We tested the best pocket knives available today according to price, weight, durability, functionality, and ease of use. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and get some valuable buying advice.
Table of Contents
Best Pocket Knives
The best pocket knives are:
- Best Overall Pocket Knife: SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain
- Best Budget Pocket Knife: GERBER GEAR Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife
- Best Ultralight Pocket Knife: SPYDERCO HoneyBee Stainless
- Most Functional and Easiest-to-Use Pocket Knife: KERSHAW Ember
- Most Durable Pocket Knife: KERSHAW Pub Carbon Fiber
The product comparison table below is sortable. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec.
| MODEL | PRICE | WEIGHT | TYPE | FOLDING OR FIXED | EDGE | BLADE LENGTH | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain | $14.95 | 1.3 oz | Straight-back | Folding | Plain | 2.1 in | 9/10 |
| 2. KERSHAW Ember | $25.68 | 2.6 oz | Clip Point | Folding | Plain | 2.5 in | 9/10 |
| 3. GERBER GEAR Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife | $17 | 1.6 oz | Clip Point | Folding | Plain | 2.2 in | 9/10 |
| 4. KERSHAW Pub Carbon Fiber | $29.99 | 1.8 oz | Sheepsfoot | Folding | Plain | 1.6 in | 8/10 |
| 5. SPYDERCO HoneyBee Stainless | $35 | 0.56 oz | Drop Point | Folding | Plain | 1.625 in | 8/10 |
| 6. CRKT Minimalist Bowie | $36 | 1.6 oz | Clip Point | Fixed | Plain | 2.13 in | 8/10 |
| 7. CRKT Delilah's P.E.C.K. | $32 | 0.90 oz | Clip Point | Folding | Plain | 1.75 in | 8/10 |
| 8. SOG Instinct Mini Satin | $39.95 | 1.6 oz | Clip Point | Fixed | Plain | 1.9 in | 8/10 |
| 9. JAMES The Elko | $65.00 | 1.3 oz | Drop Point | Folding | Plain | 1.74 in | 7/10 |
Best Overall Pocket Knife
SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain
Price: $14.95
✅ Affordable
✅ Durable
✅ Functional
❌ No major cons
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.30 oz
- Type: Straight-back
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 2.1 in
- Opening: Not Applicable
- Lock: Not Applicable
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel
- Size: 2.9 in (closed)
We’ll come right out with it; we love the SOG Centi II. It’s the most affordable folding knife on our list at just $15. And at 1.3 ounces, it’s also lighter than average. We think it is a great knife to throw in your pack and forget about it until you need it.
We found it to be both durable and functional. Our testers noted the sharp blade, quality build, and secure locking knife all performed well. The 2.1-inch blade length gives it good versatility too. There really wasn’t much we didn’t like about this pocket knife, making it a shoo-in for our best overall.
Most Functional and Easiest-to-use Pocket Knife
Kershaw Ember
Price: $25.68
✅ Easy-to-use
✅ Long blade
✅ Durable
✅ Affordable
❌ Heavy
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Type: Clip Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 2.5 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Back Lock
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV with Titanium Carbo-nitride Coating
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel
- Size: 3.5 in (closed), 6 in (opened)
If you’re a heavy user of your pocket knife, the Kershaw Ember is our pick for the most functional and easy-to-use pocket knife. At 2.5 inches, it has the longest blade of all the pocket knives we reviewed. This makes it highly versatile for chopping food, repairing gear, and other camp chores.
We also found the grip to be ergonomic, making this an easy-to-use pocket knife. And at $26, it comes at an affordable price point. The larger size of this folding knife does make this the heaviest knife on our list at 2.6 ounces.
Best Budget Pocket Knife
Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife
Price: $17
✅ Affordable
✅ Durable
✅ Easy to use
❌ Heavier than average
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.6 oz
- Type: Clip Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 2.2 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Frame Lock
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel
- Size: 5.13 in
The Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife is a stainless-steel knife that is solidly made and will last almost forever. We like the integrated belt clip, which makes it easy to keep within arm's reach. And at $17, this is one of our best budget buys.
The longer, 2.2-inch blade is versatile for most uses around camp. We found the handle grip to be ergonomic. For the handle design, we love how the hollow handle remains strong but keeps the weight down. Still, at 1.6 ounces, it runs slightly heavier than other pocket knives we reviewed.
Most Durable Pocket Knife
Kershaw Pub Carbon Fiber
Price: $29.99
✅ Durable
✅ Multitool features
❌ Small blade
❌ Not as easy to use
❌ Heavy
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.8 oz
- Type: Sheepsfoot
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 1.6 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Frame Lock
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
- Grip Material/Shape: Carbon Fiber
- Size: 6 in
The Kershaw Pub Carbon Fiber is a small and very durable folding knife. The steel blade with carbon-nitride coating gives it extra strength. We found the locking mechanism to be robust and durable as well. The blade is the shortest on our list at just 1.6 inches. Fine for light use or in an emergency situation, but if you plan on using your pocket knife a lot, it would pay to get a longer blade.
We like the unique design of the Kershaw Pub Carbon Fiber. It has a keyring attachment instead that doubles as a blade opener. It also is a multipurpose tool with five functions, including a screwdriver and a bottle opener. Despite the small, compact size, this is the second heaviest pocket knife we reviewed at 1.8 ounces.
Best Ultralight Pocket Knife
Spyderco HoneyBee Stainless
Price: $35
✅ Ultralight
❌ Short blade not as functional
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 0.56.oz
- Type: Drop Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 1.625 in
- Opening: Not Applicable
- Lock: Not Applicable
- Blade Material: 3Cr13
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless with Black Oxide Coating
- Size: 3.625 in
The Spyderco HoneyBee S.S. is a micro-sized folding knife with a plain edge. It is incredibly light, weighing just a half ounce. This is the lightest on our list and our pick for the best ultralight pocket knife. We found the small, 1.6-inch blade to be rock solid and capable of handling small cutting tasks. The small size does limit the functionality and doesn’t lock, making it difficult to use for cutting jobs that require a lot of force.
The Other Noteworthy Models
CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife
Price: $36
✅ Ergonomic grip
✅ Multiple blade styles
❌ Fixed blade is less packable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.60 oz
- Type: Clip Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Fixed
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 2.13 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Slipjoint Lock
- Blade Material: 5Cr15MoV
- Grip Material/Shape: Resin Infused Fiber
- Size: 6.75 in
The CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife is a versatile fixed-blade knife. Our favorite feature is the ergonomic finger-grooved handle. This extra leverage gives it excellent cutting ability and makes it one of the more functional pocket knives we reviewed.
We also like that it comes in a variety of blade styles. You can pick the one that best suits your needs. The fixed blade is durable but less packable. It comes with a sheath and lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck and keep it accessible.
CRKT Delilah's P.E.C.K.
Price: $32
✅ Ultralight
❌ Small size is less functional
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 0.90 oz
- Type: Clip Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 1.75 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Liner Lock
- Blade Material: 3Cr13 Bead Blast
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel
- Size: 2.66 in (closed), 4.31 in (opened)
If you want a simple, ultralight blade, the CRKT Delilah's P.E.C.K. makes a great option. At just 0.9 ounces, it’s the second lightest we reviewed. We like the two-piece design featuring a separate frame and blade. When folded, it looks more like a money clip and hardly seems like a knife.
The variety of carrying options, including clipped to a pocket or waistband, as a money-clip knife, on a lanyard, or a keychain, is a nice touch. We found that the small size limits the tasks it can achieve around the camp.
SOG Instinct Mini Satin
Price: $39.95
✅ Ergonomic grip
❌ Expensive
❌ Fixed blade not as packable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.60 oz
- Type: Clip Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Fixed
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 1.9 in
- Opening: Flipper
- Lock: Frame Lock
- Blade Material: 5Cr15MoV
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel and G10
- Size: 4.8 in
The Instinct Mini Satin is a small fixed-blade knife that can be worn on a belt, boot, or around the neck on a lanyard. We found it to be a solid knife and liked the grip with indentations for your fingers and serrated areas for extra leverage. The blade length is average compared to the other models we tested.
At $40, this is the second most expensive pocket knife we reviewed. And the fixed blade is strong but doesn’t pack down as nicely. It does come with a sheath that allows you to wear the knife discreetly under your shirt.
James The Elko
Price: $65.00
✅ Extra multitool features
✅ Sleek design
❌ Expensive
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1.3 oz
- Type: Drop Point
- Folding Or Fixed: Folding
- Edge: Plain
- Blade Length: 1.74 in
- Opening: Flipper, Ambidextrous
- Lock: Slipjoint Lock
- Blade Material: SANDVIK 12C27
- Grip Material/Shape: Stainless Steel
- Size: 2.6 in (closed), 4.33 in (opened)
More than just a knife, the Elko from James is a multitool with a key ring, bottle opener, screwdriver, and pry. It also comes with a Loksak waterproof bag to protect it from the elements to increase the knife's longevity. We like the sleek design that makes this a nice-looking knife too.
While all this extra functionality is nice, this is a premium pocket knife. At $65, it is the most expensive on our list. $25 higher than the next most expensive pocket knife.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing
Price
Pocket knife prices range from $15 to $65+. Premium blade materials like titanium will add cost. The more engineered for premium performance a knife will add cost. And if knives with extra bells and whistles will come at a higher cost.
Pocket knife that provides greatest value:
Most affordable pocket knife:
Premium pocket knife (most expensive):
Weight
A good pocket knife for backpacking should be lightweight. We recommend nothing over 2 ounces.
The lightest pocket knife:
- SPYDERCO HoneyBee Stainless
- CRKT Delilah's P.E.C.K.
- SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain
- JAMES The Elko
Durability
When looking at durability, we judged the blade strength and the overall build of the knife (how it holds up to repeated use). Steel and titanium are two common materials used. Both materials make good blades; we’ll cover them in more detail below. The most common fault point in a pocket knife is the folding mechanism. Ball-bearing openings are the most durable.
The most durable pocket knife:
- KERSHAW Ember
- KERSHAW Pub Carbon Fiber
- GERBER GEAR Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife
- SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain
Functionality & Ease of Use
A functional knife opens and closes easily and is long enough to make the cuts you need. The grip is a key consideration for judging how easy to use a pocket knife is. Make sure the grip is large enough to hold in your hand without slipping.
The most durable pocket knife:
- KERSHAW Ember
- GERBER GEAR Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife
- CRKT Minimalist Bowie
- SOG Centi II Folding Knife Keychain
Other Things to Consider
Types of Pocket Knives
PARAGRAPH
Tanto
The tanto blade has a straight edge that is angled upwards at the tip of the blade. They are strong and durable at the tip, making them excellent for piercing items like canvas, but they are not good at slicing.
Sheepsfoot
The sheepsfoot blade is the opposite of a normal blade. It has a sharp straight edge and a dull back that curves at the end to meet the tip of the blade. Unlike most blades, this design did not produce a sharp point for piercing items and was originally used to trim sheep hooves. Sheepsfoot blades are excellent for chopping or slicing. You can use them without accidentally stabbing yourself, so they are great for kids or those new to handling knives.
Straight-Back (normal)
The straight-back or normal blade is your standard knife blade. It has a dull, flat back with a curved edge that meets at a sharp tip. It is excellent for slicing or chopping. Because the back is dull, you can use your fingers to apply more pressure while using the knife.
Clip Point
The clip point blade is a variation of the normal blade that clips off a portion of the back towards the tip of the blade. It creates a thin tip that provides more control when cutting and can be used to cut in hard-to-reach places. The popular bowie knife uses a clip-point blade.
Trailing Point
The trailing point blade is angled upward so the blade edge and back edge curve upwards into a sharp tip. This produces a long knife edge that is ideal for slicing, skinning, and filleting. The trailing point knife is often used while hunting and for processing games.
Spear
A spear point blade is a symmetrical, sometimes double-edged blade where both the top and bottom edges meet together in the centerline of the knife. It creates a robust, sharp tip that is ideal for piercing and is used primarily in fighting or throwing knives.
Hawkbill/Talon
The hawkbill or talon blade gets its name from its claw-like shape. Both the knife edge and back curve downwards to create a downwards-pointing tip. This blade shows up mostly in combat knives because of its ability to pierce and slash. It is also used in knives for cutting carpet or linoleum because the point grabs the material and slices smoothly when pulled backward to cut.
Dagger (needle point)
The dagger is another double-edged blade where the two edges meet in the centerline of the knife. This knife tapers more sharply than the spear point, producing a significantly thinner tip. The tip is not very strong, but it is very sharp, making it ideal for stabbing. This blade type is often used on knives designed for close combat situations.
Drop Point
The drop point blade is the opposite of the clip point blade. Instead of curving upwards at the tip, the drop point knife curves slightly downward along the back edge. This creates a durable tip that is useful for cutting or piercing and is easy to control. The drop point blade is popular on pocket knives and fixed-blade knives.
Kukri
Originating from the Gurkha people of Nepal and India, the Kukri has a distinctive inward curve, much like a machete. These knives are utility knives that are durable and excel at chopping.
Wharncliffe
The Wharncliffe blade is similar to the sheepsfoot blade, but the curve on the back of the knife extends from the handle to the tip. This design produces a blade that is ideal for slicing because of its minimal tip. It also reduces the chance of accidentally stabbing yourself while using the knife.
Folding vs. Fixed Blade
FOLDING: A folding blade folds into a casing, making it compact to carry. It is more complicated to use because the blade has to slide out of the housing before you can use it. Some blades lock when they are open, allowing you to use some force while cutting. While others don't lock, creating a potential safety issue if they close on your fingers while you use them. The folding mechanism also can wear down over time.
FIXED: The fixed blade remains extended and is simpler to use, but it is larger and requires a sheath so you don't accidentally cut yourself or your gear. Because it doesn't have a folding mechanism to break, the fixed-blade knife will last a long time.
Open Types
AUTOMATIC: An automatic opening knife is opened by pressing a button that allows the knife to open on its own. The blade opens lightning fast and has a "wow" factor. Just like assisted opening knives, there are some questions about the legality of these knives. They also tend to fail more often because of the complicated opening mechanism.
FLIPPER: The flipper is a small tab at the base of a blade that protrudes from the back of the knife when the blade is closed. It allows you to flip out the blade quickly and can be used by either left- or right-handed people.
BALL-BEARING: The ball-bearing is a manual opening knife that deploys quickly and easily thanks to a set of ball-bearing on the knife's pivot point. It can be opened with one hand and is safer than spring-assisted automatic knives.
Note: An ambidextrous knife is a knife that can be opened by either a left- or right-handed person.
Lock Types
BACK LOCK: As its name implies, back locks have a locking mechanism along the back of the knife. There is usually a slot on the end of the knife that you push to unlock the blade. Back locks are not flickable and can't be closed quickly with one hand, but they are stable.
BALL DETENTS: The detent lock is a simple type of lock mechanism that uses two depressions on the knife blade called detents. These detents fit into two sphere-shaped balls on the knife frame, locking the blade into place. It is mainly used to keep the blade secured inside the frame when it is closed.
FRAME LOCK: the frame lock is one of the most common locks on pocket knives, and for a good reason. Its robust locking system is durable thanks to its simple construction and few moving parts. The frame lock works just like a liner lock, but it uses part of the frame to lock the blade instead of a standalone liner.
HAWK LOCK: The hawk lock uses a steel blade that slides forward using springs to lock the blade. A sliding mechanism on the outside of the handle can be used to disengage the blade and close it. It is a solid lock that can be opened and closed quickly with one hand.
LINER LOCK: Liner locks are another common type of lock found on pocket knives. The liner lock engages the base of the blade, securing it in place. To unlock the blade, you have to push the liner out of the way. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-use locking system. Sometimes, the liner can be difficult to push, and you have to put your fingers in the blade's path to unlock it.
Edge Type
SERRATED: A serrated edge has saw-like teeth on the knife blade that are useful when slicing, especially through hard materials that require some bite or a sawing motion to cut. They hold their edge for a long time, but they are difficult to sharpen - especially in the field - because sharpening them requires specialized equipment. Serrated edges also can be intimidating, which is a look you may or may not want, depending on your situation.
PLAIN: A plain edge lacks teeth and is straight across the edge. It is useful for push cutting, where you must apply steady pressure to cut an item. Plain edges are popular because they are easy to sharpen and are great for basic cutting tasks like preparing food. They also excel at making precise, clean cuts.
COMBO: Some knives feature a combo edge that includes both a serrated and plain edge on one blade. While useful on a long knife, a pocket knife is too small for a combo edge. You end up with a slight serration and a short plain edge, both of which are too small to be useful.
| Serrated | Plain | Combo |
Blade Material
STEEL: Steel has been used for centuries to make knife blades, so the qualities of these knives are well established. Steel is an alloy made with different ratios of materials which can change the characteristics of the blade. Stainless steel is cheap and readily available, so you can find one to suit your budget. Though versatile, steel can be soft; the knife blade may bend under pressure or dent. They also tend to rust when exposed to moisture.
TITANIUM: Titanium knives tend not to rust, which makes them attractive to divers and other people who are around water. Titanium knives are lighter than their steel counterparts which is an essential factor when counting the ounces that go into your pack. Though lighter, titanium is harder than steel, but it can be brittle and may break when used under pressure. Don't use them for prying. Titanium is more expensive than steel, so expect to pay more for a titanium knife.
Blade Length
As a rule of thumb, you want your pocket knife to be 2.75" and under. Longer blades are difficult to carry and control when cutting. Depending on the state, longer knives also may be illegal to carry concealed. Check the knife laws in your state.
Attachment
Pocket knives are often carried in your pants or backpack pocket. If they are small enough, some pocket knives have a clip that attaches to your waistband or a keyring attachment.
Spyderco HoneyBee SS PlainEdge Knife.
Grip
There are two things to look for when judging grip.
MATERIAL: The three most common grips material you'll find are metal, synthetic or natural. Metal grips are strong and light, but they can be slippery, which is why they are often etched for extra grip. Natural materials include wood and bone, both of which are attractive and feel good in your hand. There are a variety of synthetic materials, including carbon fiber, Micarta, and Zytel, a fiberglass-reinforced nylon. Synthetics are durable and lightweight but don't have the look or feel of natural or metal grips.
SIZE: Handle size is a personal preference, but you want a handle that isn't overly small. There should be enough handles so you can grab the knife without it slipping from your hand. Some handles also are shaped to fit your fingers so you can curl your hands around the blade and hold it more securely in your hand.
Features
Additional features like a bottle opener or a screwdriver will add weight and start to get into the realm of a multitool. To keep it lightweight, we recommend only adding one or two additional features. And only ones that you’ll actually use regularly.
Packability
The good news is that all of the lightweight pocket knives we reviewed are very packable. Short, folding blades pack down the smallest. Longer blades and pocket knives with extra features will be less packable.
650-Calorie Fuel
