Find the Best Pocket Knives!
Welcome to Kniferating.com! We currently have 1196 knives listed and 1974 knife reviews! The purpose of this site is to provide a venue for knife reviews that is free from the bias of any one person. Whether you are a backpacker looking for the best survival knife, an LEO looking for a good tactical knife, a boy scout trying to choose the best folding knife or multitool, or just an average joe looking for the best pocket knife for every day carry, we have you covered. In addition, we also discuss fixed blade knives, hunting knives, combat knives, machetes, self defense knives and a whole lot more! Please take a few minutes and help your fellow knife enthusiasts by writing a review of one or all of your knives!
Below is a chart showing the best knives on the site as reviewed by users. Each of the following knives is absolutely top quality and gets our highest recommendation. Keep in mind that there are many more great knives out there, but if you can't decide on a knife after searching the site, choose one off this list and we promise you'll be happy!
Top Rated Knives
| Model | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Spyderco Sage
|
$98.75 | 9.9 |
Kershaw Tyrade
|
$39.00 | 9.9 |
Spyderco Endura 4 Emerson Opener
|
$70.60 | 9.8 |
Benchmade 15030 Bone Collector Axis Mini Folder
|
$94.00 | 9.8 |
Ghost Knives Banshee D2
|
$69.00 | 9.8 |
Benchmade 940 Osborne
|
$188.80 | 9.7 |
Spyderco Delica FFG
|
$56.15 | 9.7 |
Spyderco Caly 3
|
$112.50 | 9.7 |
Recent Knife Reviews
Spyderco Leafstorm
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months
Comments:
This was the first spyderco I bought. Drilling a hole in the knife blade for deployment seemed odd to me. However it works great and I have bought several spyderco knives after this one. Now the hole is my friend. The knife has a great blade, excellent steel, S30V. It has a art deco look to the G-10 grip, great frame lock and the blade is centered. I would have liked it a little better if it had a finger choil. All in all it's one of my favorite knives.Benchmade 710 McHenry and Williams
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Greater than 1 year
Comments:
Another good knife from benchmade. Considering that this knife has a 4" blade, It's easy and quick to deploy. It's well made , has ample handle space and D2 blade steel. It's hard not to like this one.The slight recurve on the blade makes it a little more of a challenge to sharpen.Zero Tolerance 0301
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months
Comments:
This knife might come with somewhat of a hefty price tag on the primary market - but you get what you pay for in premium materials and finish. If you are looking for a very traditional or simple knife, this is certainly not the knife for you. It comes jam-packed with many technological features like the hinderer stabilizer, assisted opening, flipper style opening, etc.I find this knife to be extremely comfortable in the hand, with both saber and reverse grip to feel completely natural. Blade-in grips are not nearly as comfortable, however.
The only downside I have found on this knife for myself is that the clip placement tends to really tear pockets due to the aggressive patterns on the g-10/titanium. I fixed this by bending the pocket clip out slightly so that it wasn't so tight against the knife. The tiger striped blade might also turn some off.
Comment by paul 07/31/2011
have had my 301 for 3 mos now and the blade is super tight. none of the tigerstriping has come off although it needs a good sharpening. seems like alot to pay for a knife but you definately get what you pay for. very rock solid and great materials and workmanship.
have had my 301 for 3 mos now and the blade is super tight. none of the tigerstriping has come off although it needs a good sharpening. seems like alot to pay for a knife but you definately get what you pay for. very rock solid and great materials and workmanship.
Benchmade 530 Pardue
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year
Comments:
well this knife was nice when i got it and then it stated to decline from there. it has a very thin blade, .09 inches!, when i use it it feels like it might break it my hand. one nice thing about that thinness is that it makes the knife very light, only 1.9 ounces!, i had this knife for 13 months before the axis lock broke on me and that is mainly why i gave a it a lower than average review. but if you can get past that i think it is ok.Spyderco Captain
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Less than 1 Month
Comments:
The first thing most notice about the blade shape is its unique, bull nose shape. This knife is not a stabbing knife, but the blade is meant to assist with cutting, especially in slippery conditions. Since I personally don't do much stabbing, and much more cutting in everyday use, I find the blade to be very usable in ordinary circumstances.I find that when opened, the choil and part of the handle become an ideal finger groove, allowing the user to really choke up on this blade, while the machining on the top of the blade really grips the thumb. Overall, control of this knife is superb.
The only reason this knife scored a 9 instead of a 10 on build quality was that there is a visible and slightly rough machine mark within the spyderhole. Aside from that, everything is as it should be.
Spyderco Military
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months
Comments:
The Spyderco Military. My first large folder, when I asked for suggestions everyone said that the Mili was the one that would define all future large folder purchases. After getting it, I'd feel the same.Let's have a look. Handle material, orange G10. Two nested SS liners, 4mm distally tapered double-flat-ground CPM S30V blade, 4 inches.
The blade first. CPM S30V is a great steel, especially as done by Spyderco. The blade came sharp enough to push cut newspaper, although I've since reprofiled it. It's fairly thick, although the combination of FFG and blade "height" makes it surprisingly thin at the edge. It slices well, but feels strong. The steel holds a good edge (mine is at 1000 grit). It stands up to wood carving and EDC duties easily.
The blade shape is very nice. The straight spine is good for food prep, while the sweep to a point gives a straight portion with a bit of belly for slicing. The point is fine and needle sharp, but will stand up to tasks such as puncturing cans.
The handle is a bit big for me. However, there's a very comfortable purchase on the handle. The forward finger choil is really useful for fine work as well. I use it a lot. The liner lock cutout is very generous, which I like, being a lefthander. Orange G10 is nice and rough, and colourful too. It's the perfect colour for an outdoor knife, imo. The Mili pockets very comfortably for a 5in closed length. I'd like to see a 4-way clip on this though.
In terms of fit and finish, this blade isn't quite on par with my SS Delica. The back spacer is just slightly raised, and the edges of the clip aren't polished. Otherwise, the attention to detail is pretty great. I received the knife with the pivot screw stripped out, but it was previously owned and carried so I doubt this was Spyderco's error. The blade locks up solidly at 40 percent engagement. Some rust has developed on the blades (really humid here) which I have cleaned off with some metal polish. The only reason why the MILI isn't a 10 is because of these tiny flaws (non-issues on my SS Delica)
What don't I like about the knife?
I've since found that my taste in blades is simply different. I find myself leaning towards either pure-slicer (Stretch2) or pure tank (Manix 2). The Mili does both jobs well, but neither perfectly. It's a fine blade though.
I would like to see it with a 4 way clip, as mentioned above.
I would also like to see a slightly shorter handle.
Finally, put a compression lock with the same generous cutout on, and then I'm all happy:D
In terms of value, I paid 125 dollars for this knife. It can be gotten for less, and I'm sure I got more than $125 worth of use out of it. Despite my nitpickings, it's really an excellent,excellent knife,.
Benchmade 940 Osborne
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year
Comments:
The one I have has a black handle,PE and 154 CM. Benchmade did a very good job designing this knife. It's a very quick opener and very easy to deploy. The modified tanto blade is great. It is also easy to sharpen. It fits good in your pocket. The only downside I can think of is the 6061 aluminum handles scratch a little too easy.Lone Wolf Defender
-Used for Other
-Owned for 1 year
Comments:
I guess It's a little hard for me to believethis knife got knife of the year. I like the checkered handle. Deployment is different. It take a little practice to get good with it. If I were to use one word to describe this knife, it would be INTERESTING
Comment by Bill 02/13/2013
This knife, when made by Lone Wolf, was called a Paul Defender (designed by Paul Poehlmann) and easily a 10 in quality. They made several versions, the Cocobolo handle is pictured. It was a 10 in looks when you look at it directly and not via a thumbnail photo. Top of the line and none better. The blade and style of this knife indicates that it was designed for self defense. The blade measured 3.9 inches and was premium 154CM steel. Being able to legally carry a non-spring loaded knife that fires out super fast to full deployment is critical if you are looking for a self-defense blade in some states that have restrictive knife laws. However, learning the mechanism and getting ti to operate flawlessly was a "process" not intuitive or quickly learned. This blade locks in both the closed and open position. Which may be a great thing if your custom tailored pants are to stay intact:-) I saw Jim Wehr, President of Lone Wolf Knifes (pre-Benchmade buyout) whip that sucker out of his pocket, blade out, so fast that I couldn't really see what he did. Bamm! Out and in his hand, blade out, ready. As fast as the amazing spring loaded (but illegal in some places) Infidel which can easily be deployed via only the touch of a button. But the Defender is fully legal. When I had Jim slow down and show me how he did this circus trick, he had tightly grasped the round part which locks the blade between the blade and the wood handles and flicked his wrist. Just...flicked ...it fired so fast and easy I didn't believe my eyes. I had him repeat it and then grabbed for the knife and tried it myself. Nope. Just like at the circus when the barker can keep easily knocking down the 3 pins and you can't, even after you have paid 25 bucks in 1 dollar bills attempting it...there's a skill that is learned. I did not even get the blade out holding it that way. It felt un-natural to even try. Yet later I persisted, and eventually I could also (almost) do what Jim had so easily done. It takes practice and is one of those skill's learned via repetition. As I have a bunch of spring loaded knives...legal or not, I carry them and just put the Defender in the drawer for later once I was done messing and learning it. But that is not to denigrate the thing. It is an art form to fire it, and the knife itself shows the knifemakers art. It's a 10 if you didn't have to practice it, but ....:-)
This knife, when made by Lone Wolf, was called a Paul Defender (designed by Paul Poehlmann) and easily a 10 in quality. They made several versions, the Cocobolo handle is pictured. It was a 10 in looks when you look at it directly and not via a thumbnail photo. Top of the line and none better. The blade and style of this knife indicates that it was designed for self defense. The blade measured 3.9 inches and was premium 154CM steel. Being able to legally carry a non-spring loaded knife that fires out super fast to full deployment is critical if you are looking for a self-defense blade in some states that have restrictive knife laws. However, learning the mechanism and getting ti to operate flawlessly was a "process" not intuitive or quickly learned. This blade locks in both the closed and open position. Which may be a great thing if your custom tailored pants are to stay intact:-) I saw Jim Wehr, President of Lone Wolf Knifes (pre-Benchmade buyout) whip that sucker out of his pocket, blade out, so fast that I couldn't really see what he did. Bamm! Out and in his hand, blade out, ready. As fast as the amazing spring loaded (but illegal in some places) Infidel which can easily be deployed via only the touch of a button. But the Defender is fully legal. When I had Jim slow down and show me how he did this circus trick, he had tightly grasped the round part which locks the blade between the blade and the wood handles and flicked his wrist. Just...flicked ...it fired so fast and easy I didn't believe my eyes. I had him repeat it and then grabbed for the knife and tried it myself. Nope. Just like at the circus when the barker can keep easily knocking down the 3 pins and you can't, even after you have paid 25 bucks in 1 dollar bills attempting it...there's a skill that is learned. I did not even get the blade out holding it that way. It felt un-natural to even try. Yet later I persisted, and eventually I could also (almost) do what Jim had so easily done. It takes practice and is one of those skill's learned via repetition. As I have a bunch of spring loaded knives...legal or not, I carry them and just put the Defender in the drawer for later once I was done messing and learning it. But that is not to denigrate the thing. It is an art form to fire it, and the knife itself shows the knifemakers art. It's a 10 if you didn't have to practice it, but ....:-)
Emerson Knives Horseman
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year
Comments:
I have 30 or so folders and this one is my EDC. The only issue I have with it, is the chisel grind. I have several Emerson's and I wish Emerson would offer the option of a conventional V Grind. I had to turn it into a V grind. Now It works fine.SOG Flash II
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months
Comments:
SOG Flash 2 1/2 serrated w/ new arc-lock systemThis is a review for the arc lock version of the SOG Flash 2 1/2 serrated.
Overall, this is a good sized EDC/tactical folder. I noticed it has quite a bit of weight to it and feels completely different from the tiny Flash 1 which I reviewed as a "toy knife"
The Flash 2 is a damn fast knife, one flick and the blade shoots out lightning fast, hence the name flash! Anyways, the blade is razor sharp out of the box and the arc actuator is a nice addition from the original slider lock release which rattled, made noise and felt quite cheap. The arc lock is a smooth crown like thumb stud and does not move/rattle freely.
Like other SOG folder, there is a safety lock which is quite pointless, and I actually accidentally activated it in my pocket and went to open the knife, only to find out it was locked.. in some situations this can mean your life, so I recommend gluing it.
My one problem with this knife, as reviewed by a famous youtube knife reviewer "BLUNTTRUTH" is that the handle has that strange cutout groove as if SOG was trying to make it grippable? in two positions, but it does not work either way. When you hold the knife it is quite awkward and uncomfortable. Also, there is ZERO gimping or traction on top of the blade, but instead some pointless ramp that goes up with a bit of texture and does not deliver any utility.
Overall, I would actually recommend the SOG Trident over the Flash 2 as an EDC/tactical blade because it does everything right.. a GREAT and large/comfy handle, GREAT gimping, and a smoother working arc actuator with no hiccups.
overall the Flash 2 is a fine knife for EDC if you want a "work knife" to open fast and cut well and don't mind jacking it up. I give the flash 2:
6/10
Comment by Jon 03/20/2012
This knife does NOT have an "arc" lock.
This knife does NOT have an "arc" lock.
Spyderco Para Military
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months
Comments:
if you think the para is too much money i would get it. i got mine as an EDC blade and it is great. i like the big comfy handle, the full flat grind, the blade shape, blade steel, color options, mine is a digicam variant, i really like the compression lock it operates much like an AXIS lock. one thing that i did not like out of the box was the pocket clip. quite frankly it sucked. i fixed this problem by getting an aftermarket lowrider clip. all in all i highly recommend this blade.SOG Flash I
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 3 months
Comments:
SOG Flash 1, plain edgeWhen this knife arrived I was shocked at how small it was. I was expecting something that you can actually fit in your hand and hold normally, but that is not the case with the Flash 1. It honestly feels like a toy knife, but with a sharp blade. The steel is of course razor sharp so do not underestimate it. The handle is not comfortable at all for a normal sized hand, perhaps hobbits from the Tolkien world. Anyways, the slider lock release rattles quite a bit on the flash 1 and makes noise, which seems "cheap" in a way. The assisted open is good if you have tiny hands, but overall, this is a "toy" knife like I mentioned and I recommend stepping up to the full size flash 2 if you want an EDC.