Folding knife, penknife, jackknife, EDC, or whatever you call it, can be very helpful in a lot of ways. Thanks to its retractable blade that can serve you a variety of purposes, you have a multi-purpose instrument ideal for a handful of different tasks. From peeling fruits and vegetables to cutting twines or opening packages, it is undeniable how easier life could be with such a handy tool.
Folding knives nowadays however come in vast options to choose from. They are now equipped with other features that will allow you to do more things. How awesome that could be, right?
Well, if you are in need of one, let us join you in your search by starting with these bad boys we rated and ranked for your convenience. Considered for the number of their features, versatility, quality, and durability, we know that this review will be a fun read to you. So, take time enjoying and weighing on each item and we hope you’ll find the one that will satisfy you! (And we’re more than sure you will!)
So to start the quest of finding the most amazing folding knife on the market with all the possible add-ons that could be helpful for you, here are your best five options!
Best Folding Knives Comparison & Rating
1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife
Weight | 2.4 ounces |
Open Length | 7.1 inches |
Blade Length | 3.1 inches |
Blade Point | Clip Point |
Yes, Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S doesn’t have all the add-on features a fancy knife could have but listen: it is the MOST CONVENIENT of all. And since the main purpose of a foldable knife is to serve you the uttermost comfort you need, we have this bad boy for our top spot. Besides the good looks, we’re really going crazy over the ergonomic patterns of its handle: the texture, the shape, and everything! It just makes you feel it is an extension of your hand whenever you hold it. And the result: a great utility knife that doubles as a powerful self-defense instrument! Another is that it is impressively sharp. It is evident even in its serrated portion. Also, great, great, great build. Just excellent. The clip is made of heavy-duty material and it is screwed into the frame. The entirety of SWA24S also has a good weight which translates to the solid construction. Nonetheless, it is lightweight enough to make a great discreet pocketknife. And when you open it, you’ll feel the balance towards the center. What does it mean? A relevant mark of a great knife! Oh, there’s so much more to say but to sum it all - YOU NEED TO HAVE THIS!
2. RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool Folding Knife
Weight | 7.76 ounces |
Open Length | 7.6 inches |
Blade Length | 3.15 inches |
Blade Point | Spey Point |
Okay, this is probably what you’re waiting for: a multi-purpose pocket knife. Well, we can’t blame you for it is a true winner for those who want to have the best value out of their purchase. This RoverTac knife has everything you need: pliers handle, bit sleeve, bottle opener, screwdriver bit adapter, slotter screwdriver, batch screwdriver, can opener, wire cutter, regular pliers, needle nose pliers, serrated knife, and a sharp knife. You see, this is like an all-in-one purchase, as if you bought an entire package of a toolbox with all the tools you need inside it. It even comes with screwdriver bits! So, imagine our happiness upon personally ordering this and opening our package. Just wow! This makes it perfect for camper and other individuals who love the life outside. With this multi-purpose folding knife, you have EVERYTHING you need when you are out!
3. TAC Force Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife
Weight | 4.8 ounces |
Open Length | 8 3/8 inches |
Blade Length | 3 1/4 inches |
Blade Point | Drop Point |
Well, the first thing you would love about this knife is its look: cool, rugged, and undeniably hypnotizing. It has the basic points you need: a sharp blade that is legitimately super sharp and means business and it is easy to open. Nonetheless, you probably think that it looks like a skeleton-style knife that would never outweigh a knife with 9 or 10 other tools, but - boy- you’re wrong. Behind the hollow appearance of this TAC Force folding knife are numbers of other tools! Bottle opener, screwdriver, serrated knife, and emergency hammer. But how can they all hide inside this knife without being noticed? The secret is inside the knife’s great construction. Each edge, each hole, each curve of this knife serves a purpose. Amazing? Yes, it is! What can we say but this knife isn’t just uniquely minimalistic, but it is designed in the best possible way. When you purchase this one, we will bet our dollar that you’ll spend an hour marveling at its beauty.
4. Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife
![Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife, Fine Edge, Stainless Steel [22-48485]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21uRzQEkAfL._SL500_.jpg "Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife, Fine Edge, Stainless Steel [22-48485]")
Weight | 1.4 ounces |
Open Length | 5.25 inches |
Blade Length | 2.22 inches |
Blade Point | Clip Point |
Simplicity and inconspicuousness. This is the main purpose of this knife. If you are someone looking for a flashy knife with all the bells and whistles of a fancy-looking knife, this is not for you. If you are looking for a folding knife that can pass light security inspections, this is the one. Lightweight. Open frame. Extremely short. It has all the perfect ingredients to be a pocketable EDC knife. Behind its size nonetheless hides a very reliable blade that can cut effectively a plethora of materials, be it paper, plastic, leather, and so on. That said, a great buy if you just intend to use it for emergencies and other light tasks outdoors.
5. Gerber EAB 31-000345 Lite Pocket Knife
![Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife [31-000345],White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31OozwcHPdL._SL500_.jpg "Gerber EAB Lite Pocket Knife [31-000345],White")
Weight | 2.5 ounces |
Open Length | 5.10 inches |
Blade Length | 1.5 inches |
Blade Point | Clip Point |
There is no doubt that when it comes to the production of tiny foldable knives, Gerber is in the lead. The brand proves it again with the genius design of EAB 31-000345 Lite. While it looks like just a typical teeny-tiny knife, it has a surprise that will mesmerize you: REPLACEABLE blades. Yes, you just read that right. So, imagine having a knife with a blade you can always replace whenever it gets dull. A-M-A-zing. You don’t need to purchase a knife sharpener or punish yourself by sharpening it. As long as you have a supply of 2-1/4-inch contractor grade or standard size utility blades, this folding knife will remain forever. Verdict: practical, intelligent design, and CLEVER.
Best Folding Knives - Buyer's Guide
When buying a folding knife, it is ideal to consider the shape of the blade. Keep in mind that beyond aesthetics, the shape of the blades will help you perform specific tasks easier as each shape serves specific purposes. For instance, a drop-point blade is ideal for everyday and survival tasks while a tanto blade is designed for defensive purposes.
We buy folding knives for almost the same reason: convenience. The size of the knife contributes to this. Picking a larger folding knife will help you do more. However, keeping them in pockets can sometimes be problematic. On the other hand, smaller folding knives can be more discreet but due to the limited size of their blades, they can only be used for specific types of tasks.
Folding knives can be very dangerous, especially if you have children at home. With this, it is best to have models that offer a variety of features that will assure safety when you are using the blades or when they are stored. Look for those that come with locks and ergonomic handles that will help you prevent accidents. However, keep in mind that the said features are commonly present only in the medium to larger sizes of folding knives.
Gone are the days that folding knives are just simple knives. Nowadays, most models come with other add-ons and various features which add more value to your purchase. So, if you want to get the best out of your dollars, get the folding knife with other tools included. However, this is not necessary for everyone. If you think you won’t be using most of the tools included, it is better to go for a model that offers simplicity and straightforward use.
Best Folding Knives - FAQs
A folding knife must at least have a 5 to a 15-centimeter length blade. This enables the blade to perform an average number of tasks from cutting tapes and vines to self-defense purposes.
There are some places that forbid individuals to carry weapons publicly. This includes folding knives even if it means self-defense. Some of them include some states in Australia, UK, and some states in the US.
Folding knives or pocket knives save you from unexpected tasks outdoors. They are ideal for camping which oftentimes requires cutting activities from cooking to tent preparation. Folding knives can also serve as self-defense weapons that can save you from dangers.
Blunt blades of knives always have a tendency to slip which could result in injury. They also use more pressure to cut. This means that when they cut, you have less control over the push of the blade since there is a great amount of force behind it.
