Top 12 Pocket Knife EDC Options by Budget
Table of Contents
Each pocket knife EDC in this list has been carefully chosen by going to every single large retailer/brand and sorting by popularity, reading countless reviews, watching tons of review videos and since we are an authorized pocket knife retailer we have first hand experience with all of these knives and can vouch for all of them in this list. We have been in business since 2018 and have hundreds and hundreds of orders with over 100,000 visitors to our website www.adeptknives.com.
Fixed blades are NOT going to be included in this list. Although some people do EDC a fixed blade most of us do not so we are limiting this list to folders (manual, assisted, automatic), autos (OTF), slipjoints, & multi-tools.
All of us have different budgets as well so this list is going to be broken down by different pricing tier levels so you can find the top pocket knife EDC within your budget.
We hope these lists can help you narrow down your search and find you your next perfect EDC within your budget. Even though we are a retailer we do not carry every single model in this list so some of the links will be going directly to the manufacturers and some will link you to our online shop Adept Knives. Check out our website and pickup a 20% off coupon code by signing up for our email list to help you purchase one of the EDC options below at a great price and let us know if you have any questions at all, we are happy to help in any way possible.
$50 or Less Pocket Knife EDC Options
Ontario Rat Folder Series
The Ontario Rat series of folders is high up on the list. This one pops up with great reviews and is almost always at the top of a best sellers list. There is a lot of different pocket knife EDC options for handle and steel types BUT the base model that comes with AUS 8 steel and nylon handles does come in at under $50 bucks which is a steal for a knife reviewed this good. View the Rat on Ontario's Website
Kershaw 1830 Oso Sweet Flipper
The Kershaw 1830 Oso Sweet is a standout pocket knife EDC and is highly regarded for its affordability, sharpness, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for everyday carry. Users appreciate its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism, which allows for quick, one-handed blade deployment. The 8Cr13MoV steel blade is noted for maintaining a good edge and being easy to sharpen. Some users mention minor issues with the pocket clip's position and screw quality, but overall, the knife is praised for its durability and value. View on Kershaw's website
Gerber Mini Paraframe
The Gerber Paraframe Mini knife is praised for its lightweight, minimalist design and affordability, making it a convenient choice for everyday carry. Users appreciate its compact size, ease of cleaning, and the secure frame lock mechanism. The stainless steel blade offers decent sharpness and edge retention, suitable for light-duty tasks. However, some users note that the small size may limit its utility for more demanding uses, and the pocket clip's design can be a bit tight, making it less convenient for quick access. Overall, it's considered a reliable, budget-friendly option for those seeking a simple, pocket knife EDC.
$50 - $100 Pocket Knife EDC Options
Kershaw Iridium
Now we are getting into the more commons knives you find on all the big retailers. The Kershaw Iridium series, quite possibly one of the best selling knives of all time. Smooth action, great ergonomics, durable D2 blade, and awesome aesthetics. It also has a reversible deep-carry pocket clip so its ambidextrous for right and left handers. You can't go wrong with the Iridium for an EDC, and plus you get the fidget factor with the DuraLock opening and closing. Order the Kershaw Iridium at Adept Knives.
Buck 110 Folding Knife
Probably the most recognized EDC pocket knife, and also one of the most recognized brands comes the Buck 110 folding knife. It's durable, has high quality materials, sharp, and has a timeless design that has held up for years and years backed by the heritage and tradition of the Buck brand. Probably the only downside is that it requires 2 hands to open since it does not have a flipper or other opening mechanism. Shop on the Buck website.
Spyderco Tenacious
The Spyderco Tenacious comes in next with a mix of quality and affordability. Normally getting a Spyderco under $100 is a rare find but the Tenacious has proven itself over the years with great edge retention, ease of opening, and a great build quality. The downsides from the community is it is not USA made but the quality control on this model is great even though it is made in China. Shop on Spyderco website.
$100 - $200 Pocket Knife EDC Options
Spyderco Para Military 2
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 kicks off our $100-$200 section and its no wonder why. This may be the most reviewed knife I could find on the internet. It's got superior blade steel, smooth deployment, and a compression lock that is praised for its strength and ease of use. Some cons are the size may be slightly larger than expected and availability issues with stock because of the high demand. Shop the Spyderco Para Military 2 on Adept Knives.
Benchmade Bugout
The Benchmade Bugout is our next choice. This EDC knife is a lightweight power house coming in at only 1.85 ounces with CPM-S20V steel with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Bugouts also have huge after market support with scales and component customizations to fit any individuals needs. Some concerns are the blades thinness, it does help make this knife as light as it is but also means it sacrifices sturdiness. Shop the Benchmade Bugout on the Benchmade website.
Spyderco Manix 2
The Spyderco Manix 2 is regarded as a high-value knife with exceptional build quality, ergonomics, and blade performance. While the weight and stiffness of the lock mechanism are potential drawbacks for some, these factors are outweighed by its reliability, strength, and overall craftsmanship. It’s highly recommended for those seeking a heavy-duty folding knife that excels in both EDC and more demanding applications. Shop the Spyderco Manix 2 at Adept Knives.
$200 and up Pocket Knife EDC Options
Benchmade Osborne
Comfortable for daily carry, the Benchmade Osborne's lightweight slim profile and quality S30V blade make it a great EDC. Making this knife easy to open and close the Axis Lock mechanism is smooth and ambidextrous, plus adds a great fidget factor to this wonderful blade. The Osborne is celebrated as one of the best pocket knife EDC options on the market. Shop the Benchmade Osborne on Benchmade.com
Zero Tolerance 0562TI
The Zero Tolerance 0562TI is loved by knife enthusiasts for its premium material, great performance, and high quality constructions. The solid titanium handles give this knife great durability and a nice looking aesthetic. Smooth and reliable deployment make this knife a dependable go to for any every day tasks. Shop the ZT 0562TI at Adept Knives.
Zero Tolerance 0450
Sleek understated style with robus construction makes the ZT 0450 a near perfect EDC pocket knife. This blade has a very generous cutting edge in a very lightweight package. Many reviews praised the silky-smooth opening action which is geneously called "addictive". This knife comes with a razor sharp factory edge on great S35VN steel. Shop the Zero Tolerance 0450 at Adept Knives.
Honorable Pocket Knife EDC Mentions
While going though the list we made sure to include the knives in the correct order and ratings we found across the internet, which means some knives which are amazing for their category got left out. For example a multi-tool did not beat out any of the knives on this list for most popular, highest rating, or most ratings. But that doesn't mean it isn't a great pocket knife EDC. Below are some categories that were not highlighted above and the corresponding knives.
Buck 110 Auto
Just like the Buck 110 earlier now we have the Buck 110 in an auto variation. For those seeking automatic deployment in their pocket knife EDC, the Buck 110 Auto is a heritage-rich option. Same look and feel just you now have a push button to open the blade. Shop the Buck 110 Auto on the Buck website.
Boker Kalashnikov Auto
With a reliable push-button deployment and dagger-style blade the Boker Kalashnikov automatic stands out above the rest. Inspired by the AK-47 design this knife has a durable aluminum handle, rapid action, comfortable grip, and impressive edge retention. This budget friendly auto performs top notch and is a proven choice. Shop the Boker Kalashnikov auto on the Boker website.
Kershaw Livewire OTF
Rapid double-action out the front deployable blade and CPM 20CV steel makes up the Kershaw Livewire. This is an american made out the front auto that rivals the most premium OTF knives on the market at half the price. You can't go wrong with the Livewire to be your first OTF, just make sure to check your states OTF laws. Shop the Kershaw Livewire at Adept Knives.
Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
No list is complete without a Leatherman, the Leatherman Wave is a rugged all-in-one multi-tool that is ideal for every day fixes and heavier tasks. With over 18 readily accessible tools it can tackle any job you throw at it. Shop the Leatherman Wave at Leatherman's website.
What Do You Think?
Going through these knives and reading all the reviews and learning more about them has been a great experience. From our ranking system you can't go wrong purchasing a Kershaw in the under $100 range and anything around the $200 and up belongs to Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, and Benchmade. Do you agree with this pocket knife EDC list? Please let me know below what you would change!
For all your pocket knife needs please browse our shop at Adept Knives and let us know if you have any questions at all. We will price match just about anyone on the internet, offer FREE shipping, monthly payment options, and you are supporting a wonderful small business. Thank you everyone for reading.
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