The 13 Best Pocket Knives to Carry Every Day

The Twitch II has earned many fans over the years. It’s sized just right, easy to open, and has delivered consistently strong results throughout testing. The stainless-steel blade, housed in a simple and sleek-looking aluminum handle, is substantial enough for a variety of tasks, yet the knife retains a modest, slim profile. It is comfortable to carry in your pocket and attaches securely to a belt.

There are a few ways to deploy the blade, including a thumb stud on each side (lefties, rejoice). Many prefer the kick. Sometimes called a flipper, this triangular tab sits at the end of a knife’s tang and protrudes from the handle when the blade is closed. Pressing it down with your index finger swings the blade out nearly all the way (with help from a coil spring), and it locks into place with a small tug upward. Once open, the kick doubles as a finger guard.

Under relatively little pressure, the knife made even, smooth cuts. The blade slid into an apple on contact, though it needed greater force to completely slice through. It also finished among top performers for the cord and zip tie testing, cleanly cleaving the fasteners with a modest amount of force.

A small sliding lock on the handle adds extra assurance that the blade won't deploy accidentally. After more than a year of frequent use, this knife is still in fine form, though some paint has chipped off the handle. If you’re looking for a trusty EDC that delivers quality at a reasonable cost, the Twitch doesn’t disappoint.

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For a blade that deploys as fast as possible, go with a spring-assisted knife. You likely won't find one better than Kershaw’s Link. The blade popped open as soon as I pulled down on the kick with our index finger and stopped at full extension with a satisfying click. In fact, it is so pleasing to open, I had to stop myself from popping it in and out just for fun to avoid wearing out the mechanism.

What’s more, the one-handed operation is just as easy with your non-dominant side, making the Link a decent ambidextrous choice. As for the performance of the blade itself, the carbon steel doesn't disappoint, providing an even cut for whatever is needed. The Link isn't as well suited to finer detail work, like coring apples, but that shouldn't be expected from a blade with this type of design.

The Opinel has remained virtually unchanged for decades, thanks to its low cost, effectiveness, and light weight. You can buy it with a stainless-steel blade, but the incredible affordability of the carbon model is a no-brainer. The No. 8 delivers one of the best cuts when slicing apples, and its sharp tip makes quick work of zip ties, and it punctured packaging easily.

Although there is no belt clip, the collar lock affords peace of mind when the knife is in your pocket. There’s absolutely no chance of the 3.3-inch blade will deploy accidentally. Plus, it keeps the blade open when additional rigidity is needed. However, it does take some effort to rotate the collar and lift the blade with the nail nick, which makes deploying this knife slower than all the others.

The beech wood handle, one of the most comfortable in this roundup, is a uniform cylinder, save for a taper just before the pommel. Plus, the wood construction keeps the weight in check. That a sub–2-ounce knife can sport a blade this long and capable is impressive, making the No. 8 a worthwhile pick. Looking to make it one of a kind? Opinel offers custom engraving (for an additional fee).

While there are plenty of cheaper knives you can buy, Civivi’s April 2024vrelease of the Bluetick gives you a high-end Damascus steel blade and a slick design for under $100. There are a range of blades that fall under the name “Damascus” steel, but the layered, topographical look of Damascus is undeniably attractive generally and specifically as it’s executed in the Bluetick.

The Bluetick sits deep in the pocket and I was immediately comfortable operating it with one hand thanks to a ceramic ball bearing that holds the blade closed firmly but releases easily with one-finger pressure on the nose on the back. The longish, 3 ½-inch blade snaps satisfyingly into place held by a nested liner lock that’s secure but releases easily with thumb pressure for a one-handed close, making it smooth and natural to deploy or stow the Bluetick.

When you combine the fairly long blade and handle, you get an overall length of just over 8 inches. Since the blade narrows significantly at the pivot, it makes the blade feel rather long and thin which might make it less sturdy for prying tasks, but it’s great for larger hands as it fills the palm, giving you a secure grip and you’re able to press the blade firmly thanks to jimping (small notches) along the spine.

In 2020, Benchmade released this pint-size version of its popular Bugout folder. The Mini is lighter (by about three-tenths of an ounce), shorter (the overall lengths differ by just more than 1-inch), and features a blade that’s nearly a half-inch smaller.

Still, the pint-size knife packs explosive cutting power. The CPM S30V blade quickly and cleanly cut through food, cardboard, and rope of all sizes when tested, and the textured Grivory handle felt comfortable and secure even when laid into.

If you're a fan of crossbar locking mechanisms, the Mini proves its Axis is the one to beat. The spring that disengages the lock has a healthy yet smooth resistance, letting you neatly tuck the blade away. There’s nothing subtle about the neon orange, but that can be a bonus when this is in your hiking pack. The bright color is easy to spot, even in low light.

If that's not your style, try the 533BK-1 model, which has a white handle and black blade. Given the knife’s 1.5-ounce build, you may, as our testers did, frequently forget it's in your pocket or holstered on your belt, ultimately making it a convenient option to carry everywhere. This is one featherlight EDC that doesn’t slouch on performance and is worth the expense.

Case Knives started way back in 1889 in upstate New York where I grew up. In part because my grandfather carried one in his pocket on his dairy farm, I have a soft spot for classic Case knives. But a knife that you drop in your pocket just isn’t as practical as one with a clip, and a knife without a locking mechanism can be dangerous if, like me, you’re accustomed to modern, lock-out knives.

That’s why I was excited to see Case add lines of more modern EDC pocket knives to its lineup like the Marilla which has won over modern knife users since its launch in 2021. This is a mid-sized knife, but feels longer than its 3.4-inch blade, thanks to a gradually tapered, almost filet-like drop-point blade that’s great for gutting fish or dressing wild game in the field.

The company’s knives use modern materials like anodized aluminum and G10 fiberglass inlay in the handle, but they’re still made in Bradford, Pa. (80 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y.), and the S35VN steel comes from upstate New York where Case got its start.

At 3.6 ounces, this knife feels substantial, and the reliable frame lock paired with the thicker blade and handle mean you won’t hesitate to shuck an oyster or pry off a 2x4 with it in hand. The flipper mechanism is smooth and fast for one-handed opening and closing—there’s even a satisfying audible and tactile click into both the open and closed positions.

The Delica has been a staple in the Spyderco lineup for more than 30 years, and the fourth generation includes styles with different blade steels, edges, and shapes, as well as different handles. The standard model features a sharp VG-10 blade that excelled in our tests at slicing—due to its fully flat-ground design—and it ripped through materials, particularly our rope, without hesitation.

Deploying the blade is simple thanks to Spyderco’s hallmark circular thumb hole, measuring a generous 13 millimeters. The fiberglass reinforced nylon handle has textured molding for better traction, a finger guard, and subtle finger grooves.

Add in the jimping notches on the blade’s spine, and you won't ever have to worry about slip with your grip. Lastly, the handle’s stiff belt clip is reversible—a perk for lefties—and can be reinstalled for tip-down carry, if that’s your thing.

Altogether, the Delica 4 is a very capable EDC and an especially great option for people who regularly get their hands dirty and need a knife that will stay put.

Tactical often implies a military aesthetic along with lots of ostentatious features and add-ons that announce themselves a mile away, much like wearing a combat helmet to a bluegrass concert. The James Brand’s Elko is small but mighty— a tactical-light option for those who want quiet capability coupled with concealment.

This knife is small yet not impractically so—sporting a 1.74-inch blade. The entire package is less than a half-inch thick. (If you want a knife with more tactical chops with “tactical” right in the name, check out 5.11 Tactical’s ESC Rescue knife which has a glass-breaker, belt cutter, and regular drop-point blade in one rugged and affordable package.)

It is suggested by the manufacturer to attach the Elko to your keyring via the scraper/prybar/bottle opener/glass breaker end, but it’s more easily deployed tucked into a fifth pocket (there’s no clip).

This isn’t a big, tough-guy knife—it’s small in the hand—so it’s easily concealed when you don’t want anyone with eyes to be able to tell you’re carrying a blade. With The James Brand’s more modern, minimalist aesthetic, it’s also a great option for city dwellers who want to carry a good-looking knife without the obvious pocket clip showing on their work slacks.

I was first introduced to Victor, Idaho-based New West Knife Works through the brand's impressive American-made kitchen knives. Their Glory folders feature the same hand-assembled quality and attractive designs as their cutlery. (For over 15 years, New West Knife Works has exhibited and won awards at the fine art shows across the country, including the Smithsonian Craft Show, Crafts Park Avenue, Sausalito Art Show, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Park City Kimball Arts Festival, and many more).

The Saddleback blade on the Glory folder that I own (the company also offers a more traditional drop-point blade) lets you put a little more pressure on the blade when, for example, pushing it through a particularly dense salami.

The blade itself is American S35VN steel from Crucible Industries (a Syracuse, N.Y.-based company— and in business since 1876), and it’s the same raw material used in their kitchen cutlery that provides high-end durability and edge retention. The hardness makes sharpening a little more difficult for amateurs, but New West provides free tune-ups along with its lifetime warranty.

This is a mid-sized folder, and it’s thick thanks to a robust titanium liner lock that inspires confidence but doesn’t feel bulky. The slightly rounded handle means it doesn’t lay as flat in the pocket, but I love the classic feel, especially with the solid Ironwood handle on my model. (You can also get handles made from G10 composite or carbon fiber in a variety of colors.)

The action is incredibly smooth and makes for easy one-handed operation with the flipper mechanism, and the liner lock is also one-hand operable, both must-haves for me in a knife I want to carry every day.

It’s hard for pocket knives to stand out in a crowded marketplace with so many knife manufacturers making a wide-range of well-made knives in an incredible range of styles, but Columbia River Knife and Tool managed a unique option with their new automatic Minnow. This stumpy design fits in the palm of your hand but is still 4 ounces thanks to a thicker 1.79-inch cleaver blade that’s nearly as wide as it is long.

Designed by Phillip Booth and modeled after his custom Minnow knives, the CRKT Minnow feels gimmicky at first glance, but it excels at certain tasks. The long straight edge of the blade has only the slightest curve upwards near the point, so it performs much like a box cutter and is great for opening packages and straight-line precision cutting tasks. The point is nearly a right angle so it’s not much for any kind of digging tasks.

The other distinctive feature of this Minnow design is the push-button automatic opening which zips the blade into its open position. The same button releases the lock though you need to close it manually which is easily done one-handed with thumb and forefinger.

Automatic knives aren’t legal in some states and jurisdictions, but the short length means that it’s permissible in more places than most automatics, including California. Check local and state regulations to make sure the Minnow doesn’t run afoul of any laws before ordering.

Multitools are great if you need easy access to more tools than just a simple blade, but most are far too heavy and bulky to be considered true pocket knives. Swiss Army Knives provide more functionality in smartly designed packages, but most don’t pocket clip and the more functional ones get bulky and heavy quickly.

While I love my Leatherman Free P4, it’s also thick and heavy and I find I only reach for it when I’m facing a day with enough jobs to warrant the bulk. Leatherman’s new Skeletool CX trims functions, weight, and size for a simple multitool that’s light enough to replace your traditional pocket knife.

Leatherman claims seven distinct tools in the Skeletool CX but there’s some padding. What you get: a drop-point blade, pliers, wire cutters, bit driver, and bottle opener. The most valuable and most-used for me are the pliers and I’d probably be happy if the Skeletool only had these and the blade. The bit driver comes with two Phillips and two flat head options, and while it’s not as good as an actual screwdriver, I’m happy to have it when I need it.

Unlike the generally small and unsatisfying blades included in Swiss Army Knives and other multitools, the 2.6-inch drop point made from 154CM stainless steel is capable and sturdy thanks to the substantial liner lock. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through multiple actions to get to the blade as it’s placed on the outside and can be opened one-handed via the thumb hole.

While I’m able to also close the blade one-handed in a single motion with some effort, it usually ends up being either a three-step one-handed or two-handed close, though this is probably my only gripe with the design.

Begg Knives is a California knife manufacturer that creates a mix of limited-run and production knives in modern designs. While they offer plenty of higher-end, intricately designed blades, the Diamici is a more affordable option with a high-end feel from their Steelcraft series.

Picking up the Diamici, the first thing you notice is the heft. While only about 4 ounces, the blade and handle are mostly steel and I personally like the rigidity of an all-steel flipper. I appreciate the look of the satin finish that’s consistent from handle through blade, but for a few bucks more, you can get a Damascus steel blade that still matches the handle well.

Though it’s a production knife, albeit one designed by the accomplished Canadian knifemaker Jared Van Otterloo, the price tag is quite reasonable. The ball-bearing assisted action is super-smooth and it feels like a much pricier EDC blade in the hand. The black and green G10 inlays are smooth but provide superior grip compared to what plain steel would offer.

Still, this wouldn’t be my first choice for a hunting or backpacking knife where I’d want a more textured handle for wet or muddy conditions. But as a general EDC, this feels like a step up from cookie-cutter production designs and the robust build has me reaching for it more often than lighter weight options.

Case Knives has a long history in pocket knives. While they still produce classic multi-blade farm-oriented pocket knives like their Stockman, they’ve started producing more modern pocket-clip, locking single-blade knives. Their excellent Marilla knife is a great hunting flipper, but I love the Bridgeline Longhouse pocket knife because it brings some of the heritage design into a modern flipper.

Notably, the Bridgeline Longhouse locks out via a liner lock which sets it apart from traditional Case designs with no lock. Not having a lock-out on a pocket isn’t inherently dangerous, but since most people are accustomed to locking folders these days, it requires some adjustment. It can be a problem if you’ve used locking knives your whole life and try to switch to one without.

The blade flips open via a flipper tab that’s placed on the blade end of the handle instead of the back of the knife. Compared to the more-common flipper noses on a handle’s back, this requires a bit of a reach and pull motion with the forefinger to flip open, but I found it came naturally after a day of carry. The Longhouse feels light for its size thanks to the aluminum frame, but the CPM20CV drop-point blade feels substantial and has a nice patina out of the box.

My favorite part about this excellent all-around flipper, however, is the boxy build that emulates classic Case patterns, setting it apart from the glut of lookalike flippers on the market. I particularly like the Rosewood handle on my Bridgeline Longhouse, but it’s also available with more modern Micarta scales.