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When it comes to best everyday carry knives of all time, only a few knives can stake the claim, including the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, CIVIVI Elementum, and the Kershaw Leek.
The latest Knife of the Week has quickly gained a spot on that coveted list.
The Benchmade Bugout is a lightweight folder with a simple yet effective design that disappears in your pocket until you need it.
Some people say fixed blades don’t make good everyday carry knives. Those people have clearly never seen the CRKT Razel.
The Razel boasts the late great Jon Graham’s innovative blade shape that blends together elements from the chisel and the straight razor to create something strong and utilitarian.
The Razel has a 2.97-inch blade that can cut, scrape, pry, and more. With its D2 steel, you know it’ll be tough as nails. The Razel blade shape has long been one of our most unique blade shapes.
Along with the unique blade shape, the knife has Micarta handle scales that feel great in the hand.
Some people think folding cleavers are simply gimmicks, nothing more than a cash grab by Big Knife. Those people have clearly never had one for an EDC.
The Gerber FlatIron is a perfect example.
The original FlatIron was a Knife of the Week back in 2020 because of its versatile design. But this upgraded version is worthy of a second look.
First, let’s extol the virtues of the cleaver design. The cleaver has a strong point that won’t break even in hard use. It’s also versatile for slicing, chopping, and finer tasks. On top of everything, its blade shape is much less aggressive than others with similar attributes (looking at you tanto!).
This post was originally published back in Jan 2016 but was updated in January 2024 to include newer models.
Not fond of all the black-handled knives out there? Well, we’ve got a series of posts for you.
We’re exploring some of the best knives in different handle colors. Knives with orange handles and knives with green handles are already in the bag, so we thought blue-handled knives were in order.
You can find other blue knives by searching at knife-depot.com, but hopefully some of these will inspire your own blue period.
Let’s kick things off with an iconic EDC from Kershaw. The Blur is available in all types of colors and materials.
This version with navy blue scales and black Trac-Tec inserts is quite a looker.
The Ballista is a real beauty and one of the best EDC automatics to come out in the past five years (it’s not surprise we named it one of the best new knives of 2022).
This version has blue aluminum scales with a drop point blade, but the Hogue Ballista I available in a few different iterations
Spyderco went through and upgraded some of the knives on its Value Series of folders named after admirable traits. The Resilience is one of our favorites because it’s much longer with a 4.2-inch blade. It uses S35VN steel and a dark blue FRN handle.
Cold Steel is best known for its huge folders, but the Tuff Lite may very well be the best EDC Cold Steel has to offer. This small Wharncliffe-bladed folder uses Demko’s Tri-Ad locking mechanism. This version has an eye-catching blue handle.
The Dozier Folding Hunter has been a mainstay of KA-BAR, so it’s no surprise this folding hunting knife continues to receive praise and varied colors.
Despite the legal gray areas, automatic knives — often referred to as switchblades — remain some of the most satisfying and effective knives on the market.
For the uninitiated, an automatic knife opens with the push of a button or switch. If you’re curious about how they differ from assisted-opening knives, we’ve got a deep dive on that, here.
We’ve been steadily rounding up the best knives by brand and category, so it was only a matter of time before we tackled autos.
One quick note: This list does not include out-the-front (OTF) knives. While most OTFs are technically automatics, they’ve carved out their own category — and they have their own dedicated list.
Now, let’s get to it. Here are the best automatic knives right now.
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is hands-down one of the most legendary folding knives of all time. The only real drawback? It’s not exactly quick to deploy one-handed.
That’s where the Buck 110 Auto comes in.
With a simple press of a button, the classic 3.75-inch clip-point blade snaps open with authority. It stays true to the original with 420HC stainless steel and the reliable lockback mechanism — a combo that delivers rock-solid performance and time-tested durability.
The handle features beautiful Crelicam genuine ebony, complete with brass bolsters and pins, maintaining that iconic look and feel.
Even decades later, the Buck 110 is still a top-tier choice — and the automatic version cranks things up a notch. If you’re looking for upgrades, the Buck 110 Auto Elite steps it up with S30V steel and a G-10 handle. And for something a bit more compact, the Buck 112 Auto is also worth checking out.
With the Kershaw Launch 15 dropping in 2023, it’s honestly tough to pick just one Launch model for this list — they’re all that good.
But for the sake of variety, we went with the Kershaw Launch 6. This full-sized automatic features a 3.375-inch drop-point blade and a sleek aluminum handle.
Its all-black aesthetic gives it a clean, tactical look that’s hard not to love.
The OTF is a fan-favorite design because it’s so unique with a rich history. Unfortunately, most out-the-front designs are exclusively automatics, which means they’re illegal in many places.
However, there’s an increasing amount of manual OTF knives that skirt the definition of an automatic knife.
One of the best manual OTF knives is the Boker Plus Slike.
This manual OTF is as light as a feather at just 1.27 ounces. Despite its light weight, it features a 2.99-inch dagger blade made from D2 steel.
Getting your first knife is a rite of passage. Whether you’re receiving one or giving it as a gift, it’s more than just a tool—it’s a symbol of trust, responsibility, and a step into maturity. A first knife should be practical, safe, and built to instill good habits. You want something that teaches respect for blades while also being useful and fun to carry.
Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of “first knives” given out—some great, some… not so much. Since writing the original version of this list back in 2012, I’ve not only handled thousands more knives, but I’ve also become a parent. That perspective has completely reshaped how I evaluate a “starter” blade. Maturity, dexterity, and responsibility should all factor into the decision. After all, you wouldn’t hand a Smith & Wesson MAGIC assisted opening knife to a seven-year-old.
So, whether you’re prepping for your kid’s first camping trip or looking for a simple starter knife for yourself or a friend, here are some of the best first knives out there—spanning different styles, price points, and ages.
Let us know your first knife in the comments!
This classic is the go-to starter knife for good reason. It was my first knife and probably yours. The Tinker includes a blade and multiple useful tools, all in a non-threatening, easy-to-carry package. Its compact size and familiar design make it unintimidating for beginners, while its quality ensures it will last for years. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Tinker is a safe bet.
Spyderco makes an array of excellent knives that could work well for younger audiences. For example, there’s the Delica or Dragonfly (the latter of which you could get a wooden version as a trainer), but those tend to be a little more expensive.
Therefore, my choice is the Spyderco’s Ambitious, a small but mighty folding knife with a 2.25-inch blade. It features G-10 handle scales, a secure liner lock, and that signature Round Hole for easy one-handed opening. It’s the most compact member of the popular Tenacious family, offering high performance in a kid-friendly size.
The first Spyderco was a revolutionary folder. It had a thumb hole for one-handed opening, a lockback mechanism for strength, and a durable stainless steel handle.
More than 40 years after that first Spyderco folder, Spyderco took many of the design cues from the original while adding quality-of-life improvements.
That resulted in a new yet instant classic called the Spyderco UpTern.
The UpTern actually has a unique backstory. It was inspired by a nonlocking model made specifically for Spyderco’s budget brand Byrd Knives in 2012 called the Tern. However, they upgraded almost everything and put in many of the classic Spyderco design elements.
This post was updated in 2023.
Our suggestions for gift ideas at certain price ranges continues with 20 knife gift ideas under $100.
This list only features knives in the $50 to $100 price range. If you’re interested in the $20 to $50 range, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $50 post. For prices under that, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $20.
These recommendations cover the full gamut of styles, designs, and functions, so if you can’t find something to your satisfaction, you’re trying too hard.
Check out way more knife gift ideas under $100 on our collections page.
The first few iterations of this list featured the iconic Benchmade Mini Griptilian and then the fantastic Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight here. Unfortunately, rising prices have pushed these still great knives off the list. But the replacement may be a better overall knife and value.
The CIVIVI Elementum is one of the best everyday carry knives on the market. It is a simple design that countless people have fallen in love with the past few years. The great thing about the Elementum is that it comes in countless varieties, so you can get the Elementum that matches the personality of the recipient.
An even better aspect is that all of the CIVIVI Elementums fall in the $50 to $100 price range.
The one highlighted here is the handsome version with wood handles and a black blade.
Despite its silly-sounding name, the CRKT Taco Viper is an amazing and underrated folder.
It has a great history because it’s made by veteran Antonio Rodriguez and gets its moniker from a nickname given to 82nd Airborne because they gave their leftover Taco Tuesday scraps to the snakes while serving in Afghanistan.
Note: Post updated in 2023.
If you’re like me, trying to find a gift is the worst. Fortunately, for you, helping you find the perfect gift is part of my job.
I’ve written about 20 different knife-related gifts for under $20 with some great options. But, if your budget for a good friend or a brother is a little higher, we got you covered.
Here are 20 knife-related gift ideas for under $50. These include some of the best-sellers at Knife Depot and products people have been excited about recently.
For a more robust list, check out the gift ideas under $50 collections page.
When we first made this list a few years back, the Spyderco Tenacious was one of the top picks for knives under $50, but its price is now well over the $50 mark.
However, Spyderco still has a handful of knives under the $50, including the relatively recent UpTern. This knife is unique in that it’s one of the few Byrd knives to get a Spyderco upgrade (rather than the other way around).
This is an all steel model that’s similar to those original Delica/Endura models. This one has a finger choil that makes gripping this folder very comfortable.
Kershaw has a ton of great knives at just under the $50 mark. The Bracket is a great choice for those looking to get a knife that’s a little different from the rest.
This cleaver style folder has a 3.4-inch blade with a steel pivot overly over a glass-filled nylon front scale. It is a robust yet balanced knife.
Does your gift recipient already have a ton of foldings knives and fixed blades? Try getting him or her a set of throwing knives. This set from Smith & Wesson comes with six throwing knives that are durable and great for everyone.
Knife throwing is quickly becoming a popular sport that people can play in the comfort of their own backyard. Start a new tradition with this set.
From the modern to the classic, the next item under $50 is the Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear from Schrade. I’ve always been a big fan of Old Timer knives — the saw cut Delrin handles and the brass bolsters/pins give this knife a look that harkens back to the days of old.
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