Best Manual Knives of 2025

The Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife is a full-size knife with a manual out-the-front opening and sliding mechanism. The blade is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a BlackWash finish that helps hide use scratches. The glass-filled nylon handle has unique texturing and a black-oxide-coated sliding button. The knife also features a bottle opener integrated into the backspacer and a single-position, deep-carry pocket clip for a comfortable carry in the pocket.

The Slice 10400 Box Cutter is an innovative and stylish utility knife that is safer to use than traditional knives. It features a 3-position manual slider button that allows the blade to stay locked in three positions, a zirconium oxide ceramic blade that stays sharp up to 10x longer than steel blades, and easy blade change without tools. The ceramic blade is non-conductive, anti-magnetic, chemically inert, and never rusts. It is designed for cutting corrugated packaging, foam, vinyl, boxes, cardboard, etc. To cut paper and thinner items, try the Slice 00116 Precision Cutter or 00100 Safety Cutter.

The S-TEC Folding Knife is a compact and versatile EDC pocket knife designed for everyday carry, light utility work, outdoor activities, and more. With its 8.0-inch overall length, it is easy to carry and handle. The 3.35-inch blade, made of high-quality 440 stainless steel, offers excellent sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for various cutting tasks. The G10 handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip, ensuring precise control. Additionally, the knife features a convenient pocket clip, allowing for secure attachment to your pocket or belt, ensuring quick and easy access. The S-TEC Folding Knife is the reliable and portable companion you need for any cutting needs.

The Slice Mini Cutter is designed for safety and convenience. Its blade, made of 100% zirconium oxide, ensures you won't accidentally cut your fingers while opening packages. This cutter is versatile, capable of handling everything from cardboard boxes to food packaging with ease. You’ll appreciate its durability, as the blade lasts 11 times longer than traditional metal options and never rusts. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for both home use and on-the-go tasks. Plus, the reinforced handle and built-in magnet make it easy to store and access whenever you need it.

The Kershaw Kapsule is an excellent everyday carry folding pocket knife. Its compact and portable 1.9-inch blade made with 8Cr13Mov steel, boasting a single-edge, is safe and easy to use, making for an excellent box cutter. The knife features a glass-filled nylon handle that is lightweight with a unique texture and a blue PVD coating on handle elements. It opens with an out-the-front (OTF), manual sliding mechanism, securing the blade with a button lock. The knife's deep pocket clip creates a comfortable and subtle carry, making it perfect for everyday use.

The Elk Ridge Folding Knife is crafted from high-quality materials, featuring a 2.25-inch drop point blade made of 3CR13 acid-etched stainless steel. This ensures excellent hardness and resistance to rust, making it a reliable tool for outdoor activities. Its unique blend of traditional and modern materials creates a stylish design that fits comfortably in your hand. With its dependable razor-sharp performance, you can count on this knife for camping, hiking, or any DIY project. Measuring 5.25 inches overall, it’s compact enough to carry wherever you go.

The Kershaw XCOM Military-Style Pocketknife is a folding knife inspired by a classic trench knife of World War II, featuring a symmetrical, sharpened one-side spear point blade made of quality 8Cr13MoV steel, and an all-weather glass-filled nylon handle that fits comfortably in both hands. It is perfect for piercing and cutting and is great for camping, backpacking, or hunting. The knife also features a classic manual open with built-in thumb disk, and a reversible deep-carry pocket clip and lanyard hole add carrying versatility.

The Kershaw Culpepper Folding Pocket Knife is a classic American-style knife with modern features. Its 7CR17MoV stainless steel blade is reinforced with vanadium for a long-lasting edge. The black G10 fiberglass laminate handle provides a comfortable grip while the nail nick enables quick and easy manual opening. The slipjoint lock ensures a low profile and vintage feel. With brass rivets and a lanyard hole, the Culpepper is versatile and easy to carry, measuring 7.4 inches when opened, 4.125 inches when folded, and weighing just 3 ounces.

The Kershaw Allegory is a non-locking slipjoint folding knife with two blades: a clip point and spear point blade. Its polished micarta handle and steel bolsters with steel liners provide a solid feel for everyday tasks and detail cutting. The 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blades offer good edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance. With a lightweight and thin design, it opens manually with a nail nick, making it perfect for every day carry. Both blades measure 3.1 inches, and the knife weighs 2.7 ounces.

The Kershaw Aftereffect Knife is a perfect pocket-sized carrying knife designed by Jens Ansø. It features a short drop point plain edge blade constructed with 8Cr13MoV steel and a glass-filled nylon handle with an angular pattern. The knife is designed with safety in mind, featuring an easy one-handed manual knife opening with built-in thumb stud and an inset liner lock that secures the knife safely in place when open or closed. This knife is ideal for daily uses like opening packages, removing staples, cutting threads, and more. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry on your keyring or in your pocket.