Top Brands Crafting Exceptional Pocket Knives

When it comes to pocket knives, choosing the right brand can make all the difference in terms of quality, durability, and functionality. A great pocket knife is not just a tool but a reliable companion for outdoor adventures, everyday tasks, or emergency situations. From time-tested manufacturers to innovative newcomers, there are plenty of brands that cater to different needs and preferences. To help you navigate through the vast selection, we've compiled a list of some of the best pocket knife brands renowned for their craftsmanship and performance. Read on to discover the top names that should be on your radar.

Illustration of pocket knives

Best brands of pocket knives in 2025

Benchmade

Benchmade is renowned as one of the top producers of pocket knives, celebrated for their high-quality and durable products. Based in Oregon, USA, Benchmade has established itself as a world-class manufacturer, particularly notable for its Adamas and Mini-Adamas lines, which are highly regarded for their ruggedness and sharpness. The company's commitment to quality is underscored by its LifeSharp service, which provides lifetime maintenance and sharpening for their knives. Benchmade's products are popular among both everyday users and professionals, contributing significantly to the global pocket knives market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030. With a strong presence in North America, which commands 38% of the global market, Benchmade continues to innovate and expand its market share.

Spyderco

Spyderco is a leading manufacturer of high-performance pocket knives, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Golden, Colorado. The company is renowned for its innovative designs, such as the one-handed opening mechanism via the iconic Round Hole™ and the introduction of pocket clips and serrated edges. Spyderco's products, including the popular Delica and ParaMilitary 2 lines, are highly regarded for their quality and durability, using high-end materials like CPM-S30V and VG-10 steel. The company's global presence includes manufacturing facilities in the USA, Italy, China, Taiwan, and Japan, and its products are distributed in over 60 countries. Spyderco's commitment to excellence has earned it numerous industry awards and a strong following among knife enthusiasts, law enforcement, and military personnel. For more details, you can explore Spyderco's collection of pocket knives.

Victorinox

Victorinox is renowned as one of the best producers of pocket knives, particularly famous for its Swiss Army Knives, which have been a staple of reliability and functionality for over 100 years. The brand's Medium Pocket Knives, such as the Fieldmaster, are versatile tools suitable for both everyday and outdoor activities. Victorinox's products are known for their high quality and innovative design, contributing significantly to the global pocket knives market. In 2023, the global pocket knives market, which includes brands like Victorinox, was valued at around USD 600.5 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% until 2030.

Buck Knives

Buck Knives, founded in 1902, is a renowned brand in the knife industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality pocket knives. The company, now based in Post Falls, Idaho, has a rich history of innovation, including the invention of the folding hunting knife and the iconic Model 110, with over 15 million units produced since its introduction in 1964. Buck Knives is known for its durable materials, such as 420HC stainless steel, and its proprietary heat treatment process, which supports the company's "forever warranty." The brand has maintained strong sales, expecting a 20% increase in sales to around $42 million, and produces approximately 30,000 knives per week. With a workforce of 320 employees, Buck Knives continues to be a leader in the market, especially after capitalizing on the market share left by competitors like Imperial Schrade.

Kershaw

Kershaw is renowned as one of the top producers of pocket knives, known for their innovation, quality, and style. With over 50 years of experience, Kershaw has mastered the craft of blade-making, offering a wide range of folding knives that are lightweight and compact, ideal for everyday carry. Their knives, such as the Kershaw Leek, feature high-performance steels like Sandvik 14C28N, ensuring excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Kershaw's products are popular in North America, which holds the largest share of the global pocket knives market, driven by a strong culture of outdoor activities and a growing demand for multi-purpose knives. The global pocket knives market, where Kershaw is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. For a detailed review on their knives, check out the Kershaw knives review.

CRKT

CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) is a renowned brand in the pocket knives market, founded in 1994 by Paul Gillespie and Rod Bremer. Known for their innovation and integrity, CRKT collaborates with top designers worldwide to produce high-quality, multifunctional knives. Their products, such as the iconic K.I.S.S. and M16 series, feature advanced mechanisms like the Klecker Lock, ensuring durability and functionality. CRKT's commitment to quality and innovation has made them a significant player in the market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. Their knives are built to inspire and endure, providing users with "Confidence in Hand." Learn more about the brand history of CRKT.

Gerber

Gerber is a renowned brand in the pocket knives market, known for its high-quality and versatile products. As a major player, Gerber contributes significantly to the global pocket knives market, which was valued at $578 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $989.1 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. Gerber's products are favored for their durability and multi-purpose features, aligning with the rising demand for multi-purpose knives. The brand is part of a market where North America holds the largest share, driven by increasing disposable income and the popularity of various types of pocket knives. Gerber's presence in the market is further strengthened by its wide range of products, including steel, titanium, and ceramic knives.

SOG

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools is renowned for its high-quality pocket knives, originating from the elite Studies and Observation Group of the Vietnam War. With an estimated annual revenue of $49.7 million and a workforce of 180 employees, SOG has established itself as a significant player in the market. Their knives, such as the Twitch Tanto folder, are praised for their durability and design. SOG's products are popular among both tactical and everyday users, contributing to the growth of the pocket knives market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2030. SOG's commitment to innovation and quality has earned them recognition, including being a finalist for Knife of the Year in 2010. For more detailed information, you can visit their media and press page.

Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance, often abbreviated as ZT, is renowned as one of the top mid-to-high-end production knife brands, alongside Benchmade and Spyderco. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, ZT knives are frequently collaborations with prominent knife designers. The brand utilizes premium materials such as CPM S35VN steel and advanced technologies like the Tuned Detent System. Many of their knives, like the 0450CF and 0350, feature durable and lightweight materials like carbon fiber and titanium, and are built in the USA. ZT's commitment to quality and performance makes their knives highly sought after for both everyday carry and specialized uses. For more insights on their highly regarded knives, visit The Best Zero Tolerance Knives.

Cold Steel

Cold Steel is a renowned brand in the pocket knife industry, known for its high-quality and durable products. The company offers a wide range of pocket knives, including the popular Recon 1 Folding Knives, which are hardworking tools suitable for any situation. Cold Steel's products are favored by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike, contributing to the brand's significant presence in the global pocket knife market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% to 6.0% from 2023 to 2030. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in tactical weapons and gear. With a strong market presence, Cold Steel continues to be a top choice for those seeking reliable and versatile pocket knives.