10 Reviews: Best Pocket Knives for the Money (Mar 2023)

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is one of the most popular pocket knives of all time because it is very light and the blade is made of high-quality steel. The combination of these high-quality blade steel and a thin, ultralight handle makes it perfect for everyday carry and for anyone who likes to keep weight to an absolute minimum. Therefore, if you want a knife that is very sharp, easy to carry, and easy to use, the Bugout is probably your best bet.

"Its extremely lightweight to the point I'll forget its there. The blade is probably the sharpest from the factory blade I have ever gotten. The locking mechanism takes maybe about an hour of opening and closing to loosen up. Overall I would buy it again in a heartbeat."

by Bart

The Spyderco Para Military 2 is a must-have for collectors of knives, and for good reason. It is a high-quality knife with a thick blade made of premium steel, a strong compression lock, and burly steel liners. The PM2 also has a big hole on the blade that makes it easy to access with one arm and an ergonomic hold with a good grip. Moreover, the PM2 is a very cool and tough knife. If such a zombie apocalypse comes, the first thing you should grab is your pocket knife.

"This knife comes highly recommended in almost all EDC videos. It is razor sharp and ready to do work right out of the box. The action is smooth and the compression style lock is a treat to interact with. Spyderco has a new fan for life. If you like to customize your knives, this knife is very easy to take apart. Look up flytanium scales and thank me later. If you are on the fence about this knife, go for it! You will not be disappointed."

by jordzzter

It’s easy to see why the Kershaw Fraxion is so popular in the community. It’s made of lightweight carbon fiber and G10 and has the styling cues of a Jens Anso-designed daily carry knife. Moreover, it has a great value for the price, with a total weight of just 2 ounces and an 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with a clip point shape that makes quick work of cutting and slicing tasks. The hollow grind geometry also makes it easy to clean.

"It's a fantastic little knife, opens quick and is extremely light. Much easier to have clipped on your pocket especially for smaller people and woman who may not have as big of pockets."

by Joey

The famous Opinel No. 6 Carbon knife is very cheap, but don’t think that means it’s not good. The super-thin high-carbon steel blade cuts during most things like butter, as long as you take care to keep it from rusting. This is because it rusts quickly if you leave it wet, which is a trade-off for how well it works. Therefore, the classical yataghan shape of a blade allows you to cut cleanly with it in your hand and carve with the tip when you need to.

"I dig these knives. No8 is a great length, feels good in hand. Sharp. Easy to hone blade. Good looking"

by DrJohn

The CJRB Small Feldspar is a great value for the money, with a svelte and inexpensive design that isn’t too tactical but still gives you the top-notch cutting performance you expect from an everyday carry knife. Its drop-point knife is made of tough D2 tool steel, and the traditional thumb studs on the blade make it easy to use with either hand. Moreover, you can wear this on or the other side of your body because the nozzle deep-carry pocket clip is reversible.

"The knife feels super nice in my hand. Lock is great and the blade was super sharp straight out of the box"

by gerard

The original Benchmade Bugout became one of the most popular production knives in recent years. In 2020, they shrunk it even more to make the Mini Bugout, which is a great small EDC knife. In this smaller version, the drop-point blade made of top-quality CPM-S30V stainless steel is only 2.82″ long, and the knife weighs only 1.5 oz, making it one of the lightest folding knives you can carry today. This could be one of the best pocket knives for the money that is destined for you.

"These Benchmade knives are top shelf. The Acis lock is rock solid and the blade is super sharp. Problem is...I like too many of them and can’t decide."

by wudger

The all-black WE Knife Banter looks stealthy and handsome in the hand, making it a good choice for everyday carry users who like a simpler style. And if you look carefully at the handle, you’ll see that it’s made of softly textured G10 handle scales. Therefore, this gives you more handle than the hasps of most modern men’s knives while keeping things clean and not being too rough on your suit pocket as you draw the blade.

"Perfect EDC, size, weight, smooth bearings, fun to open, super sharp, too bad Ben didnt make it ambi for aesthetic reasons. Other than that I cannot find a fault.'

by Scott Chicago

If you were looking to purchase a Gerber knife nowadays, the Fastball would be your best option. It is made from excellent S30V stainless steel and has a Wharncliffe-style blade that retains enough of a point to puncture effectively when necessary. Thus, ball bearings in the pivot of this knife by Gerber’s B.O.S.S. technology allow for a smooth release, and the perfect detent in the handle allows you to open and close it like a light switch.

"I've had this for several months now and it has held up tremendously well. I'm very happy with my purchase and glad I finally splurged for a quality every day carry pocket knife. I expect this one to last."

by Sommer

The SOG Twitch II is an unobtrusive, swiftly deployable, and comfortably carried pocket knife. It is so little and compact that it is scarcely perceptible in your pocket. The Twitch features assisted open, making it enjoyable to unfurl, and it performs effectively when you’re using your blade often. Therefore, the Twitch is a good alternative for anyone in need of a tiny knife as everyday carry due to its excellent value.

"Purchased because it's not a big pocket knife. A little stiff at first but that's to be expected. I was worried about the aluminum handle but no issues. A great little knife and it is the sharpest knife out of the box I have ever purchased."

by Mike M.

The Mini Metal Brutus Self-Defense Knuckles will make it easier than ever to hit an attacker who is coming at you. Just put Brutus on your keychain and use it whenever you feel in danger. It is made of strong stainless steel, and its sharp edges will give your attacker a powerful punch. On top of that, it has a hidden 1.25-inch blade that opens with the help of a trigger and can be used for everyday cutting tasks or as an extra layer of protection. Therefore, this product is small and easy to use as a weapon.

"Very sharp and can pack a mean punch ! Ladies get it now."

by Zola M.