades don’t lock, the spring rigidity resists closing and retains the blades securely shut. Many slip joints are dearer, and plenty of are cheaper, however Case hits the candy spot for worth and high quality, and the Medium Stockman is one in all their greatest patterns. 

Key Features

• Made in China
• 3.5-inch replaceable important blade and three.5-inch gutting blade
• Liner lock
• 5.67 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The RazorPro is a purpose-built searching knife with a robust gutting blade and a replaceable blade making it our decide for greatest pocket knife for searching.  

 Pros

• Rubberized deal with supplies tons of grip even when moist
• Easily change blade with the push of a button
• Gutting blade effortlessly opens sport up, and is nice for preliminary skinning cuts
• Sheath and additional blades included

Cons

• Replaceable blades not as robust as a standard blade

Product Description

I’ve tried a number of replaceable blade knives and have by no means actually been a fan of them. That is, till I used a pal’s RazorPro. What gained me over was the thick and powerful replaceable blades which can be supported by the holder virtually out to the tip of the blade. It feels a lot stronger, and handles rather more like a daily knife, which is a large plus for me. 

The different factor that set this knife aside for searching was the gutting blade. It has a recurve form, with a rounded tip, which implies no unintentional punctures, and no having to straddle the blade along with your fingers. The gutting blade can be excellent for unzipping cover down the backbone and legs. Another plus is the rubber, nylon, and stainless-steel development makes for straightforward cleanup. 

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.44-inch blade
• CPM-S45VN metal
• Proprietary compression lock 
• 3.75 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (PM 2) is the most effective pocket knife for slicing on the market due to its geometry. A full flat grind and a distal taper make this knife lower like a razor blade. 

Pros

• Large and ergonomic deal with 
• Thumbhole opener is simple to entry, versatile, and enjoyable to flick open
• Forward finger choil permits for excellent management on delicate/exact cuts
• Lock design is stronger than a normal liner lock
• Available in lots of deal with colour/materials and blade metal mixtures

Cons

• Closed width makes it a pocket hog
• Compression lock tough to make use of if left-handed

Product Description

The Spyderco PM 2 is a particularly standard EDC knife, and for good cause. This factor simply plain cuts. Breaking down cardboard, meals prep, opening packages, and most different on a regular basis slicing duties are a breeze. 

While the Spyderco could also be the most effective slicer, it loses marks for tip energy. If you are typically tough on blades, you would possibly wish to look elsewhere. If you simply use your knife to chop stuff, (, what it’s designed for) and don’t press your blade into use as a pry bar, the PM 2 ought to provide you with years of trouble-free use and pleasure. 

Aside from its razor-like qualities, one other function folks like in regards to the PM2 is its ergonomic deal with which you could grip in a number of methods. The deal with is curved with two-finger choils for an ergonomic profile, and the deal with scales are flat items of textured G-10 over stainless-steel liners. 

There are two totally different hand positions when utilizing the PM 2: Regular grip- all fingers on the deal with, and choked-up, the place you progress onto the finger choil that’s built-in into the blade to get proper as much as the leading edge for severe management. 

As you store for a Paramilitary 2, you’ll discover it has a great deal of variations in each blade metal and deal with colours. But your fundamental mannequin has been upgraded to S45VN metal from S30V and retains the excessive traction G-10 deal with scales of the earlier base mannequin. 

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.25-inch drop level recurve blade
• S30V metal
• Extra thick liner lock
• 6.2 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The ZT 0350 is an over-built knife designed for arduous use. The development and really feel of this knife depart little doubt it’s able to any job. 

Pros

• Feels like a bit tank in your hand
• Lots of traction with milled G-10 and jimping the place you want it
• Opens with a flipper tab or thumb studs
• Drop level blade form is helpful and powerful

Cons

• Feels like a bit tank in your pocket
• Recurve portion of the blade takes a bit know-how to sharpen effectively

Product Description

The ZT 0350 will get the nod for the most effective pocket knife for arduous use as a result of it’s massive and hard, however not so massive and hard that it’s a ache to hold. This is about the most effective pocket knives, in any case. There are larger and stronger arduous use knives, however the 0350 is the most effective mix of carry and toughness. I’ve owned three of those through the years, and I all the time preferred them loads. Pretty cozy in hand, and I by no means felt like I didn’t have sufficient knife for what I used to be doing. 

The ergonomics are designed with arduous use in thoughts. The flipper tab doubles as a finger guard to forestall slipping ahead onto the leading edge for stabbing or thrusting cuts, which is nice for a tough use knife. The blade is pretty heavy and stout, so the spring help makes deployment a lot sooner and simpler than others which can be guide opening. 

Even although this blade is robust all the way in which out to the tip, it’s truly a fairly good slicer. Most of the time, the actually overbuilt blades are prybars with semi-sharpened edges. The 0350 manages to be powerful whereas nonetheless functioning effectively as a knife. ZT has a strong guarantee, nevertheless it’s uncertain that you’ll ever want to make use of it. This knife is made to take some punches. 

Best for Assisted Opening: Kershaw Leek

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• Sandvik metal 
• 3-inch Wharncliffe-style blade
• Liner lock
• 3 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The Kershaw Leek fires out like a lightning bolt, but in addition has the power to be tamed with a lock that retains the blade shut to forestall in-pocket and unintentional openings. 

Pros

• Fast and dependable Speedsafe spring help mechanism
• Compact design matches in any pocket 
• Blade lock can be utilized to forestall unintentional opening
• Can use flipper tab or thumb studs to open blade

Cons

• No possibility for left-handed carry
• Can really feel a bit small for bigger arms

Product Description

The Kershaw Leek’s options make it the most effective assisted opening pocket knife. The blade is mild, so it zips out lightning quick and with a satisfying snap. It’s all the pieces that an assisted opening knife ought to be: quick, dependable, and secure. Another plus is the Speedsafe System that Kershaw makes use of doesn’t qualify as an computerized knife, so it’s authorized virtually in every single place. 

The Leek is compact, however feels strong, and is sort of robust because of the stainless-steel handles. The Sandvik 14C28N metal could also be a little bit of a tongue tornado, however in my expertise, Kershaw does an excellent job on the warmth deal with and will get strong efficiency from this metal. Kershaw makes fairly a couple of good assisted knives, and I virtually selected the Kershaw Blur for this class, because it’s one other unbelievable assisted knife, however I’m keen on the Leek’s styling and barely sooner deployment. 

Key Features

• Made in USA
• 4.1-inch drop level blade
• CPM-S35VN metal
• Titanium Frame Lock
• 4.4 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

The ZT 0452CF is glossy, refined, ultra-smooth, and discreet in pocket. It’s straightforward to hold in a go well with, and nonetheless a extremely succesful slicing instrument in case your concept of dressing up is denims and boots, making it our decide for the most effective gents’s pocket knife.

Pros

• Premium supplies together with titanium, carbon fiber, and powdered metal
• Super {smooth} motion utilizing caged ball bearings (KVT system)
• Comfortable ergonomics
• Way extra blade than you anticipate

Cons

• Way extra blade than you anticipate
• Right-hand carry solely

Product Description

The ZT 0452CF will spoil you with its tremendous {smooth} ball bearings and excellent detent that give it a tremendous flipper motion. It might be arduous to have a look at your different knives the identical approach after you flick this blade open. The stonewashed titanium and carbon fiber add beauty to the combination, and premium touches like a lock bar insert and milled pivots put this pocket knife excessive. 

In hand, the 0452CF feels very good and cozy, and the blade form lends itself to being good at practically each EDC slicing process you’ll come up towards. The first time you open this knife, you’ll be amazed on the blade size. My preliminary impressions have been that it was a pocket sword. But it was additionally very controllable, and didn’t really feel like an even bigger knife.

A deep carry pocket clip retains issues discreet on the workplace, and nobody will know you’re packing a blade that’s over 4 inches as a result of the contoured titanium and carbon fiber assist this disappear in pocket with a comparatively slender and slim kind issue. And let’s face it: a gentleman ought to make a quiet assertion, and this knife actually does that. 

Best Pocket Knife for Kids: Opinel No.6

Key Features

• Made in France
• 2.9-inch blade
• Stainless or carbon metal 
• Easy-to-use lock
• Beechwood deal with
• Only 1 ounce

Why it Made the Cut

The Opinel No.6 is the most effective pocket knife for youths as a result of it’s very straightforward to make use of, cheap, and the spherical deal with form is snug for small and huge arms alike. It’s additionally the simplest lock to control for smaller and weaker fingers that may battle with liner locks.

Pros

• Rotating collar-style lock straightforward to make use of for smaller arms
• Wooden deal with and body may be painted, coloured, carved, or burned 
• Comfortable deal with form
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Carbon metal blade can rust if not noted within the parts

Product Description

Opinel makes all kinds of sizes from round two inches all the way in which as much as over 12 inches, however the No.6 is the “just right” measurement for a brand new knife consumer. The rotating collar lock (Virobloc lock) can be utilized to both maintain the blade open or lock it shut. My daughters discovered that it was the simplest lock model for them to make use of. The lock on this knife doesn’t mechanically interact, which helps new knife customers to decelerate and take into consideration all the pieces they’re doing. Also, fingers are by no means within the path of the blade whereas closing, which is a plus over kinds equivalent to liner and body locks. 

Let’s face it, generally youngsters lose stuff, and at well-under $20, you gained’t be heart-broken if it will get misplaced. To keep away from my daughter’s from getting misplaced, I drilled a gap within the again for a lanyard then connected it by way of a carabiner to her backpack. The Opinel No. 6 is tremendous light-weight, customizable, snug, and straightforward to make use of, which makes it the most effective pocket knife for youths to be taught on. 

Key Features

• Made within the U.S.
• 3.5-inch blade 
• 154CM metal hybrid tanto/recurve blade
• Titanium liner lock
• 4.5 ounces

Why it Made the Cut

Not many corporations can declare the tactical bona fides of Emerson. These knives have been designed with fight in thoughts. Basically, each facet of this knife is designed to be serviced within the subject, and improve fight effectiveness. 

Pros

• Wave function on the blade catches the sting of your pocket to open the knife upon exit
• Chisel sharpened for straightforward subject care
• Pivot adjustment may be made with a coin
• High traction milled G-10 deal with scales
• The 154CM metal is comparatively straightforward to sharpen, however holds an edge effectively 

Cons

• Wave function has potential to catch different objects in pocket and partially open, although uncommon
• Right-hand carry solely—left-hand carry possibility prices extra $25 from manufacturing facility

Product Description

The Emerson Mini CQC-15 is the most effective tactical pocket knife that may pull double responsibility as an EDC blade. The “Wave” is Emerson’s signature function. It catches in your pocket as you pull the knife out and mechanically opens the blade.

The high-traction end on the deal with and deep finger choil/guard make for a really safe grip, however isn’t snug for extended use. Another signature function is the chisel grind, the place the sting bevel is barely floor in from one facet. The concept is that it may very well be sharpened on a rock within the subject extra simply than a standard double-sided bevel. I haven’t tried sharpening it on a rock, so I can’t confirm. The backside line is that whereas many knives dabble within the tacti-cool realm, the Emerson is an precise tactical blade. There is a cause that the Emerson blades are standard in Military and LEO circles. 

Things to Consider when Choosing a Knife

There is loads to have a look at when selecting the most effective pocket knife in any given class. In the world of pocket knives, choices vary from $5 to $5,000. There are knives with blades which can be below an inch as much as practically a foot. Blade steels vary from barely higher than a piece of angle iron to the newest super-steels. Here are a couple of recommendations on tips on how to type by means of quite a lot of blades and discover the precise pocket knife for you. 

The very first thing you wish to decide is what you propose to make use of the knife for. For instance, a tough use knife has a a lot totally different supposed use and setting than a child’s first knife. One has to have the ability to pierce, pry, and have most grip, and one needs to be mild and straightforward to make use of and actually solely stand as much as the abuse of whittling a stick. While contemplating the way you’ll use your knife, notice that options come at a trade-off. For instance, you’ll be able to have a knife that slices effectively just like the PM2, nevertheless it gained’t be as sturdy as a thicker blade like a Benchmade Adamas. 

Read Next: Best Survival Knives of 2021

Another massive consideration is how straightforward the knife is to hold. For me, this can be a massive one. The form and measurement of the knife, when closed, have the most important impact on this. If I can’t get my hand previous my knife to get different issues in my pocket, that’s an actual concern. Pocket clips additionally make a distinction in how the knife rides and carries, and their designs are extra necessary than you would possibly assume. 

Finally, take a look at the blade metal. I’ve owned knives that carried out and carried effectively, however the metal was missing. That meant I used to be continually sharpening it, or it was so arduous and brittle that I used to be all the time fixing chips. Some metal is tremendous straightforward to sharpen however gained’t maintain an edge, and a few metal will lower ceaselessly, however take you an eternity to sharpen. The superb metal finds a contented steadiness between the 2. Also, keep away from blades with ambiguous labels like “surgical stainless.” There’s loads to study blade steels, however I feel it’s definitely worth the time funding. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on Pocket Knives

I’ve been hooked on pocket knives since my dad gave me a Swiss Army Knife at age 5. Having a knife opened a world of prospects to me at the moment, and to at the present time, a pocket knife is a vital instrument that I’m by no means with out. 

The greatest pocket knives on this listing have all been vetted, examined, and confirmed. Picking up any one in all them might be an incredible addition to your assortment or the right springboard to launch you right into a knife habit, I imply, interest. Think of your knife as a instrument: decide the instrument that may greatest go well with the work you might be doing, and will probably be the most effective pocket knife for you.