The Best Pocket Knife Buying Guide for 2021

There are many different types and sizes of knives, each serving a different purpose for individual needs. Whether purchasing a pocket knife for oneself or as a gift, it is important to know that you are buying the best pocket knife for the job at hand. Below you’ll find a guide to choosing a folding pocket knife, covering all of the basic features to look for, as well as some of my personal knife recommendations.

My #1 Recommendation

The Patriot by Banner KnivesChoosing just one pocket knife to crown as my number one pick is a difficult thing to do. But if you made me do it, I would choose the Patriot by Banner Knives. A relatively new knife to the market, the Patriot delivers high quality and excellent feel at a price that is hard to beat. Other knives on this list sell for $100 or more, but the Patriot can usually be had for around $25. It has handled every test I’ve thrown at it since I decided to give it a try, and I couldn’t be happier. It makes a great every day carry (EDC) knife, which is exactly what I needed.

The rest of this article will go over in detail the many different aspects of pocket knives. At the bottom of the page are other recommendations for knives that I feel are worth your consideration.

Types of Blades

There are many kinds of blades that you will find on the different models of pocket knives. Collectors may focus on one specific type or may prefer to have a variety of each. Every type of blade serves a different purpose, which is one of the many facets to consider when buying. To begin with, consider straight-edge blades vs. serrated ones. Straight-edge, also known as plain-edge, are ideal for clean cuts. They are often the preferred choice for regular use because they are much easier to sharpen than serrated blades. Conversely, fully serrated blades are better for sawing. Those who want the advantages of both can choose a partially serrated blade, although some people don’t like to have the combination on a single blade.

Beyond serrated vs. straight-edge blades are the many shapes and sizes. Pocket knife blades are available in no less than 12 styles. You can read about them all in this article, or see five common ones below:

  • Clip Point – With a cupped edge on one side and a sharp blade that comes to a fine tip, the clip point pocket knife is a great everyday tool. However, the tip of the blade does have a tendency to be fragile, which can cause the knife to be damaged when used with excessive force.
  • drop point pocket knifeDrop Point – A drop point blade is curved on both sides, one sharp and one flat. The pointed end makes this type of blade is a good choice for hunters.
  • Hawkbill – Imagine a hawk’s bill and you will see what the shape of a hawkbill blade. This is a good choice to keep in a tool box, as it is helpful in tasks where other blades fail. The hawkbill blade is also attractive to collectors who wish to keep their knives on display.
  • Needle Point – Just as the name suggests, a needle point blade comes to a small, sharp point. A needle point blade is rarely found in pocket knives as it does not have a great deal of utilitarian use. Needle point knives are best for collectors who want unique blades.
  • Pen Knife – A pen knife is perfect for small tasks. This blade has the same shape as a drop point, but is much smaller and easier to control.

Blade Sizes

Does size really matter? Some say yes, while others say no. The size of the blade depends almost entirely on how it will be used. Medium sized blades, between three and four inches, are the most versatile. They are strong enough to withstand heavy use, but not so large that they defy laws banning larger knives. Smaller blades, those under three inches, can be helpful with small tasks. Any blade over four inches is better for collectors. Large blades are illegal in many places and should not be carried on a regular basis.

Number of Blades

multiblade pocket knifePocket knives may be single-bladed or can have multiple tools. The number of blades should depend upon your purpose of use. Many pocket knives have at least two blades. Generally, these consist of a pen blade and a spear point or clip point. The number of blades on a multi-tool knife can vary from three or four to more than a dozen. What is most important is that you purchase the pocket knife with specific blade(s) that you need.

Blade Materials

Blades are usually either made from stainless steel or carbon steel. Knife aficionados often have clear preferences of one over the other. If you are buying a gift for a knife-lover, make sure you first learn about his or her chosen blade material. If you are buying your first-time knife, keep a few facts in mind. Stainless steel knives are less durable and dull more quickly than carbon steel knives. However, carbon steel knives are prone to rust and stain. Generally, stainless steel knives are better for those who may be using their knife sparingly or in wet conditions. Carbon steel are best for those who expect heavy use situations.

Handle Materials

Handles can be made of virtually any type of material. Manufacturers choose materials that are durable, light-weight, or attractive. Aluminum handles are very light and durable, which is great for those who need to carry their knives with them during outdoor activities. Sportsmen often prefer aluminum knives, which are available in multiple colors. G10 is similar to aluminum, but is mostly available in black.

Titanium is a highly durable handle material that can be designed to create a beautiful, yet lightweight appearance. Similar in style is stainless steel, which is also less expensive. However, stainless steel knife handles are heavier, which make them a poor choice for those who don’t wish to be burdened by the weight of a knife.

Arguably the most durable knife handle is zytel. This thermoplastic material is touted as being unbreakable. Zytel-handled knives are perfect for those who plan to use their knives often or in extreme circumstances. Kraton is a similar material that makes a knife easy to hold. Many knife owners think that rubber handles are the easiest to grip, which makes them perfect for sporting and hunting. However, rubber is not as durable as most other handles, which means they will need to be replaced or repaired. This is less of a concern for knife users because rubber-handled knives tend to be less expensive than some of the other options.

Bone and wood knives, once common for everyday use, are more popular for collectors. Both can be carved with intricate designs, but neither are highly functional in hunting or survivalist situations. Delrin, a thermoplastic created by the same makers of kraton and zytel, can be crafted to create a beautiful knife, but the material is easily scratched when used for more than display.

Opening Mechanisms

There are three basic types of opening mechanisms on pocket knives: manual, assisted-opening, and automatic.

Manual Knives

Most knives are opened manually, usually with a nail nick. The nail nick is a small indentation in the blade that allows the user to open the knife with his or her nails. If you need a knife that can be opened one-handed, there are also thumb stud blades. These let you place your thumb within a hole in the blade, which is then pulled open.

Assisted-Opening Knives

Less common are assisted-opening knives. The user applies directed pressure to get to the blade. These are great choices for those who need fast access to their blades, such as survivalists and hunters. However, assisted-opening knives have fallen under some controversy due to their similarity to switchblades.

Automatic Knives

automatic knife

Example of an automatic knife.

Also known as switchblades, automatic knives require the push of a button or lever to open the blade. Automatic knives are seen as dangerous weapons by lawmakers in the United States and many other countries. Though outlawed in the late 1950’s, switchblade laws are under constant scrutiny and are regularly changed. Some states now allow the use of switchblades under certain circumstances. Those states in which automatic knives are illegal in all cases are Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Automatic knives are frowned upon by many countries outside of the United States. Though blades are not allowed on commercial flights, visitors to other countries should pay close attention to the legality of automatic knives before they are purchased within the land. Currently, switchblades are illegal in all instances in Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Laws governing the possession, use, and distribution of automatic blades vary greatly from place to place.

Locking Mechanisms

You must have a locking mechanism on your knife to keep it from clamping on your hand while using the blade. The liner lock is the most common mechanism. The liner keeps the knife in place, which is moved back and forth by the user to open and close. Other types of locking mechanisms appear on various points of the handle. The lockback is released at the back of the handle while the mid lock is released at the midpoint. A ring lock requires that the user move ring around the blade’s base to lock and unlock the blade. A lever lock, commonly seen on switchblades, pops the blade opened and closed. Arguably the least secure of all locking mechanisms is the slipjoint, which only needs light pressure on the knife to send the blade back into its home.

Pocket Knife Pricing

Choosing the right pocket knife also means choosing the right price. Buyers often equate spending more with receiving a higher quality item. This is certainly true in some instances, though it is vital to remember why you are purchasing the item before you settle on a price that is most comfortable for you.

Pocket knives that fall under $20 are often made of poorer quality materials. However, this doesn’t mean that the knives will not function well. It simply means that they may not last as long or may not have all of the qualities you hope for in your knife purchase. Likewise, a knife that is under $20 is unlikely to keep its value, making it a poor choice for a collector.

The best performing knives are those that fall between $20 and $100. This is a vast price range, but it is that which encompasses knives that are made with the sturdiest materials. You can easily find knives that will outperform their less expensive brethren, meaning you will need to make fewer knife purchases over your lifespan. This often results in a savings, though it may take years to realize.

Those knives priced over $100 are generally not meant for daily use. Collectors may spend more on knives that are kept on display. These knives often hold their value or even increase over time, making them an excellent investment.

Our Picks for the Top Pocket Knives

Here are our selections for what we think are the best pocket knives available on the market today:

zero tolerance 0350Zero Tolerance 0350

Zero Tolerance makes some of the highest quality knives on the planet. While they carry a steep price tag (some models venture well into the hundreds), they are the toughest blades you’ll find, and won’t let you down. The 0350 is one of their most popular models, with a G10 handle and S30V blade steel, considered by many to be the best materials a folding knife can be made out of. You can buy one on Amazon, or read our full review here.

Kershaw Blur

best 2015 pocket knifeIf you’re looking for a middle ground between the value Patriot and the high end 0350, you should consider the Kershaw Blur. Why? Because it is high quality, slim, easy to handle, and does everything I want it to. I’m a big fan of simplicity, which is exactly what the Blur delivers. It also helps that it isn’t priced as astronomically high as many other high quality pocket knives are. You can find out more about the knife by viewing it on Amazon here, or read our full review.

Benchmade Griptilian

benchmade griptilian review

A more modern knife, the Benchmade Griptilian has quickly built a name for itself with its simple design and rugged practicality. It is useful for a myriad of tasks, with the ability to handle virtually any task you throw at it. Simple, strong, and useful. You can buy one on Amazon, or of course read our full review before you make a decision.

Buck Knives 110

buck 110Without a doubt one of the most iconic pocket knives of all time, the Buck 110 is a classic knife that still performs exceptionally well to this day. It’s legendary performance and timeless style make it without a doubt one of the top choices you should consider. It is especially popular with hunters and outdoorsman, and usually features a wooden styled handle. You can buy one on Amazon, or read our full review here.

spyderco endura 4Spyderco Endura4

If you are looking for a more radical, unconventionally styled pocket knife, you should look into the Spyderco Endura4. This odd looking knife features a thumb hole at the base of blade, making it easy to open the knife quickly and without hassle. This unique knife can also be purchased on Amazon, and you can read our full review of it here.

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