Best Folding Tactical Knives of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Folding tactical knives are versatile, compact and easy to carry, making them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, hunters, and military personnel. These knives feature a folding mechanism that allows the blade to be safely tucked away when not in use, making them convenient and safe to carry around. Typically made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, titanium or carbon fiber, folding tactical knives offer excellent durability, sharpness and precision, making them ideal for a variety of tasks such as cutting, slicing, and piercing. With their rugged design and superior functionality, folding tactical knives are a must-have for anyone who values safety, reliability, and performance in a knife.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife Cover #TOP 1
Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 2
Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife Cover #TOP 3
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Folding Tactical Knives

Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife

SWA24S
Black
3.1"
Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife is a reliable and dependable EDC knife. It features a 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel blade and an aluminum handle, making it lightweight and durable. It has a convenient pocket clip, finger flipper, and ambidextrous thumb knobs for easy access. The knife also features jimping and serrations for added security. Customers have praised its sharp blade, sturdy build, and great value for the price.

What We Like
Solid build quality
Sharp and durable blade
Compact and pocket-friendly
Easy one-handed operation
Excellent value for price

Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife

1402BLK
Black
2.8"
Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife, SpeedSafe Opening, 2.75 inch Black Blade and Handle, Small, Lightweight Every Day Carry

The Kershaw Appa is a lightweight and nimble folding tactical pocket knife that won't disappoint from a performance standpoint, but also won't break the bank. It features a black 2.75 inch reverse tanto blade with a razor sharp cutting edge, several cut outs in the handle to keep it light but strong, and SpeedSafe Assisted Opening for easy, quick, one handed opening with the flipper. The blade is held in place when opened with a liner lock. The knife measures 6.5 inches when opened and 3.6 inches closed, and weighs just under 2 ounces.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Lightweight and compact
Pocket clip convenience
Great value for price
Easy one-handed operation

Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife

1122566
Black/Red
1.8"
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Keychain Knife with 1.75in Modified Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black

The Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife is a reliable and durable option for everyday carry. With a 1.75 inch modified tanto blade made of 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel and a black G-10 handle, this knife is built to last. The Ultra-Glide technology, dual function money clip/pocket clip, and finger flipper make it easy to access and use. The frame lock ensures that the blade stays securely in place. Plus, it includes a bottle opener and is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Very sharp blade
Compact and portable size
Easy one-handed opening
Sturdy build quality
Bottle opener feature

Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife

SWFR2S
Multi
3.3"
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S 8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.3in Tanto Point Serrated Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife is a reliable and durable option for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. With an overall length of 8 inches and a blade length of 3.3 inches, this knife is made of 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Black Oxide Stainless Steel and features a black, textured and grooved aluminum handle. The knife also includes a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, making it a great tool to have in emergency situations. The convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs provide quick and easy access, while the liner lock ensures the blade stays secure. This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty from Smith & Wesson.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of the box
Seatbelt cutter and glass breaker
Durable and well-built
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Discreet pocket clip

GOOD WORKER Spring Assisted Karambit Knife

Х-42
1 Black
GOOD WORKER Spring Assisted Karambit Knife Cover
Tactical Spring Assisted Pocket Knife - Karambit Folding Knives for Men - Folding Sharp Tiger Claw Blade - Best Combat Tool for Hunting Military Camping Self Defense EDC - Birthday Mens Gifts X-42

The GOOD WORKER Tactical Karambit Knife is a compact, functional, and stylish pocket knife that is perfect for various outdoor activities. Its razor-sharp 440C stainless steel blade provides high durability and cutting performance, making it suitable for camping, hiking, hunting, and self-defense. The handle ring design allows for convenient forward and reverse grip, ensuring ease of use in any situation. With its sturdy construction and precision craftsmanship, this versatile knife is your ultimate tool for everyday carry or outdoor adventures. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry in a purse or backpack, making it a great gift idea for any man in your life.

What We Like
Quick, smooth opening
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Strong, sharp blade
Attractive design
Affordable price

ALBATROSS 6-in-1 Survival Tactical Military Folding Pocket Knife

FK001
Black
ALBATROSS 6-in-1 Survival Tactical Military Folding Pocket Knife Cover
ALBATROSS 6-in-1 Survival Tactical Military Folding Pocket Knives with LED Light,Seatbelt Cutter,Glass Breaker,Magnesium Fire Starter,Bottle Opener;Multi-Function Emergency Tool(Black)

The ALBATROSS 6-in-1 Survival Tactical Military Folding Pocket Knife is a multi-functional emergency tool that comes with a folding knife, LED light, seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, magnesium fire starter, and bottle opener. It is made of high-quality stainless steel and black-finished coated, making it sharp and durable. The handle is made of aluminium anodization, making it strong and durable. It is the perfect tool for camping, hunting, hiking, and home use, and makes a great gift for any outdoorsman.

What We Like
Very sharp blade
Multiple emergency tools
Great gift option
Solid build quality
Good price value

KINGMAX Pocket Knife Multitool

PK02
Black
Pocket Size
KINGMAX Pocket Knife Multitool Cover
KINGMAX Pocket Knife,Multitool Tactical Knife with Blade,Saw, Plier, Screwdriver, Bottle Opener,Folding Knife Built with Full Stainless Steel,Perfect Tool for Men,Camping,Emergency,Outdoor,Daily Use.

The KINGMAX Pocket Knife Multitool is a compact and durable 5-in-1 tool that includes a knife, saw, pliers, can opener, and screwdriver with a 9-in-1 bit set. Made of 440C stainless steel, it is rust-resistant and sports a sleek black oxide finish. The blade is locked when open for safety, and the ergonomic handle design allows for easy grip. It comes with a nylon cloth bag for easy carrying and is a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Sharp knife blade
Versatile tool selection
Convenient carrying case
Good value for price

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

SWA25
Black
3.3"
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA25 7.8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.3in Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA25 Folding Knife is a reliable tool for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. With a blade length of 3.3 inches and a weight of 3.2 ounces, this knife is made with 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel and features an aluminum handle for durability. The liner lock ensures a secure grip, while the ambidextrous thumb knobs and pocket clip provide easy access and multiple carrying options. This folding knife also comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of box
Sturdy and durable build
Lightweight and practical size
Easy to sharpen
Affordable price
#TOP 9

Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Tactical Folding Knife

SWMP4LS
Black
3.6"
Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Tactical Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife with 3.6in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor Tactical Survival and EDC , Black

The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS tactical folding knife is a reliable and dependable tool for outdoor tactical survival and EDC. It features a durable 4034 black oxide high carbon stainless steel blade, a black aluminum handle with rubber inlay, and a convenient pocket clip. It also has a liner lock and safety lock for added security, and a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter for emergency situations. Customers praise its toughness, safety, and usefulness, making it an ideal choice for everyday carry.

What We Like
Sturdy build quality
Comfortable grip
Sharp out of box
Reliable assisted opening
Effective glass breaker
#TOP 10

Mossy Oak Mini Folding Pocket Knife

MO17037AE
Black
Mossy Oak Mini Folding Pocket Knife Cover
Mossy Oak Mini Folding Pocket Knife, 2.5-inch Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade - G10 Handle EDC Multifunction Tool with Bottle Opener and Glass Breaker (Black), Good Merry Christmas Gift

The Mossy Oak Mini Folding Pocket Knife is a versatile EDC folding knife that can work as a bottle opener, glass breaker, cord cutter, and box cutter. It features a secure liner lock to prevent the blade from accidentally closing during use. The stainless steel drop-point blade is made of 3CR13 and has a matte stonewashed non-reflective surface that provides improved edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The stylish black G10 handle provides a comfortable grip and balance, and the ergonomic handle groove is non-slip to use. This knife comes with a belt clip and is an ideal gift for Father's Day.

What We Like
Solid construction
Comfortable grip
Sharp blade
Budget-friendly price
Smooth opening action
Buying Guide Image

Best Folding Tactical Knives You Are Looking For

Introduction

Folding tactical knives are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting rope to opening boxes. Choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task, with so many options on the market. In this article, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a folding tactical knife.

Blade Material

The blade is the most important component of any knife, and the material it's made from will determine its durability and performance. Some common blade materials for folding tactical knives include stainless steel, carbon steel, and titanium.

Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its corrosion resistance and affordability. However, it may not hold an edge as well as other materials and may require more frequent sharpening.

Carbon steel is known for its hardness and ability to hold an edge, but it can be prone to rust and requires more maintenance than stainless steel.

Titanium is a lightweight and durable material that is often used in high-end folding knives. It is resistant to corrosion and wear, but it can be more expensive than other materials.

Blade Design

The blade design is another important factor to consider when choosing a folding tactical knife. Some common blade designs include drop point, tanto, and clip point.

The drop point blade is a popular choice for its versatility and ease of use. It features a curved edge that is ideal for slicing and cutting tasks.

The tanto blade is a more specialized design that is popular among tactical users. It features a sharp point for piercing and a straight edge for slicing.

The clip point blade is similar to the drop point blade but features a concave cutout near the tip for added control and precision.

Handle Material

The handle of a folding tactical knife should be comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip. Some common handle materials include G-10, carbon fiber, and titanium.

G-10 is a lightweight and durable material that provides a good grip, even when wet. It is also affordable and easy to find.

Carbon fiber is a high-end material that is lightweight and strong. It provides a comfortable grip and is resistant to wear and tear.

Titanium is another high-end material that is lightweight and durable. It provides a comfortable grip and is resistant to corrosion and wear.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is an important safety feature that prevents the blade from accidentally closing on your fingers. Some common locking mechanisms include liner locks, frame locks, and back locks.

Liner locks are a popular choice for their simplicity and reliability. They work by using a metal liner to lock the blade in place.

Frame locks are similar to liner locks but use the frame of the knife to lock the blade in place. They are often more secure than liner locks.

Back locks are a classic design that uses a metal bar to lock the blade in place. They are simple and reliable but may require two hands to close.

Conclusion

Choosing the right folding tactical knife is all about finding the perfect balance between blade material, blade design, handle material, and locking mechanism. Consider your needs and preferences carefully when selecting a knife, and don't be afraid to invest in a high-quality model that will last for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are folding knives good for self defense?

Folding knives can be a suitable option for self-defense purposes. They are popular due to their compact size and ease of concealment. These knives can be carried easily in a pocket or purse. However, it is important to note that folding knives may not be as sturdy as fixed blade knives.

2. Is it okay to carry a pocket knife for self defense?

Carrying a pocket knife for self-defense purposes should be done in accordance with the laws in your area. Before carrying any knife, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the applicable laws to avoid any legal issues. In many places, a pocket knife with a short blade length, typically around 2 or 3 inches, is considered legal for self-defense and everyday carry.

Editor's Notes

During our folding tactical knives research, we found 24 folding tactical knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 391,158 customer reviews through our big data system to write the folding tactical knives list. We found that most customers choose folding tactical knives with an average price of $19.80.

The folding tactical knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of folding tactical knives, including Smith & Wesson, Kershaw, GOOD WORKER, ALBATROSS, KINGMAX. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.