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Top 18 Pocket Knife Brands You Can Count On
Most pocket knife companies have hits and misses when it comes to their lineup, which is to be expected. However, the buy-it-for-life ethos has seen a rise in brands basing their business around consistent quality–rather than cutting corners. Below, we review the best pocket knife brands worthy of becoming your EDC knife.
1. OKC
Despite being called the “Ontario Knife Company“, OKC is actually based at the tippy top of New York state. Much of their work has been done making blades for the United States military. So they’re an all-American pocket knife company in everything but name. Their RAT knife is a common bargain EDC choice, but they have a far deeper bench than that, ranging from tactical knives to kitchen cutlery.
2. Benchmade
A knife by any other name is just a knife. When it’s a Benchmade, it’s something else entirely. Benchmade began in the 80’s with a solitary goal: To make the best knives in the world. Since then, they’ve been doing everything in their power to make that a reality. Certainly one of the more expensive makers out there, they aim for lifetime pieces across the board. So if you can avoid losing it, you only need to buy a Benchmade once.
3. Case
More than a hundred years of experience lies behind each Case knife. They aim for elegance in their bone pocket knives, which are built for hunting and utility as well as camping. This well-respected pocket knife brand satisfies both practical and collectable considerations, with numerous attractive models on offer. These blades look good and go the distance.
4. Brous Blades
Jason Brous started Brous Blades in 2010, when he was barely out of his teens. Though young, he proved to be a prodigy in the knife world. This scrappy young pocket knife brand produces innovative and angular designs. Brous Blades designs are ultra-modern, and help revitalize the tired pocket knife world with some fun, flashy articles that don’t skimp on build quality. Ideal for everything from camping to EDC.
5. CRKT
Despite being named “Columbia River Knife & Tool” there’s not many who could recall any tools they make that aren’t knives. That’s not to say they make bad tools (far from it, in fact), it’s just that their blades are so much more impressive. Days can be spent combing through their catalog looking at all the variety, many designed by master Ken Onion, who’s work walks behind no one.
6. Emerson
Begun by a California knife-maker, Emerson had practice making military and police items for rescue and combat before there was a company name to go with it. These are meant for hard use, hard work, and hard luck in the worst possible conditions. If you’re headed into the heart of the storm, pocket an Emerson.
7. Hogue
In 1968 Hogue burst onto the firearm scene making grips and stocks for guns. Then, after decades of success, they brought over that engineering prowess to the knife world. Now, ranged fighters and close-quarters combatants alike can both outfit themselves with all the hard-core Hogue gear a jarhead’s heart could desire.
8. Cold Steel
It’s easy to discount Cold Steel as pocket knife company. After all, they bear a pretentious name, have an overbearing website, and then make swords and weird stuff. Nevertheless, Cold Steel always uses top-grade materials for EDC pocket knives that have distinctive flair to go with their sturdy construction.
9. Opinel
Inexpensive camping knives is the battle cry of Opinel, though they wisely mash a lot of value into their knife line. They employ wooden handles that are soft and kind to the hands during extensive use, and a brilliant collar lock that gives their carbon steel blades a more fixed feel for firmer, more confident cuts. It would be a mistake to balk at the value proposition of this affordable French pocket knife brand.
10. SpyderCo
For a long time, SpyderCo was the pocket knife brand to carry if you were expecting a fight. To this day they still use the distinctive hole on each blade that allows you to snap it open with the pad of your thumb. Incomparably badass, good looking, and fun to use, they’ll have to pry any of SpyderCo’s blades from your cold, dead hand.
11. Gerber
Gerber‘s low cost and subsequent rudimentary materials tempt many to pass them up as one of the best pocket knife brands. The problem is they’re so consistently good, if not always great, that it’s a mistake to ignore them. You won’t find the best in the business here, but you’ll get a budget blade you can afford lose, which is good enough that you won’t want to.
12. SOG
SOG isn’t so much a tool maker so much as a knife company that knows the value of being prepared. Their pocket knives are built for action, with outstanding steel, rugged construction, and an edge that isn’t content to lay down arms come hell or high water. An exceptional choice for both recon and rescue that won’t break the bank.
13. Buck
Everyone should have a Buck knife in their collection somewhere. Go for the classic folding knife with its timeless design, or snap up one of the more modern Buck pieces for a new twist by an old favorite. Either way, that “Forever” warranty they have isn’t just for show. There’s a reason Buck is one of the most trusted pocket knife brands.
14. Zero Tolerance
The killer who used to head straight for SpyderCo has found a new friend in the Zero Tolerance pocket knife brand. This is a company which likes to make flipper knives intended for quick deployment, stealth, and ending combat with a few fast slashes. Durable as they are quick, these USA-made knives offer a solid investment.
15. Boker
Also known as “The Tree Brand”, Boker is one of a handful of import pocket knife companies that can go toe to toe with American manufacturers. They focus on using the best materials with supreme supervision by masters of the industry. The end result is a lineup that true aficionados must respect.
16. Kershaw
Zero Tolerance is owned by the KAI Group, which also happens to have Kershaw in their pocket. Easily the broadest range of choices, Kershaw knives are tools, weapons, appliances, and most anything else you could want.
17. Victorinox
The only true Swiss Army knife maker in the world, without this world-famous pocket knife brand, there would likely be no Leatherman or other multi-tool maker. Supreme engineering from the people who know multi-purpose knives, if you see the company’s trademark Swiss cross, you’re getting something truly special.
18. Schrade
Schrade has changed hands several times in its 100+ year history, which has led to some lean times and difficult launches. Currently though, they’re putting out exceptional quality, though who knows how long that shall last. Their hits are amazing, but when they miss, it’s horrifying. Hopefully the recent trend will allow Schrade to do what it does best for a long time to come.
How to Pick the Best Pocket Knife Companies
It’s easy to just say “buy American” and call it a day when it comes to EDC gear. But the fact is, there are outstanding pocket knife brands from across the world–and they’re not all super expensive. Here’s some tips on how to pick the right brand and model for your needs:
Reputation
The least tangible factor in finding the best pocket knife company is also one of the most important. Has the brand been around for many years or even decades? They probably have identified their market niche, and produce knives which consistently satisfy buyers at their price point. Beware older companies which have been bought and sold many times over. In many cases, multi-national corps simply cash in on venerable, trusted names without actually backing it up with quality. If you see your grandpa’s favorite knife from back in the day selling at budget prices, that may be an indicator that production has shifted overseas.
Variety
The best pocket knife companies will likely offer a broad range of products to fit various use-cases. After all, knives are first and foremost tools, and thus one-size-fits-all isn’t always what you need. Generally, the branding will match the intended use. Tactical knife companies will favor simple, rugged designs intended for combat, while survival-oriented companies will focus on multi-tools. Others still may spread cast a wide net to include swords, guns, or cutlery. You’re probably best off avoiding big-tent companies in favor of niche brands.
Pricing
It’s amazing how much mark-up a brand name can carry. Be sure to do due diligence determining whether the build quality, locking mechanism, type of steel, handle materials, and accessories fit the bill of what you’re expected to pay. Oftentimes, affordable pocket knife companies produce knives which are every bit as useful and durable as their more expensive counterparts.
Warranties
It’s not all too common to see knives backed by satisfaction guarantees these days. But pocket knife companies which do stand by their products with warranties are clearly putting their money where their mouths are. It costs them to promise to repair or replace faulty gear, so they’ll tend to invest in better designs and materials upfront. Whether your knife stands the test of time or craps out, with a warranty you still win either way.
Types of Pocket Knives Explained
A knife is a knife, right? Wrong. There are many different types of blades, mechanisms, and styles.
Blades
Here’s a quick rundown on the most common types of pocket knife blades:
Drop point – A mostly straight blade that gradually slopes down near the tip. It’s good for piercing, but thick enough to avoid breaking the tip off while doing so.Clip point – A classic pocket knife blade profile, the clip point is another sharp tip good for thrusting. It gets its name from the “clipped” indentation that helps you grab and open the blade.Sheepsfoot – The name basically gives it away, but this straight blade was traditionally used to trim down sheep hooves. But, it’s most commonly used these days for whittling, woodworking, and in rescue scenarios.Tanto – Borrows the angled tip of traditional Japanese weaponry. Ideal for thrusting and puncturing in combat, though less so for slashing. Also useful for scraping with the chisel-like tip.Pen blade – Smaller than the larger drop point it tends to accompany, a pen blade is nevertheless useful for fine cutting work. Gets its name from the days of yore when quill ends needed to be pierced before writing.Wharncliffe – Another straight blade, but with a gradually curving spine that helps prevent accidental piercing when the goal is slicing.Hawkbill – Resembling the talon of a bird of prey, the hawkbill is an efficient slicer that transfers force into the blade tip. Carpet and box cutters are common instances of this blade type.Spey point – Originally used to spay and neuter animals, the mostly flat design features a blade which turns up in a dull point. Once again, the idea is to prevent accidental piercing. A favorite of hunters then and now.Spear/needle point – Symmetrical blades which focus force directly into the sharp tip to puncture hide and armor. Spear points are thicker than needle points, but the idea is the same.
Styles
Different style pocket knives may contain any combination of the above blades plus other accessories. Here are just a few of the most popular types:
Camper – Every man should own a multi-tool, period. Whether it’s a Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife, or something more generic, having a multitude of tools readily available is not only convenient, but could save your life.Trapper – Featuring the duo of a spey and clip point, the Trapper typically features a slimmer profile that offers outstanding control for slicing.Stockman – A double-ended knife similar to the Trapper which adds a Sheepsfoot blade into the mix. Some variants swap the spey point out for a pen blade.Congress – While Honest Abe made one his EDC, that’s not where the name comes from; instead, “congress” refers to the four blades coming together when folded: pen, spear, and twin sheepsfoot. Why two? It allowed tobacco farmers to work twice as long without stopping to sharpen.Canoe – A dead-simple design packing a pen blade and drop point. Gets its name for its canoe shape when folded up.Barlow – Featuring a tear-shaped handle, the Barlow knife is popular amongst outdoorsmen and Americana aficionados for its rustic simplicity and reliability.Tactical folding – Perhaps an overly broad term that encompasses a range of ergonomic features optimized for hand to hand combat. Characterized by a rugged handle grip, easy-open thumb studs or holes in the blade, secure locking mechanism, and blades designed for piercing more so than cutting.Assisted open – Any type of knife which opens with the press of a button. Switchblades are the most famous example, and run afoul of the law in many countries. Unnecessary in most use-cases, as thumb studs are just as fast with practice.
Locking Mechanisms
In order to actually fit into your pocket, most pocket knives fold up to save space. However, extending the blade without some sort of locking mechanism is a great way to slice your own fingers off. Here are three of the most common types of locking mechanisms (there are many more types, however):
Liner lock – Ubiquitous, simple, and cheap to produce, liner locks are nonetheless highly reliable. When you fold the blade out, a tensioned metal spring bar catches the tang beneath the hinge, holding it in place. Simply push the bar to the side to sheath the blade.Frame lock – Functionally similar to the liner lock, but typically more robust due to the locking bar being integrated directly the handle. This can be a liability with cheaply made knives, but quality frame locks are superior to liner locks and priced accordingly.Back lock – Popularized by Buck, this tensioned lock mechanism pivots over a central fulcrum. Pressing down the back end of the lock raises the locking notch up, allowing sufficient clearance for the blade to hinge in and out. When you let go, the notch settles back into place holding the blade fast.
Best Pocket Knife Brands: Conclusion
At this point, you should have a solid understanding of what pocket knife companies work hard to earn your money. We’ve given you a brief overview of the top 18 brands for a variety of use-cases and budgets, as well as the quick rundown on the most common types of pocket knives. Which pocket knife brand do you swear by? Has your knife ever saved your bacon in a pinch? Tell us your story in a comment below.
