Best Pocket Knives for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: April 3rd, 2024

🔪Pocket knives are those handy all-purpose tools you'll find in the pockets of adventurers, everyday folks, and everyone in between. Whether you're planning a weekend in the great outdoors, need a reliable tool for daily tasks, or want something tactical, there's a perfect pocket knife out there for you.

After combing through countless options and reviews, we've picked out the best pocket knives of 2024 to help you make the right choice.

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Overall Best: Benchmade Mini Barrage 585

Benchmade - Mini Barrage 585 Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish, Black Handle

The Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 takes the crown as our top pick, thanks to its exceptional performance and user-friendly design.

This knife features a high-quality stainless steel blade paired with an ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable grip and excellent cutting efficiency.

The Axis Assist mechanism allows for swift one-handed opening, making it an extremely convenient option for everyday tasks.

Known for its durable construction and easy maintenance, the Mini Barrage 585 is an ideal choice for both outdoor activities and daily use.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$171.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Quiet Carry Drift

The Quiet Carry Drift earns the runner-up spot, combining advanced metallurgy with practical design.

Its Vanax SuperClean blade is renowned for exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for various environments, including marine and humid conditions.

The titanium handle not only adds to the knife's robustness but also keeps it lightweight.

If you prioritize durability and weather resistance, the Drift is the knife to consider.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Best Budget Option: CRKT Squid

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife: Compact EDC Straight Edge Utility Knife with Stainless Steel Blade and Framelock Handle Squid Assist

For those seeking an affordable yet reliable option, the CRKT Squid is the best budget pick.

Despite its lower price point, this knife delivers quality and functionality, featuring a sturdy stainless steel frame lock and a 2.25-inch blade.

Compact and easy to use, it's perfect for everyday carry tasks such as opening packages and light cutting jobs.

The Squid proves you don't have to break the bank to get a dependable pocket knife.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$37.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the CRKT Squid Folding Knife? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How sharp is the CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife out of the box?
The CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife has a good reputation for being practical and reliable, especially as an everyday carry tool. Right out of the box, it's got a sharp edge that's ready for various cutting tasks without you having to sharpen it first. According to our research, folks often mention how sharp it is as a key feature they're happy with. The manufacturer also points out that the blade comes with a precise cutting edge, making it handy for both easy and more challenging jobs, like slicing through rope or cardboard. That's a big plus if you're looking for a reliable knife to keep in your toolkit. Another thing that goes well with its sharpness is the assisted opening mechanism. It's got this IKBS ball bearing pivot that really makes for a smooth and quick blade opening, which a lot of people appreciate, especially when speed matters. Once you pop the blade open, it stays locked in place with a framelock. The manufacturer describes this as robust and dependable, and our research backs that up, with many highlighting how secure it feels to use. While it's nice and compact, which is great for carrying around discreetly, it can feel a bit small if you have bigger hands. That might impact how comfortable it is to handle. Overall, if you're after a compact and sharp knife for everyday use, the CRKT Squid is worth considering. Just keep in mind your hand size and what exactly you need it for to make sure it's the right pick for you. Our data suggests it's generally well-liked for being efficient and safe to use.
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Is the CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife easy to open and close one-handed?
The CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife can be opened and closed one-handed, thanks to its thumb stud mechanism. But, based on our research, some folks find the detent—basically, the tension that keeps the blade closed—a bit stiff at first. It might take a little getting used to, but this stiffness helps ensure the blade stays securely locked when you're using it. The knife's frame is made from stainless steel, giving it durability and a sleek stonewashed look that many people like. However, it's worth mentioning that a few have said the handle can feel a bit slippery, so keep that in mind if a firm grip is really important to you. Overall, if you're looking for a sturdy tool for everyday tasks, the Squid is pretty solid. It's not top-tier expensive, but it offers good value for its price. If you need a bit more grip or other features, maybe check out some other options too.
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How durable is the CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife?
So, if you're wondering about the durability of the CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife, it's pretty solid. This little guy is quite popular, especially the [Squid Assist](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsquid%2Bassist%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) version, among folks who carry a knife every day. The blade is made from stainless steel, which is known to be tough and easy to keep sharp. The manufacturer points out that it's got a good mix of wear resistance and ease of maintenance, which means it should keep its edge pretty well. Now, this knife is really compact, making it super easy to carry around without feeling like it's in the way—perfect for everyday stuff like opening boxes or simple camping needs. According to our research, people like Andrew and Kevin love how light it is and say it's sharp right from the start. That said, its small size might not be for everyone. If you've got big hands, you might find it a tad too small, and the handle might not offer the best grip. Some feedback mentions this, saying the handle might not fully fill the palm for larger hands. But on the plus side, it has features like assisted opening and a framelock handle, which many folks find make it easy to use and reliable despite its size. To sum up, the CRKT Squid is a durable knife that's easy to carry and well-built. While its small size might not suit everyone, it's a solid choice if you're looking for something handy and dependable for everyday use or light outdoor tasks.
View All Answers for

Best for Customization: Knafs Lander

Knafs - Lander 1 Folding Pocket Knife with Clip - EDC for Men, Women, Everyone - Gray Stonewash Blade - Blue G10 Handle

The Knafs Lander is a standout for customization enthusiasts.

It allows users to easily swap handle scales, tailoring the knife to fit their style or specific requirements.

The 2.75-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade is both durable and effective, while the manual thumbstud opening ensures smooth operation.

Ideal for those who love personalizing their tools without compromising on functionality and ergonomic design.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$44.99 at Amazon

Best Tactical Pocket Knife: Spyderco Para Military 2

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.47" CPM Cru-Wear Steel Blade and Premium Micarta Handle - PlainEdge - C81MPCW2

For tactical applications, the Spyderco Para Military 2 comes highly recommended.

Its CPM S30V stainless steel blade excels in edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it robust enough for demanding tasks.

The inclusion of Spyderco’s distinctive thumbhole guarantees easy opening, and the G-10 handle scales offer a secure, reliable grip.

Thanks to its solid compression lock mechanism, this knife is built to withstand rigorous use, perfect for tactical scenarios.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$186.55 at Amazon

Best Lightweight Knife: Benchmade 535 Bugout

Benchmade - Bugout 535BK-2 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Coated Finish, Black CF-Elite Handle, Made in the USA

The Benchmade 535 Bugout stands out as the best lightweight pocket knife.

Weighing in at just 1.85 ounces, it offers an excellent balance between portability and functionality.

The Grivory handle and CPM-S30V blade ensure the knife remains both lightweight and durable.

Ideal for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Bugout doesn't sacrifice performance or reliability despite its minimal weight.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$171.00 at Amazon
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