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A knife is one of the most convenient and useful tools you can carry. These are the ones worth buying. Wire Formed Parts,Metal Spring
I’d argue that a pocket knife is essential equipment for everyday life, and has been for centuries. While the average person might use it more for opening Amazon boxes these days than the demands of rural life, almost anyone can benefit from carrying a blade whether you live on a farm or a city block.
While almost any knife small enough for pocket carry will give you a diverse range of benefits, it’s the design, size, style, and features that make a big difference in how it fits your lifestyle. Trust me, when you carry and wield something every day, you develop strong preferences around it.
While pocket knives of old would often fold, they didn’t necessarily lock out, meaning they were carried loose in a pocket. Today, that's changed. Many pocket knives are designed to clip to a front pocket and feature a locking mechanism to make them safer to use and carry—definitely important considering the frequency with which you’ll have it in-hand.
After a lifetime of carrying a pocket knife, I’ve developed my own inclinations—a medium-length, spring-assisted flipper that opens and closes easily, is thick and heavy enough to pry with, and is able to withstand a beating. Everyone is different, so what appeals to me might not appeal to you. Since I enjoy trying all kinds of pocket knives, I’m regularly testing the latest widely available options from the most popular brands. I’ve highlighted my favorites in a range of styles so you can find a pocket knife that’s perfect for your everyday carry.
When considering knives for everyday carry (EDC), look for a folding option that easily fits on your belt or in your pocket when closed. It should be light enough to carry comfortably but with a blade and handle that are sized to your liking. Most blades in this category measure from 2- to 3.5-inches long and have a drop-point shape.
Most handles range from 3.5- to 5-inches. Get a folding knife that locks out. It won’t close on your fingers during use, which makes it safer, and the stiffness of a locking blade lets you manipulate it at a variety of angles, like while whittling wood or opening a particularly tricky package. Plus, you can use the back of the blade for things like fire sparking rods without it closing or bending on you.
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The three most common material categories for pocket knives are carbon, stainless, and tool steel. Carbon steel is easy to sharpen, holds an edge well, and is durable, but the blade takes more care because the metal is prone to corrosion. Types of carbon steel include 420HC, XC90, and 1095.
Stainless steel isn’t as hardy as carbon, but with the addition of chromium, the blade is less susceptible to corrosion. Stainless blades are often cheaper than their carbon counterparts, too. Choose stainless, like AUS-8, VG-10, or 8Cr13MoV, and its cousins in the 9Cr and 7Cr series if you will mostly be using your knife on the water, to process game, or to prepare dinner while camping.
There’s also tool steel, which can contain titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, or other elements. The result is generally a strong blade with good edge retention and decent corrosion resistance (though not as good as stainless). Popular tool steels include D2, CPM S30V, and CPM S35VN.
Most importantly, find a knife that fits your hand and feels good in your pocket. Even if you ultimately buy online, it can be worth a trip to an outdoor store where you can handle a wide range of knives and get a sense for the size and style that works best for you.
Liner: One side of the handle’s inner liner is bent, causing it to act like a spring. When you open the blade, that springing liner slides over behind the tang of the blade to keep it from closing. Pro: Simple and inexpensive. Con: Fingers are in the way when closing.
Frame: Similar to a liner lock, this system has one side of the knife’s frame slide behind the blade when you deploy it. Pro: Secure. Con: Doesn’t work with both hands.
Lockback: A locking bar runs up the spine of the knife’s handle and springs up into a notch in the tang. To close, press on the bar close to the butt of the handle to pivot it out of the tang. Pro: Ambidextrous. Con: Can wear out, causing the blade to wiggle when deployed.
Crossbar: A steel bar passes through the knife handle and slots into a notch in the tang. It’s significantly stronger than a liner lock, and you don’t have to adjust your grip to operate it. Benchmade’s proprietary Axis was first to market, but it’s now joined by SOG’s XR mechanism and others. Pro: Ambidextrous. Con: More small parts that can break.
Collar: A circular collar around the base of the blade twists to lock it closed or open. Line up the gap in the collar with the blade for unimpeded deployment. Pro: Simple. Con: Collar can wear out over time and not operate as smoothly.
I frequently test and write about knives, so I make an effort to test all the new offerings from major knife brands that I realistically can. While I have my favorites, I constantly have different pocket knives in my rotation, putting them to work opening boxes, sharpening pencils, prying things open, scraping off paint, cleaning fish, cutting meat and vegetables, and doing lots of other things that pocket knives probably aren’t really designed to do.
For this roundup, I also relied on the previous work of Popular Mechanics editors and writers who, using fairly strict evaluation criteria, tested single-blade, plain-edge knives, and a few smaller multi-tools built with portability in mind. The combination of all these efforts helped us to deliver these recommendations.
The Twitch II has earned many fans over the years. It’s sized just right, easy to open, and has delivered consistently strong results throughout testing. The stainless-steel blade, housed in a simple and sleek-looking aluminum handle, is substantial enough for a variety of tasks, yet the knife retains a modest, slim profile. It is comfortable to carry in your pocket and attaches securely to a belt.
There are a few ways to deploy the blade, including a thumb stud on each side (lefties, rejoice). Many prefer the kick. Sometimes called a flipper, this triangular tab sits at the end of a knife’s tang and protrudes from the handle when the blade is closed. Pressing it down with your index finger swings the blade out nearly all the way (with help from a coil spring), and it locks into place with a small tug upward. Once open, the kick doubles as a finger guard.
Under relatively little pressure, the knife made even, smooth cuts. The blade slid into an apple on contact, though it needed greater force to completely slice through. It also finished among top performers for the cord and zip tie testing, cleanly cleaving the fasteners with a modest amount of force.
A small sliding lock on the handle adds extra assurance that the blade won't deploy accidentally. After more than a year of frequent use, this knife is still in fine form, though some paint has chipped off the handle. If you’re looking for a trusty EDC that delivers quality at a reasonable cost, the Twitch doesn’t disappoint.
While there are plenty of cheaper knives you can buy, Civivi’s Bluetick gives you a high-end Damascus steel blade and a slick design for under $100. There are a range of blades that fall under the name “Damascus” steel, but the layered, topographical look of Damascus is undeniably attractive.
The Bluetick sits deep in the pocket and I was immediately comfortable operating it with one hand thanks to a ceramic ball bearing that holds the blade closed firmly but releases easily with one-finger pressure on the nose on the back. The longish, 3 ½-inch blade snaps satisfyingly into place held by a nested liner lock that’s secure but releases easily with thumb pressure for a one-handed close. It's smooth and natural to deploy or stow the Bluetick.
When you combine the fairly long blade and handle, you get an overall length of just over 8 inches. Since the blade narrows significantly at the pivot, it makes the blade feel rather long and thin, which might make it less sturdy for prying tasks, but it’s great for larger hands as it fills the palm, giving you a secure grip and you’re able to press the blade firmly thanks to jimping (small notches) along the spine.
For a blade that deploys as fast as possible, go with a spring-assisted knife. You likely won't find one better than Kershaw’s Link. The blade popped open as soon as I pulled down on the kick with my index finger and stopped at full extension with a satisfying click. In fact, it is so pleasing to open, I had to stop myself from popping it in and out just for fun to avoid wearing out the mechanism.
What’s more, the one-handed operation is just as easy with your non-dominant side, making the Link a decent ambidextrous choice. As for the performance of the blade itself, the carbon steel doesn't disappoint, providing an even cut for whatever is needed. The Link isn't as well suited to finer detail work, like coring apples, but that shouldn't be expected from a blade with this type of design.
Case Knives started way back in 1889 in upstate New York, where I grew up. In part because my grandfather carried one in his pocket on his dairy farm, I have a soft spot for classic Case knives. But a knife that you drop in your pocket just isn’t as practical as one with a clip, and a knife without a locking mechanism can be dangerous if, like me, you’re accustomed to modern, lock-out knives.
That’s why I was excited to see Case add lines of more modern EDC pocket knives to its lineup like the Marilla, which has won over modern knife users since its launch in 2021. This is a mid-sized knife, but feels longer than its 3.4-inch blade, thanks to a gradually tapered, almost filet-like drop-point blade that’s great for gutting fish or dressing wild game in the field.
The company’s knives use modern materials like anodized aluminum and G10 fiberglass inlay in the handle, but they’re still made in Bradford, Pa. (approx. 80 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y.), and the S35VN steel comes from upstate New York where Case got its start.
At 3.6 ounces, this knife feels substantial, and the reliable frame lock paired with the thick blade and handle mean you won’t hesitate to shuck an oyster or pry off a 2x4 with it in hand. The flipper mechanism is smooth and fast for one-handed opening and closing—there’s even a satisfying audible and tactile click into both the open and closed positions.
The Opinel has remained virtually unchanged for decades, thanks to its low cost, effectiveness, and light weight. You can buy it with a stainless-steel blade, but the incredible affordability of the carbon model is a no-brainer. The No. 8 delivers one of the best cuts when slicing apples, its sharp tip makes quick work of zip ties, and it punctured packaging easily.
Although there is no belt clip, the collar lock affords peace of mind when the knife is in your pocket. There’s absolutely no chance of the 3.3-inch blade will deploy accidentally. Plus, it keeps the blade open when additional rigidity is needed. However, it does take some effort to rotate the collar and lift the blade with the nail nick, which makes deploying this knife slower than all the others.
The beech wood handle, one of the most comfortable in this roundup, is a uniform cylinder, save for a taper just before the pommel. Plus, the wood construction keeps the weight in check. That a sub–2-ounce knife can sport a blade this long and capable is impressive, making the No. 8 a worthwhile pick. Looking to make it one of a kind? Opinel offers custom engraving (for an additional fee).
Tactical often implies a military aesthetic, along with lots of ostentatious features and add-ons that announce themselves a mile away, much like wearing a combat helmet to a bluegrass concert. The James Brand’s Elko is small but mighty— a tactical-light option for those who want quiet capability coupled with concealment.
This knife is small yet not impractically so—sporting a 1.74-inch blade. The entire package is less than a half-inch thick. (If you want a knife with more tactical chops with “tactical” right in the name, check out 5.11 Tactical’s ESC Rescue knife which has a glass-breaker, belt cutter, and regular drop-point blade in one rugged and affordable package.)
It is suggested by the manufacturer to attach the Elko to your keyring via the scraper/prybar/bottle opener/glass breaker end, but it’s more easily deployed tucked into a fifth pocket (there’s no clip).
This isn’t a big, tough-guy knife—it’s small in the hand—so it’s easily concealed when you don’t want anyone with eyes to be able to tell you’re carrying a blade. With The James Brand’s more modern, minimalist aesthetic, it’s also a great option for city dwellers who want to carry a good-looking knife without the obvious pocket clip showing on their work slacks.
I was first introduced to Victor, Idaho-based New West KnifeWorks through the brand's impressive American-made kitchen knives. The brand's Glory Folders feature the same hand-assembled quality and attractive designs as their cutlery. (For over 15 years, New West KnifeWorks has exhibited and won awards at the fine art shows across the country, including the Smithsonian Craft Show, Crafts Park Avenue, Sausalito Art Show, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Park City Kimball Arts Festival, and many more).
The Saddleback blade on the Glory folder that I own (the company also offers a more traditional drop-point blade) lets you put a little more pressure on the blade when, for example, pushing it through a particularly dense salami.
The blade itself is American S35VN steel from Crucible Industries (a Syracuse, N.Y.-based company— and in business since 1876), and it’s the same raw material used in their kitchen cutlery that provides high-end durability and edge retention. The hardness makes sharpening a little more difficult for amateurs, but New West provides free tune-ups along with its lifetime warranty.
This is a mid-sized folder, and it’s thick thanks to a robust titanium liner lock that inspires confidence but doesn’t feel bulky. The slightly rounded handle means it doesn’t lay as flat in the pocket, but I love the classic feel, especially with the solid Ironwood handle on my model. (You can also get handles made from G10 composite or carbon fiber in a variety of colors.)
The action is incredibly smooth and makes for easy one-handed operation with the flipper mechanism, and the liner lock is also one-hand operable, both must-haves for me in a knife I want to carry every day.
In 2020, Benchmade released this pint-size version of its popular Bugout folder. The Mini is lighter (by about three-tenths of an ounce), shorter (the overall lengths differ by just more than 1-inch), and features a blade that’s nearly a half-inch smaller.
Still, the pint-size knife packs explosive cutting power. The CPM S30V blade quickly and cleanly cut through food, cardboard, and rope of all sizes when tested, and the textured Grivory handle felt comfortable and secure even when laid into.
If you're a fan of crossbar locking mechanisms, the Mini proves its Axis is the one to beat. The spring that disengages the lock has a healthy yet smooth resistance, letting you neatly tuck the blade away. There’s nothing subtle about the neon orange case, but that can be a bonus when this is in your hiking pack. The bright color is easy to spot, even in low light.
If that's not your style, try the 533BK-1 model, which has a white handle and black blade. Given the knife’s 1.5-ounce build, you may, as our testers did, frequently forget it's in your pocket or holstered on your belt, ultimately making it a convenient option to carry everywhere. This is one featherlight EDC that doesn’t slouch on performance and is worth the expense.
The Delica has been a staple in the Spyderco lineup for more than 30 years, and the fourth generation includes styles with different blade steels, edges, and shapes, as well as different handles. The standard model features a sharp VG-10 blade that excelled in our tests at slicing—due to its fully flat-ground design—and it ripped through materials—particularly our rope— without hesitation.
Deploying the blade is simple thanks to Spyderco’s hallmark circular thumb hole, measuring a generous 13 millimeters. The fiberglass reinforced nylon handle has textured molding for better traction, a finger guard, and subtle finger grooves.
Add in the jimping notches on the blade’s spine, and you won't ever have to worry about slipping with your grip. Lastly, the handle’s stiff belt clip is reversible—a perk for lefties—and can be reinstalled for tip-down carry, if that’s your thing.
Altogether, the Delica 4 is a capable EDC and an especially great option for people who regularly get their hands dirty and need a knife that will stay put.
It’s hard for pocket knives to stand out in a crowded marketplace with so many knife manufacturers making a wide-range of well-made knives in various styles, but Columbia River Knife and Tool managed a unique option with its new automatic Minnow. This stumpy design fits in the palm of your hand but is still 4 ounces thanks to a thick 1.79-inch cleaver blade that’s nearly as wide as it is long.
Designed by Phillip Booth and modeled after his custom Minnow knives, the CRKT Minnow feels gimmicky at first glance, but it excels at certain tasks. The long straight edge of the blade has only the slightest curve upwards near the point, so it performs much like a box cutter and is great for opening packages and straight-line precision cutting tasks. The point is nearly a right angle so it’s not much for any kind of digging tasks.
The other distinctive feature of this Minnow design is the push-button automatic opening, which zips the blade into its open position. The same button releases the lock, though you need to close it manually, which is easily done one-handed with thumb and forefinger.
Automatic knives aren’t legal in some states and jurisdictions, but the short length means that it’s permissible in more places than most automatics, including California. Check local and state regulations to make sure the Minnow doesn’t run afoul of any laws before ordering.
Begg Knives is a California-based knife manufacturer that creates a mix of limited-run and production knives in modern designs. While they offer plenty of higher-end, intricately designed blades, the Diamici is a more affordable option with a high-end feel from its Steelcraft series.
Picking up the Diamici, the first thing you notice is the heft. While only about 4 ounces, the blade and handle are mostly steel and I personally like the rigidity of an all-steel flipper. I appreciate the look of the satin finish that’s consistent from handle through blade, but for a few bucks more, you can get a Damascus steel blade that still matches the handle well.
Though it’s a production knife, albeit one designed by the accomplished Canadian knifemaker Jared Van Otterloo, the price tag is quite reasonable. The ball-bearing assisted action is smooth and it feels like a much pricier EDC blade in the hand. The black and green G10 inlays are smooth but provide superior grip compared to what plain steel would offer.
Still, this wouldn’t be my first choice for a hunting or backpacking knife where I’d want a more textured handle for wet or muddy conditions. But as a general EDC, this feels like a step up from cookie-cutter production designs, and the robust build has me reaching for it more often than lighter weight options.
Multitools are great if you need easy access to more tools than just a simple blade, but most are far too heavy and bulky to be considered true pocket knives. Swiss Army Knives provide more functionality in smartly designed packages, but most don’t pocket clip, and the more functional ones get bulky and heavy quickly.
While I love my Leatherman Free P4, it’s also thick and heavy, and I find I only reach for it when I’m facing a day with enough jobs to warrant the bulk. Leatherman’s Skeletool CX trims functions, weight, and size for a simple multitool that’s light enough to replace your traditional pocket knife.
Leatherman claims seven distinct tools in the Skeletool CX, but there’s some padding. What you get: a drop-point blade, pliers, wire cutters, bit driver, and bottle opener. The most valuable and most-used for me are the pliers, and I’d probably be happy if the Skeletool only had these and the blade. The bit driver comes with two Phillips and two flat head options, and while it’s not as good as an actual screwdriver, I’m happy to have it when I need it.
Unlike the generally small and unsatisfying blades included in Swiss Army Knives and other multitools, the 2.6-inch drop point made from 154CM stainless steel is capable and sturdy thanks to the substantial liner lock. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through multiple actions to get to the blade, as it’s placed on the outside and can be opened one-handed via the thumb hole.
While I’m able to close the blade one-handed in a single motion with some effort, it usually ends up being either a three-step one-handed or two-handed close, though this is probably my only gripe with the design.
Case Knives has a long history in pocket knives. While the brand still produces classic multi-blade farm-oriented pocket knives like the Stockman, it has started producing more modern pocket-clip, locking single-blade knives. The excellent Marilla knife is a great hunting flipper, but I love the Bridgeline Longhouse pocket knife because it brings some of the heritage design into a modern flipper.
Notably, the Bridgeline Longhouse locks out via a liner lock, setting it apart from traditional Case designs with no lock. Not having a lock-out on a pocket isn’t inherently dangerous, but since most people are accustomed to locking folders these days, it requires some adjustment. It can be a problem if you’ve used locking knives your whole life and try to switch to one without.
The blade flips open via a flipper tab that’s placed on the blade end of the handle instead of the back of the knife. Compared to the more-common flipper noses on a handle’s back, this requires a bit of a reach and pull motion with the forefinger to flip open, but I found it came naturally after a day of carry. The Longhouse feels light for its size thanks to the aluminum frame, but the CPM20CV drop-point blade feels substantial and has a nice patina out of the box.
My favorite part about this excellent all-around flipper, however, is the boxy build that emulates classic Case patterns, setting it apart from the glut of lookalike flippers on the market. I particularly like the Rosewood handle on my Bridgeline Longhouse, but it’s also available with more modern Micarta scales.
How long of a blade should I carry?
Blade length is a personal preference, but there are a few factors to guide you. First is legality. Most states have some kind of restrictions on what knives you can carry on your person.
Even in wild west Colorado where I live, it is illegal to carry a blade longer than 3.5 inches “concealed” which would include “in your pocket.” In New York state where I grew up, switchblades are illegal and you must be a U.S. citizen to even own a knife, but there are no concealed carry restrictions. Check your state laws here.
Outside of local laws, consider how a knife fits in your hand. A knife that feels tiny and awkward to someone with large hands might be perfect for someone else. If you’re not already a regular pocket knife carrier, stop into an outdoors store where you can handle a wide range of knives and see what feels good. Most people will feel comfortable with blades in the 2.5- to 3-inch range, though folks with larger hands may want something bigger.
How should I keep my pocket knife sharp?
I’ll start with a caution—that you may not want a surgically sharp pocket knife. Because I use my pocket knife so frequently and casually, I don’t like to be as cautious as you have to be with an ultra-sharp blade.
I experimented with carrying a replaceable blade knife for a few months and I ended up giving myself several minor but annoying slices. That said, any knife will eventually require sharpening. Most pocket knives have a fairly obtuse 20-degree or higher blade angle, which makes them less challenging to sharpen yourself.
Knife sharpening is a skill that’s not easy to master (learn how here), but there are tools available to help. While whetstone sharpening is soothing in a Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance sort of way, you probably already have a pull-through sharpener somewhere (check kitchen drawers).
These sharpeners aren’t the perfect sharpening solution, but they’re relatively idiot-proof and good enough to perk up your blade. I personally have started using the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener which lets you adjust for blade angle and uses a series of electrically driven belts for a fairly quick sharpen, though it does require a bit of practice to use well.
If all of this sounds like something you’ll never bother with, there are lots of mail-in sharpening services such as The Sharp Brothers, who will professionally sharpen your blades for a fee. Many manufacturers offer similar services. Benchmade, for example, has a LifeSharp program that gives you free sharpening for any Benchmade knife. Some manufacturers such as Kershaw also offer blade replacement (often for a fee) if you’ve broken or otherwise damaged your blade beyond repair.
How much should a good pocket knife cost?
This is both a surprisingly common and difficult-to-answer question. Obviously personal budget comes into play, but so do your preferences. Despite considering myself a pocket knife enthusiast, I carried a cheap pocket knife from Walmart for years that cost me literally $1. The company raised the price to $2 at some point. Those knives would rust at the hinge, but they did the trick and were great for putting in my checked luggage. I wouldn’t worry about losing it at my destination and wouldn’t cry if TSA took it.
While I can’t recommend buying $2 knives in good conscience for most circumstances, quality options such as the Opinel No. 8 recommended above can be had for under $20. If you’re new to knives, start out with something cheaper, definitely under $50, until you develop strong opinions about the pocket knife you prefer.
*Editor’s Note: Adrienne Donica and James Lynch contributed to this article.
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