Best Folding Knife for Outdoor Activities

A folding knife is an essential tool for many outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. It is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of tasks, from preparing food to cutting through rope and other materials. Folding knives are also popular among everyday carry enthusiasts, as they are compact and easy to carry around.

When it comes to choosing the best folding knife, there are a few critical factors to consider. The type of blade material, handle material, and locking mechanism are all important features to look for. The blade material should be strong and durable, while the handle material should provide a comfortable and secure grip. The locking mechanism should be reliable and easy to use, ensuring that the blade stays securely in place when in use.

At our team, we spent hours researching and testing various folding knives to identify the best ones on the market. We looked at a range of factors, including blade material, handle material, locking mechanism, and overall design. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best folding knife and provide a detailed analysis of each one. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an everyday carry enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.

Best Folding Knives

We know that finding the perfect folding knife can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve done the research and tested out various folding knives to bring you our list of the best ones out there. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a hunter, or just in need of a reliable everyday carry knife, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

1) Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Black

We highly recommend the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Black for those looking for a reliable everyday carry knife.

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Black is a reliable and sturdy knife that is perfect for everyday carry. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand heavy use and remain sharp for a long time. Its convenient pocket clip, finger flipper, and ambidextrous thumb knobs make it easy to access and use, while the liner lock ensures the blade will not slip, providing confidence and safety during use.

One downside to this knife is that the blade may be a bit stiff at first, but with use, it should loosen up. Additionally, the serrations may not be suitable for all tasks, and the knife may be a bit heavy for some users. However, overall, the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Black is a great choice for those in need of a reliable everyday carry knife.

2) CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife

If you’re looking for a compact and reliable folding knife, the CIVIVI Mini Praxis is a great option.

We’ve found that the CIVIVI Mini Praxis is a great knife for everyday carry. The blade is made from strong and durable D2 steel, which provides excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The G10 handle is smooth to the touch and provides a comfortable grip, even in wet or cold conditions.

One of the standout features of the Mini Praxis is the ceramic ball-bearing pivot construction, which allows for quick and snappy one-handed flipper deployment and smooth closing action. The detent is strong, ensuring that the knife will maintain crisp, snappy action for a lifetime of use.

While the knife may be smaller than expected, it’s still a great option for those who prefer a compact and lightweight knife for everyday use. However, the blade may require frequent sharpening with frequent use, so it may not be the best option for heavy-duty tasks.

Overall, we would recommend the CIVIVI Mini Praxis for anyone in need of a reliable and compact folding knife for everyday use.

3) CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife

If you’re looking for a compact and sturdy folding knife that can handle everyday tasks with ease, the CIVIVI Mini Praxis is an excellent choice.

We were impressed with the CIVIVI Mini Praxis during our testing. The blade was sharp and held its edge well, even after extended use. The handle was comfortable to grip and provided excellent traction, even in wet or slippery conditions. The knife opened smoothly and quickly, with a strong detent that ensured snappy action over time.

One thing to note is that the blade length of 2.98 inches may be too short for some users who need a longer blade for certain tasks. Additionally, the pocket clip may be too tight for some users, making it difficult to attach or remove from a pocket or belt loop. Finally, the blade shape may not be suitable for some users who prefer a different style of blade.

Overall, we would recommend the CIVIVI Mini Praxis to anyone looking for a compact and sturdy folding knife that can handle everyday tasks with ease.

4) Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Folding Knife

If you’re looking for a reliable and portable folding knife, the Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Folding Knife may be a good option for you.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Folding Knife, and we were impressed with its performance. The blade is incredibly sharp and can easily cut through wood, paper, plastic, and aluminum without going blunt. The drop-point blade design makes it versatile for various cutting tasks.

The G10 handle is designed for functionality, providing an anti-slip and easy grip even in wet conditions. The thumb studs are perfectly dialed-in, making it easy to open and close the knife with one hand.

The knife comes with a sharpening stone and a carrying case, making it a complete kit for outdoor enthusiasts. The carrying case is durable and keeps the knife safe and always at hand. The knife also makes for an attractive gift, as it comes in an attractive gift box.

Overall, the Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Folding Knife is a reliable and portable option for those in need of a folding knife. Its sharp blade, comfortable handle, and complete kit make it a good option for outdoor enthusiasts.

5) CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife

We highly recommend the CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife for anyone looking for a reliable and durable folding knife for outdoor activities.

The CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife is a low profile gentlemen’s knife with a cool flat grind and a sharp and reliable Gray stonewashed or Black stonewashed D2 Tanto blade. The knife has a blade length of around 3.5 inches and a handle length of 4.5 inches, making it a total length of 7.98 inches. The knife weighs 3.85 ounces, making it easy and comfortable to carry.

Thanks to the caged ball bearing system, which allows the dual thumb studs and flipper opener on the knife, the knife is easy to deploy and use. The handle is made of multi-colors G-10, textured with comfortable finger grooves for a strong and reliable grip. The knife creates superb balance that you’ll feel right away when handling this knife tool.

The CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife is a class knife that supports tip-up deep carry for both right or left side. It’s the most portable and affordable to date, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a special flat blade knife for exploring, hiking, fishing, camping, or backpacking.

CIVIVI folding knives provide a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product. Overall, the CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable folding knife for outdoor activities.

6) CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife

We highly recommend the CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife for anyone in need of a compact, durable and stylish knife for everyday carry.

The CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife is an excellent choice for those who need a compact and reliable knife for everyday carry. The knife is built to handle any task with ease, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity. The ceramic ball-bearing pivot provides excellent detent, offering quick and snappy deployment and smooth closing action. Additionally, the knife comes with a deep carry clip, allowing for easy and secure carry.

In conclusion, the CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife is a great investment for anyone in need of a compact and reliable knife that is built to last. With a lifetime service against defects in material and workmanship, the USA service center provides faster response to take care of your requests.

7) CIVIVI Brazen Folding Knife

If you’re in the market for a reliable folding knife, the CIVIVI Brazen Folding Knife is a great choice.

We were impressed with the CIVIVI Brazen Folding Knife’s attention to detail, including comfortable finger grooves that provide a strong grip, recessed screws that sit flush with the handle for a sleek look, and spine jimping that offers added no-slip traction. The low profile design makes it easy to carry in your pocket, although it may take some getting used to when trying to locate it quickly.

The ultra-grip G10 handle is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The sharp Swedish 14C28N Tanto blade is perfect for everyday use, and we found it to be exceptionally sharp right out of the box.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable folding knife that’s built to last, the CIVIVI Brazen Folding Knife is a great choice.

8) Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG10S Folding Knife

If you’re looking for a durable folding knife that can handle rigorous demands, the Smith & Wesson SWBG10S Border Guard Tanto Folding Knife is worth considering.

We found the knife to be well-constructed and sturdy, with a smooth folding mechanism that provides quick and convenient access whenever the situation calls. The jimping on the blade provides added grip and control, making it easier to handle in challenging situations.

The knife also comes with a convenient pocket clip, finger flipper, and ambidextrous thumb knobs, making it ideal for everyday carry. With its reliable functionality and limited lifetime warranty, the Smith & Wesson SWBG10S Border Guard Tanto Folding Knife is a solid choice for anyone in need of a dependable folding knife.

9) NedFoss BEAST Pocket Knife

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty folding knife that can handle tough tasks, the NedFoss BEAST Pocket Knife might be the one for you.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the NedFoss BEAST Pocket Knife, and we were impressed with its performance. The ball bearing pivot system makes deploying the blade quick and easy, and the blade itself is razor-sharp and stays that way for a long time.

The G10 handle is comfortable to hold and provides a solid grip, even in wet conditions. We also appreciate that the handle is moisture-proof and abrasion-resistant, so it can handle tough conditions without wearing down.

One thing to note is that the BEAST Pocket Knife is a bit heavy for everyday carry, so it might not be the best option if you’re looking for a lightweight knife. Additionally, the 4-inch blade might be too large for some users, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

Overall, we think the NedFoss BEAST Pocket Knife is a great option for those who need a heavy-duty folding knife that can handle tough tasks. While it might not be the best option for everyday carry, it’s a reliable and durable knife that can handle anything you throw at it.

10) OKNIFE Otacle U1 Folding Pocket Utility Knife

We highly recommend the OKNIFE Otacle U1 Folding Pocket Utility Knife for anyone in need of a reliable and durable folding knife.

The OKNIFE Otacle U1 Folding Pocket Utility Knife is a great choice for those who need a reliable tool for everyday use. The quick and easy blade installation process, along with compatibility for conventional utility blades, makes it a versatile tool for various tasks. The reliable rail lock ensures safe operation, while the durable handle made of G10 with Carbon Fiber Overlay offers wear-resistance and comfortable grip.

However, some users may find the screws tightened during transport, requiring pliers for the first time to replace blades. Additionally, the blade replacement process may be tricky for first-time users. Lastly, the blade length may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Overall, the OKNIFE Otacle U1 Folding Pocket Utility Knife is a great investment for those in need of a reliable and durable folding knife.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best folding knife, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve put together a list of important factors to help you make an informed decision.

Blade Material

The blade material is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a folding knife. The material will affect the durability, sharpness, and overall performance of the knife. Some common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and titanium.

Blade Edge

The blade edge is another important factor to consider. The two most common types of blade edges are plain and serrated. A plain edge is great for slicing and carving, while a serrated edge is better for sawing through tough materials.

Blade Length

The blade length is also an important factor to consider. A longer blade is great for chopping and slicing, while a shorter blade is better for precision tasks.

Handle Material

The handle material is important for both comfort and durability. Some common materials include wood, plastic, and metal.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is important for safety and security. Some common locking mechanisms include liner locks, frame locks, and back locks.

Pocket Clip

A pocket clip is a convenient feature that allows you to clip the knife to your pocket or belt for easy access.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best folding knife for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated pocket knives currently available?

There are many great pocket knives on the market, but some of the top-rated ones include the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade Griptilian, and Kershaw Leek. These knives are known for their durability, sharpness, and overall quality.

Which pocket knife brand offers the best quality for its price?

There are several pocket knife brands that offer great quality for their price, including Kershaw, CRKT, and Ontario Knife Company. These brands offer a wide range of knives with different features, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

What features define a high-end folding knife?

A high-end folding knife typically has a premium blade material, such as Damascus steel or S30V steel, and a durable handle material, such as titanium or carbon fiber. It may also have advanced locking mechanisms, such as a frame lock or axis lock, and a smooth opening and closing action.

Who are the leading manufacturers of folding knives in the USA?

Some of the leading manufacturers of folding knives in the USA include Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, and Buck Knives. These companies have a reputation for producing high-quality knives that are built to last.

What characteristics should one look for in a gentleman’s folding knife?

A gentleman’s folding knife should have a sleek and elegant design, with a slim profile and a non-threatening blade length. It should also have a high-quality blade material, such as VG-10 steel, and a comfortable handle material, such as wood or bone.

What are some of the most iconic folding knives of all time?

Some of the most iconic folding knives of all time include the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, the Spyderco Delica, and the Benchmade 940. These knives have stood the test of time and are still popular among knife enthusiasts today.