Top Pocket Knife Brands You Need to Know About

For those who value craftsmanship and utility in their everyday carry, a high-quality pocket knife is an indispensable tool. From meticulously crafted artisanal knives to robust, rugged models perfect for outdoor adventures, there's a brand that will meet your specific needs. Among the top names in the industry, each has its unique blend of style, durability, and precision engineering. Curious about which brands made it to the top of the list? Find out more below.

Illustration of pocket knife

Best brands of pocket knife in 2025

Benchmade

Benchmade is renowned as one of the top producers of pocket knives, known for its high-quality and innovative designs. The company has evolved from a small machine shop to a world-class manufacturer, pushing the boundaries of knife design and innovation. Benchmade's products, such as the Bugout and Osborne 940, are highly regarded for their exceptional materials, ergonomic designs, and durable construction. The Bugout, in particular, is a best-seller, weighing just 1.8 oz and featuring a 3.24-inch S30V blade. Benchmade's influence in the market is significant, contributing to the growth of the global pocket knives market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030.

Spyderco

Spyderco is a leading manufacturer of high-performance cutting tools, particularly renowned for its innovative and quality pocket knives. Founded in 1976, Spyderco has revolutionized the industry with features like the one-handed opening Trademark Round Hole™ and the pocket clip. Their products, such as the Delica and Endura lines, have set standards in lightweight and affordable knife design. Spyderco's global pocket knives market contribution is significant, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031, reaching $989.1 million by 2031. The company's manufacturing network includes facilities in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and China, ensuring high-quality production.

Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality pocket knives, known for their precision craftsmanship and durable materials. The brand is particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, with 80% of new knife sales in recent years being one-hand openers and assisted-openers, categories where Zero Tolerance excels. Their knives are often favored by hunters, fishermen, and law enforcement officers, with 90% of active law enforcement officers owning at least three knives. The global pocket knives market, which includes brands like Zero Tolerance, was valued at $600.5 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.00% from 2023 to 2030. Zero Tolerance's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position in the market. For more details, visit the Zero Tolerance official website.

Kershaw

Kershaw is renowned as one of the leading producers of high-quality pocket knives, known for their innovative designs, durable materials, and precision craftsmanship. The brand is particularly popular in North America, which accounts for approximately 38% of the global pocket knives market, driven by the region's strong culture of outdoor activities and self-sufficiency. Kershaw's products, such as their single-blade and multi-blade models, contribute to the market's growth, expected to reach a CAGR of 5.6% to 6.0% from 2023 to 2030. The brand's commitment to quality and functionality has made it a favorite among both everyday users and professionals. With a wide range of models available, Kershaw continues to be a significant player in the global pocket knives market.

Buck Knives

Buck Knives is a renowned American brand and manufacturer of high-quality knives, particularly celebrated for its innovative and durable pocket knives. Founded in 1902, the company has a rich history spanning five generations of the Buck family. The iconic Buck Model 110, introduced in 1964, revolutionized the industry with its strong and reliable lockback design, resulting in over 15 million units produced. Buck Knives uses premium materials such as 420HC stainless steel for many of its blades, ensuring longevity and performance. The company's commitment to quality is further underscored by its lifetime warranty on all products.

Victorinox

Victorinox, renowned for its high-quality products, stands as a leading producer of pocket knives, particularly the iconic Swiss Army Knife. With a rich history and a strong presence in the global market, Victorinox dominates a significant share, especially in regions like North America, where the brand's products are highly valued for their versatility and durability. In 2023, the global pocket knives market, which includes Victorinox's offerings, was valued at USD 600.5 million, with North America commanding 38% of the market share. Victorinox's custom and standard models, such as those in the Alox series, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and everyday users alike. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive its market influence.

CRKT

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) is a renowned brand in the pocket knife industry, known for its innovative designs, high-quality materials, and reliable performance. Founded in 1994 by Rod Bremer, CRKT offers a diverse range of knives, including fixed-blade, folding, and spring-assisted models, catering to various needs from everyday carry to specialized tactical use. CRKT collaborates with prominent designers like Ken Onion and Kit Carson, ensuring each knife meets specific purposes and tasks. Their knives feature advanced mechanisms such as the liner lock system and premium materials like D2 and stainless steel, enhancing their durability and functionality. As part of the growing pocket knives market, expected to reach $989.1 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 5.6%, CRKT continues to be a significant player. For more details on their extensive knife collection, visit their CRKT knives page.

Opinel

Opinel, a renowned brand with over 130 years of history, is a leading producer of high-quality pocket knives, particularly notable for their iconic No.08 model introduced in 1890. Opinel knives, crafted in the French Alps, are celebrated for their durability and precision, using materials such as Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel and carbon steel. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship and environmental responsibility is evident in their use of ecologically managed woodlands. Opinel's Virobloc® safety ring, patented in 1955, ensures secure blade operation. With a strong presence in the global market, Opinel continues to be a favorite among explorers, artists, and everyday users.

Gerber

Gerber is a renowned brand in the pocket knife market, known for its high-quality and versatile products. As part of the global pocket knives market, which is projected to reach $989.1 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 5.6%, Gerber contributes significantly with its durable and multi-purpose knives. The brand is favored for its stainless steel and wooden designs, catering to both outdoor and indoor activities. In the broader knife market, Gerber is a key player, with the overall knife market expected to grow to $7.6 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.1%. Gerber's products are popular in regions like North America, which holds the largest share of the pocket knives market. For more details about their products, visit Gerber's official website.

Cold Steel

Cold Steel is renowned as one of the top producers of pocket knives, known for their innovative designs and robust construction. Their knives, such as the Medium Luzon, feature high-quality materials like 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and glass-filled nylon handles, ensuring durability and comfort. The Triad lock mechanism, a hallmark of Cold Steel folders, offers exceptional strength and efficiency without the need for metal liners, making their knives thinner and lighter yet highly functional. With a strong presence in the global market, Cold Steel caters to a wide range of users, from outdoor enthusiasts to professionals, contributing significantly to the market growth expected to reach a CAGR of 5.7% to 6% from 2023 to 2030. Their commitment to quality and innovation solidifies their position as a leader in the pocket knife industry.