7 Best Pocket Knives of 2024

A trusty pocket knife is handy for both the every day and the unexpected. Whether you need a quick blade while on trail, a handy way to open packaging, or have to act fast in an emergency, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re equipped with a reliable knife.

Our team has tested over 30 pocket knives in real-world situations to determine the best of the best. Accounting for price, size, sharpness and ergonomics, we’re confident you’ll find the best new pocket knife that will compliment your lifestyle and needs.

If you want more than just a single blade, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our review of the best multi-tools. We’ve also tested the top first-aid kits so you can be prepared for the unexpected, and we’ve also carefully reviewed GPS watches when the trail ahead becomes a little less clear.

Quick Picks for Pocket Knives

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best pocket knife overall: Kershaw Leek ($84.99)

Best ultralight pocket knife: Benchmade Bugout 535 ($171) & Mini Bugout 533 ($162)

Best budget pocket knife: Opinel No. 8 ($19) & No. 6 ($16) (smaller)

Best premium pocket knife: Spyderco Para Military 2 ($288)

Workhorse pocket knife with an ergonomic handle: Kershaw Blur ($72.70)

Small, stout & affordable pocket knife: CRKT Squid ($39.99)

Small & quick-opening pocket knife: SOG Twitch II

Durable & affordable pocket knife: Paraframe Mini ($17)

What’s Most Important to You in a Pocket Knife?

PRICE

Great quality is often worth paying for when it comes to a high-quality knife you’ll use every day, from backyard to backcountry. That said, you don’t have to pay a lot for an effective and versatile blade that’s also built to last. We’ve found outstanding knives in every price brackets.

SIZE

The best pocket knives for everyday carry are compact enough to be comfortably stashed in a pocket without feeling bulky or getting in the way. But, the longer the blade, the more leverage you’ll have when working with your knife. We prefer knives in the 3-4 inch blade range because they offer a solid balance of cutting power and portability for most situations.

OPENING STYLE

If you know you’ll be using your knife a lot throughout the day, make sure it’s easy to grab and quick to deploy. A few knives on our list have spring-assisted opening and can be quickly opened and closed with a single hand, although they have more parts that can fail. Others are manual and may require two hands – they have fewer moving parts that can fail and are less likely to accidentally open.

A SHARP BLADE

Stainless steel blades are the most common in pocket knives. They’re corrosion resistant and low maintenance, which means they’ll stay sharp for a long time. Knives with premium steel blades tend to be more expensive, but they’re sharper, more finely-tuned, and hold their edge for longer.

ERGONOMICS

A great knife is more than just a good sharp blade. The handle plays a big role in how effective a knife, how easy it is to hold and grip, and how comfortable it is to use for an extended period.

Critical Pocket Knife Considerations

USE

A good pocket knife will certainly come in handy in all kinds of unexpected situations, but consider what you intend to use your knife for most often. If you see yourself sawing through rope or skinning rabbits, you may want to consider a more specialized blade made for climbing or bushcraft. On this list, we focus mostly on well-rounded pocket knives for everyday carry, whether you’re pulling weeds in the garden, repairing gear before a day hike, or starting a fire in the backcountry.

SERRATED VS. PLAIN EDGE

Serrations are handy for sawing through rope when a knife is dull, but they’re nearly impossible to sharpen at home and eat up valuable real estate on your blade. That’s why we prefer a simple plain edge. If you keep it sharp, it will almost always perform better and be more versatile than a serrated one.

LOCK TYPE

A sturdy lock mechanism on your knife makes them safer to use during rigorous cutting tasks. All of the knives on our list are equipped with strong frame, liner, compression, or collar locks to keep the blade safe and securely fixed in position when open.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

A pocket knife should be compact and light enough that it won’t bother you to carry it in your pocket, but large and robust enough to fit comfortably in your palm and be effective for the task at hand. A good ballpark range for an everyday carry knife size is about 4 inches long when closed and no more than about 4 oz. in weight.

BLADE SHAPE

The knives on our list are equipped with a range of blade shapes, but most are some form of the classic drop-point, which offers excellent versatility for various cutting and slicing tasks. To learn more, check out this Knife Blade Shapes Guide.

BLADE STEEL

There’s a lot to learn about knife blade steel, but the basics come down to these five elements: hardness, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. All of these factors play into a knife’s cutting performance and ease of maintenance. Check out the Essential Guide to Knife Steel if you want to know more about a specific blade.

HANDLE MATERIALS

The handle is an important part of the pocket knife equation: too heavy and bulky, the knife is cumbersome, but too light and flimsy, the knife will feel weak. The best knives have handles that are ergonomic, comfortable, grippy, and durable. G-10, a type of laminate commonly used in knife handles, is a good all-around material for its light weight and texture, but you might prefer materials like anodized aluminum or wood.

STYLING

Once you’ve gone over the considerations above, you can narrow your search to knives that appeal to you aesthetically and fit your style. You might want a tough-looking tactical blade, a sleek knife that won’t scare people at the office, or a traditional, old school design.

POCKET CLIP

Most people carry their knives in their pants pockets. The knife should rest inside the pocket with the closed blade flush with the front or back seam so you can grab the knife easily and prevent the blade from accidentally falling open. Some knives have pre-drilled holes so you can choose the position that suits you best. If you prefer to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to the fact that you’re carrying a knife, look for a deep carry pocket clip that keeps the blade hidden – some knives include this.