20 Best Pocket Knives of 2020 (For EDC!)

Buying the best folding pocket knife could become a tedious job when you're thrown into hundreds of options.

A few years ago, people like me were more into the traditional pocket knives for their everyday carry knife choice. However, things have been changed a lot over the time, for the better, of course.

We talked about modern pocket knives of 2017. we shared top 10 models which we felt worth mentioning in our review. The modern folder is loved by everyone because of its design and overall Aesthetics without sacrificing the quality.

However, traditional pocket knives are still in demand. When you're a knife lover then you don't mind testing different knives. And, not to forget, traditional knives are still a popular choice among new generation as well. So, without any further ado, let us get right into it.​

11. Buck 505RWS Knight Knife

The first traditional pocket knife that makes it out a list is Buck Knight knife. This is a small blade knife which will hide in your pocket easily. Even small knife would an understatement for people with big hands as it can easily disappear in your palm as well.

Specification of Buck 505RWS

• Weight: 7.5 oz.
• Blade Length: 1.85 Inches
• closed length: 2-3/4 inches
• Overall Length: 4.5 Inches
• Locking Mechanism: Nail Notch
• Blade Material: Drop Point 420HC Steel Blade
• Handle Material: Rosewood/Brass
• County of Origin: USA

This is a perfect small knife for normal tasks like opening boxes, cutting tags off new clothes. It won't take too much of space in your pocket. This knife will stay with you for a long time unless you throw it away or it gets lost.

This knife by no means is a tactical folder and for its size, the price looks a bit on the expensive side. People have reported about faulty pieces being delivered; however, you get the warranty so it shouldn't be a problem.

12. Winchester Traditional Folding Knife

Winchester is a traditional pocket knife which comes with lifetime warranty. This is a decent quality knife that costs around just 15$, keep in mind that the prices keep on changing, but for the most part, it's around this only.

Specification of Winchester

• Weight: 0.5 ounces
• Overall Length: 5.5 Inches
• Blade Length: 3 Inches
• Blade Type: Drop Point
• Locking Mechanism: Linear lock
• Blade Material: Surgical Stainless
• Handle Material: Rosewood/Brass
• County of Origin: China

We like the fact that this knife comes with a clip which is a bit surprising for its price. And, it also comes with surgical stainless steel blade for strength and corrosion resistance. The knife is built with Genuine wood handle for durability and a traditional look.

​We don't recommend you purchasing this knife if you're serious about using your knife. This is a decent knife for sure, but we still won't recommend it for everyday work. However, carrying it for small tasks like cutting thin ropes make sense.

13. Folding Hunter 110BRS Knife

It's perfect for every woodsman, hunter, fisher, and adventurer. And, not to mention, 110 is Buck's best-selling model for a good reason. This is an American icon made in the USA and offers a lifetime warranty.

Specifications of Buck 110BRS​:

• Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Blade Length: 3.75 Inches
• Overall length: 8.5 inches
• Closed length: unknown
• Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
• Blade Material: 420HC Steel
• Handle Material: Macassar Ebony Dymondwood
• Country of Origin: USA​

Buck 110 deserves all the attention that it has gathered since last decade. This is a traditional knife which is a great choice for hunting and wilderness stuff. The curve tip blade has a very sharp point which is good for detail work. The Dymondwood Handle with Brass Bolsters provides traditional look with comfortable ergonomics.

​This knife is not at all lightweight, but we discussed earlier in our guide that if you are looking for a lightweight pocket folder, then the traditional knife is not something that will please you and meet your expecations. Though the knife has no clip, but it includes Genuine Leather Sheath with a snap closure and can be carried on your belt

14. Buck Knives 112BRS Ranger Lockback Folding Knife

Buck 112BRSis pretty much similar to the 110BRS folding hunter knife but it's more on the compact side with small size when compared to the 110BRS hunter knife. 112BRS is a great alternative if you're looking for compact size, though there is no huge difference in size.

Specifications of​ Buck 112BRS:

• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Blade Length: 3 Inches
• Overall length: 7.75 inches
• Closed length: unknown
• Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
• Blade Material: 420HC Steel
• Handle Material: Macassar Ebony Dymondwood
• ​Country of Origin: USA

When compared to the 110 hunting model, it saves you a couple of bucks and comes in A compact size and also weighs less which makes it comfortable for most of the knife lovers. However, quality wise both the models are same, and the material is also same, so you don't have to worry about the quality.

​Though the material is same but we used both the models and could feel a slight difference. The 110 had a much smoother action to it when opening. Overall, there is no huge difference so you can opt for this version.

15. Case Small Red Bone Lockback Pocket Knife

The last edition to our traditional pocket knives is case small lock back. This knife in itself is equal to the multiple different knives because it comes in different sizes, color, and blade options. This is a unique pocket knife which deserves your attention, at least for once.

Specification of Case Small Red Bone Lockback

• Weight: 1.9 ounces
• Blade Length
• X-Small - 2.5 inches
• Small - 3 - 3.25 inches
• Medium - 3.75 inches
• Overall length: 7.75 inches
• Closed length: unknown
• Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
• Blade Material: Surgical Stainless
• Handle Material: Rosewood/Brass
• Country of Origin: USA

Case Lockback features Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel blade which comes in 3 difference sizes as mentioned in specifications. This is a great and lightweight everyday pocket knife for projects around the house and the outdoors. Overall, it's a great utility knife.

The built quality is not as impressive as compared to other case knives which is really disappointing. The paint fades away quickly so we would recommend getting yourself a simple color knife, not the one with modern print edition.​

16. Imperial IMP16S Stockman 3 Blade Knife

Now, we are moving to Stockman category which features 3 blades in a single knife. The most budget friendly Stockman pocket knife is Imperial IMP16S folding pocket knife which costs less than 10$, pretty cheap, right?

Specifications of Imperial IMP16S Stockman 3 Blade Knife

• Weight: 0.3 ounces
• Blade Length: 2.5 Inches
• Overall Length: 5.9 Inches
• Blade Type: Clip Point
• Material: Celluloid
• Country of Origin: China
• Blade steel: Grey Swirl POM Handles with Stainless Steel Bolsters, Brass Pins and Heat Treated Back Springs Handle

Imperial manufacturing quality cutlery and steel products for decades. Whether you're a huntsman, a fisherman, or even a recreational cutter, Imperial IMP16S fit the mold for any use, amateur or professional. All the three blades are stainless and can be used by fishers.

This is not a professional knife for outdoor purpose. It can be utilized for small chores. But, don't expect the steel to hold the edge for a longer time and don't expect it to stay sharp for a longer time either. If you've little to no budget, then you can definitely consider it.

17. Buck Knives 301 Stockman Three Blade Folding Knife

The next knife to our Stockman series is 301 from Buck. This is our top choice if you're looking for a high-quality Stockman pocket knife. It is a classic knife that will never go out of style. The handle of this knife is constructed of Rosewood Handle with Brass Bolsters which provides it a traditional touch.

Specifications of Buck 301 Stockman

• Weight: 2.9 oz
• Blade Length: 2.75 Inches
• Overall Length: 6.5 Inches
• Closed Length: 4 inches
• Blade Type: Clip Point
• Blade Steel: 420HC
• Handle Material: Rosewood/Brass
• Country of Origin: USA

Buck 301 has three Blades; 2-3/4" clip point, 2" spey, and a 2" sheepsfoot blade. The blades are constructed of 420HC Steel which delivers Excellent Strength, Edge Retention, and Corrosion Resistance. The knife has got traditional touch with rosewood handle. And, it comes with a Buck forever warranty since it's made in the USA.

The back springs of knife are so weak that the clip and spey blades have relatively no snap, and the sheep's foot blade had no snap at all. You can't really trust the back springs to hold when the blades open.​

18. Case Medium Amber Bone SS Stockman

Case Medium Amber Bone is an ultimate Stockman pocket that you can customize according to your needs. It has plenty of options to choose the color for the handle, and it also has the size option. You can pick this knife in small, medium, and large size.

Specifications of Case Medium Amber Bone SS

• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Blade Length: 3 Inches
• closed Length: 3.63 inches
• ​Overall Length: 6.5 Inches
• ​Blade Steel: Surgical Steel
• Blade Type: Clip Point
• Handle Material: Amber Bone
• Country of Origin: USA

The knife features Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel blades: Clip, Sheepfoot, and Spey blades. The handle is constructed of peach seed jig amber bone. This is an excellent stockman knife for everyday situations, the outdoors, hunting, and hiking. It is also made in the USA and comes with limited lifetime warranty.

​Again, like 301 stockman, this knife too has spring issues on the main clip blade. And, sometimes the blades are finished uneven which is disgusting. You've to work on the knife to bring on its full potential. If you find any manufacturer mistake, then you can return it, as simple as that.

19. Case Amber Bone CV Trapper Pocket Knife

The last edition to our list is trapper knife. Trapper Knives usually, contains one trapper blade and one clip blade. Some trapper knives only have one blade, or a blade and a saw. The first knife that makes to best trapper knife is Case Amber Bone.

Specifications of Case Amber Bone CV Trapper

• ​weight: 4.0 ounces
• Blade Length: 3.25 Inches
• closed Length: 4.13 Inches
• Overall Length: 7.25 Inches
• Blade Steel: Surgical Steel
• Blade Type: Clip Point
• Handle Material: Amber Bone
• Country of Origin: USA

This knife is pretty much similar to the Case Amber Bone Stockman. The difference is that this knife has two blades instead and steel is constructed of Chrome vanadium. Then the difference is between weight and blade length. The knife is made in the USA and comes with limited Lifetime Warranty.

During our testing, we didn't find any issue that we faced in the Case Amber Bone Stockman Knife. The blade spring is pretty reliable and works well. The blade is also sharp. However, we think that if the blade was stainless, then it would have been better.​

Attention: Case Amber Bone CV Trapper is now available in stainless steel as well. So, make sure to select in on Amazon, if you're concerned about it.

20. Case Grandpa Embellished Trapper

Case Grandpa Embellished Trapper is similar to the last one. We liked it more because of its style. Not to forget, if you don't like this design then you can check out different styles that are available on product's page.

Specification of Case Grandpa Embellished Trapper

• weight: 4.0 ounces
• Blade Length: 3.25 Inches
• closed Length: 4.13 Inches
• Overall Length: 7.25 Inches
• Blade Steel: Surgical Steel
• Blade Type: Clip Point
• Handle Material: Amber Bone
• Country of Origin: USA

This Trapper knife is produced by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, an American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted knives that are passed down for generations. The price of the knife will vary according to the design you've selected. This knife would be a great gift for your Grandpa.

Like we said earlier, during our testing, we didn't find any issues as we faced in the Case Amber Bone Stockman Knife. The blade spring is pretty reliable and works well. The blade is also sharp. However, we think that if the blade was stainless, then it would have been better.​

Attention: Case Amber Bone CV Trapper is now available in stainless steel as well. So, make sure to select in on Amazon, if you're concerned about it.

So, What's the Best Pocket Knife For The Money?

First of all, thanks for making it so far. If you made it so far, then it clearly shows your love towards knives. Anyway, the answer would totally depend on what you like and what would be the purpose of your knife.

Here we are giving you simple model suggestions:

Modern Pocket Knife Choices:​

• Cheapest Pocket Knife: Kershaw Cryo
• Budget Friendly Pocket Knife: Kershaw Ken Onion Blur
• Top-Quality Tactical Pocket Knife: Benchmade 940 Osborne

Traditional Pocket Knife Choices:

• Top Traditional Lockback: Buck Folding Hunter Knife
• Top Trapper: Case Grandpa Embellished
• Top Stockman: Buck 301 Stockman

Hopefully, our article helped you to make up your mind. There are plenty of options for a pockeet folder. However, if you get confused then pick the one from above excerpt, it should be enough.

If you still feel doubtful about any knife then you can go near your local store and check the knife there. If you'll purchase through our links then we will get very small commission but it will support the site a lot. 

If you liked our article, don't forget to give us a shout out on your favorite social media channel. And, if you still have any doubts or questions then drop down a comment below. We will reply as soon as possible.​

Pocket Knife Buyer's Guide: Things to Consider

Now that you are looking for a pocket knife, It's necessary to understand what you need in your knife. All pocket knives have minimal differences that a newbie might ignore or never notice.

These little tweaks decide weather that knife would be better for tasks like slicing, piercing, throwing, hunting and so on. So, here's is our quick guide before you purchase one.

Multitool can be a good choice if you rarely use your knife. However, if you need a good companion with you for every-day-carry, then multitool isn't a good option. Multitool has multiple blades, so these blades don't tend to flip out of the handle smoothly and quickly. These blades are consist of cheap steel, mostly, and handles don't make any secure grip.

A multi-tool is a good choice for a whittling knife, if you're not into it, then it's better to purchase a single blade knife.

​Even if you opt for modern day folder, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. Like, do you want the knife to ride in left side of pocket or right side, or do you want the tip of the knife to ride up or down.

However, it's not necessary that a modern folding knife will have a clip. Swiss Army knives don't have a clip, so you'll need a secure and deep pocket to carry it with you.

Spyderco does allow you to reposition the handle either of the sides. You can reposition it on the left side or right, and you can also reposition it at bottom or top of the handle. But, it does leave half an inch of the handle above your pocket which makes it less secure.

For more secure grip, SOG knives are the best. SOG knives disappear all the way in your pocket and make a tight grip with the pant. It makes the knife secure and hides it from people.

Finding optimal blade size knife is essential. Modern pocket knives have two sizes - medium and large. Whereas, traditional pocket knives have all the sizes - small, medium, and large.

A longer blade does the job better and makes a good grasp on the handle, but it's no optimal for everyone. And, knife laws in your state may also regulate blade's size. For example, Chicago limits blade length to maximum 5. inches. 

You can read more about knife laws in different states, clicking on that link​. A small size pocket knife is a better choice if you don't need it for extreme wilderness challenges. A small pocket knife will fit even in the moderate pocket size. And, it will not make you look like an evil in front of coworkers.

Knives have different blade styles. Each blade design is built for a different purpose, so it becomes essential to understand more about blade styles for making a better purchase.

Here is the breakdown of three most common blade styles which are suitable for a pocket knife. The two most famous and used blade style in folding knives are clip point and drop point.​

In drop point knives, the edge of the blade runs straight from the handle and makes a slight curve to its drop point. Since its less curvy and has less sharp drop point, as compared to the clip point; Therefore these knives are more durable.

Clip point has a cutoff area from where blades are usually curved which is referred as a clip and how it got its name. This is a great all-rounder blade. The lower edge point makes it excellent for slicing, piercing, and razor sharp.