Best Pocket Knives 2025

Over the course of two months, we’ve rigorously tested more than 30 pocket knives in real-world scenarios, from weekend camping trips and home repairs to demanding job site tasks. We tested 14 knives across six categories to identify the best pocket knives available right now. Based on our findings, the Benchmade Griptillian earns high marks for its balanced, razor-sharp blade. For outdoor adventures, the Buck 110 Folder emerged as a reliable option due to its rugged build and dependable grip. And for those seeking high-end craftsmanship, the Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31 earned our vote as the best premium option.

To determine which pocket knives truly stand out, we evaluated each one against a set of criteria, including blade sharpness, ergonomic comfort, long-term durability and overall design quality. Each model was used in real-world scenarios to understand how it performs under pressure, and we spoke with experts from big and small brands to learn more about the key details that set each blade apart from the next. Below, the best pocket knives of 2025, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

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The popular Benchmade Griptillian was first released in 2001, and while carrying a pocket knife that’s been around for over 20 years might seem old-fashioned, this pick remains a mighty folder with few flaws. Benchmade did a particularly great job of distributing this knife’s weight with the blade deployed; sporting an overall length of 8 inches, it’s a full-size pocket knife that’s built to handle every task without strain.

Speaking of the blade, Benchmade designs the Griptillian in three different styles, and we tested the drop-point CPM-S30V blade, which happens to be the most popular model. After months of use, we found that it holds an edge incredibly well and stands up to corrosion, so you don’t spend much time sharpening it. Our tester used it for a variety of tasks, and it performed admirably, whether opening boxes or assisting in outdoor activities.

On the opposite end, the nylon handle has an ergonomic shape, and the proprietary Axis lock is easy to use. As you might expect, the Griptillian is a durable design from tip to grip, so those who use and abuse their pocket knives shouldn’t have any problems.

While the Griptillian is our top pick, it’s not perfect. As a full-size pocket knife that weighs nearly 4 ounces, it’s pretty big whether you’re using it or storing it in a pocket. The design also lacks an assisted opening mechanism to quickly deploy the blade, although we had no trouble using the thumb stud. If you’re looking for a smaller Benchmade, consider the Bugout or even the Bugout Mini, our favorite small pocket knife. Otherwise, pick up the Griptillian for its overall versatility.

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The Kershaw Leek has been around longer than the Griptillian, and it’s known among enthusiasts as the “ideal EDC knife.” Designed by legendary knifemaker Ken Onion (hence the “Leek” in the name), it’s something of a Goldilocks pocket knife. With a three-inch, razor-sharp 14C28N blade, it slices and dices its way through packages and perishables, and because it’s really thin, it’s no trouble carrying it in a pocket. We love the sheer simplicity of the design, and the weighted stainless-steel handle offers a confident grip that looks good to boot. Really, this pocket knife checks a lot of boxes, because it doesn’t try to fix what isn’t broken. It just works.

With that said, we have some concerns with the Leek. For example, the thin blade can easily snap if pressure is applied in the wrong direction, and because the handle is equally thin, applying even pressure sometimes presents its own handling challenge. If you need a heavy-duty knife that can bully its way through big tasks, a full-size option like the Griptillian would better meet your needs. But if you’re simply looking for a reliable pocket knife that’s been around for decades, handles most tasks and costs less than $100, this is a great option.

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Take a moment to browse online knife forums and you’ll quickly discover the buzz around the Benchmade Bugout. Enthusiasts praise its lightweight design, durability, grippy handle and overall excellence as a full-size pocket knife weighing less than 2 ounces. After two months of testing, we couldn’t agree more.

Sporting a Grivory (nylon) handle with small bumps to improve grip, the Bugout feels secure in-hand. Our tester immediately preferred the size, shape and texture of the handle over the other ultralight knife we tested, the Hogue Deka. Complete with a proprietary Axis lock, the Bugout inspires confidence.

As for the blade, Benchmade went with CPM-S30V, a steel that’s relatively affordable and offers great edge retention and corrosion resistance, as well as adequate toughness. After weeks of use, the blade has held an edge that seems to be just as sharp as it was when we first unboxed it, and there are no signs of corrosion. Benchmade includes a cloth drawstring storage pouch with the Bugout, and while we would have preferred a hard-sided case, this wasn’t a major concern.

You might think the Benchmade Bugout’s lightweight design would make it less durable, but we found it to be plenty rugged. The real trade-off here is the higher price tag that often comes with ultralight gear. If you can handle the cost, you get a full-size pocket knife that’s been a favorite of ours for years. Plus, if the basic Bugout doesn’t quite meet your needs, Benchmade offers the knife in a slew of different styles and the option to customize your own design.

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If the full-size dimensions of the original Bugout are a bit too big, consider downsizing to the slightly smaller (but no less capable) Mini Bugout. Weighing 1.5 ounces, it’s incredibly light in-hand, but the blade is only a half inch shorter than the Bugout, so you’re not sacrificing utility for size. And like its sibling, the Mini Bugout features a textured Grivory handle, CPM-S30V steel and Benchmade’s famous Axis lock. In every way, it’s a miniature version of our favorite ultralight folder, and that’s what makes it so great.

Really, our biggest problem with the Mini Bugout is its price tag. While the version we tested retails for $170, the Mini Bugout is only about $10 less than the full-size Bugout. In our opinion, a smaller version of a full-size knife with these specifications shouldn’t cost as much as its bigger sibling, but that hasn’t stopped the everyday carry community from falling in love with it anyway. Look beyond the price and you’ll find it easy to carry around this mini folder. Like the original Bugout, the Mini is available in different versions, and you can customize your own.

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Getting people to agree on the best pocket knife for the outdoors is like trying to get everyone to agree on the best pizza topping—everyone has their own opinion. In our view, a pocket knife for the outdoors should be durable, portable and comfortable, which is why we like the Buck Knives 110 Folder. First released in 1964, the 110 Folder was designed to offer the strength and reliability of a fixed-blade knife without the large size, and it’s been a popular model for over 60 years.

While it is a bit heavy at 7.2 ounces, the extra weight makes the 110 Folder feel more solid and durable—its heft came in handy when cutting thicker materials like canvas and small branches. And although that same weight deters us from carrying it around in a pocket every day, the included leather sheath allowed us to throw it in a hiking pack and forget it until we needed it most. The 420HC blade is incredibly tough and corrosion resistant, and while this comes at the cost of edge retention, it’s easy to sharpen the steel when it dulls. Based on our experience, we’d rather work with a knife that’s tough and easy to sharpen on the fly.

The biggest issue we have with the 110 Folder is its weight. While Buck Knives includes a sheath to carry it around, the lack of a pocket clip is a bit of a bummer, and dedicated thru-hikers and ounce-counters probably want a lighter-weight knife before investing in something so heavy. Still, it’s a simple, durable design that’s easy to use, and unless you’re looking for an ultralight knife to accompany you on the Pacific Coast Trail, this one can meet your needs in the backcountry.

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A premium pocket knife should feel like pure quality the moment it lands in your hand. This is exactly the experience I had with the Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) Sebenza 31. Every curve and contour of the blade is crafted to fit your hand like a glove, and the blade, made from high-quality steel, boasts a razor-sharp edge and impeccable finish. From the moment I started using it, the Sebenza 31 impressed me with its silky-smooth action, superior build quality and tiny details that stand out.

Crafted from CPM MagnaCut steel, the blade delivers exceptional sharpness and strength, cutting through most every material like butter. As the blade locks into place, it makes a metallic “click” that’s oddly satisfying. For the handle, CRK uses a titanium/aluminum/vanadium alloy that’s sandblasted to improve grip—it feels a bit like fine sandpaper. And the end of the handle is finished with a bit of paracord for those you-never-know-when-it-might-come-in-handy moments.

Now, a premium pocket knife doesn’t necessarily cut a brick in half or survive a 100-story fall. Spending an additional $100 to $300 doesn’t make the design indestructible, nor does it give the blade superpowers. Instead, it allows the knifemaker to use higher-end materials and refine the build quality, and that’s what you get with the Sebenza 31. Great pocket knives can be had for less, but if quality and attention to detail are of the utmost importance, this is a superb example.

In many ways the Sebenza 31 looks and feels like a work of art. It’s one of those tools you consider displaying on a shelf before using it in the real world, but when you finally work up the courage to put it to use, you won’t be disappointed with its performance. Though it comes in two sizes (small and large), I tested the smaller style and couldn’t be happier with its abilities.

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Other Pocket Knives We Tested

Spyderco Para Military 2: We tested the Spyderco Para Military 2 alongside the Benchmade Griptillian and, while we loved Spyderco’s design with its curved G10 handle and easy-to-use thumb hole, it fell a bit short—literally. “I’ve used it nearly 50 times, and each cut has been just as precise as the first,” says our tester. “However, the only downside for me is the blade length—I prefer a longer blade.” Also, the blade tip dented when it accidentally hit the pavement, which was a bit concerning for our tester. Even though both knives performed similarly, the Para Military 2 costs over $100 more than the Griptillian ($265 versus $160), which makes it harder to justify the higher price.

Civivi Elementum: We tested the Elementum against the Kershaw Leek in the budget pocket knife category, and while we liked its size, the Leek’s weight and design felt more reliable. The Elementum handled most tasks well, cutting through Amazon packages and loads of sticky tape, but it didn’t pass the crucial tomato test—we had to be careful not to squish the tomatoes while slicing. Even so, it’s still a great budget option if you’re looking for a pocket knife around $50.

Hogue Deka Manual Folder: We tested the Deka Manual Folder from Hogue, which weighs 2.1 ounces, against the Benchmade Bugout in the lightweight pocket knife category. Though we appreciated the size and shape of the Deka, it felt less polished than the Bugout, with a slippery handle and a slightly dull blade that couldn’t slice and dice as effectively. Despite being $30 cheaper and coming with a hard-sided carrying case, these advantages weren’t enough to sway us from the Benchmade knife.

Spyderco Dragonfly 2: The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a fantastic mini pocket knife that’s often compared to the Benchmade Mini Bugout, so we decided to put them head-to-head. We loved the Dragonfly 2 for its compact size and its easy-to-use trademark Round Hole, which makes deploying the blade a cinch. However, we found the curved grip a bit awkward, even though Spyderco says it’s designed for better ergonomics. Plus, while the blade is really sharp, it’s not as versatile as the Mini Bugout’s, since it’s over a half inch shorter.

The James Brand Folsom Pro: The James Brand Folsom Pro is a full-size folder that looks as good as it performs. The 3.2-inch LC200N steel blade has no trouble cutting through food, packing and even thicker materials, like triple-walled cardboard. The thumb hole also makes it easy to deploy the blade with one hand, and the titanium clip is a nice touch. With that said, it’s expensive at $279, and if you’re willing to spend that much on a premium blade, you can find better deals elsewhere.

Wesn Microblade: The Wesn Microblade is a really tiny pocket knife, smaller still than the other mini knives we tested. While it’s not exactly a fair comparison, we wanted to see if such a small knife could still be useful and maybe even replace a traditional pocket knife. We found the blade to be incredibly sharp, but its size means we want something bigger for tasks like cutting veggies or slicing through thick rope. As a keychain knife for opening packages or handling small tasks on the fly, it’s perfect. But for anything more demanding, we’d suggest going for something a bit bigger.

Opinel No. 8: The Opinel No. 8 is a favorite among outdoorsy folks, especially gardeners and foragers, thanks to its sharp blade and comfortable wooden handle that’s easy to grip. However, deploying the blade can be a bit cumbersome, often requiring multiple steps or even two hands, and its shape isn’t the most pocket-friendly. That’s why the Buck 110 Folder is our preferred choice for outdoor adventures. Still, at just $17, the Opinel No. 8 is a budget-friendly option to try out without much risk if you’re curious about its capabilities.

The James Brand Kline: The Kline is a beautiful pocket knife that sports a MagnaCut blade, micarta scales and titanium pocket clip. We tested it against the CRK Sebenza 31 in our premium category, and we loved its build quality and attention to detail. Sadly, it fell short because it’s a bit big and unwieldy, and the ergonomics didn’t feel quite right. A bump where the handle meets the blade makes the experience feel disconnected, and the fit and finish just didn’t match the CRK blade. Still, it’s a stunning, premium knife that’s perfect for big hands and big tasks.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published dozens of expertly backed gear guides on everything from camping and hiking equipment to hunting and fishing essentials.

• All picks in this guide were approved by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who also wrote this article, and who has been covering gear and EDC topics for more than six years. He owns a vast collection of pocket knives and multi-tools, and regularly tests tools in the real world to understand how they perform.
• For this guide, we tapped six testers to use pocket knives in six key categories for two months. These include: Forbes Vetted content strategy analyst and Eagle Scout Luke Frangis; Forbes Vetted assistant editor Jordan Thomas; tester Robert Tietjen, a Florida-based father and former Boy Scout who spends time in the kitchen cooking and baking; Forbes Vetted operations manager Catherine Miller; Forbes Vetted senior manager of partnerships Jessica Weisman; as well as Vigliotta.
• We also spoke with two experts for additional insights. These include: Ann MacDonald, blade expert and director of product at Victorinox Swiss Army; and Jim Wirth, founder and CEO of GiantMouse Knives.
• We refresh this guide regularly to ensure you’re up-to-date on the best pocket knives. This article was last updated in May 2025 by Vigliotta, who reviewed every selection to ensure our recommendations remain accurate and reliable.

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How We Chose The Best Pocket Knives

We spent two months putting a variety of pocket knives to the test. Each tester was given a specific category of knives and tested two to three different models to ensure we covered all the bases. Here’s what our evaluation involved:

• Specialized assignments: To get the best insights, we had each team member focus on a particular type of pocket knife. They noted whether it has an affordable price, a mini size, a premium blade and so on. This way, we could dive deep into what makes each type unique and tell how well the different models performed against one another.
• Real-world testing: We looked at key factors like blade sharpness, durability, ease of use and portability. Each knife in this guide was put through its paces in various real-life situations to see how it held up. We carried them constantly and sought out opportunities to use them whenever possible—prepping meals in the kitchen, opening boxes, cutting twine and so much more.
• Attention to detail: Besides the main factors, we also considered the finer details like handle comfort, locking mechanism reliability and overall craftsmanship. These small but important aspects helped us distinguish the truly exceptional knives from the merely good ones.
• Expert insights: We balanced our personal experiences with the insights and advice from experts in the field. These include interviews with knife enthusiasts, makers and product designers who provided us with a well-rounded perspective, ensuring our final selections were both practical and well-informed.

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What To Consider When Shopping For A Pocket Knife

When it comes to choosing a pocket knife, we spoke with Jim Wirth, CEO and founder of GiantMouse Knives, who knows a whole lot about the ins and out of knives. Here are his best tips.

Knife Purpose

“When selecting your first pocket knife, focus on its intended purpose, whether for everyday tasks, outdoor adventures or something more specialized,” Wirth says. “Quality is key—look for solid craftsmanship and high-grade steel, which ensures durability and longevity. Consider the size and weight—it should feel comfortable and balanced in your hand, and be comfortable when clipped inside your front pocket if intended for everyday carry. Lastly, be aware of local knife laws to ensure your choice is legal for carry and use in your area.”

Blade Material

In choosing the best pocket knife, you should pay particular attention to the materials used when crafting the blade, as the steel dictates how the knife performs and in what environments you should use it. “The most crucial element in a pocket knife is the blade steel, because it defines the knife’s cutting ability, edge retention and ease of resharpening,” says Wirth. “Several examples of high-end, corrosive-resistant steels that are ideal for pocket knives include MagnaCut, M390, Elmax, 20CV and S90V.”

Some factors to consider when reviewing blade steel types include toughness, hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and edge retention. Keep in mind, though, the improvement of one factor likely comes at the expense of another.

Handle Material

The handle is often made from a natural material, such as wood, bone or leather; a synthetic material such as carbon fiber or fiberglass; or a type of metal. In general, natural materials retain tradition and look matured, synthetic materials reduce weight and metals improve strength.

“For handle scales, titanium stands out due to its lightness, exceptional strength and resistance to flexing,” explains Wirth. “Another great handle material is G10, a fiberglass composite known for its robustness and ability to withstand variations in heat and humidity. Both materials assure lasting performance.”

Blade Type

“Different blade shapes are specifically suited to certain tasks,” says Wirth. “For example, the sheepsfoot blade is known for its strong tip and straight edge that’s ideal for slicing rope, cutting open boxes and whittling, but it falls short for piercing or penetrating tasks.”

While several different blade types exist, some shapes are better than others when it comes to everyday tasks. “Most newcomers to pocket knives tend to choose either a clip point or drop point blade,” Wirth explains. “The clip point blade, with its concave back and fine tip, is well-suited for everyday tasks that require precision cutting, piercing and slicing. The drop point blade features a convex spine that slopes gently to the point, offering both strength and control.”

Size And Weight

Pocket knives come in various shapes and sizes. If you’re using your knife in the backcountry, look for a smaller style that performs well without adding unwanted bulk. And if you’re using your knife on the job site, consider a full-size knife that can tackle repetitive tasks.

Locking Mechanism

A pocket knife’s locking mechanism makes it safer to use, especially during more rugged tasks that require added strength and effort. For this reason, every blade on our list features a locking mechanism. While there are many different types of locking mechanisms—from a frame lock to an Axis lock—each works for the majority of tasks.

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