Top brands of folding knives of 2024

A folding knife is a rather specific product. This design appeared relatively recently and has already won a large number of fans. However, like any weapon (even the simplest and smallest knife can be used as a weapon), it requires careful attention and serious attitude.

The popularity of folding blades is primarily due to their compactness and extraordinary versatility. Due to its minimal size, such a tool will be an excellent solution for hiking, fishing or hunting. But how do you pick a good folding knife? Let's try to figure it out.

How to choose the right folding knife

There are several types of product division: by purpose and design. Further details about each of them.

By appointment

According to the field of application, folding knives are divided into several varieties.

1. Construction. This type is intended exclusively for the needs of builders and people whose activities are related to repair work. Typically, products have a break-off blade and a plastic or metal body. The blade extension mechanism is made in the form of a groove with retaining notches. You can fix the cutting part with a wheel or a sliding lock. The first method is preferred.
2. Fishing. For fishing, a knife with a rubberized handle is used, which allows you to securely hold the tool with wet hands or in fish slime. The cutting part is a narrow blade, which is convenient for cleaning and cutting fish. Moreover, if the blade is thick and wide, working with fish carcasses will be much more difficult.
3. Hunting. For hunting, a design with a thick and wide blade is chosen, convenient for cutting animal carcasses, cutting branches and other useful activities. Handles are made of plastic, rubber or wood. This design provides maximum comfort and versatility.
4. Tourist. Devices for tourism have average performance in all parameters - they are reliable, easy to operate and multifunctional. You can often find a tourist folding knife equipped with a small file, scissors and a spoon. However, due to such a "package", the overall quality of the elements often suffers.

By opening mechanism

At this stage, it is necessary to look at the quality factor of the mechanism, not an attractive design. Serious finger injuries are quick and easy due to the sudden closing of the blade. A similar "surprise" can be obtained by saving on retainers and the ejection mechanism. The following are the main types of knives by opening type.

1. The most common and simplest opening method is manual. The bottom line is the forced opening of the mechanism with both hands.The reason for the prevalence lies in the elementary and reliable design, which rarely fails. Such knives, with proper care, can serve for tens of years without a single breakdown.
2. Flip blade - this method is less common due to the complexity of the design, high cost and short service life. Despite the extreme comfort of use, switch knives have a serious drawback - the opening mechanism often breaks and is extremely sensitive to various kinds of debris. Also, users are repelled by the price - a solid product that can serve for a relatively long time is commensurate with two or three knives of a different design. Additionally, the release button or lever is extremely sensitive, which can provoke the involuntary operation of the structure in the pocket.
3. Pin mechanism. The principle of operation is similar to the previous one with the difference in the principle of operation. The mechanical pin is reliably protected against arbitrary release, which has a positive effect on safety.

Other parameters

1. Material - a blade made of hardened steel with a hardness of 50-60 units according to the standard Rockwell table is considered ideal. As the index decreases, the blade becomes too soft, which requires frequent sharpening. A value higher than the permissible value indicates the fragility of the blade, thus, with a non-linear load, the knife can be broken. Additionally, too hard an alloy is difficult to sharpen.
2. Comfort is an indicator of importance that is not inferior to the rest. A comfortable grip is always better than an uncomfortable grip. This factor is extremely important due to possible complications during work. An improperly selected knife can grind your hand to bloody calluses or slip out during loading, which often causes serious injury. The handle should lie comfortably in the hand, not cause discomfort during loading.

Extra options

It is worth mentioning the indicators that will be inappropriate or interfere with the work.

1. Fashionable design. When buying a specialized knife, a beautiful look is the last thing to pay attention to. Better than a solid, practical blade, there can only be a very solid and practical blade.
2. Multifunctionality. Experts recommend that when choosing between a simple and a "fancy" product, give preference to the first one. The opinion is based on the fact that the simplest design is the most reliable.

Rating of the best folding knife manufacturers in 2024

Zero Tolerance Knives

Price - depends on the model

The tenth place is occupied by the youngest company, whose existence began in 2006. The new organization broke into the knife market and immediately made a lot of noise. The production is based on modern technology. Custom models are harmoniously complemented by a decent level of quality, which is very popular with the sophisticated audience.

The high cost of the manufacturer's knives is justified by the constant introduction of advanced technologies. Also, the excitement is caused by a new model of the company, presented in the form of a combination of a modern steel alloy of the blade and a titanium handle. In this case, the indicator of the hardness of the blade is close to 60 units.

• excellent build quality;
• a huge selection of models;
• attractive design.

• solid cost of copies.

Cold steel

Price - depends on the model

The next representative of the rating is a young company originally from the USA. The start of production was laid at the beginning of 1980, and since then the expansion of the range of knives has not stopped. Today the selection of products abounds in classic representatives and models of a very exotic type.

Such a dispersion of the company does not raise any complaints about product quality. The main advantage of the manufacturer's folding knives is the renowned quality of the mechanisms. The fittings of the products are capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions and neglect.

Attractive price-quality ratio attracts users.The company's models are distinguished by sufficient hardness of the blades, durable handles and decent fittings.

• Excellent value for money and quality;
• excellent design characteristics.

• poor assortment.

VICTORINOX

Price - depends on the model

Renowned Swiss folding knife manufacturer. Additionally, the oldest company has a monopoly on the supply of weapons to the army of the state. From the very beginning of its activity, a full-fledged production of a wide range of modifications has been organized, which is constantly increasing.

Today there is a full range of hunting, fishing blades in different price segments. Also in 2015, the company began manufacturing products for tourism purposes. Actually, the innovative solution immediately gained popularity among buyers - the first batch was sold out in a very short time.

Also, the phenomenal popularity is due to the huge selection and decent quality of multi-tools for various purposes.

• a huge selection of models;
• Swiss quality;
• monopoly on the manufacture of military models.

• decent price tag.

Gerber

Price - depends on the model

American company specializing in the production of high-quality folding structures for various purposes. The long history of production begins in 1939, when edged weapons of all stripes gained popularity in the States. Initially, the company's products were not of high quality. But the constant desire of the manufacturer to develop and improve the production process has become the foundation for creating an eminent brand.

In 2024, the organization takes a leading position in the world in the organization of production, which allows you to sculpt really high-quality weapons and tools.

Users love the huge selection of products and innovative solutions that never let owners down.

• decent build quality;
• excellent choice of model;
• extensive experience in production.

• mediocre design.

Emerson Knives

Price - depends on the model

The next manufacturer from the United States, which can boast of having a huge assortment. The historical start of production began in 1979 after the sale of the first model. After that, the development of the organization did not stop. Today the company has a huge range of products that stand out for their excellent balance of performance. There are no multi-functional models here, but most versions are adapted for the most difficult working conditions and loads.

Users believe that the only drawback of the company is the disparate prices for products. The simplest, original models start at $ 100 per unit.

• extensive experience in the production of knives;
• decent build quality;
• thoughtful ergonomics;
• excellent blades.

• disproportionate cost of production.

Benchmade

Price - depends on the model

Another representative of the American industry in the world of edged weapons. The organization came to the market rather late - as of 1979, the market abounded in various models, and there was no need for a new one. However, the competent leadership focused on making "butterflies", which were categorically lacking. The trick worked, and the firm quickly gained popularity as a reliable and responsible organization.

However, full-fledged popularity came to the organizers after the release of a whole series of folding blades with a wide range of applications. Modern developments attract users with their accessibility and practicality, which is appreciated by beginners and professionals.

In 2024, small hunting-style folding knives and fishing blades are especially popular.

• excellent blade quality;
• decent build.

• controversial design.

Opinel

Price - depends on the model

Next in line is the people's representative, who began its history about 200 years ago.From the very beginning, the French organization focused on the availability of products. The average line of the manufacturer's blades costs around 2,000 rubles. per unit, which attracts a large number of consumers from all over the world.

The main emphasis is on the folding type model, which allows you to focus on one task. This solution allows you to create products with a working part, a hardness of about 60 units and decent fittings. The most important point for the domestic consumer is the low price.

• minimum cost;
• optimal performance.

• some modifications have weak locks.

Buck Knives

Price - depends on the model

The third place on the list is occupied by an American manufacturer of folding knives, with a big name. The company began its existence in 1902 and since then has been distinguished by its high quality products.

The company's blades are not distinguished by innovative solutions and the introduction of ultra-modern technologies, but this does not lower the bar for reliability. The main trump card of the organization is that professionals of the highest level work on the creation of knives, which allows using the classic technology to obtain the maximum characteristics of the blades.

Skillful craftsmen know how to squeeze the limit out of proven alloys, thereby ensuring an affordable price and decent product quality.

The main "repertoire" of products consists of hunting knives for small and large animals.

• use of proven forging and casting methods;
• solid assembly;
• optimal functionality.

• controversial design;
• comes across a marriage.

Kershaw

Price - depends on the model

The silver medalist of the rating is a well-known company specializing in the production of folding and fixed knives for various purposes.

Optimal functionality is harmoniously complemented by an attractive price that many users appreciate. The organization's arsenal includes models of knives designed for hunting, fishing, tourism and hiking.

After the reorganization of production, the company opened up for itself the European market, and very successfully. Due to the low price and good reliability, the models are very fond of domestic users.

• Excellent value for money and quality;
• attractive design;
• decent ergonomics.

• some users complain about the narrow specialization of individual copies.

Spyderco

Price - depends on the model

The gold medal goes to a company that has managed to attract users with a harmonious combination of design, quality and ergonomics.

However, when competitors tried to release the maximum number of models to the market, the leader of the rating focused on the production of a narrow range with an individual design that is recognizable even 40 years after the start of sales.

Users especially like the aggressive appearance of the products and the good technical performance. The combination of the above factors makes Spyderco knives in demand among fishermen, hunters and ordinary cold weapon lovers.

• unique design;
• good build;
• high quality steel.

• not found.

Outcome

Whatever the knife is, its characteristics will not be able to provide sufficient efficiency if used incorrectly. Experts note that even the most expensive models, when used for other purposes, can fail at the most critical moment.

Important! The knife is always chosen based on personal needs. You shouldn't buy a fishing model for hunting or vice versa.