Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just someone who likes to be prepared, a pocket knife is a handy tool to have on hand. But with so many different types and brands of knives available, it can be tough to know which one is suitable for your needs. We’ve researched for you and put together a list of the best pocket knife for EDC or everyday carry. In outdoor situations, a trusty pocket knife can come in handy for everything from cutting rope to carving wood. But even if you’re not planning on spending any time in the great outdoors, a pocket knife can still be a valuable tool for things like opening boxes or packages. The knives are durable, easy to use, and comfortable to carry. They should also have a blade that is the right size for your needs.
Different people will have different opinions on what the perfect pocket knife looks like, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options on the market. Some of the knives we sell include the best backpacking knife and the best Benchmade knife, which will be perfect for your everyday needs. We believe a decent pocket knife is a must-have tool for every man, so we spent hours researching, reading consumer feedback, and comparing specifications to find the best one. We then attached each knife to a pack and lugged it around with us for several weeks until we came up with our final impressions. It is the one that’s comfortable for you to carry and use, so make sure to choose the right size and style for your needs. Here are some shopping suggestions to help you decide which alternatives are the best.
Our top picks
Quick Shopping Tips:
SIZE: The best pocket knife for everyone should be small and compact enough to fit easily into your pocket without being too bulky or intrusive. A blade length of 3-4 inches is usually a good balance between cutting power and portability. It’s also important to consider the handle length when choosing a knife. A longer handle will provide more leverage when working with your knife, while a shorter handle will be easier to carry.
OPENING STYLE: There are two main pocket knives: manual and automatic. Manual cutters require you to use your thumb or another finger to open the blade, while automatic knives have a button or switch that you can press to open the edge. Automatic knives are generally quicker and easier to deploy, but they’re also more expensive and more likely to fail. Manual knives are more reliable but may require two hands to open.
A SHARP BLADE: One of the essential features of a good pocket knife is a sharp blade. A dull blade is more likely to slip and cause injury, so choosing a knife with a blade that can be easily sharpened is crucial. It will have a blade made of high-quality steel that can hold an edge for a long time. It’s also a good idea to choose a knife with a blade that can be easily replaced if it becomes dull.
LOCKING SYSTEM: A good pocket knife should have a locking system that prevents the blade from closing while you’re using it. This is important for safety and will also help keep the edge from getting damaged when it’s not in use. There are two main types of locking systems liner locks and frame locks. Liner locks have a metal piece that slides into place to lock the blade open, while frame locks have a bit of metal that extends from the handle to lock the blade.
The Best Pocket Knives For EDC : First look
The Best Pocket Knives For EDC: In-depth Review
01
best overall pocket knife
Kershaw Leek
Material
Stainless Steel
MEASURED WEIGHT
3 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3 in. / 4 in.

PROS
+Very sharp
+Slim and compact
+Assisted one-hand open
CONS
-A thin blade is fragile
-The blade tip is a bit thin
The Kershaw Leek is a versatile knife that is perfect for any situation. With a 3-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N Steel, it is one of the highest-performing knife steels in the world. The 410 stainless steel alloy handle provides resistance to corrosion and extra strength and hardness. The frame lock keeps the open knife, giving it a slim, elegant look. The tip lock keeps the blade closed during carrying. The speed-safe assisted opening allows easy opening with minimal effort and maximal functionality. The pocket clip is reversible for left or right-handed carry and can be mounted in 4 different positions. It is an excellent knife for everyday carry, camping, hiking, hunting, and self-defense. It is a well-built folder, with each component working together to form a dependable knife. Bestech went with a 3.5" blade made from Bohler M390 steel.
We’ve made choosing the best overall pocket knife simpler by providing a fair comparison in this buying guide. The show side of the blade is coated with a black DLC (diamond-like carbon) finish that helps reduce wear and tear and protects against corrosion. The stainless steel blade is a simple drop-point design with a 3.5-inch cutting edge, perfect for clearing brush and limb harvests. A titanium frame lock kept the knife firmly in place when deployed and added some weight to the handle. A ceramic ball bearing at the pivot point ensures that the blade deploys smoothly and quickly every time. It also decided to go with a titanium pocket clip on the Knight, which is mounted on the show side of the handle.
02
best ultralight pocket knife
Benchmade Bugout 535
Handle Material
Glass Reinforced Nylon
MEASURED WEIGHT
1.9 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3.24 in. / 4.22 in

PROS
+Very lightweight
+Premium steel quality
+Very sharp
CONS
-Expensive
-Low profile handle
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is the perfect everyday carry knife. It’s incredibly lightweight and rigid, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking. The American-made CPM-S30V steel is first-rate regarding edge retention and corrosion resistance. And the precision drop-point construction is both strong and versatile. The fully ambidextrous grivory handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip, while the Axis locking mechanism ensures the safety and a smooth opening and closing. Plus, the reversible clip and lanyard hole offer versatile carry options. We believe you deserve the best pocket knife available, so we’ve chosen this masterpiece. Whether exploring the great outdoors or simply dealing with everyday chores, it’s up to you.
It’s an excellent knife for the price, with a blade shy of 3 inches. It’s better to read experience-based reviews to get the best ultralight pocket knife, especially if you’ve already purchased one. It has a clean, modern look with its black DLC coated Bohler M390 steel blade and titanium handle. The frame lock adds to the knife’s security while in use, and the ceramic ball bearing at the pivot point ensures a smooth, quick blade deployment. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed people and can be mounted in four positions. It’s a classic design that is as functional today as it was when it was first introduced.
03
best budget pocket knife
Opinel No.08
Handle Material
Beechwood
MEASURED WEIGHT
1.6 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3.25 in. / 4.25 in.

PROS
+Very lightweight
+Secure collar lock
+Comfortable handle
CONS
-Not as sharp as some
-No pocket clip
Opinel No.08 is an essential tool that has remained unchanged since 1890. It is a must-have for outdoors people and handypersons alike and is perfect for everyday use and emergencies. The Stainless Virobloc safety ring has two sections, one fixed and one sliding, for secure locking, while the carbon steel blade is tough and guarantees excellent cutting quality. The beechwood handle is durable and comfortable, and the entire product is guaranteed under regular use, making it a wise investment for anyone needing a reliable knife. It’s a simple, no-frills design that is perfect for those who need a knife for basic tasks.
When you dig deeper, you’ll discover that it is the best budget pocket knife among its competitors. The handle is made from Scandinavian birch wood, which is both strong and light. It’s a fantastic compromise for an ultralight pocket knife. It’s a clean, modern look with its black DLC coated Bohler M390 steel blade and titanium handle. The frame lock provides extra security when the knife is in use, and the ceramic ball bearing at the pivot point ensures a smooth, quick deployment of the blade. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed people and can be mounted in four positions.
04
best premium pocket knife
Spyderco Para Military 2
Handle Material
Fiberglass
MEASURED WEIGHT
3.8 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3.42 in. / 4.82 in

PROS
+Very sharp
+Excellent grip
+Unique blade shape
CONS
-A bit expensive
-Size isn't inconspicuous
The Spyderco Para Military 2 is an improved classic, distilling the world-class performance of the legendary Military Model into a more compact and pocket-friendly package. Made with superior quality, this knife features an entire flat-ground blade with a lengthened tip and additional surface jimping for optimal performance. The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end for a more comfortable grip, and the blade is thinner and easier to use, thanks to the patented compression lock mechanism. We preserve your time and money and offer you the best pocket knife to assist you in making an informed decision. The 4-position pocket clip makes it easy to carry and use, while the dependable build ensures years of reliable service. It is an excellent choice for those looking for an EDC pocket knife that won’t break the bank.
It’s a simple, straightforward design that is perfect for everyday tasks. Choosing the best premium pocket knife might not be as simple as you think, so you’ll need to weigh some critical elements. The blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and is 2.75 inches long. The handle is made from aluminum and has a textured finish for a secure grip. The blade is deployed with a flipper mechanism, and the knife has a liner lock to keep it securely in place. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users. It’s an excellent knife for the price and perfect for those who don’t need anything fancy. The PM2 also has a large hole on the blade, making it easy to open with one hand. The blade has a flat grind and is full-tang with a 3.75-inch cutting edge.
05
best workhorse pocket knife
Kershaw Blur
Handle Material
6061-T6 aluminum, Trac-Tec inserts
MEASURED WEIGHT
3.9 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3.4 in. / 4.5 in.

PROS
+Large blade
+Very sharp
+Excellent grip
CONS
-Expensive
-Flat handle profile
The Kershaw Blur is a speed-assisted pocket knife perfect for easy, safe, and ambidextrous one-handed opening. The reversible pocket clip makes storing the pocketknife a breeze; choosing to change the tip position of the blade or even the side the knife carries; sits deep in the pocket for discreet carry. The thumb stud is ideally placed for accessibility and ease of opening with just the push of a thumb. The handle is reinforced with an inset Liner Lock to give extra strength, durability, and safety. The Trac-Tec gives quality grip and allows easy carry in all conditions, including freshwater, marine, snow, mud, and messy skinning.
In this buying advice, we’ve made locating the best workhorse pocket knife simpler by providing an unbiased assessment of each model. The blade is made from heat-treated stainless steel and DLC coated for extra durability and strength; it will retain its edge longer and resist corrosion. The blade shape is perfect for slicing and piercing; the sharp point can be used for detailed work, while the belly provides ample space for all your cutting needs. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality pocket knife that will last many years.
06
best small pocket knife
CRKT Squid
Handle Material
Stainless Steel
MEASURED WEIGHT
3.5 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
2.16 in. / 3.48 in

PROS
+Affordable
+Compact
+Inconspicuous
CONS
-Small size
-Slightly heavy for its size
The CRKT Squid is a larger knife with an assisted one-hand opening that is perfect for those who need extra help getting their blade out in a hurry. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. The stainless steel handle is durable and has a textured finish for a secure grip. The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and is 3.5 inches long with a flat grind. The knife also has a liner lock to keep it securely in place. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a quality knife that is easy to open and close. It’s the smallest 3.2-inch blade on our list, and it has a three-quarter length of this knife is 2.16 inches, making it one of the best small pocket knife for those who need a workhorse pocket knife.
Any knife with a blade over 3 inches will be larger than most people are used to carrying in their pockets, but the Squid hits that perfect sweet spot for many users. The 2Cr13 stainless steel handle has an excellent grip and is textured for those who like a little extra grip on their knives. It also has a frame lock to keep the blade securely in place when it’s open. The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and is 3.5 inches long with a flat grind. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a quality knife that is easy to open and close. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry.
07
best quick opening pocket knife
SOG Twitch II
Handle Material
Anodized Aluminum 6061-T6
MEASURED WEIGHT
2.6 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
2.65 in. / 3.55 in

PROS
+Slim and compact
+Assisted one-hand open
+Safety lock
CONS
-Size small
-It takes two hands to close
The SOG Twitch II is a slim and compact knife with an assisted one-hand opening that is perfect for those who need extra help getting their blade out in a hurry. It is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. The anodized aluminum handle is durable and has a textured finish for a secure grip. The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and is 2.65 inches long with a flat grind. It also has a liner lock to keep it securely in place. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a quality knife that is easy to open and close. We’ve made it simple to locate the best pocket knife by providing an unbiased assessment in our buying guide.
Release the fast opening knife with either hand using a little pressure flick the EDC tactical folding knife kick on the back of the twitch II, and the best quick opening pocket knife is in action. A safety lock ensures the blade will not open accidentally. It measures 2.6 ounces and 3.55 inches in closed length and has a limited lifetime warranty. It will have a few key features that set them apart from the rest. First, they’ll have a quick and easy opening mechanism. This is important for those who need to be able to access their knife in a hurry. Second, they’ll have a safety lock to prevent the blade from accidentally opening. Third, they’ll have a durable handle that will provide a secure grip. Finally, they’ll have an edge made from high-carbon stainless steel. This type of steel is known for its strength and durability.
08
best long-lasting pocket knife
Gerber Paraframe II
Handle Material
Stainless Steel
MEASURED WEIGHT
4.1 oz
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH
3.5 in. / 4.75 in

PROS
+Ergonomic handle
+Durable (all-steel construction)
+Easy to clean
CONS
-Mediocre blade quality
-Thumb studs are a bit long
The Gerber Paraframe II is a durable, all-steel knife with an ergonomic handle that is easy to clean. The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and is 3.5 inches long with a flat grind. It also has a liner lock to keep it securely in place. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a quality knife that is easy to open and close. The thumb studs are long but can be easily shortened with a file. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. Its blade is full-tang and has a fine edge. The handle is 4.75 inches long and made from stainless steel.
It also has a frame lock for added security. Its overall length is 8.27 inches, and it weighs 4.2 ounces. It’s also durable and has a secure frame lock. However, the thumb studs are a bit long, and the blade quality is only average. For those who want to choose the proud creation by the manufacturer, the product mentioned is considered the best long-lasting pocket knife that can be used in different ways. If you need a knife for self-defense, you’ll want something with a quick and easy opening mechanism. If you need a knife for general utility purposes, you’ll want something durable and easy to clean.
Final Words
There are a variety of different pocket knives available on the market, and it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. However, considering the critical features, such as the opening mechanism, blade quality, and handle material, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect knife for your needs. They also come in handy when you need to do some quick repairs or open a package.
No matter what your needs are, there is a pocket knife out there that is perfect for you. Some are better suited for self-defense, while others are better for general utility purposes. Consider your needs and choose the best pocket knife for you that meets those needs. A good pocket knife can be a lifesaver in a variety of situations. Be sure to choose one that is durable and easy to use, so you’ll always be prepared. This is an essential tool in any adventure that should not be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the excellent pocket knife you can get?
The Kershaw Leek is our top pick. It’s a simple, functional knife that is easy to use and carries a sharp blade. The Gerber Paraframe II is also a good choice for those who need a quality knife that is easy to open and close. The thumb studs are long but can be easily shortened with a file. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. It has a liner lock to keep it securely in place, and the blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel.
Are expensive pocket knives worth it?
Not necessarily. While some expensive pocket knives offer excellent quality, there are many cheaper options Opinel No.08 is the most popular and best-selling pocket knife that offers just as much quality and durability. It is made in France and has a beech wood handle. The blade is 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel with a V-shaped ground for easy sharpening. They also offer a lifetime warranty, so you can ensure your purchase is protected.
What is the sharpest pocket knife?
The Kershaw Blur is our pick for the sharpest pocket knife. It has a 3.4-inch blade made from high-performance 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel. The blade is DLC (diamond-like carbon) coated for added durability and has a recurved edge that is ideal for slicing. It also has a SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism for quick and easy one-handed opening. The pocket clip is reversible for left-handed users and can be positioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the knife weighs 4 ounces.
How long should knives last?
It depends on the knife and how it is used. A well-made knife should last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, Spyderco Para Military 2 sprint run with M390 blade and carbon fiber handles is one of the most popular and best-selling pocket knives built to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is designed for the type of use you plan to put it through. With proper care, it should last for many years.