A pocket knife is one of the most essential parts of my everyday carry, and judging by how often it features in the community, it's a popular part of everyday carry, period. While it's an essential staple in many people's pockets, only some want to carry a knife, and that's fine. And if I am in a place where carrying knives is restricted by rule or law, I leave my pocket knife behind.
But having a good pocket knife comes in handy in a surprising number of ways, from everyday tasks like opening packages, prepping a snack, or even saving your bacon in an emergency. With so many ways you can use a pocket knife, it's no surprise you'll have plenty of options, which can be daunting. In this buyer's guide, I'll explain what to look for when choosing the best pocket knife for your Everyday Carry and highlight my 21 favorite options to make your search for your next pocket knife easy.
Best Pocket Knives — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Pocket Knife: SOG Terminus XR LTE [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Pocket Knife on a Budget: CIVIVI Elementum [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Traditional Pocket Knife: Buck The 55 [Buy]
The Best Tactical Pocket Knife: Ontario Knife Company Rat II [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight [Buy] / [Full Review]
SOG Terminus XR LTE | CIVIVI Elementum | Buck The 55 | Ontario Knife Company Rat II | Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight |
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Blade Length: 3.00“
| Blade Length: 2.96“
| Blade Length: 2.37"
| Blade Length: 3.00"
| Blade Length: 2.92"
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Blade Steel: S35VN
| Blade Steel: D2
| Blade Steel: 420HC
| Blade Steel: D2
| Blade Steel: CTS BD1N
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Key Features: Carbon fiber liners
| Key Features: Manual flipper opening
| Key Features: Lockback mechanism
| Key Features: Dual thumb studs
| Key Features: Compression lock
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| Buy Now
| Buy Now
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Popular Pocket Knife Brands
![SOG]()
Key Features
Flipper tab
XR lock
Carbon fiber liners
I was very excited by the release of SOG's XR folding knife line. If you're unfamiliar with SOG, they've been making quality knives for decades. But until the XR series was released, their offerings needed to catch up in design and technology. With knives like the SOG Terminus XR LTE, SOG has placed itself at the cutting edge of what everyday carry knives offer. LTE stands for "Light Edition," this knife lightens things down to just 2.2 ounces by integrating carbon fiber into its design. And with its flipper tab and XR lock, this knife is fully ambidextrous. That XR lock can stand up to 1,500 pounds of force, meaning I can rely on it to remain open even during the roughest use. SOG's choice of blade steel for the Terminus XR LTE is also stellar. SOG has opted for a premium CPM-S35VN cryo-treated blade for superior sharpness and edge retention.
![CIVIVI]()
Key Features
Canvas micarta handle scales
Manual flipper opening
Liner lock
Specifications
Blade Steel
D2 (also available in S35VN)
The D2 tool steel blade on the CIVIVI Elementium is purpose-built for rough use, and contributes to it being one of the most popular folding knives in recent years. After all, makers around the world craft shop tools with the same kind of steel. With it, the CIVIVI Elementum offers dependable blade strength with superior edge retention, and it helps this 2.96" drop-point knife shine. Length isn't everything, and in the case of the Elementum, you get excellent sharpness thanks to its hollow-ground edge. The flipper opening and ball bearings in the pivot make for a satisfying and smooth one-handed opening. The grippy G-10 handle scales add more security when things get slippery, and the liner lock ensures the knife won't close on me during a cut.
![Buck]()
Key Features
Lockback mechanism
Crelicam genuine ebony handles
Made in the USA
A Buck knife was one of the first everyday carry knives I saw in someone's hands. Now that I am older, I know that knife was some form of a 110 folding hunter, a large gents folding knife. For modern pocket everyday carry, I think Buck's The 55 is a better choice when your pocket space is limited. The 55 is a more compact version of the 110 Folding Hunter, keeping the design language that makes the original a timeless classic. But the compact design of this made-in-the-USA folding pocket knife means it's easier to carry it around wherever I go. Like the original classic knife, The 55 features a manual nail nick opening. It also comes with a beautiful Crelicam genuine ivory wood inlay. A beefy lockback mechanism on the spine removes any possibility of accidental closure. And with its easily-maintained 2.375" 420HC clip point blade, I'll always be prepared to take on life's challenges. If anything should go wrong with the knife, I could avail of Buck's Forever Warranty, so it’s a confident purchase to make.
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![Ontario]()
Key Features
Dual thumb studs
Reversible pocket clip
Ambidextrous handle
Despite its relative age, the Ontario RAT Model II is still a solid choice for everyday carry. Its design is tried and tested, and its strong ergonomics and excellent D2 tool steel blade make it a great budget or entry-level option. It's also has been one of the community's favorite tactical blades for years, and it's also highly affordable for people just starting their everyday carry journey. It's too easy to look at knife guides online and see someone telling you that you must pay hundreds of dollars for some knife made of exotic steel. While that's undeniably a superior knife, many people can get turned off by the price, and if I were starting out, I would be as well. D2 tool steel offers excellent performance while still being accessible for beginners to maintain compared to ultra-hard premium blades on other folding knives. The liner lock on this knife is sturdy and part of this knife's overall outdoor adventure heritage.
![Spyderco]()
Key Features
Compression lock
FRN scales
Ambidextrous tip-up deep carry wire clip
When I think of a Spyderco knife, I have something like the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight in mind. That trademark Spyderco eyehole opening is immediately recognizable, embedded into the full-flat ground leaf-shaped blade. This American-made design is unique to Spyderco, and the signature Round Hole cut into the CTS-BD1N steel makes it easy for me to deploy the knife with either hand. The other Spyderco-exclusive thing that makes this folding pocket knife great for tactical everyday carry is the compression lock in the spine. This locking mechanism uses a spring and a split liner to hold the knife where the blade tang and the stop pin meet. And the textured black FRN handle scales make it easy to use the knife even when my hands are dripping wet.
![CRKT]()
Key Features
GRN handle scales
Liner lock
One-position tip-down right hand deep carry clip
While I own and carry many of the knives on this list, the CRKT CEO is the one mostly in my pocket. I'm not alone in this regard: the CRKT CEO has been one of the community's favorite choices for classy everyday carry for years. I like that the CEO is slim and lightweight, but don't make the mistake of thinking that its size makes it less capable. The slender blade is 3.11" long and composed of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. Some variants of the knife feature D2 or S35VN if you prefer a more premium experience. Deployment is easy thanks to the IKBS ball bearings in the pivot, and the secure liner lock holds everything in place during use. There's also a version of the knife that deploys with an index flipper blade. The glass-reinforced nylon handle scales include a recessed cutout that stows the thumb stud neatly when the knife is closed. And that's where the deep carry clip at the side helps the blade disappear into my pockets.
![Gerber]()
Key Features
Aluminum handle
Stainless steel liner lock
Three-position left/right hand tip-up/down pocket clip
The past years' supply chain crisis has made me appreciate when items, especially pocket knives, are made closer to home. This is one such knife. The Gerber Custom Fastball offers made-in-the-USA quality with effortless one-handed operation. It has a smooth one-handed flipper deployment made easy with BOSS Tech ball bearings in the pivot. There's also a precision detent that lets me "lightswitch" the blade open and close quickly when I need to cut something fast. The Fastball features a 3" S30V stainless steel blade with a flipper opening for ambidextrous convenience. If you opt for a custom knife, choose between 14 different handle colors or swap to carbon fiber or copper handles if the aluminum handles aren't your thing.
![Benchmade]()
Key Features
Carbon-fiber handle
AXIS lock
Deep carry reversible tip up pocket clip
When it was first announced, I had a hard time believing that the Benchmade Bugout 535 was only 1.85 ounces in weight. But having held one in person, it's definitely the case. That barely-there lightness helps make the Benchmade Bugout 535 one of the most popular knives in the community. It's easy to see why. Its highly sharp 3.24" CPM-S30V stainless steel blade can take on all challengers. The Bugout 535 is completely ambidextrous as well. There are thumb studs on either side of the knife, and the deep carry pocket clip is reversible. I’ve also removed the clip from the Grivory scales and used the rear lanyard hole instead for an alternate way to carry. And the sturdy AXIS lock in the handle can be actuated with either hand on the blade.
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![Benchmade]()
Key Features
Grivory handle
AXIS lock
Deep carry reversible tip up pocket clip
I feature the even smaller Benchmade Mini Bugout 533 here alongside its slightly-larger brother because it's the ultimate ultralightweight knife in terms of features. In 2020, Benchmade made a great thing even better by sizing things down further to make for an excellent small knife with the Mini Bugout. It features a premium DLC-coated CPM-S30V stainless steel drop-point blade that measures just 2.82" long and deploys via Benchmade's signature AXIS lock. Grivory handles help keep the weight down to 1.5 oz. While this is one of the more expensive knives on the list, you get what you pay for here when grams and ounces matter to your carry.
![SOG]()
Key Features
Flipper tab
Frame lock
Reversible pocket clip
When you need a folding knife but need to trust the lock on a knife, I recommend a frame lock without question. The SOG Stout FLK features a frame lock mechanism. On one side of the knife's handle, you get textured and grippy G-10 scales. And on the other side, you get a sturdy stainless steel frame lock that holds the blade in place after deployment. As for the blade itself, the SOG Stout FLK is a small knife that cuts above its size. This compact knife has a short 2.62" CRYO D2 tool steel blade given the blacked-out treatment to deal with life's scraps and scrapes. The large eyehole cut out lets me deploy the blade manually. A compact index flipper also lets me "kick" the knife open, ready for use at a moment's notice.
![Böker]()
Key Features
Lockback mechanism
Nail nick opener
Wood handle
I've always been fascinated with Damascus-style blades, as their hammered, patterned appearance makes them quite beautiful and functional. But I prefer Damascus knives made of hammered, folded steel, like the Böker Magnum Damascus Duke. Unlike lesser knives that etch a folded motif on the knife with acid or a laser, the Böker Magnum Damascus Duke features a 37-layer composition that creates a uniquely intricate and aesthetic pattern on every knife. The double metal bolsters also have an etched design that complements the beautiful burled wood inlay in the handles. Like other traditional gent's knives, the opening is a manual two-handed affair. And an old-style back lock holds the clip-point blade in place during use.
![Steel]()
Key Features
Finger choil
Slip-resistant handle
High flat grind
The first time I saw a Steel Will Cutjack was actually in a cutlery store in Japan. While I was trying to buy a kitchen knife to bring back home, the look of the Steel Will Cutjack was quite striking. It felt even better in the hand. And if you like having fine-tuned control over knife during a cut, you should look at the Steel Will Cutjack. It comes with textured and lightweight FRN handle scales, which enhance the gripping surfaces even when things get wet. There's an ergonomic curve where the liner lock holds the knife in place, and that, combined with the flipper opening tab, helps prevent me from cutting myself on the blade during hard use. There's a deep finger choil at the heel of the 2.5" D2 tool steel blade. That choil lets me get a close-up choke grip on the blade for fine detail cuts with the tip.
![BLUE]()
Key Features
Pocket clip
Fiberglass handle
ESEE Zancudo framelock
The BLUE RIDGE Zancudo folding knife was initially designed by ESEE years ago, and it's still one of the best tactical everyday carry blades I recommend today. It is one of those classic designs that still deserves a place in modern everyday carry. Because, unlike most tactical knives, the Zancudo is slim and compact, with a 3" stonewashed D2 tool steel blade for improved durability and sharpness. The drop point blade shape is versatile, able to cut, chop, and slice quickly. I also like the frame lock, which allows you to take on big tasks with this relatively compact knife. And the G-10 handle scale on the reverse side improves the grip on the blade during use.
![WE]()
Key Features
Dual blue thumb stud openers
Black G-10 handle scales
Steel liner lock mechanism
Simplicity with the WE Knives Banter does not mean a lack of sophistication for the person holding the knife. It starts with the premium 2.75" spear point blade of versatile CPM S35VN stainless steel. With its high-end steel, the Banter delivers excellent performance for its small size. While I love G-10 handle scale knives for their grippy texture, only some people want that texture to be aggressive. The Banter features a softer treatment, smooth lines, and a deep-carry pocket clip with recessed screws. It gives it a sharp look that lends itself well to everyday carry, especially in more dressy or professional situations.
![Gerber]()
Key Features
3D-textured handle grip
Ambidextrous pivot lock
Made in the USA
If you're looking for a high-end American-made duty knife, the Gerber Sedulo offers one-stop shopping. The blade's aggressive ergonomics allow the user utmost control in action. I can open the knife with a single hand, and the pivot lock is ambidextrous. I particularly like the exposed liners that jut out of the handle, providing jimping at the top and bottom for enhanced grip. And the sharp 3" S30V stainless steel blade has a full panel grind with a plain edge for suitably high-end cutting performance. The price and the looks may steer some people away, but if you choose the Sedulo, you know what you're getting.
![Opinel]()
Key Features
Two-hand open
Vibroloc locking system
Traditional styling
Specifications
Blade Steel
High carbon steel
Sometimes I look for extreme sharpness in a knife, and one of the best ways to get that is to opt for a pure carbon steel blade for everyday carry. The Opinel No. 6 Carbon pocket knife is one of the best options. Its classic design has remained unchanged, with a beautiful beechwood handle and a razor-sharp carbon steel blade. This knife also comes with Opinel's Virobloc locking ring that turns the knife into a fixed blade with a simple collar turn at the pivot point. If this is your first time using this kind of steel, you must know that it requires regular maintenance, or it will rust. I treat the knife with oil and ensure it dries out thoroughly when it gets wet to keep this knife cutting without rust every time.
![CRKT]()
Key Features
New spear-point blade shape
Ambidextrous thumb slot opening
Steel frame lock
The CRKT Pilar III is the third iteration of this favorite Jesper Voxnaes design. But where the original editions of the blade featured purely minimal design, the Pilar III is made for a more urban lifestyle. The blade profile is slightly extended, giving it a 2.75" cutting edge. The steel frame lock remains, ensuring safety during use, but the reverse side of the handle has a G-10 scale for better grip. IKBS ball bearings aid the ambidextrous eye hole opening in the pivot for a smooth action. And despite the change in look, the Pilar III is still low profile, with a pocket clip that helps most of the knife disappear in my pocket when not used.
![The]()
Key Features
Multi-purpose drop point
Carbon fiber handle
Frame lock
The Summit Knife is the perfect complement if you already have a Ridge Wallet like me. It features similar modern and minimal design notes, a compact footprint, and a sturdy clip that slides effortlessly into any pocket. The durable drop-point D2 steel blade is 2.75" long and secures with a frame lock during use. You can choose a grade 5 titanium handle scale or an attractive carbon fiber knife treatment that almost halves the weight. It might be too small for some people, but if space in your pockets is limited, having a knife you can carry is better than not having one.
![Kershaw]()
Key Features
High-performance steel
Attractive blade coating
Secure locking system
Custom knifemaker Jens Anso collaborated with Kershaw to make a streamlined knife with a carbon fiber inlay in its G-10 handle scale as part of a group of collaboration knives I really enjoy. The dual-material composition of the Kershaw Fraxion is one of the most striking features of its contemporary design. That carbon fiber inlay helps save weight, bringing the Fraxion down to 2 ounces in the pocket. The black stonewashed clip-point blade contrasts nicely, and its 8Cr13MoV steel makes for easy maintenance and sharpening. Its top swedge helps with cutting and slicing tasks in tight spaces. The flipper opening makes for a convenient ambidextrous carry. You can opt for left- or right-handed tip-up carry by unscrewing the pocket clip and changing its position.
![CJRB]()
Key Features
Natural G10
Reversible deep carry pocket clip
Liner lock
Specifications
Blade Steel
D2 (also available in S35VN)
The CJRB Feldspar offers excellent value for money in a great-looking knife if you're on a budget. And while some may look down on an entry-level knife like this, I don't because everyone needs a good place to start. It features a 3.5" D2 tool steel blade with a well-defined tip on its drop-point profile. The extended belly also makes for easy slicing action. The simple and versatile flat grind and finger choil make it easy to sharpen this knife on a whetstone. The G10 handle scales offer superior grip without being overly aggressive or ostentatious. It also conceals the liner lock while holding everything in place during use. The reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip helps the knife disappear when work completes, which I like when trying to remain low-profile.
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![Zero]()
Key Features
Water-resistant
Lightweight
Stonewashed finish
Over the years, I have seen Zero Tolerance pivot from making almost exclusively high-end tactical knives like the 0200 and the 0350 to being more well-rounded while maintaining a “zero tolerance” approach to keeping high quality. Take the Zero Tolerance 0235, for example. It is not your grandfather's gent's knife. The 0235 is made in the USA in collaboration with custom knifemaker Jens Anso, and it features a modern take on high-class everyday carry. It has a manual nail-nick opening blade like an old-time knife, but unlike the soft steel of that heritage knife, the ZT 0235 comes with super-premium CPM-20CV stainless steel. That means the 0235 gets you exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention over the knives of old. The double-detent in the 0235 allows for a controlled open and close and use in a half-open position. The gorgeous carbon fiber handle and pocket clip are further departures from the traditional formula, giving this knife a decidedly-modern look. It also helps keep the weight down in my pockets, as the ZT 0235 tips the scales at just 1.8 ounces.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Pocket Knife
I know that considering adding a pocket knife to your everyday carry is a crucial decision. It's essential to understand the legality of it, what your use cases are, and what kind of knife to buy. I'll cover that in this section for those of you who are new to everyday carry knives. In this guide, I'll focus on dedicated pocket knives. Check out this article for multi-tools and multi-functional knives like Victorinox Swiss Army Knives.
Is It Legal to Carry a Pocket Knife?
First, I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. In my research, however, I have found that carrying a folding pocket knife in most places in the United States is legal. There are a few caveats, and it is always best to check your local laws and proper legal advice when deciding to everyday carry a knife. Sometimes there are length restrictions. For the most part, keeping the blade length below 3” is the safe option. You can't carry a locking blade in some places, so sometimes I opt for a slip joint non-locking blade.
The kind of opening sometimes matters as well. Some jurisdictions frown upon spring-assisted knives, so a manual thumbstud or nail-nick knife is your safest bet. Three types of knives are more highly restricted, and you should do further research about them if you carry them in your area. The automatic knife is the first type that is a problem in many places. Another is the balisong or butterfly-style knife. The third is fixed-blade knives.
How you carry can be significant. Some areas require you to open-carry a knife. Others require concealment. You may also face restrictions on where you can have a knife. For example, bringing them to work or other sensitive areas like public events and government buildings might be forbidden.
Why Carry a Pocket Knife?
Having a pocket knife means having a cutting tool ready whenever needed. It's an integral part of my personal preparedness, even if I don't foresee an emergency on the horizon. But it might only become important once you suddenly need to cut something without a knife. You might have to make do with your keys or scissors, but a knife would have made things easy. If you are outdoors, having a knife can get you out of scrapes, especially in a survival situation. And when it comes down to it, you can defend yourself from threats with a knife with proper training.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Knife
As with all gear, finding the right knife depends on many factors. I recommend a folding knife with a locking mechanism, pocket clip, and blade around 2.5 to 3 inches long for everyday use. However, there are still a few things to consider besides those factors:
- Size and weight: The most helpful knife is the one you have with you. An everyday carry knife should be compact and light enough that you won't feel inconvenienced carrying it every day, but large and robust enough to feel comfortable in your hand and effective while cutting. A good ballpark range for an everyday carry knife size is around 4" long when closed and around 3.25 oz in weight (or lower).
- Blade length and shape: I recommend a 2.5 to 3.5" drop-point-shaped blade because it should handle most everyday tasks. The trade-off with length is the longer you go, the more cutting edge you can work with, potentially making tasks easier. Any longer, and it may feel unwieldy in hand. Shorter blades are ideal for lighter cutting tasks and seem less threatening when using them in public.
Be sure to check your local knife laws about restrictions on blade length as that may narrow down your options. If you can only legally carry a smaller knife, check out our guide to the 14 Best Small Pocket Knives.
- Blade steel: The steel used in your knife can affect its cutting performance, edge retention, corrosion resistance, ease of maintenance, and much more. The knives on this list generally feature good steel, but if you want to learn more about the different kinds of steel, check out our beginner's guide to blade steels.
- Locking system: A sturdy lock mechanism on your knife makes them safer for rigorous cutting tasks. Different locking systems operate differently—some are ambidextrous, some move your fingers away from the blade's path, and so on. Learn more about common knife lock mechanisms in our beginner's guide to knife locks to find the right one for your needs.
- Be sure to check your local knife laws about restrictions on locking knives, as that may narrow down your options. If you can’t legally carry a locking knife, see our guide to the 10 best non-locking knives.
- Handle materials: There's more to a knife than its blade—the handle is an essential part of the equation. I recommend a handle that's comfortable, durable, and grippy. G10 is an excellent all-around material for its lightweight properties and grip, but you might also like other materials like anodized aluminum, canvas Micarta, or wood.
- Styling: Once you've reviewed my recommendations above, you can narrow your search to knives that look great and fit your style alongside the rest of your gear. You might want a tough-as-nails tactical blade, a classy gent's knife around the office, or a traditional design for that timeless appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful pocket knife?
The most useful pocket knife fits your hand perfectly. It is made of durable hardened steel and it is very sharp. The most useful pocket knife is sized perfectly for everyday carry.
What knives are better than Benchmade?
Arguably better alternatives to Benchmade include Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Buck, SOG, Spyderco, and CRKT knives. Extremely high-end knives like Chris Reeve and other custom knifemakers are strong contenders too. And up-and-coming knife lines from WE Knives, CRJB, CIVIVI, and Artisan Cutlery offer great value for money.
What knives do Navy SEALs use?
Navy SEALs tend to use military-issued knives. These are combat knives, including diver-style blades and bayonets. Many knives are based on Navy SEAL knives issued both past and present.
Is it OK to carry a pocket knife?
It is usually OK to carry a pocket knife. Check your local laws. You may have to carry certain kinds of knives to be safe.
What is an EDC knife?
An EDC knife is a pocket knife that is a part of your everyday carry (EDC).
How We Picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what's new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men's essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
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