Everyday Carry

The 12 Best Lightweight Pocket Knives in 2022

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
The 12 Best Lightweight Pocket Knives in 2022

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Your typical EDC knife is likely the heaviest part of your kit. And when you combine it with the other essentials in your pockets, it all can start to feel cumbersome. You might think that's just the price you have to pay to carry a competent pocket knife. After all, good steel has to weigh a ton, right? Actually, there's a category of knives that tip the scales in the other direction. The best lightweight pocket knives give you the features and ergonomics you'd want from an EDC daily driver while weighing just 3 ounces, with some designs shaving enough grams to verge into ultralight territory at under 2 ounces.

Don't mistake the light weight of the knives here for a lack of capability: they aren't just tiny keychain knives. On the contrary, these full-sized, ultra-lightweight knives can handle all of your daily tasks with ease. And while this category of knives used to be more niche, in 2021 there's a ton more options available thanks to better competition, materials, and desire to carry lighter. To help you find the best lightweight knife for your everyday carry, we've put together this guide with some of our favorite ultralight knives for you to choose from.

Benchmade Mini Bugout

Benchmade Mini Bugout

Purchase
Key Features
Grivory handle scales
AXIS lock
Reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clips
Specifications
Weight
1.5 oz
Blade Length
2.75“
Steel
CPM-S30V
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The Benchmade Mini Bugout is one of the most sought-after and talked about everyday carry knives released in the past year, and with its mix of great ergonomics, solid performance, and ultra light weight, it’s easy to see why. Its biggest feature is the premium 2.75" CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, held in place with Benchmade’s signature AXIS lock and deployed via the traditional thumbstud mechanism. The Grivory handles offer the user plenty of grip during even hard use, but it also complements the barely-there weight quality of the knife itself, which weighs in at a meager 1.5 ounces in total. And with its reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip, it’s not just small and lightweight: it disappears into your pockets when you’re through.
Deejo 37g

Deejo 37g

Purchase
Key Features
Liner lock
Juniper wood scales
Pocket clip
Specifications
Weight
1.3 oz
Blade Length
3.14“
Steel
Z40C13
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$
The weight of the Deejo knife is in the name, and if you take one look at its design you can see how things can get that light. Its unique skeletonized frame keeps things light while providing a firm frame lock for the 3.14” Z40C13 stainless steel blade. You can choose between different wood and steel combinations, or even opt for a completely metal design that makes for a more minimal carry, if you prefer.
SOG Ultra XR

SOG Ultra XR

Purchase
Key Features
Carbon fiber handle scales, titanium pocket clip
XR lock
Clip point blade shape
Specifications
Weight
1.2 oz
Blade Length
2.8“
Steel
CPM-S35VN
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
SOG’s update to their knife lineup this year has been very impressive, integrating better materials and their new XR lock which eliminates blade play entirely making a big impact in their new designs. They just released a new Ultra XR knife, with a beautiful combination of carbon fiber scales in the handle and a premium S35VN stainless steel blade that’s been treated with a cyro gold finish that contrasts well aesthetically. The beauty of the XR lock in the handle also means one handed opening is easily achieved by actuating the lock and flicking the knife open, making for a smooth opening that’s faster than most non-assisted opening flipper style designs in actual practice. Rounding out this beautiful knife is a strong titanium pocket clip that’s also designed to hold some cash, for added convenience.
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Teal FRN

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Teal FRN

Purchase
Key Features
Compression lock
FRN scales
Round Hole opening
Specifications
Weight
2.4 oz
Blade Length
3“
Steel
CPM-S90V
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$$
This premium Para 3 is the ultimate edition of the community favorite everyday carry knife. And with its CPM-S90V leaf-shaped blade and solid compression lock it’s easy to see why. With its grippy handle made out of textured injection-molded FRN scales, this Spyderco knife weighs just 2.4 oz in total, and it can be operated with either hand via the Round Hole opening and either-handed deep carry pocket clip for discreet storage when the knife is not being used.
Kershaw Random Leek

Kershaw Random Leek

Purchase
Key Features
Frame lock
SpeedSafe assisted opening
Reverse tanto blade shape
Specifications
Weight
3 oz
Blade Length
3“
Steel
Sandvik 14C28N
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The Leek has been one of the community’s favorite everyday carry knives for a while now, but this newest incarnation of the knife spices things up with a different blade shape. Where the original leek features a modified drop point blade, the Random Leek features a reverse-tanto blade that makes it the perfect choice for EDC cutting and slicing tasks while keeping enough of a sharp point to be used for piercing as well. The blackwash treatment on the handle and blade makes it look quite handsome, and with its spring-assisted flipper opening it offers easy one-handed operation.
Zero Tolerance 0707

Zero Tolerance 0707

Purchase
Key Features
Frame lock
Carbon fiber handle
Flipper opening
Specifications
Weight
2.3 oz
Blade Length
3.5“
Steel
CPM-20CV
EDC Rating


Price
$$$$
The ZT707 is a premium lightweight modern gents knife that features a beautiful carbon fiber handle on one side with a titanium frame lock on the other. The knife also comes with a sleek and slender drop-point blade made out of high-end CPM-20CV stainless steel. The flipper opening features ZT’s proprietary Tuned Detent System which assures an easy one-handed opening even if there’s already grip pressure on the lock bar. And in keeping with the gents knife vibe, the 0707 features a very deep carry pocket clip that lets this knife disappear into your pockets.

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CRKT Stylus

CRKT Stylus

Purchase
Key Features
Liner lock
Spring assisted flipper opening
Textured aluminum handle
Specifications
Weight
2.1 oz
Blade Length
3.125“
Steel
12C27
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$
The CRKT Stylus is Ken Onion’s newest collaboration design featuring a textured aluminum handle satin finished to give it a great sheen. The good look of the handle is matched with the thin 3.125" drop point blade made out of 12C27 stainless steel. When you consider how thin the handle is, it is amazing that they’ve managed to fit a spring-assisted flipper opening into the mix and a liner lock as well to hold everything in place when the knife is in use.
WE Knife Co. Miscreant

WE Knife Co. Miscreant

Purchase
Key Features
Titanium handle
Flipper opening
Frame lock
Specifications
Weight
2.21 oz
Blade Length
3“
Steel
CPM-20CV
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The Miscreant is a collaboration design by custom knifemaker Brad Zinker and WE Knife Co., bringing the stylish looks and smart design of his original Miscreant knife to mass production. This edition of the knife sports a black titanium handle with speed holes that help this knife weigh just 2.21 ounces in hand. Further making this knife lighter than normal is the titanium handle and frame lock, which helps the 2.75" premium 20CV stainless steel blade lock into place after being opened with a single hand thanks to its low-profile flipper mechanism.
Boker x Pro-Tech Kwaiken Auto

Boker x Pro-Tech Kwaiken Auto

Purchase
Key Features
Automatic opening
Plunge lock
Aluminum handle scales
Specifications
Weight
2.96 oz
Blade Length
3“
Steel
154CM
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$$
You’re probably already familiar with the Lucas Burnley designed Kwaiken EDC knife, but this version speeds things up with a push button automatic opening made smooth and quick with bronze pivot washers. Unlike the other editions of the Kwaiken knife, this one is streamlined, not needing a traditional flipper opening thanks to its auto design made in collaboration with both Boker and Pro-Tech. The end result is a laser-quick 3" upswept blade made out of 154cm stainless steel deployed in an instant with a single button.
CIVIVI Odium Damascus

CIVIVI Odium Damascus

Purchase
Key Features
Flipper manual opening
Wood handle
Liner lock
Specifications
Weight
2.5 oz
Blade Length
2.25“
Steel
Damascus
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$
The CIVIVI Odium Damascus straddles the line between traditional gents knife and modern EDC blade with its traditional Cuibourtia wood handle and modern flipper and liner lock design that’s built differently from the knives of old. And while its rustic touches give it a touch of class, it’s still just 2.5 oz in your pockets, while giving you the full 2.65" Damascus flipper blade experience you should expect out of an everyday carry knife made for this century.
CJRB Small Feldspar Blade HQ Exclusive

CJRB Small Feldspar Blade HQ Exclusive

Purchase
Key Features
Manual thumbstud opening
Reversible deep carry pocket clip
Liner lock
Specifications
Weight
2.67 oz
Blade Length
3"
Steel
CPM-S35VN
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$
This exclusive version of the sleek Small Feldspar keeps things lightweight with a natural undyed G10 handle paired with a premium CPM-S35VN blade that together weighs 2.67 oz. The 3" drop point blade opens with a traditional thumbstud mechanism but it’s been tuned to be smooth without the negatives that a flipper style opening can have, ensuring that the knife only opens up when you need it to. The reversible tip-up deep carry pocketclip lets you wear this on either side of your body, and a reliable liner lock holds everything in place during use.
Gerber Armbar Slim Cut

Gerber Armbar Slim Cut

Purchase
Key Features
Spring-loaded scissors
Combo bottle opener and screw driver
Aluminum handle
Specifications
Weight
2.1 oz
Blade Length
2.5“
Steel
Stainless steel
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$
The Gerber Armbar Slim Cut is special in that it manages to pack in a 2.5" plain edge knife along with a pair of spring loaded scissors, and a combination screwdriver bottle opener into a package that weighs just 2.2 ounces. This practical set of supplemental tools helps ensure you’re using the right tool for the job, as not everything should be tackled with a full size knife. The scissors are the most important here, letting you get at repetitive and delicate tasks without risk of cutting too quickly or injuring yourself like you might with a traditional blade. And obviously having a bottle opener in the mix helps you with the need to unwind after a long day of work.

Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (11 total)

BRANDON M FISHER ·
I know this knife brand isn't well known, especially in the EDC world, but I just got a Carved knife with a Damascus 440 SS blade and manual flipper opening and think its awesome. Its already replaced my trusty old CRKT Pilar I as my absolute favorite EDC knife (among dozens of other knives; CRKT, Kershaw, Camillus, SOG, etc). It has titanium scales and pocket clip, resin inlay that looks exactly like a huge Hubble shot of our universe, Damascus blade and manual flipper make it a winner in my book. Just a few passes through my Work Sharp Precision Adjust Sharpener with the fine ceramic sharpener and then my leather strop and its dangerously sharp, easily cutting through paper and any arm hairs I run it through.

That said, I really like that Civivi knife with the Damascus blade and wooden scales and will be adding that to my collection soon 😎👍🔪🔪🔪
Richard ·
No Opinel (No.6 / No.7)?
Alex ·
Leatherman Crater c33 just honest
gargoyle ·
I own a Deejo and I have to say - they've skeletonized it to the point of being nearly useless. There is so little to grip that after a couple days of fussing with it, I tossed it in a drawer and I'm not sure how deeply lost in that drawer it is.

That said, I also own one of the ZT 0235's and that knife is a *DREAM* to own. Razor sharp out of the box, light, but still substantial enough you can grip it and do some work. I give Zero Tolerance two huge thumbs up for that knife. I'd happily buy another one, just to have a spare, and a couple more to give to family and friends. EXCELLENT knife.
Ryan ·
The Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight is what keeps coming back to my pocket. It's a lot of knife with little weight.
5 more comments