A good pocket knife is a must-have—whether you’re camping, working, or just opening Amazon boxes. The trouble is, most knives are either overpriced or fall apart after a few months. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the seven best pocket knives every man should actually own.
From durable EDC blades to lightweight folding knives for camping, this list is your shortcut to quality that lasts. You’ll find knives built for performance, style, and everyday use. By the end, you’ll know exactly which blade belongs in your pocket.
Essential Pocket Knives for Men
1. Olive Wood & Turquoise Damascus Knife
Buy Now for $21.99
This 7.5-inch Damascus steel pocket knife features a 288-layer blade (1080 & 15N20) with a stunning olive wood and turquoise resin handle.
It comes with a genuine cowhide leather sheath, sharpening rod, and optional engraving—perfect for groomsmen or outdoor enthusiasts. Built with 55–58 HRC hardness, it's a lightweight folding knife for everyday carry and a standout pocket knife gift for men or women.
Related: Unique Personalized Knives!
2. Custom Dark Brown Damascus Pocket Knife
Buy Now for $21.99
Crafted with 288 layers of Damascus steel (1080 & 15N20), this 7.5-inch custom engraved pocket knife includes a premium dark brown wood handle, a full-grain leather sheath, and a sharpening rod. With a blade hardness of 55–58 HRC, it's a refined yet rugged EDC knife.
Ideal as a pocket knife gift for dad, boyfriend, or groomsmen, it’s one of the best pocket knives under $50.
Related: Top Damascus Knives!
3. Damascus Steel Hunting Knife with Resin & Wood Handle
Buy Now for $24.99
Designed with a full-tang Damascus steel blade, this knife features a rugged handle made of hardwood, dyed wood, or resin with steel bolsters, plus brass and stainless steel pins.
Built for skinning, fishing, camping, and survival, it’s a top-tier tactical folding knife. Comes with a leather sheath—perfect as a durable pocket knife for work or wilderness tasks.
4. Personalized Engraved Pocket Knife
Buy Now for $16.62
This 7.5-inch folding pocket knife is made of stainless steel with a gray wood handle and spring-assisted mechanism.
It weighs just 5.7 oz and offers 18 font styles for engraving, making it a thoughtful personalized pocket knife gift. Ideal as a Father’s Day gift, it works just as well for a boyfriend or as a stylish pocket knife for women.
5. Vintage Luxury Stonewash Dragon Folding Knife
Buy Now for $35.95
This 9-inch folding pocket knife features a bold dragon design, stonewash finish, and all-metal handle crafted from stainless steel.
Weighing 6.4 oz with a 4-inch blade and 5-inch handle, it includes a pocket clip for carry convenience. It's a dramatic and reliable EDC knife that’s ideal as a pocket knife gift for men or collectors who love standout style
6. Camel Bone Damascus Pocket Knife
Buy Now for $23.99
This 8-inch Damascus steel pocket knife is made with 288-layer forged steel (1080 & 15N20), a camel bone handle, and brass bolsters for elegance and grip. Blade hardness of 55–58 HRC ensures long-term performance.
It includes a full-grain leather sheath, sharpening rod, and engraving options—perfect as a custom engraved pocket knife or gift for dad or outdoorsmen.
7. Green Assisted Open Caution Folding Pocket Knife
Buy Now for $11.19
This 8.25-inch tactical folding knife includes a 3.5-inch stainless steel blade with a 4.75-inch coated aluminum handle featuring finger ridges and a liner lock. Spring-assisted for fast access and finished in sleek green and black with a blue mirror-finish blade, it’s a sharp, durable EDC knife.
A compact and stylish tool for slicing, piercing, or everyday tasks—perfect for your pocket or collection.
Why Every Man Needs a Quality Pocket Knife
Owning a good pocket knife isn’t just about function—it’s about being prepared, capable, and confident. Whether you’re slicing rope, opening packages, or tackling campsite tasks, the right knife makes all the difference. These seven picks stand out because they’re reliable, gift-worthy, and built for both everyday carry and emergencies.
1. Versatile for Everyday Use: From lightweight folding knives for camping to compact tools for daily slicing tasks, each option is designed with real-world needs in mind.
2. Affordable Without Compromise: Every knife listed here is under $50, making them the best pocket knives under $50 with zero compromise on quality, grip, or build.
3. Made to Last: Featuring materials like Damascus steel, camel bone, stainless steel, and coated aluminum—these are not throwaway knives. They’re durable pocket knives for work and play.
4. Perfect for Gifting: Whether it’s a pocket knife gift for dad, your groomsmen, or a custom pocket knife for boyfriend gift, these knives offer both personalization and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best pocket knife to buy?
The best pocket knife depends on your needs, but popular options include the Benchmade Bugout for lightweight EDC, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 for top performance, and the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife for versatility. For tactical users, Zero Tolerance and SOG models are highly rated. If you're on a budget, Kershaw Cryo offers great value. Always consider blade steel, handle material, and locking mechanism.
Q2: Are pocket knives illegal to carry around?
Pocket knives are generally legal to carry, but laws vary by country and region. Most places allow blades under 3 to 4 inches if carried for utility purposes. Carrying a knife in schools, airports, or government buildings is usually prohibited. It's important to check local regulations before carrying one.
Q3: What knife do Navy SEALs carry?
Navy SEALs use a range of knives depending on their mission, with popular choices including the Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife, SOG SEAL Pup, and Ka-Bar. These knives are known for their strength, reliability, and tactical design. Some also carry Benchmade or Emerson knives for combat and survival use. Durability and grip are key selection factors.
Q4: What is the Rule 9 on a pocket knife?
Rule 9, "Always carry a knife," is a fictional guideline from the TV series NCIS, created by the character Gibbs. It symbolizes readiness and the practical value of having a knife at all times. Though not a legal rule, it’s widely quoted in knife culture. It reflects the idea of being prepared for unexpected tasks.
