Compare Folding Knives

Folding Knives

/folding-knives/ Updated 2025-11-12

Pocket knives are among the most versatile tools you can own, but not all are built to last. If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting pocket knife, it pays to look beyond flashy designs and focus on what really matters: blade steel quality, corrosion resistance, lock strength, and ease of maintenance. The best pocket knives balance sharpness retention with sharpening ease, offer reliable carry options, and use serviceable parts that can be maintained or replaced over time. In this guide, we break down the key aspects—like ergonomics, deployment, and spare parts availability—that separate a budget blade from an heirloom-worthy tool. Whether you want a pocket knife for camping, everyday carry, or work, this shopper’s guide will help you choose a knife that stays sharp, safe, and reliable for decades.

Compare the Best of the Best

Benchmade

Benchmade - Bugout 535 EDC Knife

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Scored 69.2 with a medium confidence from 14 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Kershaw

Kershaw Link Folding Pocket Knife

View on Amazon Review
Scored 67.1 with a high confidence from 6 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Chris Reeve Knives

Chris Reeve Knives Large Sebenza 31

View on Amazon Review
Scored 64.8 with a medium confidence from 11 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Spyderco

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife

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Scored 59.6 with a medium confidence from 7 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Fällkniven

Fällkniven TK4 Fine Edge Folding Knife

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Scored 56.1 with a medium confidence from 9 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Benchmade - Bugout 535 EDC Knife
Kershaw Link Folding Pocket Knife
Chris Reeve Knives Large Sebenza 31
Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife
Fällkniven TK4 Fine Edge Folding Knife
Brand 50.0%
  • PRO Earned BLADE Show 2023 "American-Made Knife of the Year" for the Narrows, signaling peer recognition in the industry.
  • CON Customers pay inbound shipping for LifeSharp and warranty service except in limited post-service windows.
Brand 50.0%
  • PRO Kershaw is a brand of Kai USA Ltd., part of Japan’s Kai Group (founded 1908), indicating deep corporate backing and multi-brand portfolio (Kershaw, ZT, Shun, Kai Housewares).
  • CON Brand materials emphasize innovation and performance but provide limited concrete commitments to sustainability or right-to-repair beyond warranty service.
Brand 50.0%
  • PRO Widely recognized for manufacturing quality; has won Blade Show’s Manufacturing Quality Award multiple times.
  • CON Small-batch production and persistent multi-year backlogs may constrain capacity.
Brand 50.0%
  • PRO Spyderco is credited with pioneering key folding-knife innovations—pocket clip, serrated edge, one-hand opening—transforming the industry
Brand 50.0%
  • PRO Founded in 1984; acknowledged as one of Sweden’s foremost knife specialists; holder of a Royal Warrant since 1999.
  • CON No explicit sustainability framework beyond product longevity is presented (e.g., repair-rights statement, recycled materials policy).
Warranty 76.1%
  • PRO Plain-language support articles publicly detail coverage, process, and timelines.
  • CON Excluded unless a factory defect is confirmed: misuse/neglect, cosmetic wear, and knives disassembled or altered outside guidelines.
Warranty 61.0%
  • PRO Warranty terms are clearly published in plain language on the official site.
  • CON Exclusions include normal wear, rust, improper use, maintenance, accidents, loss, theft, and modifications.
Warranty 71.0%
  • PRO Full warranty terms are published on CRK’s website and are reasonably well organized.
  • CON Excludes lost or consumable parts like screws, washers, hardware unless failure is due to defect.
Warranty 64.1%
  • PRO Warranty terms are published in plain language and easily accessible on Spyderco’s website.
  • CON Excludes damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, improper handling, alterations, improper sharpening, normal wear, or unauthorized repairs.
Warranty 61.8%
  • PRO Warranty policy is publicly available online with clear plain-language terms and contact information.
  • CON Normal wear to blade tip/edge is excluded unless proven material defect.
Durability 74.7%
  • PRO S30V is a stainless steel with good corrosion resistance per Benchmade’s steel guidance.
  • CON Blades, scales, springs, and internal lock components are factory-only repairs and not supplied to customers.
Durability 85.5%
  • PRO Uses CPM 20CV, a high chromium stainless super-steel known for exceptional corrosion resistance.
Durability 68.3%
  • PRO Uses the Reeve Integral Lock (a robust frame/lockbar design) with improved interface (ceramic ball) for longer wear.
  • CON No published lab endurance test data on pivot lifespan over hundreds of thousands of cycles.
Durability 79.6%
  • PRO Uses Spyderco’s Compression Lock mechanism, known for extreme strength, reliability, and one-hand safety.
Durability 68.6%
  • PRO Laminated 3G is described as an anticorrosive stainless steel.
  • CON No information on pivot adjustability, washer/bearing type, or service schedule.
Fixability 69.5%
  • PRO Benchmade ships free small parts for self-repair (clip & screws, handle screws, male pivot screw, thumb stud) for current models.
  • CON Knives disassembled or altered outside Benchmade guidelines are not covered; many internal parts are factory-only repairs.
Fixability 53.5%
  • PRO Uses standard Torx screws and bolt-together construction allowing user servicing.
  • CON No clear evidence found regarding availability of spare parts such as screws or clips.
Fixability 68.0%
  • PRO Numerous long-term reviews note that users repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the Sebenza without dimensional drift or loosening.
  • CON Consumable parts (screws, washers) are excluded from warranty unless failure due to defect—implying user may need to purchase parts.
Fixability 23.8%
  • PRO CPM S45VN offers a good balance of edge retention and sharpenability suitable for common tools.
Fixability 35.6%
  • PRO Manufacturer offers a factory regrinding service to restore edge geometry when thickened.
  • CON Product photos/specs show no user-adjustable pivot or mention of disassembly; not designed for routine user teardown.
Function 75.6%
  • PRO Includes reversible deep-carry pocket clip; ambidextrous left/right tip-up carry.
  • CON Handle can feel plasticky and ultra-thin scales may flex; inner edges can feel slightly unfinished under pressure.
Function 85.8%
  • PRO Edge retention is excellent; ranked ~89% sharpness retained after tough testing.
  • CON Carry orientation is limited to tip-up and cannot switch to tip-down.
Function 66.5%
  • PRO Long-term reviews praise the handle shape, grip, and contours as comfortable over extended use.
  • CON Clip is not deep-carry, so the knife rides relatively high in pocket.
Function 80.7%
  • PRO Compression Lock and round hole enable smooth, reliable one-handed opening without placing fingers in the blade path.
  • CON Some users note the handle’s edges may feel boxy or sharp in prolonged use compared to other models.
Function 64.2%
  • PRO 3G laminated steel with SGPS core at ~62 HRC is designed for long edge retention; manufacturer literature describes outstanding edge holding.
  • CON No pocket clip supplied for TK4; manufacturer pocket clips listed are for other models.

See details on our Scoring Method.

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Folding Knives Shopper's Guide

Pocket knives are more than just handy tools—they’re everyday companions that can last decades if you choose wisely. Whether you carry one for camping, work, or daily utility, the difference between a cheap knife and an heirloom-quality pocket knife often comes down to materials, construction, and serviceability. This guide breaks down the key aspects to look for so you can invest in a knife that won’t just perform today, but for years to come.

What Matters Most for Durability

When it comes to longevity, blade steel quality is at the top of the list. A knife with high-carbon stainless steel in the 58–62 HRC range will hold its edge longer while resisting chips and cracks. Equally important is corrosion resistance—a knife that rusts after a few weeks of use won’t serve you well outdoors. Don’t overlook lock strength and pivot wear, since a blade that fails to lock securely or develops play at the hinge becomes unsafe over time.

Repairability and Fixability

Even the best knives need maintenance. Blade sharpening ease matters—some steels hold an edge forever but are a nightmare to resharpen without specialized equipment. Look for a balance that lets you restore a sharp edge with common tools. Service-friendly designs with standard screws mean you can clean or adjust the knife without damaging it. And if you plan on keeping your knife for the long haul, check whether spare parts (like clips, screws, or washers) are readily available.

Everyday Function and Comfort

A knife that lasts also needs to be pleasant to use. Blade sharpness retention ensures you’re not constantly sharpening between tasks. Ergonomics—how comfortable the handle feels in your hand—make a huge difference during long use. Carry choices like deep-pocket clips or sheaths affect how convenient the knife is to bring everywhere, while blade deployment should be smooth, consistent, and safe.

Trade-Offs to Consider

  • Harder steels stay sharp longer but may be more brittle or harder to sharpen.
  • Coated blades resist rust but can show wear and scratches.
  • Complex locks offer strength but can be harder to service than simple back locks.

How to Spot a Knife That Lasts

  • Look for detailed steel specifications, not just vague “stainless steel.”
  • Choose knives with proven lock designs and tested durability.
  • Favor brands that publish part availability or offer lifetime service options.

In short, the best pocket knives balance toughness, serviceability, and real-world usability. When you weigh steel quality, lock design, and the ability to maintain or repair the knife, you’ll find tools that don’t just cut—they last.