Category: Best Knives (Page 1 of 4)

Choosing a CobraTec starts with three questions: how much knife do you want to carry, which handle color do you prefer, and what is your budget? This guide compares specific models available from Knife Depot when checked in September 2026. Follow the product links for current price and availability.

Quick comparison

Model	Why consider it?	Price at review
Black Ryker BAFRYK	Larger 3.75-inch D2 blade and G-10 handle	$59.99
Black Diablo BLKDIABLOAUTO	Shorter 3.5-inch D2 blade and push-button opening	$49.99

Prices exclude shipping and tax and may change. These are folding automatics; the blade swings out from the handle rather than sliding out of the front.

Ryker: for a larger folder

The Ryker is the largest of these two choices by blade length. Its 3.75-inch D2 blade and textured G-10 handle make it a choice for someone who prefers a substantial folder. If a small, unobtrusive pocket knife is your priority, compare the dimensions carefully before choosing it.

The BAFRYK is the black version. If you prefer an outdoor color, the ODGAFRYK is the OD green Ryker. Both were $59.99 at review. The model codes help you select the exact handle color shown on the product page.

Diablo: a lower-priced push-button option

The Diablo steps down to a 3.5-inch blade while retaining D2 steel and a G-10 handle. At the reviewed price, it costs $10 less than the Ryker. That makes it worth comparing if you want a conventional push-button automatic and do not need the Ryker’s extra blade length.

Start with the black BLKDIABLOAUTO or the OD green ODGDIABLOAUTO. Both were $49.99 at review. Check the full model code: other Diablo listings may have a different blade shape or color.

Which one should you choose?

• More blade length: compare the Ryker.
• A lower-priced, visible-button option: compare the Diablo.
• An OD green handle: compare the specific green Ryker and Diablo links above.

Prefer an out-the-front knife? Compare the small FS-3

The Ryker and Diablo above are side-opening folders. The small FS-3 extends and retracts its blade through the front of the handle using a dual-action switch. Both versions below have a 2.75-inch D2 blade, an aluminum handle and a listed weight of 4.5 ounces.

• Small FS-3 Black Tanto — SBFS-3TNS: black handle with a non-serrated tanto blade.
• Small FS-3 OD Green Drop Point — SODFS-3DNS: OD-green handle with a non-serrated drop-point blade.

Both were $99.99 at review in September 2026. Check the linked product pages for current price and availability; these exact small FS-3 configurations differ from the medium, serrated and dagger versions.

For more options across brands, explore our automatic knife buying guide. For a gift budget, see gift ideas under $50 and gift ideas under $100. Our green knife roundup compares more colorful choices.

This post was originally posted in August 2018 and is updated every year.

Formally known as Columbia River Knife & Tool, CRKT is a relatively new company in terms of big knife brands, having only been established in 1994.

In nearly 30 years, CRKT has released hundreds of models, earning a reputation for bold innovation and standout collaborations with top-tier designers. There’s a lot to admire—from clever opening mechanisms to unique blade shapes—but the brand has also faced some criticism for relying on budget materials. Thankfully, in recent years, CRKT has taken steps to level up in that department.

Narrowing down the 10 best CRKT knives started out easy… until I remembered just how many gems the brand has churned out over the years. With CRKT constantly rotating its lineup—adding fresh designs and retiring old favorites—this list ended up being a mix of classics and current standouts.

Think we missed a deserving blade? Drop your picks in the comments—we’d love to hear what makes your top 10.

CRKT M16

Let’s kick things off with CRKT’s flagship series: the legendary M16. Designed by the late, great Kit Carson—a pioneer of the flipper tab—the M16 played a huge role in putting CRKT on the map. In fact, Carson’s original design was named one of Blade Magazine’s top 10 tactical knives of the decade. CRKT’s version? Still a force to be reckoned with.

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It should be everyone’s goal to buy American-made products to support manufacturing and jobs in the country. However, prices and quality of knives compared to foreign competition can be tough to ignore, especially with inflation significantly raising prices the past few years.

But, if you think you can’t get a solid American-made knife for less than $100, you’re sorely mistaken.

Here is a selection of 10 knives you can pick up for under $100.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

Let’s start with an iconic no-brainer: the Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

Even 60 years after the folder was introduced, the 110 remains one of the best American-made knives you can buy. Not only that but you can get it for under $70.

For those who don’t know, the knife has a 3.75-inch blade and wood handle with bolsters. If you don’t have one of these yet, what are you doing?

Case Sod Buster

This is the first of many Case knives to grace this list. The Sod Buster is a legendary slip joint pattern that has captured the hearts and minds of knife enthusiasts everywhere. The knife has a single blade that measures about 3.5 inches. The handle on this version is red impact resistant synthetic material.

KA-BAR Black Fighting Knife

Not all cheap US-made knives have to be folders. KA-BAR has a few fixed blades that cost under $100, but we’re highlighting the KA-BAR Black Fighting Knife here.

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A post shared by @6six6_edc on Jan 7, 2017 at 10:53am PST

While all knives are meant to cut, there are only a few knives you’d really want to put through the wringer on a busy job site. So I did my best to pick out a few folding knives you can bet your fingers on at work after getting some recommendations from blue-collar workers (not some blog boy like myself).

The pocket knives on this list are a mix of “overbuilt” knives that you can pretty much pry with and less expensive but very serviceable blades you could happily carry onto a construction site.

I tried to take price into consideration, which is why you won’t see a Medford Praetorian, Hinderer XM-18, or a few others that are around $500. Also, if you’re serious about a true work knife, you might want to consider a more reliable and easier to maintain fixed blade. With those caveats out of the way, let’s get to the list.

Post originally posted in September 2018 before being updated in February 2023 to include current knives.

Cold Steel AD-10

When it comes to hard-use folders that are overbuilt and ready for work, there’s a new king in town: the AD-10.

This relatively new knife boasts a 3.5-inch chunk of S35VN steel for its blade. The sculpted G-10 handle feels great in the hand. The AD-10 also has a Tri-Ad lock for even greater power. This may be pricier than others, but it will never fail on you.

There is also a “lite” version of the AD-10 that’s a bit cheaper.

Benchmade Adamas Auto

The Benchmade Adamas is one of the most common models you’ll see on lists about work knives. The reason? It’s large, reliable, and strong. The blade is 3.78 inches and uses exceptionally strong CruWear steel on a no-nonsense drop point blade. Not only is the blade stock thick but so are the liners and G-10 scales.

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The push dagger — also known as the fist knife, punch knife, or push knife — has a murky origin abroad. However, it is thought to have been related to the katara punching sword of India.

Regardless of who invented it, the push dagger gained popularity in the 1800s and was utilized during various wars due to its effective use in hand-to-hand combat.

While other knives, like folders and even most fixed blades, are considered useful tools, push daggers are widely deemed self-defense weapons. They were carried as defensive weapons because they are lightweight and easy to conceal. For that same reason, they are banned in certain localities.

Still, if you’re an avid knife collector and want a solid push dagger, here are the best push daggers for sale at Knife Depot.

Note: This post was first written way back in 2012, but we updated it with newer and better knives in March 2024.

Cold Steel Urban Edge

These days, Cold Steel is by far the best manufacturer of push knives. Not only do they make a few different models, but they all excel in their own way.

One of the most popular at Knife Depot is the Cold Steel Urban Edge.

This one is on the smaller side with a 2.5-inch blade and small Kray-Ex handle. We’ve had people use this push knife for EDC applications, especially because it has double the functionality with one serrated edge and one plain edge.

It is also extremely lightweight at under 2 ounces. It’s available with plain edges too.

Schrade MOE Push Dagger

This push dagger is larger than the Urban Edge with a 3.25-inch blade. There is a slight blood groove down the center to reduce the weight of the knife.

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For nearly two centuries, the Wharncliffe blade design has remained a staple of the knife community.

While the function has evolved from a whittling knife to more of a self-defense or EDC purpose, the Wharncliffe continues to be a useful tool.

A few weeks back, I wrote about the History of the Wharncliffe, and now I’m taking it to the next step with a look at the best production knives with Wharncliffe blades.

I’m capping the list at 20, although I will undoubtedly be missing a few essential additions, so let me know in the comments.

1. SOG Snarl

Let’s start small with this popular and versatile Wharncliffe fixed blade from SOG. Designed by Jason Brous of Brous Blades, the Snarl is one thick knife.

It has a 2.3-inch Wharncliffe blade and a skeletonized handle. The whole thing is made of steel and fits into an included sheath that you can clip to your boot or belt or wear around your neck.

2. Gerber Pledge

The Gerber Pledge is a compact folder with a price you won’t believe. For a little over $20, you can get this knife with a longer 3.7-inch Wharncliffe blade and urban blue handle made from GFN.

This EDC really extols the virtues of a Wharncliffe blade for everyday activities like opening boxes and envelopes.

3. KA-BAR TDI LDK

The KA-BAR TDI Last Ditch Knife takes cues from Janich’s Ronin. This small fixed blade is made to be used in last ditch self-defense situation. The overall length is only 3.6 inches and it is meant to be put in its sheath in a boot or wallet. The backup knife is great at slashing and piercing.

4. Spyderco McBee

Spyderco went crazy the past few years making Wharncliffe versions out of almost every one of its folders. While they cut back on most of those designs, the McBee with its Wharncliffe-style blade is still among the best.

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This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024 to include newer models and more knives.

We all know that folding knives make the best knives for EDC — they’re often lightweight, easily concealable, versatile and can be folded up into the pocket.

However, a small but growing number of people are ditching folders for fixed blades as their EDC knives. Why? A fixed blade can be more reliable, stronger, and a bevy of new designs means it can be just as compact and lightweight as a pocket knife.

If you’re thinking about starting to carry a fixed blade as an EDC in lieu of a folder, here are 10 of the best EDC fixed blade knives to start with.

CRKT Razel

Let’s kick things off with a knife that looks like a very functional fixed blade and that’s exactly what it is. The razel blade profile from the late Jon Graham has always been one focused on versatility. For example, the straight edge is great at slicing and opening up packages while the front of the blade excels at scraping.

The CRKT Razel is a great all-around EDC knife because it is unassuming, comfortable to use, and easy to carry with a pocket carry sheath.

When you add in the D2 steel, Micarta handle, and overall length of 6.75 inches, you get a

Cold Steel Urban Edge

It might seem crazy to put a push dagger on this list of best EDC fixed blades because it’s really only designed for one thing, but you’d be surprised at just how versatile the knife actually is.

This version of the Cold Steel Urban Edge has a 2.5-inch blade with one edge plain and the other serrated. This gives it an extra level of functionality when wielding around the house. Need to open a box? Use the plain edge. Need to cut some rope? Use the serrated edge.

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An out-the-front knife slides its blade through the front of the handle. Many OTFs are double-action automatics, using a switch to extend and retract the blade; others, such as the Kershaw Kapsule, are manually operated.

This guide compares ten OTF families and identifies the exact versions behind our current product links. Some entries remain historical comparisons because a current buying option is not confirmed. Availability was checked September 17, 2026; product pages carry current prices and stock information.

For a closer look at how different designs work, see our guide to unique knife opening mechanisms.

Current OTF options at a glance

Choose the blade shape, edge configuration, opening type and carry requirements before comparing finish or price. Verify the requirements that apply to your chosen model and location.

1. Benchmade Infidel

Current version: The Infidel 3300BK linked here has a black-coated D2 double-edge dagger blade and a black aluminum handle. The current product photo replaces the original roundup image so the finish matches the linked model.

The Infidel is a full-size double-action OTF. Its dagger geometry makes it a different comparison from a single-edge clip-point or tanto: both blade configuration and size deserve consideration when choosing a knife for your intended cutting tasks.

Check the Infidel 3300BK

2. Kershaw Livewire OTF

Model update: Product links in this section now lead to the Kershaw Livewire 9000BLK, with a 3.3-inch black PVD-coated MagnaCut spear-point blade and black aluminum handle. The photo and video show the original stonewashed version.

Kershaw joined the automatic OTF category with the Livewire. In 2023, Kershaw released its very first automatic OTF knife to much fanfare.

Kershaw is well-known for its high-quality Launch series of automatic knives and the brand has been exploring manual OTF designs like the Kershaw Interstellar and Kershaw Kapsule. It only made sense for them to merge its knowledge of OTFs and automatics into something amazing.

The result is the Kershaw Livewire.

It has a pretty tried-and-true design that doesn't break barriers. Its aluminum handle is comfortable and durable with welcomed texturing. The current linked 9000BLK version has a 3.3-inch blade with a black PVD coating.

The three main selling points of the knife are its use of MagnaCut super steel, its US-made reliable construction, and its competitive price tag for what it's offering.

Check current price and availability

3. Boker Plus OTF

Historical comparison: A current buying link for this Boker/Hogue model is not confirmed. The linked Kalashnikov below is a separate Boker model.

Boker itself makes some really great OTF knives like the unique Boker Plus USB OTF and Boker Kalashnikov OTF, but its collaboration with Hogue Knives is off the charts.

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