It is not exaggeration to say that pocket knives have served humanity for thousands of years. They have been a tool, a weapon, and an everyday necessity. In modern times, pocket knives are primarily used as a utility knife, but with proper care, a pocket knife can last you a life time.
The pocket knife was first invented in China as the earliest incarnation of the modern folding knife. The design of this early knife was to say the least, lacking. It was literally a sharpened, folded piece of metal, formally known as a Kwan-Dao.
The modern folding knife with a locking blade is as Western civilization has been credited with inventing after they came into contact with folding knifes from the Chinese. They got their start in the Americas and were known as “lock blades”, as they were designed to stay in the open position when in use.
The first locking blade was the creation of Robert Dole, who used the idea to help his fruit stand stay secure. Obviously the idea took hold in a significant way and quickly began to spread across the world. The general use of the pocket knife has changed dramatically over time. It has gone from a work tool to a hunting tool, and currently a general everyday use tool.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife | Best Overall |  |
| Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife | Budget Pick |  |
| Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife
Pros:
- Very sharp
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to open and close
- Sleek and classy looking
- Extremely well balanced and well-crafted
- Comfortable grip handle
Cons:
- Blade is pretty thin
- The locking mechanism can be stiff to open
- Blade is not full tang
Our top pick for the best pocket knife is the Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife with Genuine Leather Sheath, in spite of the fact that it is a bit pricier than most. We were taken in by its sleek and classy design and was amazed with how well it was made. It is easy to open and close especially with one hand, which makes it ideal for everyday uses and outdoor purposes.
It features an ambidextrous thumb-stud opener, which allows for quick deploying and agile deployment. With the broad finger-guard, there’s no risk of accidental cuts or slices. This pocket knife has a very well-balanced weight and the handle can be held comfortably thanks to the built-in rubber grip feature.
This folding knife comes with genuine leather sheath, and it can also be used as a money clip. It is also backed up by a 100-percent lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
2. Tac-Force Tactical Spring Assisted Knife 4.5" Closed
Pros:
- Reverse Tanto Blade
- Sturdy and durable stainless steel construction
- Rubberized handle for extra grip
- Easy to open without a spring
- Lightweight and compact
- Sharp and durable blade
- Inexpensive
- Ergonomic design
- Great value for the price
- Pocket clip
Cons:
- Blade is smaller than usual
- Needs sharpening right out of the box
- Instructions could be clearer and easier to understand
- The knife feels a bit flimsy but it is actually very sturdy
- You will need to sharpen the knife before using it
Okay, so when looking for the best pocket knife in 2020 we wanted something that came with a blade that was sharp and durable. This TAC Force tactical spring assisted knife was exactly what we were looking for.
We really love how easy it is to open this knife and the blade remains firm until you release your hand pressure. We also wanted a knife that came with a pocket clip that we could clip to our belt loops, pants, or a backpack strap.
3. Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife
Pros:
- Easy to sharpen
- Good size blade
- Lock is sturdy, but easy to disengage
- Rubberized grip keeps it well balanced
- Angles on the blade are perfect for everyday utility needs
Cons:
- Not ideal for hard duty or heavy duty day-to-day use.
This model has been around for more than a few years, but shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it has garnered the respect of many in the field and will prove to be a worthy companion that will serve you well for years to come.
This model showcases high quality construction as evidenced by its all-metal design. It also incorporates a hybrid of materials in its handle, using glass-filled nylon for impact resistance with integrated rubberized grips. As such, it will feel natural in your hand and will absorb the impact of day-to-day wear and tear.
4. Kershaw Blur Black
Pros:
- Not expensive
- High-quality manufacturing
- Lanyard hole
- Reversible pocket clip included
- SpeedSafe assisted opening.
- Carries easily
- Sleek design
- blade retention mechanism
- Full flat grind and excellent edge retention
- DLC blade coating diffuses reflection
Cons:
- Small pocket clip.
- Some may complain about the less than premium leather-like (texturized aluminum) handle (instead of leather or G-10).
- Minor blade play (but it does not have significant impact on function)
- Some have claimed that the pocket clip is on the loose side and moves around too much.
- Some say that the back lock button is too sharp and digs into the hand.
5. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife
Pros:
- Sharp, high-quality blade
- Durable, sleek build
- Easy to direct via finger positioning and wave
- Great ergonomics
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Spring could use a bit of improvement
- The screws securing the blade on could have been tighter
After performing an extensive review of the best pocket knives, we have come to the conclusion that the Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife best meets our requirements. This knife is extremely sharp and has a great design that feels very comfortable in the hand.
What we liked most about this pocket knife is the engineering that went into its design. The first thing you notice when you begin using the knife is the wave opener. This design technique allows you to pull back on the blade, which then springs back and does not require any effort on your part other than to direct it where you want to go.
The blade also looks very sleek and professional, and it is built to last. The handle is made out of aluminum and comes with rubber inserts for a firm grip. As an added bonus, it’s also small enough to carry discreetly in your pocket. Overall, this is one of the best pocket knife options on the market for its design, ergonomics, and overall effectiveness.
6. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
Pros:
- Quality sheath
- Lifetime warranty
- More than 30 functions
- Drop-point blade
- Master Craftsman at work
Cons:
- Small bottle opener
- High price for some people
This all-round pocket knife comes with an ergonomic polymer handle and a secure locking sheath for safe storage and transportation. The tool includes a mini-screwdriver with 4 different bits, a large blade, wood saw, metal file, scissors, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, reamer, can opener, toothpick, tweezers, nail file, and a bottle opener.
The back of the blade has a straight edge and a serrated edge, and it’s replaceable. Plan ahead because this replacement is not exactly cheap. For someone who wants the best of both worlds, this multipurpose tool is great. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and very handy when you need it.
The knife is ergonomically designed with ridges and a straight edge. The grip features jimping help provide a secure wielding of the knife with less fatigue. The handle allows for a firm grip. There is also a hole for attaching to a key ring or lanyard. The compact design makes it easy to carry.
7. Gerber STL 2.0 Knife
Pros:
- Lightweight and slim
- Solid single-hand control
- Piece tension and retention is great
- Finger choil and deep pocket clip
- AUS-8 stainless steel blade
Cons:
- Blade is a little small for some tasks
- Handle is a little large for large hands
- Lanyard hole is too small for lanyard
- Bottom of handle feels hollow
The Gerber STL 2.0 Knife [22-41122] is a top-rated EDC knife that is extremely lightweight. Even with a full length knife at 3.2 inches in total length, it’s relatively thin, thanks to the skeletonized handle design. It has a clip point blade that’s a little less than 3 inches in length. The blade has a matte black finish for durability, and Gerber’s trademark thumb-stud opener that comes in stainless steel.
The STL 2.0 has a glass-reinforced nylon handle that has a pretty ergonomic design, and is designed for comfortable handling. It has a finger choil and an ambidextrous thumb stud opener, which makes the knife easy to open with your dominant hand alone. It also has a deep pocket clip that holds the knife very securely in your pocket.
8. Kershaw Cryo Pocket Knife
Pros:
- Affordable
- Cryogenic heat treatment increases strength and ability to resist breakage
- A variety of colors to choose from
- 2.75-inch blade
- SpeedSafe assisted opening
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Knife may feel too light for some users
- Blade may need to be tightened
The Kershaw Cryo offers a cool design and a sharp blade that’s perfect for outdoor and utility purposes. It’s a full-size blade knife that provides a solid utility experience – whether you need to cut rope, open a box, or just have a strong pocket knife for opening packages.
The Kershaw Cryo is a coated handle EDC knife that does not only look good, but also has a strong construction. It’s made from stainless steel that has been treated with cryogenic heat treatment to ensure stronger, longer-lasting performance. The handle also features injection-molded fiberglass resin that offers good grip. Made in the USA and tested extensively for quality, the Kershaw Cryo truly stands out from other pocket knives in its price range.
It comes with a SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism that allows the blade to be deployed quickly with just one hand. The blade is 2.75 inches long and made from premium 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.
9. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
Pros:
- Versatile
- Multitool – Lots of different functions
- Lightweight and durable
- High-quality
- Affordable
- Most practical tool you can have on you at all times
Cons:
- Blade is made of stainless steel – may be too soft for some users
- Not great for hard use
This pocket knife has 1 main blade and 6 additional attachments: a screwdriver, can opener, philips screwdriver, wire stripper, bottle and can opener, and a corkscrew. The craftsmanship is fantastic, the materials are high-quality, and the design is innovative.
This is one of the best Swiss army knives out there, and we recommend it to anyone who is a frequent traveller or camper. It fits in your pocket perfectly and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk – yet you’ll never leave the house without it.
When the blade first arrives, you’ll need to sharpen it manually. You can use a utility knife or a sharpening stone to sharpen the blade, and then it will be good to go.
10. Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife
Pros:
- Tanto point
- Compact and lightweight
- Safety lock with single thumb stud
- Assisted opening
- Includes a carrying sheath
- Easy to sharpen
- Rustproof
- Forged steel blade
Cons:
- Shallow blade
- Some durability issues
- No belt clip
The Gerber EAB Lite features an assisted opening mechanism, which allows you to open the blade quickly with one hand by using the thumb stud located on the blade itself. Given the fact that one finger has to be on the stud, this pocket knife is ideal for both lefties and righties.
The blade itself is made from high-carbon stainless steel and is capable of holding its edge for a long time. It also has a safety lock which you can secure by using a single thumb stud.
Conclusion
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t carry a pocket knife because you lost your room key and need a knife to cut something off the key so you can make a new one. You carry a pocket knife because you’re always prepared for just about anything. Which is why you need one of the best pocket knives made in the USA.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife | Best Overall | |
| Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife | Budget Pick | |
| Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool | Upgrade Pick | |