The Best Pocket Knives, Tested and Reviewed
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A high-quality pocket knife can prepare you for a variety of situations at home or outdoors.
Thanks to its compact folding design, a pocket knife allows the blade to be stored in the handle, and the tool itself can be tucked away in a small space, such as a pocket, to carry for use on the go. Many folks are familiar with the Swiss Army knife for its recognizable red housing, small size, and the assortment of implements in addition to the blade that qualifies it as a multi-tool. True pocket knives, however, have a larger blade and handle, useful for whittling, opening packages, trimming branches, and many other cutting chores around the home, at work, or on a camping trip.
While such versatility is valuable, some of the top pocket knives have more specific functions and features. We rounded up more than a dozen models from the most popular manufacturers in our search for the best pocket knives. Each product was selected based on thorough research and investigation into a wide range of quality models to determine the top performers in each category. Read on to learn how we whittled our list down to the best pocket knives available based on size, shape, materials, craftsmanship, and function, and how each of our picks performed in our tests.
- BEST OVERALL: SOG Twitch II Pocket Knife
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Buck Knives 284 Bantam BBW Pocket Knife
- UPGRADE PICK: Benchmade 940 Osborne Pocket Knife
- BEST MINI: Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
- BEST SMALL: CRKT Pilar Folding Pocket Knife
- BEST EDC: Civivi Elementum Flipper Knife
- BEST MULTI-TOOL: Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
- BEST SPRING-ASSISTED: Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife
- BEST WITH WOOD HANDLE: Opinel No. 08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife
- BEST FOR WORK: Case XX Trapper Pocket Knife
- BEST FOR WHITTLING: Old Timer Genuine Bone Senior Folding Pocket Knife
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife
- BEST SWISS ARMY KNIFE: Victorinox Swiss Army Pioneer X Alox Pocket Knife
How We Tested the Best Pocket Knives
We spent 2 weeks researching knife companies and parsing design and material differences to find the most popular and dependable pocket knives for a broad range of uses. After identifying more than 50 likely candidates, we followed the criteria noted in this guide to narrow the list to those found here. Then we brought them in for field testing.
The first phase of our tests were controlled and replicated in the same way with the same materials for each knife. After unboxing and recording each knife’s weight and measurements, we tested for piercing, whittling, slicing, and coarse cutting ability.
To test piercing ability, we attempted to run the tip through a scrap of rawhide and recorded a simple “yes” or “no.” Our whittling test entailed shaving a 1-inch-thick branch of greenwood oak down to a pencil point. Next, we cleaned the blade without sharpening it and sliced an apple into wedges to test edge retention and slicing capability. Finally, we touched up the blade as needed on a sharpening stone before cutting three pieces each of ¼-inch sisal rope, garden hose, and 3-inch linear cuts in cardboard.
After each test we scored every blade according to completion of the test and finesse in doing so. We also noted observations regarding edge retention, user comfort, or other subjective notes. We recorded the scores on a rubric and awarded the titles listed above based on the test scores and observation notes.
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re taking up whittling, heading out on a camping trip, or simply looking for a useful tool for everyday carry, there’s likely a knife on this list that’s right for your purposes. Read on to find out why we included these selections among the best pocket knives available and how each knife performed on our tests.
Best Overall
SOG Twitch II Pocket Knife
Photo: amazon.com
The SOG Twitch II has developed a loyal following among knife enthusiasts because of its lightweight yet tough and dependable construction, convenient but not too aggressive assisted-opening flipper design, and moderate price point. The AUS-8 stainless steel drop-point blade goes through SOG’s cryogenic heat treatment process for improved toughness and extended wear. The model we tested featured a hard-anodized machined aluminum handle with satin finish, a reversible tip-up pocket clip, and weighed in at 2.55 ounces. The overall length was 6.2 inches, with a blade length of 2.65 inches.
As a compact knife with a thin profile, the Twitch II was lightweight for comfortable pocket carry. We experienced no poking or discomfort as can be the case with clipped knives. The combination of a reversible clip and lockback made this one of the better one-handed knives we tested for right- or left-handed users, but a sliding safety switch meant to avoid accidental opening does not work as easily with one hand—we left the safety disengaged throughout most of our testing. The midrange price was commensurate with the overall knife quality.
The blade steel in this knife proved to be tough and dependable. It was sharp right out of the box and, in our cutting tests, it remained sharp enough to slice an apple skin cleanly after whittling a greenwood stick for 20 minutes. The blade shape was generally functional for piercing, slicing, and chopping. One point of discomfort for users with larger hands is that the handle measures just under 3.5 inches long. It’s great for light-duty work but feels less secure for detailed or heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Product Specs
- Blade material: AUS-8 Japanese steel
- Blade length: 2.65 inches
- Locking mechanism: Lockback with safety
Pros
- Spring-assisted opening allows for quick, convenient, single-handed operation
- Reversible tip-up pocket clip offers easy right- or left-handed access
- Hard-anodized machined aluminum handle and a straight edge with drop point combine for general-purpose cutting
Cons
- Compact size may not be comfortable in large hands
Get the SOG pocket knife at Amazon, Cabela’s, or Bass Pro Shops.
Best Bang for the Buck
Buck Knives 284 Bantam BBW Pocket Knife
Photo: amazon.com
With a conveniently placed thumb stud on the blade, this Buck Knives drop-point knife can be opened easily with just one hand, making it a great tool to have in case of emergency. While one hand can apply pressure to a wound, the other can quickly open the knife to cut bandages. The drop-point blade is made of high-carbon steel for good strength and edge retention, as long as it’s properly maintained.
The blade is also resistant to rust and folds up easily into the glass-reinforced nylon handle. Finger indents and a textured surface on the handle help to improve the user’s grip and reduce the potential for the knife to slip while slicing or piercing. The blade measures 2.75 inches long and the handle is 3 inches long, for a total length of 5.75 inches, and it weighs just 1.45 ounces.
The budget-friendly price of this Buck knife means users may not need to worry too much about losing it, but since it’s a durably built little tool, folks are likely to appreciate it nonetheless. Our tests also showed it to be as capable as it is affordable. The lightweight reinforced nylon handle was long enough and balanced perfectly at the pivot point for comfortable operation, while the thumb studs and lockback mechanism worked equally well for right- and left-handed testers. The 284 Bantam lacks a pocket clip and has a chunkier handle than the competitors we tested, but it was comfortable to carry in the pocket.
The most important standout feature was the signature Buck blade. It stayed sharp throughout our abuse, and only required a quick wash and a few passes on a honing rod to slice apples for lunch. Plus, the chunky handle actually felt more comfortable than most of the low-profile competitors for heavy-duty cutting, and the steel was definitely up to the task.
Product Specs
- Blade material: 420HC stainless steel
- Blade length: 2.75 inches
- Locking mechanism: Lockback
Pros
- Glass-reinforced nylon handle is extremely lightweight and durable
- Thumb stud and lockback make for easy one-handed opening with either hand
- Affordable price eliminates concerns about losing or lending the knife
- Available in 3 handle colors: black, Mossy Oak Break Up Country Camo, and Mossy Oak Orange Camo
Cons
- High-carbon steel blade is vulnerable to rusting and corrosion
Get the Buck Knives Bantam pocket knife at Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, or KnifeCenter.
Upgrade Pick
Benchmade 940 Osborne Pocket Knife
Photo: amazon.com
Use this premium reverse tanto knife for a range of different purposes from effective self-defense to simple household tasks, such as opening moving boxes. Benchmade has designed the pocket knife with an axis lock system, ensuring that once the folding knife is opened, it won’t close on its own. This peace of mind makes it an ideal option for camping, fishing, or even to keep in a first aid kit where the reliable mechanism can come in handy during an emergency.
The pocket knife has a 3.4-inch stainless steel blade that’s resistant to corrosion and rusting, though regular users will want to sharpen the blade to increase edge retention. It has a lightweight and extremely durable anodized aluminum handle that feels comfortable in the hand and holds up to the elements.
A quick note about the CPM S30V steel that Benchmade uses in the 940 Osborne: This hardened stainless steel is fairly easy to sharpen—as we quickly recognized in our testing—along with exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. Its all-around high performance lead some experts to consider it the best blade material there is, but it’s very expensive and that it impacts the price of the knife.
With its longer handle and blade, the 940 Osborne felt well balanced and capable of all cutting tasks. We really liked the reverse tanto point because it places more strength behind the blade tip for piercing, even though the point is broader than many of the others we tested. It also leaves a nice amount of upward curve in the edge for efficient slicing action. For general-purpose use, this blade led the pack.
We also liked the micro texture of the anodized aluminum handle. It provided an excellent grip to eliminate slipping in sweaty hands without grooves or pits to collect mud and debris. The knife only weighs 2.9 ounces, which is another plus. Our overall impression: built to last, rugged but lightweight, easy to work with, and really nice styling.
The thumb studs, reversible tip-up pocket clip, and axis locking system made for extremely easy and smooth one-handed operation, for both right- and left-handed users. The only possible downside was because of its longer size, we occasionally had to shift the knife’s pocketed position when seated.
Product Specs
- Blade material: CPM-S30V premium steel
- Blade length: 3.4 inches
- Locking mechanism: Axis lock system
Pros
- Premium blade steel holds a sharp edge and resists corrosion and rusting
- Anodized aluminum handle with reversible deep pocket clip provides a great grip
- Reverse tanto blade is good for piercing as well as cutting and slicing
Cons
- Premium price point for top-quality materials and design
Get the Benchmade pocket knife at Amazon, REI, or Benchmade.
Best Mini
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
Photo: amazon.com
If toting a full-size pocket knife seems like it would be a bit too heavy or bulky, check out this compact, lightweight multi-tool option. This nicely priced knife weighs only 0.75 ounces and the handle measures just 2.3 inches long, making it easy enough to carry on a keychain.
This Victorinox model includes a knife blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, tweezers, and toothpick, each made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The handle, made of ABS plastic, can be customized with over 25 different visual designs (at an additional charge).
We quickly concluded that this tiny knife was just the right tool for our keychain. At just 0.75 oz and a little more than 2 inches long, the Victorinox Classic SD’s weight and size were just like adding another key. Although too small for our apple-slicing and stick-whittling tests, it did a great job opening mail and packages. In addition to the blade, we really liked the scissors—a Swiss army knife fan favorite.
In no way did we think of this tiny tool as a toy. It features the same high-carbon stainless steel construction found in full-size models, and ours was paired with the classic Victorinox red Cellidor handle with silver-cross-and-shield logo.
Product Specs
- Blade material: High-carbon stainless steel
- Blade length: 1.25 inches
- Locking mechanism: None
Pros
- Boasts a variety of blades and tools for 7 different functions
- Casing is available in 16 different handle colors and patterns
- Small enough to keep on a keychain, with a keychain loop included, and weighs just 0.3 ounces
Cons
- Light-duty blade is only suitable for the smallest tasks like box or letter opening
- There’s no locking mechanism
Get the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic pocket knife at Amazon, Victorinox, or Swiss Knife Shop.
Best Small
CRKT Pilar Folding Pocket Knife
Despite its small 2.4-inch blade, this versatile pocket knife can be used for a wide assortment of tasks. When the blade is extended, the entire length is 5.9 inches; folded, it’s a mere 3.5 inches, making it easy to tuck away in a pocket or purse.
The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, and it folds into a stainless steel handle with an indented ergonomic grip. This CRKT knife can be opened in one hand by both left- and right-handed people, but rather than the typical dual-sided thumb stud, it has an ambidextrous thumb slot in the tang, allowing users to flip open the blade quickly. It also has a frame locking mechanism for security when the blade is in use.
The CRKT Pilar pocket knife really intrigued us because of its unusual design. The sheepsfoot blade’s heavy spine made a convenient anchor