Best Pocket Knives of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Pocket knives are versatile and handy tools that have been around for centuries. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, making them easy to carry around wherever you go. These knives can be used for a variety of tasks, such as opening packages, cutting rope or string, whittling wood, or even as a self-defense tool in emergency situations. Pocket knives come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs, from traditional folding knives to modern multi-tools with multiple blades and accessories. They are a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, camping, or simply needs a reliable tool for everyday use.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 1
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 2
Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife Cover #TOP 3
Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Pocket Knives

#TOP 1

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife

0.6223-033-X3
Style Icon (Red)
2.3"
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife Cover
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Red

The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife is a reliable and versatile tool that is perfect for any adventure. It is made of Swiss-made stainless steel and encased in popular scales for a slimmer profile. This pocket knife features 7 functions including a small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick, and tweezers. It is a great gift for any occasion and comes with a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Sharp blade with good edge retention
Multiple useful tools included
Durable and high-quality materials
What We Don't Like
Small size can lead to loss
#TOP 2

Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife

22-48485
Silver Fine Edge
2.2"
Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife Cover
Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife, 2.2" Fine Edge Small EDC Folding Knife with Safety Lock for Everyday Carry, Gifts for Men, Stainless Steel

The Gerber Gear Paraframe Mini Pocket Knife is a lightweight and functional knife that is perfect for everyday carry. The smooth stainless steel handle and open frame make it easy to clean and maintain, while the frame lock ensures that the blade stays securely in place. With a fine-edge blade that measures 2.2 inches, this knife is built to handle any task that comes your way. It also comes with a sturdy clip for easy and secure travel. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this knife is a reliable and durable addition to your EDC collection.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact design
Holds edge well
Easy one-handed closure
High-quality materials
Good for everyday tasks
What We Don't Like
Potential for minor finger nicks
Initial opening mechanism issues
#TOP 3

Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife

1365
Straight Blade
2.9"
Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife Cover
Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife; 2.9 in. 4Cr13 Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish Blade, Stainless Steel Stonewash Finish Handle Equipped with SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Flipper and Frame Lock (1365)

The Kershaw Misdirect Pocketknife is a reliable tool for indoor or outdoor activities. Its 4-inch closed length and 2.9-inch blade length make it easy to carry in your pocket, bag, pack or purse. The knife is equipped with a frame lock, 3-position pocket clip, speed safe assisted opening, and flipper for convenient use. The precision tip and sharp edge make it perfect for cutting, slicing, whittling, and more.

What We Like
High-quality craftsmanship
Beautiful engraving options
Solid and durable construction
Sharp and functional blade
Great value for the price
What We Don't Like
Stiff lock initially
Handle could use better grip

Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife (1660)

KR-1660
Silver
Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife (1660) Cover
Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife, 3" 14C28N Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade, Spring Assisted Knife, Folding EDC

The Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife features a 3-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade with a bead-blasted finish that provides a clean look. The 410 stainless steel handle is contoured for a comfortable grip and includes a reversible pocket clip for right, tip-up/down carry. It is equipped with SpeedSafe assisted opening for easy one-handed release with flipper, and a frame lock secures the blade open while in use. The knife weighs only 3 oz and comes backed by Kershaw's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Durable and sturdy materials
Compact and easy to carry
Quick one-handed opening
Versatile for various tasks
What We Don't Like
Blade may be thin for prying
Occasional accidental openings
#TOP 5

Buck Knives 371 Stockman 3-Blade Pocket Knife

0371BRS
Brown
Buck Knives 371 Stockman 3-Blade Pocket Knife Cover
Buck Knives 371 Stockman 3-Blade Pocket Knife with Woodgrain Handle

The Buck Knives 371 Stockman 3-Blade Pocket Knife is a durable and multi-use pocket knife that is perfect for hunting, camping, bushcrafting, fishing, hiking, and overlanding. It features a clip point blade for detail work and cutting in tight places, a spey blade for skinning or sweeping knife strokes, and a sheepsfoot blade for making clean cuts. The 420J2 steel is known for its corrosion resistance and comes with a lifetime warranty. Customers have praised the knife for its sharpness, reliability, and value.

What We Like
Well-made construction
Sharp blades out of the box
Comfortable in hand
Attractive wooden scales
Good pocket size
What We Don't Like
Some quality inconsistencies
Non-USA production
#TOP 6

CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife

C18026C-DS1
Brown
CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife Cover
CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife for EDC, Small Mini Praxis Knife for Men Women, 2.98" Damascus Blade Guibourtia Wood Handle, Sharp Camping Hiking Knives C18026C-DS1

CIVIVI Pocket Knife is a sharp and compact folding knife that is perfect for any outdoor activities. It is made from 110 layers of forged damascus steel, ensuring excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and razor-sharp cutting performance. With its lightweight design and deep carry clip, this knife is easy to carry and can fit effortlessly into any pocket or bag. The chamfered edges and ergonomic grip provide superior comfort and control during use. Whether you are camping, hiking, or simply need a reliable everyday carry knife, CIVIVI Pocket Knife is built to handle any task with ease. Plus, with the USA service center, you can enjoy lifetime service and faster response to take care of any requests.

What We Like
Smooth opening and closing
Excellent edge retention
Lightweight and compact
High-quality materials
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
May rust over time
Small handle size for large hands
#TOP 7

Gerber Gear EAB Lite Pocket Knife with Money Clip

31-000345
Stainless Steel
2.3"
Gerber Gear EAB Lite Pocket Knife with Money Clip Cover
Gerber Gear EAB Lite Pocket Razor Knife with Money Clip - EDC Gear Folding Stainless Steel Utility Knife with Box Cutter Blade for Everyday Carry

The Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife with Money Clip is a contractor-grade folding EDC knife that features a replaceable utility blade, deep finger grooves for a secure fit, and a handle that doubles as a pocket or money clip. The 1.5-inch blade length is perfect for everyday use, and the stainless-steel construction ensures durability. The replaceable blade is convenient for when the blade becomes dull or damaged, and the finger grooves provide a comfortable grip. The handle's dual functionality as a pocket or money clip adds to the knife's overall versatility and makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

What We Like
Easy blade replacement
Compact and lightweight
Durable construction
Versatile cutting capabilities
Secure locking mechanism
What We Don't Like
Shipping delay noted
Small blade length
#TOP 8

FUNBRO Mini Pocket Knife

Black
FUNBRO Mini Pocket Knife Cover
FUNBRO Small Pocket Knife for Men, Self Defense Keychain Box Cutter with 1.34inch Blade, Mini Folding Knives EDC Gadgets for Everyday Carry, Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gift for Adults Men Him

The FUNBRO Pocket Knife is a compact and reliable tool designed for everyday use. Its high-quality stainless steel blade offers durability and strength, making it perfect for various tasks. The lightweight design, measuring just 3.94 inches and weighing only 2 ounces, ensures it fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to carry. This mini folding knife is versatile, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, as well as for everyday tasks like cutting rope or opening boxes. With its thoughtful construction, this pocket knife is a practical addition to your gear.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact design
Sharp blade for various tasks
Convenient carabiner hook
Great value for the price
Secure locking mechanism
What We Don't Like
Closing mechanism may be tricky
Upper blade requires sharpening

Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife

6105
Beige
3.1"
Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Bel Air Pocket Knife, Made in the USA, 3.4 inch CPM MagnaCut Steel Blade, EDC Design, Duralock Locking Mechanism, Manual Folder, Black Cerakote Blade, Pocketclip

The Kershaw Bel Air Knife combines practicality with style, making it a great choice for everyday carry. Its DuraLock mechanism ensures the blade stays securely open when in use, while allowing for safe closure with a simple pull of the ambidextrous lock. The premium CPM MagnaCut steel blade offers impressive edge retention and resistance to corrosion, so you can rely on it for various tasks. Plus, the smooth opening action provided by the KVT ball-bearing system makes it easy to deploy quickly when you need it most.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Exceptional edge retention
High-quality Magnacut steel
Smooth thumb stud deployment
Deep pocket carry clip
What We Don't Like
May lack extreme durability
Some may prefer different aesthetics
#TOP 10

Palmetto Wood Shop Custom Pocket Knife

TF606WS
Black
Palmetto Wood Shop Custom Pocket Knife Cover
Palmetto Wood Shop Custom Pocket Knife - Laser Engraved Pocket Knife Gift for Men, Custom Knife for Camping, Hunting, Everyday Carry - 3.25-inch Stainless Steel Blade, 4.5-inch Black/Wood Handle

The Palmetto Pocket Knife is a versatile and personalized tool that makes a great gift for any occasion. With its professional laser engraving, this knife adds a special touch that shows you care. Its compact size of 4.5 inches overall, with a 3.25-inch stainless steel blade, makes it easy to carry in your pocket or on your belt. The razor-sharp blade, which features a partially serrated edge, can handle various tasks, making it perfect for daily use or outdoor adventures. Plus, the stylish black and wood design adds a classic look that you can be proud to carry.

What We Like
Exceptional craftsmanship
Beautiful laser engraving
Sturdy and functional
Great for gifting
Responsive customer service
What We Don't Like
Engraving visibility concerns
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are pocket knives illegal in the US?

In the US, pocket knives are generally legal to carry, with some exceptions. Knives that are typically legal to carry include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, utility knives, and knives with blades shorter than 2.5 inches. However, it's important to check local laws and regulations, as there may be specific restrictions in certain areas.

2. What knife stays sharp longest?

A bread knife typically stays sharp the longest on its own. These knives usually have an 8-inch serrated blade, making it easy to cut through bread and foods with tough outer skin or crust. Due to its serrated edge, it can go longer intervals between professional sharpening compared to other types of knives.

3. Is it illegal to walk around with a pocket knife?

In the US, according to Penal Code Section 17235, folding knives can be carried openly or concealed as long as they are in a folded or closed position. Permissible folding knives include pocket knives and Swiss Army knives. However, it's important to be aware of local laws and regulations, as they may vary.

4. What knife is banned in the US?

Certain types of knives are banned in the US, such as switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and 'Kung Fu stars'. It's important to note that some knives may not be inherently illegal but can become illegal based on how they are used or possessed. It's advisable to check local laws and regulations regarding specific knife restrictions.

Editor's Notes

During our pocket knives research, we found 24 pocket knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 310,817 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pocket knives list. We found that most customers choose pocket knives with an average price of $18.33.

The pocket knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pocket knives, including Victorinox, GERBER, Kershaw, Buck Knives, CIVIVI. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,435 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Pocket Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Victorinox GERBER Kershaw Kershaw Buck Knives CIVIVI GERBER FUNBRO Kershaw Palmetto Wood Shop
Color Style Icon (Red) Silver Fine Edge Straight Blade Silver Brown Brown Stainless Steel Black Beige Black
Handle Material - Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Wood Guibourtia Wood Stainless Steel Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Aluminum Wood
Blade Material - Stainless Steel 4Cr14 Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Alloy Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel CPM MagnaCut Stainless Steel
Style - Paraframe Mini (Fine Edge) Pocketknife Pocketknife Classic Guibourtia Wood Lite Compact Modern American
Recommended Uses For Product - Carving, Mincing, Peeling, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Whittling Everyday Everyday, Work Everyday Carry Camping,Outdoor - Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Survival, Everyday Carry, Cutting Rope, Box, Paper, Twig, Fruits Camping Hunting, Everyday Carry, Camping
Special Feature - Foldable Foldable Locking Blades Multiple Blades Folding - Lightweight, Foldable Foldable Glass Breaker, Rope Cutter, Can Opener
Age Range (Description) - Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult - Adult Adult Adult
Model Name - PARAFRAME MINI Misdirect Leek 371 Stockman C18026C-DS1 - - Bel Air TF606WS
Item Weight 0.7 Ounces - - - 2.39 ounces 2.56 Ounces 2.29 ounces - - 5 ounces
Blade Length - - - - 2.75 Inches 2.98 Inches 2.25 Inches 1.34 Inches - 3.25 Inches
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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