A trusty pocket knife will come in handy for both the ordinary and the unexpected. Whether you’re springing to action in an emergency situation or just need an easy way to open packaging, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re equipped with a reliable blade whenever you need it.
We think a good pocket knife is an essential everyday tool,we worked up a detailed side-by-side analysis to determine each knife’s key strengths and weaknesses to make it easy for you to find a knife that suits you.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A POCKET KNIFE?
PRICE - Great quality is often worth paying for when it comes to a knife you’ll use every day. That said, you don’t have to pay a lot for an effective and versatile blade. We’ve tested a range of high quality knives in different price brackets to see how they stack up.
SIZE - The best pocket knives for everyday carry are compact enough to be comfortably stashed in a pocket without feeling bulky or getting in the way. But, the longer the blade, the more leverage you’ll have when working with your knife. Knives with a 3-4 inch blade offer a good balance of cutting power and portability for most situations.
OPENING STYLE - If you know you’ll be using your knife a lot throughout the day, make sure it’s quick and easy to grab and deploy. A few knives on our list have spring-assisted opening and can be quickly opened and closed with a single hand. Others are manual and may require two hands. Manual open knives have less moving parts that can fail, and are less likely to accidentally open.
A SHARP BLADE - Stainless steel blades are the most common in pocket knives. They’re corrosion resistant and low maintenance. Knives with premium steel blades tend to be more expensive, but they’re sharper, more finely-tuned, and hold their edge for longer.
ERGONOMICS - A great knife is more than just a good sharp blade. The handle plays a big role in how effective a knife is and how comfortable it is to use for an extended period.
Best Pocket Knives
LIOME 535
BEST ULTRALIGHT POCKET KNIFE
MSRP: $49.9
MEASURED WEIGHT (OZ.): 1.83 oz.
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH: 3.24 in. / 4.22 in.
PROS: Very sharp, premium steel quality, inconspicuous (deep pocket carry clip)，very lightweight, compact, lock keeps fingers clear when closing
BOTTOM LINE: The LIOME 535 is one of our all-time favorite pocket knives since it’s both exceptionally lightweight and has a very sharp blade made with premium steel. The marriage of such high-quality blade steel and a slim, ultralight handle is perfect for everyday carry and anyone who wants to keep weight to an absolute minimum. If you’re looking for a knife that’s incredibly sharp, light in the pocket, and easy to wield, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than it.
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WORKHORSE POCKET KNIFE WITH AN ERGONOMIC HANDLE
MSRP: $32.99
MEASURED WEIGHT (OZ.): 3.1oz.
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH: 3 in. / 3.9 in.
PROS: Large blade, very sharp, assisted one-hand open, excellent grip, pocket clip,
CONS: heavier and bulkier than some
BOTTOM LINE: The LIOME 15031 is a big, sturdy pocket knife with a wide blade that’s excellent for carving and cutting with minimal effort. The premium wood grip is comfortable and has excellent grip. We love the smooth action on the 15031 too. It’s easy to operate with a single hand and quick to put away when you’re done. Because it’s so strong and easy to handle, the 15031 is a great choice for anyone who needs a large blade they can count on for years of daily use.
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LIOME-X50
The most cost-effective pocket knife
MSRP: $18.9
MEASURED WEIGHT (OZ.): 4.5 oz.
BLADE LENGTH / CLOSED LENGTH: 3.5 in. / 4.7 in.
PROS: Affordable, thick blades, durable, one-handed open, pocket clip, multifunctional, wooden grip
CONS: Heavier and bulkier than some, takes two hands to close
BOTTOM LINE: Value for money!
CRITICAL POCKET KNIFE CONSIDERATIONS
USE - A good pocket knife will certainly come in handy in all kinds of unexpected situations, but consider what you intend to use your knife for most often. If you see yourself sawing through rope or skinning rabbits, you may want to consider a more specialized blade made for climbing or bushcraft.
BLADE SHAPE - The knives are equipped with a range of blade shapes, but most are some form of the classic drop-point, which offers excellent versatility for various cutting and slicing tasks.
BLADE STEEL - There’s a lot to learn about knife blade steel, but the basics come down to these five elements: hardness, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. All of these factors play into a knife’s cutting performance and ease of maintenance.
HANDLE MATERIALS - The handle is an important part of the pocket knife equation. The best knives have handles that are ergonomic, comfortable, grippy, and durable. G-10 is a good all-around material for its light weight and texture, but you might also like other materials like anodized aluminum or wood.
STYLING - Once you’ve gone over the considerations above, you can narrow your search to knives that appeal to you aesthetically and fit your style. You might want a tough-looking tactical blade, a sleek knife that won’t scare people at the office, or a traditional, old school design.
POCKET CLIP - Most people carry their knives in their pants pockets. The knife should rest inside the pocket with the closed blade flush with the front or back seam so you can grab the knife easily and prevent the blade from accidentally falling open. Some knives have pre-drilled holes so you can choose the position that suits you best. If you prefer to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to the fact that you’re carrying a knife, look for a deep carry pocket clip that keeps the blade hidden.
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built LIOME. We live for outdoor adventure.