As EDC enthusiasts, we like to think we know our way around a good pocket knife. There’s no denying that the best pocket knives are among the most useful items you can own. You’ll find they come in handy for so much more than you might expect. In fact, this tiny tool is destined to be your EDC MVP. So we’ve rounded up the best pocket knives of 2023 to help narrow down your search.
CIVIVI Elementum Pocket Knife C907A
CIVIVI’s lightweight folding knife operates with a smooth, effortless blade opening. A perfect EDC knife that slips easily into a pocket, it weighs in at a mere 2.89 ounces, with an blade length of 2.96 inches. Made with D2 steel, and a textured fiberglass handle, the knife is available in 7 colorways.
Gerber Assert
The Assert’s S30V 2.98 inch stainless steel blade is opened with a thumb stud, set inside of a cutout. The thumb stud can be slid back and forth in the cutout to set it at the ideal distance from each user’s thumb, or even removed entirely. The Assert’s handle is nice and simple. It’s made from two slabs of weight-saving GFN, which have been honeycombed on the inside to shave off a few micro-ounces and help the Assert achieve its impressive 1.87 oz. weight.
Terrain 365™ Otter Flip-AT Stag Special
Made from Terrain 365’s innovative rustproof, non-ferrous Terravantium material, this flipper-action all-terrain knife is designed for use on water and land, constructed with contoured stag scales, brass cages, and ceramic bearings. It also delivers exemplary cutting action thanks to the use of aerospace-grade alloys and advanced super-alloys, which delivers long-lasting edge-holding characteristics.
CRKT Crossbones EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The Crossbones is an extremely versatile everyday carry knife for cutting meat, opening envelopes, and everything in between. At 4.50 inches, this 2.4 oz knife practically disappears when you slide it into your pocket. The slim blade features a full flat grind and is deployed swiftly and smoothly with an IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot System. The brushed aluminum two-tone handle, when closed, resembles the shape of a dog bone and gives the Crossbone its name.
SOG TWI8-CP Twitch II 6.20 Inch EDC Folding Knife
Release this fast opening knife with either hand using very little pressure. Measuring 3.55 inches (closed), this everyday pocket knife boasts a tough hard-anodized aluminum handle and a 2.65” AUS-8 Stainless steel high-quality blade. The knife offers a reversible Low-Carry Clip enabling carry on either side.
CASE XX WR Pocket Knife
A great everyday pocket knife for projects around the house, the outdoors, and hunting, the knife boasts an S35VN Drop Point Blade and a black anodized aluminum handle with G10 inlay. Measuring 4-3/4″ inches (closed), it weighs in at 5 ozs. with an blade length of 4 inches, the knife is available in four colorways.
The WESN Mircoblade
Don’t let the size deceive you – boasting high carbon, high chromium D2 tool-grade steel, WESN’s Microblade has been specifically designed for maximum toughness, hardness, and abrasion resistance. The blade can be opened with a flipper or thumb stud for versatile deployment. The Microblade offers titanium construction in a scaled down EDC package.
Benchmade 533 Mini Bugout Fine-Edge Knife
Benchmade’s drop-point, Mini Bugout Fine-Edge Knife has a stainless-steel blade that holds edges well and works for a variety of uses. Its strong, spring-loaded AXIS® locking mechanism adjusts smoothly for ease of operation. Weighing in at a mere 1.5 ozs and measuring 3.7 inches (closed), the knife comes with a reversible, mini deep carry pocket clip with a black oxide finish.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Knife Black
The Dragonfly2 maintains the same blade and handle geometry with leveraging points that make the Dragonfly cut and feel like a much larger knife. Featuring a premium VG-10 blade with a full flat grind with jimping at the choil and the spine for better control and feel. The handle on the second generation Dragonfly uses Spyderco’s patented Bi-Directional Texturing on the fiberglass reinforced nylon.
Kershaw Link Olive Stonewash Pocketknife
Kershaw has taken the Link to the next level with a new machined, anodized aluminum handle in olive, upgraded blade steel, and black-oxide hardware. The blade is made from CPM 20CV steel to provide superior blade harness, corrosion-resistance, toughness, and wear resistance. The olive green anodized aluminum handle provides lightweight strength, along with machined patterning for an enhanced grip.