A pocket knife is a versatile and essential tool that every outdoor enthusiast, camper, hiker, and hunter should own. It can be used for cutting ropes or opening packages, preparing food or sharpening sticks for roasting marshmallows. However, not all pocket knives are created equal. Some brands make high-quality knives that are durable, sharp, and reliable while others produce poorly designed blades that fail to meet the users’ expectations.
In this article about the best pocket knife brands on the market today, we will explore some of the top-rated companies known for their excellent craftsmanship and innovation in blade-making. We will discuss their history, reputation among customers and experts alike as well as highlight some of their most popular models.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry knife or a heavy-duty one that can tackle tougher tasks such as chopping wood or hunting game; we’ve got you covered! Our selection includes both classic models with traditional designs and modern ones with advanced features such as assisted opening mechanisms or locking systems.
So without further ado let’s dive into our list of top pocket knife brands to find your next go-to blade!
Criteria for Choosing Top Pocket Knife Brands
When it comes to choosing the best pocket knife brand, there are several criteria that one should consider. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Blade Quality and Material
The quality and type of blade material used is a crucial factor when selecting a pocket knife. High-quality knives usually have blades made from durable materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel. Each type of material has its unique characteristics, so it’s essential to choose what suits your needs.
Handle Design and Material
Pocket knife handles come in different materials like plastic, titanium, aluminum, wood, bone or other composite materials. Some companies offer ergonomic designs with textured grips that ensure comfortable holding while using the knife.
Size and Weight
Another critical criterion is size and weight. The perfect size for a folding pocket knife should be between 2-5 inches when closed. Additionally, lightweight knives are more convenient to carry around compared to heavier ones.
Locking Mechanism
A good locking mechanism ensures safety while you’re using your pocketknife; it prevents accidental closure during use which can lead to injuries.
Durability
Durability is also essential when selecting the best pocket knife brands; investing in high-quality knives will save money on repairs or replacements over time.
In conclusion, these five factors play significant roles when deciding on top-performing pocket knives brands: blade quality & material selection (stainless steel vs carbon), handle design/material selection (plastic vs titanium), size/weight considerations (between 2-5 inches long), locking mechanisms for added safety purposes as well as durability features ensuring investment longevity without requiring frequent repair costs!
Top Pocket Knife Brands Overview
When it comes to pocket knives, there are countless brands on the market. However, not all brands are created equal. Here is an overview of some of the top pocket knife brands:
Benchmade
Benchmade is a well-known brand that produces high-quality knives with innovative designs. The company has been around since 1988 and prides itself on using only the best materials in its products. Benchmade offers a wide range of pocket knives to suit different needs and preferences.
Spyderco
Spyderco is another popular brand that has been around since 1976. The company’s founder was one of the pioneers in designing folding knives for everyday carry (EDC) use. Spyderco’s signature feature is its thumb hole opening mechanism that allows for easy one-handed operation.
Kershaw
Kershaw is a budget-friendly brand that doesn’t compromise on quality or innovation. Founded in 1974, Kershaw offers a range of affordable yet durable pocket knives made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel and carbon fiber.
Cold Steel
Cold Steel is known for producing strong and durable blades designed for heavy-duty tasks such as hunting and outdoor activities. The company uses advanced technology to create sharp edges with long-lasting durability.
Victorinox Swiss Army
Victorinox Swiss Army may be best known for its iconic multi-tool, but the company also produces high-quality folding knives perfect for everyday use. Victorinox Swiss Army’s “Officer’s Knife” model has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship.
In conclusion, these five top pocket knife brands offer something unique in terms of design, functionality, and price point. No matter what your needs or preferences are when it comes to selecting a pocket knife, one of these brands is sure to have the perfect option for you.
Benchmade Pocket Knives
Benchmade is a well-known brand in the pocket knife industry, known for their high-quality knives and attention to detail. The company was founded in 1988 by Les de Asis in California and has since become one of the most respected names in the business.
One of the unique features of Benchmade knives is their patented Axis Lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing. This feature sets them apart from other brands on the market and makes them a popular choice among knife enthusiasts.
Another reason why Benchmade has gained such a strong following is due to their commitment to using only top-quality materials. They use premium stainless steel for their blades, ensuring that they are durable, corrosion-resistant, and hold a sharp edge over time.
In addition to their solid construction and innovative designs, Benchmade offers a wide variety of pocket knives that cater to different needs. Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry knife or something more specialized like a hunting or tactical blade, there’s sure to be a model that suits your preferences.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Benchmade stands behind its products with an excellent warranty program. All of their knives come with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship – meaning you can buy with confidence knowing that you’ll be covered if anything goes wrong.
Spyderco Pocket Knives
Spyderco is a well-known brand that has been producing high-quality pocket knives since 1978. Their unique design features, such as the iconic hole in the blade and their patented SpyderEdge serrations, have made them popular among knife enthusiasts.
One of Spyderco’s most popular models is the Paramilitary 2. This folding knife has a full-flat ground blade made from high-quality stainless steel, a sturdy G-10 handle, and a reliable compression lock mechanism. It also boasts an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Another standout model from Spyderco is the Delica 4. This lightweight folding knife features a durable fiberglass reinforced nylon handle and VG-10 steel blade with excellent corrosion resistance. The blade also has a unique wave feature that allows for quick deployment with one-handed opening.
Spyderco offers various designs to meet different needs, including tactical knives like Endura or Military models for military personnel or law enforcement officers who need reliable cutting tools on-the-go. They also have specialized blades like kitchen knives specifically designed for culinary tasks.
In summary, if you’re looking for pocket knives that combine innovative design with exceptional quality materials and craftsmanship, then Spyderco should be at the top of your list!
Kershaw Pocket Knives
Kershaw is a reputable American brand that has been producing high-quality knives for over 40 years. The company prides itself on its commitment to innovation, precision, and quality craftsmanship.
Kershaw pocket knives are designed for everyday use and come in various styles and sizes to suit different needs. Depending on the model, Kershaw knives feature either stainless steel or high-carbon steel blades that are strong, durable, and hold an edge well. Many models also offer assisted opening mechanisms for quick access when needed.
One of Kershaw’s most popular lines of pocket knives is the Leek series. These slim and sleek folding knives have a versatile drop-point blade that can handle a wide range of cutting tasks. They feature SpeedSafe® assisted opening technology and come with either bead-blasted or black oxide-coated handles depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, the Blur series might be right up your alley. These robust folding knives boast tough Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blades that are resistant to corrosion and wear while offering excellent edge retention properties. The handles are made from lightweight aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts to ensure a secure grip even in wet conditions.
In addition to their functional design features, Kershaw pocket knives also have stylish aesthetics that make them stand out from other brands. Many models feature eye-catching designs such as etched patterns or colorful handle scales made from materials like G-10 or carbon fiber.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable pocket knife brand with an excellent reputation for producing top-quality products at reasonable prices, then Kershaw should definitely be on your list of considerations!
SOG Pocket Knives
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc. is a popular brand known for manufacturing high-quality knives and tools designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. SOG pocket knives are among the most trusted and reliable folding knives in the market today.
One of their best-selling products is the SOG Flash II Folding Knife. It features an AUS-8 steel blade that is sharp enough to cut through tough materials with ease. The blade length is 3.5 inches long and it has a partially serrated edge for added versatility that makes it perfect for camping or hiking trips.
The handle design of SOG pocket knives also stands out from other brands because they have incorporated advanced technology into it. For example, some models come with a DigiGrip™ handle which provides excellent grip even when wet or oily conditions.
Their innovative Assisted Technology (S.A.T.) allows quick deployment of the blade by simply pushing on the thumb stud located on either side of the knife’s spine. This feature adds convenience while ensuring maximum safety as you can easily control when and how fast you want your knife deployed.
Another great advantage offered by SOG pocket knives is their reversible pocket clip option that lets users carry their knife comfortably in either tip-up or tip-down position depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, if you are looking for durable, reliable, and versatile folding knives suitable for outdoor adventures or everyday use, then look no further than SOG Pocket Knives – one of the Best Pocket Knife Brands available today!
Buck Pocket Knives
Buck Knives is a trusted American brand that has been producing high-quality knives for over a century. Buck pocket knives are known for their durability, reliability, and versatility, making them popular with outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and everyday carry users.
One of the defining features of Buck pocket knives is their patented locking mechanism called the “lockback.” This mechanism ensures that the blade remains securely in place when open, reducing the risk of accidental injury. Additionally, most Buck pocket knives feature stainless steel blades that hold an edge well and resist corrosion.
Buck offers a wide range of pocket knife styles to suit different needs and preferences. For example:
- The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is a classic design featuring a clip point blade and brass bolsters
- The Buck 112 Ranger is similar to the 110 but with a smaller size and drop point blade
- The Buck Bantam series offers lightweight options with ergonomic handles for comfortable use during extended periods
In addition to traditional folding knives, Buck also manufactures multi-tools like the popular Buck 55 which includes scissors, screwdrivers and more on top of its main blade functionality.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable pocket knife that will last you years to come or want something versatile enough to handle multiple tasks at once – then look no further than one from this esteemed brand!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
After reviewing some of the best pocket knife brands available on the market, it is clear that there are several factors to consider when choosing a high-quality pocket knife. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you may prioritize certain features over others.
One of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the blade. A sharp, durable blade made from high-quality steel will ensure that your pocket knife can handle heavy-duty tasks without breaking or dulling easily. Additionally, a good blade should be easy to sharpen and maintain over time.
Another key consideration is the overall design and construction of the pocket knife. The handle should be comfortable to grip and provide a secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions. The locking mechanism should also be reliable and easy to use.
It’s also worth considering any additional features or tools that come with your chosen pocket knife brand. Some knives may include useful extras like screwdrivers, bottle openers, or saws – all of which can come in handy in different situations.
Overall, there are many excellent options for those seeking a top-notch pocket knife brand. Whether you’re looking for something compact and portable for everyday carry or a larger model with more advanced features for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, doing your research beforehand can help ensure that you choose wisely.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality pocket knife from one of these reputable brands can offer peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable tool at hand when you need it most – whether it’s opening packages at home or surviving out in nature on an extended trip into the wilderness!

Ben is one of the founders and editor of Structured Living HUB. His interests are automotive and architecture. For over 10 years he worked as a modular house contractor in the United States.