Having a pocket knife on you is always useful. It can help and save you in many situations: camping, hunting, fishing, cooking... However, faced with the plethora of models that compete in design and ergonomics, finding the best pocket knife is not an easy task. That's why we've written this comprehensive comparison.
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Our selection
"Do you do a lot of outdoor activities? Take your BearCraft Folding Knife with you wherever you go. Despite its simple design, it features a…"
"The GVDV folding knife has an irresistible look. Its 7CR17 stainless steel blade is finely decorated, with an exceptional sharpness. As a hunting knife or…"
"The Spyderco Tenacious C122GP features a 8.3 cm folding blade made of 8CR13Mov steel. You can only appreciate its sharpness and its robustness. The opening…"
"Looking for a nice multi-purpose pocket knife? We recommend the Victorinox V13703.B1. It can indeed accompany you during your trips (camping, hiking, mountaineering...)."
"An emblematic model, the Opinel N° 08 pocket knife is one of the best in its range. The object seems simple, but robust and very…"
Do you do a lot of outdoor activities? Take your BearCraft Folding Knife with you wherever you go. Despite its simple design, it features a folding blade, belt cutter and glass cutter.
23,16 £ on AmazonThe BearCraft Folding Knife is very versatile. Made of carbon and featuring a sharp 5cr13mov stainless steel blade, this model has a belt cutter built right into the handle. A glass breaker is strategically placed at the back of the handle. You are therefore well prepared to face any accidental situation. Note that only one hand is needed to open it thanks to its reversal function.
The BearCraft Folding Pocket Knife is made of high quality materials. Its wooden shaft adopts an ergonomic shape that makes it much easier to grip. The part between the blade and the handle is made of carbon. This gives the knife incredible strength and durability. As far as carrying is concerned, this model has a belt clip that has been screwed on 3 times. It is 12.5 cm long and weighs only 141 g.
The GVDV folding knife has an irresistible look. Its 7CR17 stainless steel blade is finely decorated, with an exceptional sharpness. As a hunting knife or survival knife, this model will please.
15,18 £ on AmazonNice piece of cutlery that this GVDV ! Sold with a sharpening stone, it will do perfectly well as a hunting or survival knife. Equipped with an ultra resistant 7CR17 stainless steel blade, thick and sharp, it weighs well. You immediately feel that you are holding a quality object.
The opening is done without the slightest hitch, notably thanks to the easy-to-remove safety catch. The sobriety and the quality of the wooden handle accentuate the impression of general quality. Finally, the undulating patterns on the blade are of the most beautiful effect.
The Spyderco Tenacious C122GP features a 8.3 cm folding blade made of 8CR13Mov steel. You can only appreciate its sharpness and its robustness. The opening system is easy.
64,18 £ on AmazonThe Spyderco Tenacious C122GP measures 19.7 cm and has a 8.3 cm blade. You will be seduced by the quality and sharpness of this 8Cr13MoV steel blade. The handle, very ergonomic, is made of G10. This pocket knife can be used in various fields, from fine cutting to rough work.
You can store it easily as it folds and unfolds without difficulty. The Spyderco Tenacious C122GP stands out from the competition thanks to its low weight of 115g. It perfectly meets the needs of those who are looking for a cutting tool that is both light and practical. Its greatest advantage is its great robustness.
Looking for a nice multi-purpose pocket knife? We recommend the Victorinox V13703.B1. It can indeed accompany you during your trips (camping, hiking, mountaineering...).
24 £ on AmazonThis Victorinox V13703.B1 Swiss Army Knife has nothing to envy to the high end models. It is certainly the lightest of this comparison with its 41 g. With a length of 9.1 cm, it provides some practical tools such as tweezers, toothpick, multi-purpose hooks or the corkscrew.
The shell of the Victorinox V13703.B1 was designed with high density ABS plastic, giving it an increased resistance. Very appreciated by climbing and hiking enthusiasts, this pocket knife offers a very pleasant grip with, among other things, an easy opening.
An emblematic model, the Opinel N° 08 pocket knife is one of the best in its range. The object seems simple, but robust and very effective. You will be impressed by the excellent hold of its cutting edge.
21,60 £ on AmazonThe pocket knife remains functional although it can be given as a gift to a connoisseur and serve as a collector's item. The particularity of this model lies in its ability to reduce friction with the material to be cut. Its blade has a curved profile, a design that sets it apart from models with flat blades and makes it rather robust. There is no risk of it becoming brittle even if you resharpen it regularly.
The Opinel N° 08 is essentially composed of a carbon steel blade and a beech wood handle. As a closing pocket knife, it is equipped with a Virobloc safety ring, exclusive to the brand. This additional option ensures that the blade is effectively locked in the open position, but also locked in the closed position. To ensure that the knife is not subject to corrosion, remember to dry the blade well and then grease it after each use.
The Morpilot Folding Pocket Knife will serve you in many ways. Apart from hunting, it will also be useful for camping, hiking, rescue and everyday life.
16,79 £ on AmazonThe Morpilot Folding Pocket Knife has a very elegant design. It features a 3CR13 stainless steel blade, a material known for its sturdiness, solidity and high resistance to oxidation, wear and rust. It gives you the ability to slice, cut and even carve different types of materials with exceptional reliability and precision. The knife can handle paper, leather, wood...
It can be said that it is quite light since it weighs only 220 g. When folded, the Morpilot pocket knife measures only 12 cm. Unfolded, its total length reaches 21 cm, the length of the blade being 8.5 cm. Because of these dimensions, it will be discreet in a backpack or in a pocket. Being able to integrate a survival kit, this model can be adopted in all situations since it can play the role of a chef's knife, a sheath knife, a fishing knife, a hunting knife, etc.
An excellent pocket knife that you can't go wrong with, the Spyderco SC101GP2 will be perfect for helping you with various everyday tasks. It has a CPM-S30V steel blade, robust and durable.
109 £ on AmazonIn addition to the quality of its steel blade, the Spyderco SC101GP2 is also characterized by its ball bearing lock system. The handle of the pocket knife reaches 12 cm and is made of a robust material that is G10. This American made model is a real reference in terms of efficiency and solidity.
The Spyderco Manix 2 pocket knife is foldable, which means that it can meet even the most demanding requirements. It slips easily into your pocket. When closed, it is only 11.74 cm long. It is particularly suitable for campers and hikers, but can also be used by any adult. This accessory is suitable for all situations, at home or in the wild.
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| THE BEST | LESS EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | Multifunctional | Very good | Tactical | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
BearCraft Folding Knife
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GVDV HM-001
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Spyderco Tenacious C122GP
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Victorinox V13703.B1
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Opinel N° 08
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Morpilot folding pocket knife
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Spyderco SC101GP2
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Do you do a lot of outdoor activities? Take your BearCraft Folding Knife with you wherever you go. Despite its simple design, it features a folding blade, belt cutter and glass cutter.
|
The GVDV folding knife has an irresistible look. Its 7CR17 stainless steel blade is finely decorated, with an exceptional sharpness. As a hunting knife or survival knife, this model will please.
|
The Spyderco Tenacious C122GP features a 8.3 cm folding blade made of 8CR13Mov steel. You can only appreciate its sharpness and its robustness. The opening system is easy.
|
Looking for a nice multi-purpose pocket knife? We recommend the Victorinox V13703.B1. It can indeed accompany you during your trips (camping, hiking, mountaineering...).
|
An emblematic model, the Opinel N° 08 pocket knife is one of the best in its range. The object seems simple, but robust and very effective. You will be impressed by the excellent hold of its cutting edge.
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The Morpilot Folding Pocket Knife will serve you in many ways. Apart from hunting, it will also be useful for camping, hiking, rescue and everyday life.
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An excellent pocket knife that you can't go wrong with, the Spyderco SC101GP2 will be perfect for helping you with various everyday tasks. It has a CPM-S30V steel blade, robust and durable.
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Blade material
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Stainless steel 5cr13mov
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7Cr17 stainless steel
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8CR13Mov
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Stainless steel
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Carbon stainless steel
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Stainless steel 3CR13
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Alloy steel CPM-S30V
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Handle material
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Carbon and wood
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Steel and wood
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G10
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ABS/Cellidor
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Beech wood
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-
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Glass-reinforced plastic G-10
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Overall length/blade length
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21 cm/8.5 cm
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20 cm/8.5 cm
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19.7 cm/8.3 cm
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9.1 cm/-
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19 cm/8.5 cm
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21 cm/8 cm
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20 cm/8.6 cm
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Weight
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141 g
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210 g
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80 g
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82 g
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220 g
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220 g
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139 g
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Features
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Equipped with glass breaker and belt cutter, nylon bag (case)
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Back latch ejects blade, sharpening stone
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Thumb opening, manual Linerlock closure
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14 functions, lifetime warranty
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Wooden box with case
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Durable, strong, anti-oxidant, equipped with a corkscrew
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Opens with one hand
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Available in 3 versions, the pocket knife can be single-bladed, multi-function (Swiss Army knife) or multi-bladed.
For those looking for discretion and lightness, prefer the pocket knife with a small blade (less than 7 cm long). However, we would like to point out that this type of model will certainly not help you butcher a game animal. Blades between 7 and 10 cm in length are considered medium-sized while beyond that, you will be in front of a large blade.
The higher the quality of the blade, the more effective it will be. In most cases, it is made of stainless steel, a material that is both durable and resistant. However, for optimal strength, you can choose between carbon steel or stainless steel. Note that carbon steel is very popular in the hunting industry. There are also blades with a 12% chromium content, which makes them even harder and more resistant to corrosion. Damascus steel blades, on the other hand, are more for collectors.
Whatever the level of pressure exerted on the pocket knife, its handle must remain in the same robust state as in the early days. It ensures ease of grip and unparalleled comfort. In this sense, several materials can be used in its design, including :
Stainless steel, rubber or even titanium are also interesting options.
The current pocket knives will offer you 3 opening modes namely: manual, automatic or assisted. The manual system being the most common and the safest, it integrates most of the multi-blade and multi-function models. The automatic mechanism, on the other hand, is a little too dangerous because the blade can come out spontaneously if you inadvertently press the opening button. The assisted opening system requires a little effort on your part to get the blade out. In addition, the locking system, which prevents the blade from accidentally closing, varies from brand to brand. The lock can be activated before using the knife.
It is possible to sharpen the blade of your pocket knife in various ways, but the most common is the use of a sharpening stone. It comes in different models and its choice depends on the dimensions of your knife. Once you have chosen the best sharpening angle, you will have a clear idea of the cutting capacity of your blade. Note that the larger the stone, the less the performance of the tool.
With an oil stone, you must lubricate it before each use. Be sure to angle the knife so that it is sharpened on the side with the thickest grain. Then slide the blade in the direction of its edge. Press lightly on the structure while avoiding the appearance of morfil. In the case of a double-edged blade, perform the same operation on the other side. All finishing work must be done on the other side of the oilstone.
There are 3 main types of pocket knives, but single blade and multi-function models are the most popular.
The single-blade pocket knife comes in a variety of shapes. Its main advantage is its simplicity of use and quality of design
. Thanks to its opening and locking system, it has all the necessary ability to cope with many situations. Some models are equipped with a spring-loaded opening mechanism (quick opening). However, it should be noted that this type of blade lacks versatility. Indeed, although robust, you will not be able to use it to saw wood or even to trim it.
Of ultra-compact size, the multifunction pocket knife or Swiss Army knife puts at your disposal a multitude of functionalities. Thanks to its various integrated tools, it is able to help you perform various tasks such as opening a can or a bottle of wine, unscrewing, sawing wood... It adapts to all situations and accompanies you everywhere thanks to its easy storage. Most models come with a few blades, a saw, a file, a toothpick, etc. Initially designed for the military, it is now a must for any hiker, camper, handyman...
With a multi-blade pocket knife, one tool is enough to do the work of 2 to 4 knives. The articulated blades are integrated into a single handle. Each one is used completely independently so you don't have to change knives frequently. On the other hand, it is less resistant and less durable than the single blade knife.
Also known as a penknife, the folding pocket knife is very practical. The blade folds into the handle for easy carrying and storage. In addition to being smaller and therefore easier to carry, the pocket knife avoids any risk of injury without using a sheath. You could pull it out in one quick motion to cut a sandwich or make a small cut in wood when you're tinkering.
Its blade has a limited length. It is usually less than 15 cm. As a result, certain tasks that require a fairly long blade will require more effort with a penknife. To be comfortable to use, the pocket knife must also have a very effective blade locking system, which is not always the case with all models available on the market.
The fixed blade knife is the most common knife in our kitchens. It is easy to use and can cut almost anything as long as it is sharp. The length of the blade is not limited either, which makes it even more adaptable to different uses.
This type of knife, unless it is very small, can be bulky. It is therefore not very easy to carry in a bag or in a trouser pocket. A sheath will also be essential to prevent the blade from cutting everything it touches.
The choice will depend mainly on the use. In the kitchen, a knife with a fixed blade is more than sufficient for cutting food. However, if you like to tinker or if you use a knife for your hobbies outside the kitchen, the pocket knife is more suitable. You could carry it much more easily without the risk of cutting yourself. Even better, the pocket knife can also be used in the kitchen.
Many people have decided to equip themselves with pocket knives. Others are still hesitating as to the real usefulness of this equipment. However, having a pocket knife on you is particularly advantageous in many situations.
Outdoor leisure activities
The pocket knife is a must for fishing and hunting enthusiasts. The accessory has been democratized among outdoor enthusiasts. Just for food preparation, the pocket knife helps to cut and peel food. While camping, it can be used to cut branches or to do some simple repairs. Its portable profile will be its best asset since the pocket knife can be carried much more easily than a fixed blade knife.
Do-it-yourself
It is not obvious to many people, but the pocket knife is very useful for DIYers. It is used to help out with small adjustments or small cutting jobs on more or less flexible materials. It is much safer than a fixed blade knife. Indeed, when the blade is closed, the risks of cutting when the knife is placed in the toolbox are less important.
Safety
The pocket knife is not initially designed for self-defense. However, in urgent or even extreme situations, taking out a pocket knife can help you defend yourself. Having this type of accessory on you can therefore be decisive. Better still, it won't be cumbersome.
A timeless accessory
The pocket knife has never been at the top of the trend, but it has never been out of fashion. On the contrary, it is one of those small, discreet accessories that, thanks to its functionality, appeals to many. The pocket knife has been used by everyone from the young to the old. In fact, it is used everywhere in everyday life, whether it is to peel a piece of fruit while eating lunch at work or to fully engage in outdoor activities.
In our opinion, the best brands of pocket knives in 2022 are :
Claiming to be the inventor of the famous Swiss Army knife, Victorinox and Wenger is the only producer in the world. The brand enjoys a worldwide reputation and is famous for its pieces of impressive quality, finesse and precision.
Spyderco has a major asset, that of being a supplier of equipment for the US army and police. This alone is proof of its expertise in the manufacture of knives of all kinds.
GVDV arrived more recently on the pocket knife market and quickly built a solid reputation by offering models whose efficiency is equalled only by their finesse and quality. The brand is growing rapidly, especially on the Internet.
Tacklife is one of the leading DIY and gardening tools and equipment companies in the United States. The brand offers a wide range of products, including popular lines of pocket knives.
Buck has been making knives since 1902 and is one of the leading names on the market. The brand has even given its name to the generic name of a very popular folding knife system. For many connoisseurs, Buck is synonymous with quality and innovation.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Lubricate your knife.
Always keep the pivot of your knife well lubricated. Do not use WD-40 lubricant. Over time, your knife will become dirty.
Do not heat the knife.
Don'
t run your knife through a grinder to sharpen it. You will heat the metal with the friction. Blades are heat treated at the right temperature to improve the molecular structure of the steel. If you ruin the heat treatment, the knife will not last long.
Never keep your knife in a leather sheath for long-term storage.
Do
not use a leather sheath to store your knife. Because leather can store oil residue that will damage the knife over time.
Do not try to open a broken lock with the blade of a knife.
This
tip seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many injuries occur this way. At the very least, give this task to someone who is good with their hands and will have a better handle on the situation.
Clean your knife.
If
your blade is really dirty, soak a rag in a little soapy water and clean it. Soap will not harm your knife as long as you rinse it well and dry it well after cleaning. Always dry your knife VERY thoroughly. Do not immerse your knife completely in water, it will be easier to dry it afterwards. Water can damage the leather handles, so keep them dry. If it's a folding knife, keep the inside clean. Use a can of compressed air to clean the lint from the pocket.
The best pocket knife depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
Carrying a knife, whether it is a pocket knife or not (regardless of its locking mechanism and the size of its blade), is formally prohibited in the UK, especially in public. It is indeed a white weapon classified in category D.
Yes, the Opinel knife, carried in public places, is listed as a knife.
Yes, you will only need to use the hiking pocket knife for recreational purposes. Avoid taking it with you to public places or during a public event.
This is an operation carried out with the aim of giving a cutting angle to the blade of the pocket knife. This allows the manufacturer to refine a part of the blade on the cutting edge.
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