Knife Buying Guides and Expert Advice

Are These Spyderco Knives Still Worth Buying in 2025? Para 3, Paramilitary 2, Military Compared
It's a family feud! Squaring off today are a trio of Spyderco’s most iconic knives: the Paramilitary 2, its younger brother the Para 3, and the oldest and largest member of the family, the original Spyderco Military. All three knives are outstanding expressions of Spyderco’s design philosophy, but are they worth putting in your pocket?

These $50 Pocket Knives Changed Our Perspective
Think a cheap knife can’t be a good knife? Throw that idea out. A lot of us have grumbled about rising costs in the knife world, but honestly, the real story is how many more quality options you get for less cash. Today’s low-cost folders can compete with gear that used to cost triple the price. Premium-feeling opening actions, durable steels, and thoughtful ergonomics are now the bare minimum at this tier.

These Ultralight EDC Pocket Knives Are State-of-the-Art
Updated for 2025, our guide to ultralight knives is your essential guide to min-maxing your EDC. Beefy overbuilt folders have their place, but sometimes you just want something that you can slip in your pocket and never notice it is there. The easier something is to carry, the more likely you will actually have it with you when you need to cut something, and thanks to modern manufacturing you can still get a lot of capability without a lot of weight.

Built for the Harshest Environments on Earth: A Guide to Benchmade’s Water Knives
If you crave adventure on or around the water, a reliable and corrosion-resistant knife is a necessity. Benchmade’s Water Line meets this need with knives made to excel in wet environments, making them ideal for boaters and anglers or anyone who spends time near lakes or rivers, saltwater, or even just humid environments. Let’s dive in and see what this series has to offer.

Ultimate EDC Knife Showdown: Benchmade Bugout vs. Hogue Deka
The Benchmade Bugout and the Hogue Deka are two of the best everyday carry knives on the market today. They’re so good, in fact, that they’ve reset our expectations for ultralight folding knives across the board. They have a lot in common — thin, light, and made in the USA — but they’re not interchangeable. Depending on your wants and needs, you may prefer one over the other.

Best Switchblades & Automatic Knives
As more and more states have changed their laws in recent years, automatic knives (aka switchblades) have seen a surge in popularity. As a result, more and more manufacturers are jumping into the market, so now is a perfect time to examine the options for those looking to jump into the waters of automatic knife ownership.

Best Multi-Tool Knives With Screwdrivers
Updated for 2025, our list of the best pocketknives with screwdrivers has come a long way! This frequently requested (and extremely useful) feature can be hard to find on a truly pocket-sized tool, so we’ve put together the best options on the market today:

Kershaw Leek Buying Guide 2025: Top Alternatives Compared
The Kershaw Leek has been a mainstay in the pockets of knife lovers and everyday users for over 20 years. Introduced in 2000 and designed by Ken Onion, it quickly became one of the most recognizable and trusted EDC (Everyday Carry) knives on the market. But after all this time, is it still the best at what it does, or have other knives finally caught up?

Best Bushcraft Knives
Bushcraft is the perfect activity to quiet the mind in troubled times. With a focus on knife skills and the outdoors, it makes the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy some nature. With the right knife you’ll be whittling spoons, making snares, and starting campfires in no time, and we’ve got plenty of options for beginners and more advanced users alike.

Best American-Made Combat Knives
The right combat knife inspires confidence from the first grip. Whether for hard use in the field or as a piece of history in a collection, USA-made combat knives continue to set a high bar for durability, function, and design. Today, we’re looking at the strongest options available, diving into timeless classics and modern upgrades worth considering.

Is the Ontario RAT 1 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
When we think of tough, affordable pocketknives, the Ontario RAT Model 1 stands out as a classic. Known for its reliability and no-nonsense design, the RAT 1 has become the everyday folder of choice for campers, outdoors lovers, and anyone needing a dependable blade. But is it still the best bang for your buck, or have rivals finally caught up?

The Best Titanium Handle Pocket Knives Under $100: Top Picks for 2025
Pocket knives with titanium handles have long been associated with premium builds and higher price tags. But do we really need to spend a fortune just to enjoy the benefits of titanium in our everyday carry? Not anymore. There's a growing selection of quality titanium folding knives costing less than a C-note.