Best Pocket Knives of 2025

Here’s a curated selection of the top pocket knives of 2025, based on expert reviews, recent gear tests, and fresh launches across the EDC community.

1. CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife – Best Overall Pocket Knife

CIVIVI Folding Pocket Knife- Praxis Flipper Liner Lock Knife, 3.75″ Black Stonewashed Blade with Cuibourtia Wood Handles, Reversible Clip for Everyday Carry Outdoor Use C803H.

Practical Folding Knife-The knife action is strong and decisive,0.12”thin sharp point blade will be useful for all sorts of piercing tasks. Ergonomic Knife Handle-Praxis features a lightweight cuibourtia wood handle scales,secure and feels wonderful in hand. Smooth Opening Knife-Ball bearings in the pivot allow the blade opening smoothly.

2. Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife – Premium Pick

Kershaw Brawler Pocketknife, 3″ 8Cr13MoV Steel Modified Tanto Blade, Assisted Folder Opening with Flipper, Liner Lock System, Tactical EDC.

• KERSHAW BRAWLER POCKETKNIFE: The Brawler has a versatile design, making it an excellent utility and multi-purpose knife. A modified tanto blade helps punch through tough materials and a top swedge adds piercing power, all at a value price.
• TANTO PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from 8Cr13MoV blade steel that offers edge-holding capability, strength, and is easily resharpened. The black-oxide coating adds blade protection and helps to hide scratches.

3. Smith & Wesson Folding Knife
 – Best Value with Smooth Action

• DURABLE: Blade Is Made Of Reliable 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel With A Black, Aluminum Handle
• DEPENDABLE: Quick And Easy Access With The Convenient Pocket Clip, Finger Flipper And Ambidextrous Thumb Knobs Making It Ideal For Everyday Carry
• SECURE: Have Confidence That The Blade Will Not Slip With The Security Of The Liner Lock
• BE PREPARED: Knife Features Jimping And Serrations

4. Cold Steel Recon 1 MagnaCut – Best New Super-Steel Tactical Knife

Cold Steel Voyager XL Vaquero 5.5″ AUS10A Kukri Razor-Sharp Blade 6.75″ Griv-Ex Handle Everyday Carry Tactical Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Lock.

• KUKRI BLADE – Lightweight, comfortable, and super sharp, the Cold Steel Voyager XL Vaquero folding knife is rugged, dependable and perfect for hunting and camping as well as general utility and daily cutting chores
• AUS10A STEEL BLADE – The Cold Steel Voyager XL folding knife’s blade is crafted from premium Japanese AUS10A steel, renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance and remarkable ability to maintain a sharp and durable edge over time

5. Zero Tolerance 0452CF – Editor’s Choice Premium Knife

This ultra-premium model earns high praise for its sleek Sinkevich design, carbon fiber and titanium build, CPM-S35VN blade, and silky smooth ball-bearing pivot. Despite its size, it carries light and performs like a workhorse.

Quick Comparison

What Others Are Saying

• A seasoned enthusiast on r/knifeclub wrote about Spyderco Native, noting:“The build quality is among the best … it feels good in the hand … I was floored when I took it out of the box.
• Meanwhile, on Hard Air Magazine forums, one user reflected on the legacy of Kershaw Leek:“The Leek is very receptive to sharpening and keeping its edge … I’ve had a lot of them.”
  (While not in the main top five, these classics remain beloved by many.)

Bonus: Durable Everyday Multitools (Prime Day Highlights)

If versatility alongside a blade matters, deals this Prime Day include:

• WORKPRO 11-in-1 Multitool – just $14
• Leatherman Free T2 Multitool – 25% off at $37

These pack pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and more—perfect for broader everyday utility beyond pure knife use.

Final Thoughts

• Best Overall: Knafs Lander 2 blends lightweight portability with strength and value.
• Best Budget: CJRB Pyrite-Light—stripped-down yet solid.
• Best Smooth Action: Kershaw Iridium—for buttery opening and closing.
• Best Super-Steel Tactical: Cold Steel Recon 1 MagnaCut—tough and tech-forward.
• Best Premium: ZT 0452CF—when only the best in materials and craftsmanship will do.