Best Pocket Knives According to r/Knife_Swap (December 2025)

tldr; S45VN steel, 3.625" blade, framelock. Silky smooth action, titanium handles. BIFL knife, made in USA with lifetime spa service.

tldr; Compact Hinderer workhorse. Tri-way pivot smooth. Wharncliffe popular choice. Built like XM-18 shrunk down.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Spyderco Manix 2 as a solid, capable, and excellent value cutting tool, often serving as a superb first Spyderco.

tldr; Reddit highly regards the Spyderco Sage 5, considering it one of Spyderco's best and arguably superior to more popular models like the Para 3.

tldr; Reddit highly regards the 'Gator' knife as a solid, timeless, and durable tool, often cherished for decades and remembered fondly.

tldr; The Benchmade Bailout is highly recommended by Reddit users as a fantastic and underrated EDC knife, praised for its unique features and durability despite a high price.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Benchmade 940 Osborne for its exceptional durability, slim profile, and popularity as a preferred EDC knife.

tldr; The Kizer Militaw is positively recommended by Reddit users for its good size, smooth action, and perceived value, even in its more premium configurations.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Quiet Carry Waypoint, praising its overall quality and desirability as an EDC knife.

tldr; Reddit generally recommends the Spyderco Dragonfly 2, praising its design and community recognition, though some received less valuable versions in mystery boxes.

tldr; Reddit highly regards the Spyderco Military, with one user calling it their favorite, and it's noted for being available in various premium steels and materials.

tldr; The lightweight EDC legend. S30V or S90V steel, compression lock, made in Golden CO. Buttery smooth action.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Kershaw Livewire for its exceptionally smooth and light action, affordability, and overall excellent performance.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Spyderco Lil' Native as a favorite EDC for its perfect size and pocketability, though sprint runs can be hard to find.

tldr; M390/204P steel, 3.4" OTF blade, double action. Lightning-fast firing, glass breaker option. USA made, premium OTF benchmark.

tldr; Full-size Shark Lock beast. MG-level custom fit and finish. Spine whack wont unlock. Tank build for hard use.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the QSP Penguin, often calling it "the right answer" and praising its appealing aesthetics.

tldr; Slim titanium gentleman carry. Magnacut blade slices forever. Thumbstud or flipper. American boutique quality.

tldr; Reddit generally likes the Spyderco Yojimbo 2 for its cool factor, but notes it's less versatile than other knives and can raise legality concerns.

tldr; Reddit generally views the Vosteed Raccoon, especially the Top Liner Lock version, as a great value and often carried EDC knife.

tldr; Reddit generally views the Pro-Tech TR-3 positively, especially for its aesthetic appeal and implied utility for tough tasks.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Ontario RAT Model 1 for its incredible value, toughness, reliability, and ease of sharpening.

tldr; Reddit highly regards the Benchmade Mini Adamas, especially the Magnacut and carbon fiber version, though some find its Axis lock difficult to disassemble and clean.

tldr; Reddit highly recommends the Kizer Drop Bear, praising its excellent Kizer Clutch Lock and unique adjustable omega spring tension feature.