The Best Pocket Knives of 2024 for Camping, Everyday Carry, and More

Today's best pocket knives are used for everything from slicing through weekly Amazon packages to carving off the damp parts of firewood found in the middle of a forest. The utility of a good pocket knife will never be in question so long as it has a sharp blade made of high-quality steel, a smooth open and close action, and handles that are comfortable and secure. And though brands like Gerber, Kershaw, Smith & Wesson, and others are doing all of this well, beyond the basics, there are many other nuances to consider.

Blade length, folding mechanism, clip style, handle materials, ergonomic design—these are just some of the things to note when shopping for a pocket knife. Knifemaker Geoff Feder also says that he thinks a lot about how something sits in his pocket. "Clips that hook the outside of the pocket are great. When I sit down, I don’t want to know there’s something in my pocket.” Chef and outdoor cooking expert Jess Pryles is more concerned with how the knife opens and closes. “For me, the mechanism is everything. I want it to be fairly easy to deploy—sometimes the design or hinge can be quite stubborn.”

Their different priorities show just how personal a pocket knife can be, and not just because different knives are purchased with different uses in mind. It might be necessary to use one for a while before you discover what you like and don’t like about it to make a better-informed decision when buying your next knife. The easiest way to find the best pocket knife for you, in other words, is to start with a great knife that you think suits your particular needs and go from there.