Best Folding Blade Tactical Knives of 2026

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

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Folding Blade Tactical Knives are the perfect addition to any outdoor enthusiast's gear collection. These knives are designed to be compact and easy to carry, while still providing the strength and durability needed for tough outdoor tasks. With features such as a locking blade, serrated edge, and ergonomic handle, these knives are ideal for camping, hunting, and survival situations. The folding design also makes them easy to store and transport, ensuring that they are always within reach when needed. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or just starting out, Folding Blade Tactical Knives are a must-have tool for any adventure.

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 Blade 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

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 8

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 9

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
#TOP 10

Black Pocket Knife - Serrated Sharp 3,5" Blade Folding Knives

HB 207
1. Black
1 pcs
Black Pocket Knife - Serrated Sharp 3,5" Blade Folding Knives Cover
GOOD WORKER Pocket Knife for Men - Serrated Sharp 3.5" Blade - Tactical Spring Assisted Folding Knives - Hunting Camping with Wire Cutter Glass Breaker - Best Gift Idea for Men Women HB 207

The Black Pocket Knife is a high quality folding knife with a serrated 3.5" blade made of 440C stainless steel and an aluminum handle. It is spring assisted and features a strap cutter, glass breaker, and pocket clip. This EDC tool is perfect for everyday carry, camping, hiking, fishing, travel, survival, climbing, and biking. It is a great gift idea for men and women and comes with a unique all-black design.

What We Like
High quality pocket knife
Features a strap cutter, glass breaker, and pocket clip
Unique all-black design
Perfect for everyday carry, camping, hiking, fishing, travel, survival, climbing, and biking
Great gift idea for men and women
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Folding Blade Tactical Knives That Are Right for You

Introduction

Folding blade tactical knives are an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. These knives are compact, versatile, and easy to carry, making them an ideal choice for those who need a reliable cutting tool on the go. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right folding blade tactical knife for your needs. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to select the best folding blade tactical knife.

Blade Material

The blade material is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a folding blade tactical knife. The most common blade materials are stainless steel, high carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is the most popular choice as it is durable, resistant to corrosion, and requires low maintenance. High carbon steel, on the other hand, is harder than stainless steel and holds a sharper edge, but it is more susceptible to rust and requires more maintenance. Damascus steel is a premium option that features a beautiful pattern and superior strength, making it an excellent choice for collectors or those who want the best of the best.

Blade Shape

The blade shape is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a folding blade tactical knife. The most common blade shapes are drop point, tanto, and clip point. The drop point blade is the most versatile as it features a curved edge that is ideal for slicing and piercing tasks. The tanto blade, on the other hand, has a straight edge and a reinforced tip, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty tasks. The clip point blade features a concave curve near the tip, making it ideal for precision cutting tasks.

Blade Size

The blade size is another essential factor to consider when selecting a folding blade tactical knife. The blade size can range from small and compact to large and heavy-duty. The size of the blade you choose will depend on your intended use. If you need a knife for everyday carry, a compact blade size is ideal. However, if you need a knife for heavy-duty tasks, a larger blade size is necessary.

Handle Material

The handle material is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a folding blade tactical knife. The most common handle materials are G-10, Micarta, and titanium. G-10 is a durable and lightweight material that is resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Micarta is a composite material that is similar to G-10 but has a more organic feel. Titanium is a premium material that is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for those who want the best of the best.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is another important factor to consider when selecting a folding blade tactical knife. The most common locking mechanism is the liner lock, which features a spring-loaded bar that holds the blade in place when it is open. Other locking mechanisms include the frame lock, back lock, and axis lock. The locking mechanism you choose will depend on your intended use and personal preference.

Conclusion

Choosing the best folding blade tactical knife can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider the blade material, blade shape, blade size, handle material, and locking mechanism when selecting a folding blade tactical knife. By doing so, you can ensure that you get a reliable cutting tool that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What folding knife do Navy SEALs use?

Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length. The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length.

2. What folding knife does the military use?

The CQC 6 is the only folding knife on this list. Very rarely are folding knives intended to be fighting knives. However, the CQC 6 was designed by Ernest Emerson at the behest of individual SEALs looking for a fighting folding knife.

3. What is a tactical folding knife?

The tactical folding knives are different, with a single thick blade sometimes featuring aggressive serrations, and grips made to fit the hand rather than look pretty. These knives look scary on purpose, reflecting the huge “tactical” trend that has defined the past decade and continues to grow.

4. Is a folding knife good for self-defense?

You can use a pocket knife for self-defense. While small, these blades are sharp and deadly, and the mere presence of one can be enough to ward off a potential attacker. However, know that pocket knives can cause substantial damage and can therefore lead to legal issues if used in self-defense.

Editor's Notes

During our folding blade tactical knives research, we found 24 folding blade tactical knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 347,070 customer reviews through our big data system to write the folding blade tactical knives list. We found that most customers choose folding blade tactical knives with an average price of $19.80.

The folding blade tactical knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of folding blade tactical knives, including Smith & Wesson, Kershaw, GOOD WORKER, KINGMAX, Mossy Oak. 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.