9 Best Pocket Knives of All Time

This heavy-duty workhorse delivers serious capability in a rugged, no-nonsense package. Crafted with a 60 HRC 440C stainless steel blade and a rosewood handle accented with metal bolsters, it balances tactical toughness with classic aesthetics. The liner lock mechanism is rock-solid, and the thumb stud deployment ensures reliable one-handed opening—perfect for users who demand instant access in high-pressure scenarios like camping, self-defense, or emergency prep.

In real-world use, this knife excels at slicing through rope, breaking glass in emergencies (thanks to its integrated glass breaker), and handling daily tasks with authority. At 8.66 inches open and 6.88 oz, it’s substantial—ideal for users who prefer a heftier grip and don’t mind the extra weight. It performs well on wood carving, food prep, and box cutting, but its size makes it less discreet than true minimalist EDCs. The black oxade coating reduces glare, adding tactical stealth, though it may chip over time with aggressive use.

Compared to sleeker models like the CIVIVI Mini Praxis, this knife trades portability for raw utility and durability, making it a top pick for outdoor adventurers, military personnel, or anyone prioritizing survival-ready function over pocket stealth. While the Schrade IMP14 is lighter and cheaper, this model stands out with its glass breaker, pocket clip, and aggressive build, offering more bang for the buck in emergency scenarios.

Don’t let its pocket-sized frame fool you—the Schrade IMP14 packs three distinct blades into a featherlight 1.1 oz body, making it a budget-savvy multitasker for light-duty EDC. With a clip point, sheepsfoot, and spey blade, all crafted from 3Cr13 stainless steel, it’s engineered for precision tasks like opening envelopes, light whittling, or preparing fishing line. The nail-pull deployment may not be as fast as flipper mechanisms, but it’s dependable and safe for beginners.

During daily use, this knife shines in urban and light outdoor settings. Its 4.5-inch open length and slim profile make it ideal for carrying in a coin pocket or wallet, and the cracked ice POM handle offers surprising grip texture without snagging fabric. It handles cardboard, tape, and food prep with ease, but harder materials like thick cord or wood can push its limits due to the softer steel. While it lacks a locking mechanism—blades rely on heat-treated back springs—this is typical for traditional stockman designs and adds to its nostalgic charm.

When stacked against the Old Timer 34OTB, the IMP14 delivers similar functionality at a lower cost, though with slightly less premium materials. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious users who want a true multi-blade experience without investing in high-end steel. For students, office workers, or hobbyists, it’s a no-frills, highly functional classic that outperforms its price tag—though serious outdoorsmen may want something sturdier.

The Old Timer 34OTB is a masterclass in compact tradition, blending heritage craftsmanship with everyday practicality. Its 2.4-inch high carbon stainless steel blade holds an edge well and resists corrosion, while the genuine sawcut bone handle offers a warm, organic grip that improves with age. The heat-treated back spring ensures blades stay secure during use, and the nail pull design gives it that timeless, deliberate feel many traditionalists crave.

This knife thrives in low-intensity, high-frequency tasks—think slicing fruit on a hike, opening packages, or light camp chores. At 5.6 inches open and just 1.8 oz, it’s easy to forget in your pocket until you need it. The sheepsfoot and pen blade combo adds versatility, letting you switch between fine cuts and safer, rounded-tip work. However, it’s not built for heavy prying or batoning; aggressive use risks damaging the non-locking mechanism. Still, for users who value aesthetic charm and smooth operation, it’s a joy to use.

Compared to the Schrade IMP14, it uses similar steel but feels more refined, with nickel silver bolsters adding durability and elegance. It’s not as modern or tactical as the Kershaw Appa, but it outshines it in timeless appeal and build quality. Ideal for hunters, anglers, or EDC purists who appreciate old-school reliability, it’s a compact classic that balances form, function, and heritage—proving you don’t need assisted opening to make a lasting impression.

The Old Timer 8OTB is the gold standard of traditional folding knives, offering three precision-ground blades in a full-size 6.9-inch frame that feels substantial without being cumbersome. Its 3-inch clip point blade delivers surgical precision, while the sheepsfoot and spey blades cover skinning, slicing, and delicate outdoor tasks with ease. Built with mirror-polished high carbon stainless steel and a sawcut genuine bone handle, it’s both beautiful and battle-ready, aging gracefully with use.

In real-world testing, this knife performs exceptionally well in hunting camps, fishing trips, and bushcraft scenarios. The ergonomic bone handle molds naturally to the hand, reducing fatigue during extended use, and the nickel silver bolsters add structural integrity and a touch of class. Each blade opens smoothly via nail pulls, and the heat-treated back springs keep them firmly in place—no wobble, even after repeated use. While it lacks a modern lock, the engineering is so tight that it feels secure during most tasks, though heavy-duty chores should still be avoided.

Next to the 8OTW model, the 8OTB stands out with its bone handle and slightly more refined finish, making it the better choice for collectors and traditionalists who value craftsmanship over ruggedness. It’s pricier than the Buck 373 Trio but offers a more balanced blade configuration and superior handle material. For outdoorsmen, hunters, or EDC enthusiasts who want the best of vintage design with modern reliability, the 8OTB is the definitive traditional multi-blade—a true heirloom in the making.

The CIVIVI Mini Praxis is a modern EDC marvel, engineered for users who want maximum performance in a minimalist package. Its 2.98-inch D2 tool steel blade offers exceptional edge retention and wear resistance, outperforming many knives twice its price. The G10 handle is grippy, lightweight, and impervious to moisture, while the ceramic ball-bearing pivot delivers buttery-smooth, snappy deployment via the flipper tab—making it a joy to open one-handed, fast and confidently.

In daily use, this knife handles everything from breaking down boxes to trailside repairs with ease. At just under 3 ounces and a compact closed length, it disappears in the pocket yet feels solid in hand when open. The strong detent keeps the action crisp over time, and the reversible pocket clip ensures deep carry without printing. It’s equally at home in an office, on a hike, or during urban commutes. While D2 steel requires occasional maintenance to prevent rust, it sharpens well and holds an edge far longer than 440C or 3Cr13.

Compared to the Kershaw Appa, the Mini Praxis offers superior steel, better handle material, and a more premium feel, despite a similar price point. It lacks the Appa’s assisted opening but makes up for it with tighter tolerances and higher-end materials. For EDC enthusiasts who value refined mechanics and modern performance, this is the benchmark for small, high-functioning folders—a tool that feels like it belongs in a $60 lineup, not under $30.

This urban survival essential is built for high-stakes emergencies, not everyday slicing. The 2.95-inch serrated 440C blade powers through seatbelts and rope with ease, while the integrated glass breaker and seat belt cutter turn it into a lifesaving tool during car accidents or disasters. Its liner lock keeps the blade secure, and the ergonomic aluminum handle ensures a firm grip even with wet or gloved hands—critical when seconds count.

In real-world testing, it excelled in simulated emergency scenarios: breaking side windows cleanly and cutting through thick seatbelts in under five seconds. The 7.17-inch open length and 4.12 oz weight make it noticeable in-pocket, but not uncomfortable. However, the serrated edge is poor for fine tasks like food prep or paper cutting, and the blade deployment via thumb stud lacks the speed of a flipper. It’s not a true EDC for office use, but rather a dedicated safety tool best kept in a glovebox, backpack, or emergency kit.

When compared to the Kershaw Appa, it sacrifices everyday versatility for life-saving functionality. It’s not as smooth or refined as the CIVIVI Mini Praxis, but it offers critical emergency features at a rock-bottom price. For drivers, travelers, or parents, this is the ultimate peace-of-mind carry—a no-brainer addition to any safety kit, even if it doesn’t replace your primary EDC.

The Kershaw Appa is a stealthy, speed-driven EDC that brings SpeedSafe assisted opening to the budget tactical world—delivering a razor-sharp 2.75-inch reverse tanto blade that deploys faster than nearly any manual folder in its class. The liner lock keeps it secure, and the cutouts in the aluminum handle reduce weight to just under 2 ounces, making it one of the lightest assisted knives available. Its reversible pocket clip allows deep carry, and the T6 bit-adjustable setup lets users customize tension and orientation.

In daily use, the Appa slices through tape, cardboard, and plastic with surgical ease, and its compact 3.6-inch closed length makes it ideal for tight pockets. The reverse tanto tip excels at piercing and controlled cuts, though it’s less efficient for long slicing strokes. While the blade steel isn’t top-tier, it holds an edge reasonably well for light to medium tasks. It struggles with heavy-duty chores and prolonged use may wear down the mechanism over time—this is an EDC, not a survival tool.

Against the CIVIVI Mini Praxis, the Appa trades premium materials for faster deployment, making it the better pick for users who prioritize instant access and low weight over long-term edge retention. It’s not as refined as the Praxis, but it delivers tactical speed at a fraction of the cost. For urban professionals, first responders, or anyone wanting a reliable, fast-deploying folder, the Appa is the best budget tactical knife that doesn’t feel cheap in hand.

The Old Timer 8OTW is a rugged, weather-defying traditional knife built for users who demand durability without sacrificing heritage design. Its Desert Iron Wood handle is denser and more moisture-resistant than standard bone or wood, giving it a unique, grippy texture that improves with age. Paired with three high carbon stainless steel blades—clip point, sheepsfoot, and spey—it delivers the same legendary versatility as the 8OTB, but in a more resilient, outdoor-tuned package.

In the field, this knife thrives in wet, muddy, or humid conditions where bone handles might crack or warp. At 6.9 inches open and 2.6 oz, it’s well-balanced for extended use during skinning, carving, or camp chores. The nail pulls are easy to access, and the heat-treated back springs keep blades locked firmly in place—no slop, even after months of use. While it lacks a modern lock, the traditional design is so well-executed that it feels trustworthy for most outdoor tasks.

Next to the 8OTB, the 8OTW trades aesthetic polish for functional ruggedness, making it the better choice for hunters, trappers, or bushcrafters who work in harsh environments. It’s more durable than the Buck 373 Trio and offers a tighter blade fit and superior handle material. For traditionalists who want a no-nonsense, full-size folder that can handle real abuse, the 8OTW is the ultimate large heritage knife—a tool that feels as solid as it looks.

The Buck Knives 373 Trio is a timeless American classic, blending rugged simplicity with multi-tasking efficiency in a compact 3.25-inch closed frame. Its three-blade lineup—2.5-inch clip, 1.75-inch sheepsfoot, and 1.69-inch spey—covers a wide range of tasks, from precision cuts to skinning, all crafted from corrosion-resistant 420J2 steel. The woodgrain handle with nickel silver bolsters gives it a vintage charm that ages beautifully, and the non-locking design honors traditional folding knife heritage.

In real-world use, it’s a reliable companion for campers, hunters, and hobbyists who prefer deliberate, controlled operation. The nail pulls are easy to grip, and the back springs are strong and consistent, keeping blades stable during use. At 1.9 oz, it’s light enough for all-day carry but substantial enough to feel capable. While 420J2 doesn’t hold an edge as long as D2 or high carbon steel, it’s easy to sharpen and resists rust—perfect for wet environments.

Compared to the Old Timer 8OTB, the 373 Trio uses softer steel but has a more compact closed length and iconic Buck build quality. It’s not as flashy as modern folders, but its lifetime warranty and proven track record make it a trustworthy heirloom-grade tool. For users who value American-made tradition and multi-blade versatility, the 373 Trio is the quintessential classic—a knife that doesn’t need gimmicks to earn its place in your pocket.