A pocket knife is an indispensable tool. It’s quite handy for opening boxes, cutting strings, hunting, boning fish and even self-defense.
Despite its wide fame and availability, a good pocket knife has to check some boxes. It has to be safe, ergonomic, and most importantly, sharp!
That’s why I thought I should present my recommendations for the sharpest pocket knives out there. Ready? Great. Let’s get going.
Here’s a quick list of our top picks for the sharpest pocket knives:
The Sharpest Pocket Knives Reviews
I chose these products mainly based on two factors: functionality and durability. To support my choices, I went through online reviews to collect strengths and weaknesses.
Best for Everyday Use
Kershaw is well known for making comfortable, yet powerful knives that suit your daily use. The Blur Black is such a perfect example.
What I absolutely like the most about this knife is the DLC coated blade. In case you aren’t familiar, DLC is short for diamond-like carbon.
A blade covered with this material is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion. Not to mention the fashionable matte surface it gives.
An everyday knife has got to have excellent ergonomics, right? Well, Kershaw added two features to enhance this knife’s grip.
Firstly, the thumb ramp is equipped with gentle jimping that improves the feel. And secondly, the handle is covered with rubber Trac-Tec inserts.
Pros
- Sharp DLC coated blade
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Some users reported early failing of the liner lock
Best Mini Pocket Knife
Having a knife in your pocket may intimidate people around you. This 4-inch knife from Mossy Oak can’t be spotted by people unless they have an x-ray vision!
But this is not the only thing I like about this knife. Its actual selling point for me is the multifunctionality at this small size.
For example, it has a small triangle-shaped metallic projection in its bottom that you can use to break through glass. This is a valuable feature for emergencies like fires.
Also, the top of the blade is equipped with a sharp depression that easily cuts ropes. Moreover, there’s a bottle opener toward the lower end of the handle.
Pros
- Fashionable wood finish
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Some users reported difficulty in opening the knife with one hand.
Best for Value
Since the development of the classic swiss army knife, brands have been competing in adding more tools to pocket knives. RoverTac produces one of my favorites in this category.
This knife comes with 7 tools, the most prominent are the pliers and 9 screwdriver bits. This set of Phillips and Torx bits is handy for repairmen to replace the regular bulky screwdrivers.
For convenience, RoverTac ships a durable nylon pouch with a loop that can be attached to your belt. With a net weight of 8 ounces, carrying this knife anywhere would be seamless.
In case something goes wrong with this knife or you’re unsatisfied for any reason, you’re covered with a lifetime warranty and no-reason return policy.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- 9 screwdriver bits
- Lifetime warranty
- Low price
Cons
- Some users reported a poorly designed safety lock
Best-Looking
Let’s be honest, carrying a knife with a curved edge and multiple serrations can be functional, yet terrifying. You can’t comfortably use it without people judging you.
That’s why I like this knife from Gerber. Its straight sleek blade with the bamboo handle gives a fashionable non-threatening look.
If you don’t like a wooden handle, you can choose the model with the G10-composite handle. This material is known for its resistance to scratches and most chemicals.
You’ll find a pocket clip on the knife’s back with which you can secure it to your pocket or belt. However, I think this clip is quite small to provide the necessary stability.
Pros
- Fashionable
- Bamboo/G10 composite handle
Cons
- Small pocket clip
- It’s just a plain knife, no additional features
Best Lightweight
With a net weight of 1.4 oz, this is the lightest pocket knife I’ve seen. The secret lies in its perforated hollow stainless handle.
But you’ll have to maintain it more carefully, as it can easily rust with moisture lurking in the small corners of the perforations.
It comes with a pocket clip to make it easier to carry around.
My only take about this knife is in the safety lock. I appreciate the added safety, but you need extra force to fold the blade, which can be annoying. And I’ve seen multiple reviews with the same complaint.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pocket clip
- Cheap
Cons
- It can be hard to fold.
- It can rust in the small corners.
Things to Consider When Buying Pocket Knives
Aside from the product recommendations, I wanted to share some thoughts with you that I think might be of value.
Is It Legal?
This is by far the first concern you should have in mind. You don’t want to be fined, or worse, imprisoned over a pocket knife.
Regulations differ mainly according to the blade’s length and opening mechanism. Automatic knives with a cutting blade longer than 2 inches are usually banned.
However, some states leave it quite hazy. Maine, for example, doesn’t allow the concealment of any dangerous, harmful or deadly weapon.
So, to avoid undue legal accountability, check your state’s law before purchasing.
Sharpening a Pocket Knife
Knives usually come in their sharpest forms from factories. But they become dull over time, no matter how reputable the brand is.
Away from the impaired function, using a dull knife requires more force. And with their small size, applying uncontrolled force can easily cause injuries.
Sharpening is easy and usually takes minutes. So don’t be lazy and do it often.
Whetstone’s sharpening stone is my personal favorite option. It has 2 sides with 400 and 1000 grits. It requires water instead of oil, so you can save the cost of the additional supplies.
If you prefer, you can use a honing rod. I don’t like it that much with such small knives.
The Verdict
You never know when you’ll need one. Out of the sharpest pocket knives’ list, I provided, my top pick is the Kershaw Blur black pocket knife. The DLC-coated blade and the ergonomic rubber-covered handle are my favorite.
If you’re opting for a mini knife, then you’re going to like the Mossy Oak mini folding pocket knife. It measures 4 inches only and has multiple useful features.
For fashion lovers, the Gerber Quadrant flipper knife is a uniquely designed option. You have the freedom to choose between bamboo and G10 handles.
Lastly, I hope this article helped you. Stay safe and use your knife properly.