TOP 15 best folding knives for every day: rating 2024-2025 and which folding knife is better under 5000 rubles

A knife is sure to come in handy when hiking, hunting or just during outdoor recreation.To make it take up less space in your pocket or backpack and be completely safe, it is better to give preference to folding models.

In addition, folding knives are equipped with additional functions such as a corkscrew, opener or screwdriver.

What criteria should be guided by when choosing a product? Which features are important and which ones can be ignored?

We analyzed user reviews and expert advice in detail, and compiled our own ranking of the best folding knives according to the 2024-2025 version, and to make it easier to choose the right model, we will list the most important technical characteristics of the tool.

Rating of the TOP 15 best folding knives for 2024-2025

This rating includes the best folding knives for every day according to users and experts. Among the presented models there are both expensive and budget ones, so everyone can choose the right one for themselves.

How to choose a folding knife and what to look for?

When choosing a folding knife, first of all, you should pay attention to its manufacturer. Only trusted brands guarantee the high quality of tools.

Other important specifications include:

• Steel quality. As a rule, folding knife blades are made of several types of stainless steel. This material is the best, because it is not subject to corrosion, and after hardening it retains factory sharpening for a long time.
• Lever. The ease of use of the tool depends on its shape and coating. It is important that the handle material is not slippery for a comfortable grip. The handle itself should be ergonomically shaped so that the user does not get tired after working with the tool for a long time.
• Lock. Another important detail for folding knives. The blade lock should be reliable, but at the same time as simple as possible. This ensures that it does not break during operation, and the open blade is securely fixed and does not close during operation.
• The presence of a clip. A useful addition to any folding knife, because the clip allows you to carry the knife on your belt, but its presence is not necessary.

TOP 3 best folding knives by price/quality for 2024-2025

A quality folding knife doesn't have to be very expensive. In the lines of many well-known brands there are tools that are distinguished by affordable prices, but at the same time, the quality of materials and assembly will satisfy even the most demanding users.

OPINEL №10 Beech (123100)

This knife is produced by a well-known French brand, which has long earned respect among tourists, hunters and ordinary outdoor enthusiasts. Outwardly, the tool looks as simple as possible, but the production took care to make it really convenient to use.

The product has a classic manufacturing format for the brand. The blade is made of stainless steel. She additionally underwent a special heat treatment so that the factory sharpening was maintained as long as possible.

The handle is wooden (made of beech), has an ergonomic shape and high-quality polished for comfortable operation. Additionally, the handle is impregnated with a special protective composition that prevents the wood from drying out or changing color under the influence of moisture and sunlight. To fix the blade, the knife is equipped with a patented lock that securely fixes the blade and prevents it from spontaneously closing during operation.

Specifications:

• total length 21 cm;
• weight 46 g;
• blade length 10 cm.

GANZO G707

Folding tourist knife is equipped with a combined blade with a straight sharpening. Due to this, restore the sharpness of the blade will not be difficult, although the model boasts a high quality of factory sharpening, which lasts for a long time even with active use.

A distinctive feature of the model is the unique Button Lock locking mechanism. It securely fixes the blade in the unfolded state, prevents injuries and does not allow the knife to close on its own during operation.

The handle, like the blade, is made of stainless steel. To increase the comfort of use, it has small wooden inserts. They not only improve the grip, but also allow you to use the knife in the cold season without feeling discomfort from contact with metal. Also on the handle there is a special clamping clip for fixing the tool on a belt or a backpack belt.

Specifications:

• total length 20.8 cm;
• weight 115 g;
• blade length 9 cm.

Cold Steel Luzon Medium

A compact, inexpensive, but sharp enough knife that fits perfectly into the basic set of equipment for a tourist, hunter or fisherman. Despite the advanced technical characteristics, the tool does not apply to edged weapons: the corresponding certificate is provided by the manufacturer for each product.

The owner does not have to waste time opening the knife, because the blade is pulled out of the body instantly. To do this, simply press a special button on the case.

The ergonomic handle is made of soft-touch thermoplastic. The material itself is rough, so the knife will definitely not slip out even from wet hands. Additionally, the product has a lanyard hole into which you can insert a leather or paracord braided cord for convenient carrying of the instrument.

Specifications:

• total length 22.8 cm;
• weight 99.2 g;
• blade length 10.1 cm.

TOP 3 best tactical folding knives

Tactical folding knives are compact in size, but the small size does not affect the quality and ease of use. With this tool, you can easily cut food, repair fishing tackle, cut wood chips for a fire, or even butcher game. In 2024-2025, three models were recognized as the best in this category.

Boker Strike spearpoint

In terms of cost, this tactical knife belongs to the middle price category, but it has everything you need for a full-fledged operation in everyday life and extreme conditions.

The blade of a special shape significantly expands the scope of the blade, and the special hardening of stainless steel and high-quality factory sharpening of the blade ensure long-term operation. At the same time, the user does not have to sharpen the knife on their own, because its sharpness remains for a long time even with active use.

The blade is made of high alloy steel. This material has not only increased resistance to corrosion, but also high strength. Thanks to this, the tool can be used for a variety of tasks without fear that its blade will crack or break. The handle is made of aluminum, and it has a special clip for easy wearing of the product on the belt.

Specifications:

• total length 20.1 cm;
• weight 137 g;
• blade length 8.5 cm.

SOG Spec Elite II SE18

One of the most expensive folding knives on the market today, but its price is fully justified by the high quality. First the blade of the tool deserves attention. It is made of stainless steel, which does not rust and does not lose performance even with intensive use.

In addition, the blade has undergone special hardening and sharpening, which lasts for a long time, and the owner does not have to sharpen the knife on his own.

To use the knife even in the cold season, the manufacturer made a handle of high-quality plastic. It is not covered with cracks and scratches, and the corrugated surface does not slip even in wet hands. At the back of the handle there is a special hole for attaching the cord, and a special clip makes it easy to carry the tool on your belt.

Specifications:

• total length 27.4 cm;
• weight 201 g;
• blade length 12.7 cm.

Kershaw Link 1776

Another quality mid-range folding knife with all the features you need for full operation in extreme conditions. Direct factory sharpening lasts for a long time, even if the owner regularly uses the knife to cut hard materials.

The blade itself is made of high-strength steel, so it does not rust or crack with prolonged use. For comfortable use, the manufacturer covered the handle with a special thermoplastic.

This material also has high performance characteristics. It does not crack, does not change color, but it is very pleasant to the touch and does not slip even from wet hands. Among other features, it is worth highlighting the ergonomic shape of the handle for a comfortable grip, as well as a high-quality clip that allows you to comfortably carry the tool on your belt.

Specifications:

• total length 19.3 cm;
• weight 113.4 g;
• blade length 8.4 cm.

TOP 3 best folding knives made in China

Chinese goods often do not inspire confidence, but on the modern market there are several models of Chinese-made folding knives that are not inferior in quality to products from more famous brands.

RUIKE P108-SF

This all-metal folding knife is versatile in its scope of use. It is suitable for both tourists and hunters, and just for those who love outdoor activities. For the manufacture of the tool, two types of stainless steel are used (for the blade and handle).

The metal that is used for the blade has been specially hardened, which increases the strength of the tool. Also, the tool boasts a high quality of factory sharpening, which is maintained even during long and intensive use.

The knife handle is also metal, so in the cold season, the owner of the tool may feel some discomfort from contact with cold metal. The handle is high quality polished, so it is practically not subject to scratches. To prevent the knife from accidentally folding spontaneously, the manufacturer has provided two locking mechanisms at once, which provide a secure fit.

Specifications:

• total length 21 cm;
• weight 188 g;
• blade length 8.8 cm.

GANZO FH41

A very high-quality, albeit inexpensive, folding knife, which will become an indispensable assistant on a hike, during hunting or fishing.

The tool has not only a stylish appearance, but also excellent performance and high cutting properties. These parameters are provided by high-quality blade steel, which is resistant to corrosion and does not crack during long-term operation.

The handle is covered with special plastic. It is pleasant to the touch, does not allow hands to freeze when used in cold weather, and is not covered with scratches.

In addition, the handle has an ergonomic shape, and the non-slip coating does not slip even from a wet hand. A Flipper lock is provided for closing and opening, so the owner can be sure that the blade will not spontaneously close during operation.

Specifications:

• total length 20.2 cm;
• weight 101 g;
• blade length 8.8 cm.

RUIKE P128-SB black

An all-metal folding knife is a versatile tool that has an extended scope of operation. With it, you can easily cut wood chips for a fire, build a shelter, repair fishing tackle or cut food.

The blade is made of high quality stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. Thanks to this, the tool can be safely used in extreme conditions without fear that the product will lose performance.

When folded, the knife takes up very little space, so it is convenient to carry it in a pocket or a small compartment of a backpack. At the bottom of the handle there is a small notch for the finger, which provides a secure grip, and a special clip allows you to conveniently carry the knife on your belt.

Specifications:

• total length 21.7 cm;
• weight 159 g;
• blade length 9.3 cm.

TOP 3 best folding knives with a sheath included

Not all folding knives come with a sheath, but there are manufacturers who have provided this opportunity. Three models were recognized as the most qualitative and convenient.

VICTORINOX Excelsior

Compact, stylish and inexpensive penknife is not only affordable and high quality, but also versatility.

In addition to the traditional large blade, the tool has a small blade and a small key ring. Due to this, the knife will become an indispensable assistant for a survivalist, tourist or fisherman.

For comfortable operation in any weather, the handle of the knife is made of durable plastic. It does not slip even in wet hands and is not covered with scratches during prolonged use.

Another feature of the knife is the high quality of factory sharpening.Thanks to this, the knife successfully copes with almost any task, and the blade does not lose its sharpness even during prolonged use. But, even if the blade has to be sharpened again, this will not cause serious difficulties, since sharpness can be restored on any, including pocket, grindstone.

Specifications:

• folded length 8.4 cm;
• weight 20 g;
• blade length 6.3 cm.

BUCK 110 Folding Hunter

Calling this folding knife cheap is unlikely, but its performance fully justifies its cost.

The blade is made of high carbon steel. This material has received mixed reviews from users, as it quickly rusts when constantly in a humid environment. However, this practically does not affect the operation of the tool in any way: the blade is easily cleaned of rust, and if the factory sharpening is lost, the user can easily restore it.

To do this, it is enough to sharpen the blade on an ordinary stone or using a natural leather belt. The handle is made of natural wood. It is impregnated with a special composition, so it does not crack and does not dry out with prolonged use. Also included with the knife is a sheath that allows you to compactly store the tool.

Specifications:

• total length 21.9 cm;
• weight 205 g;
• blade length 9.5 cm.

OPINEL №8 Carbon Beech

Folding knives of this French brand are traditionally very popular among users. This model successfully combines excellent build quality, affordable cost and laconic stylish design.

The blade is made of carbon steel. This material has increased resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion, but is easily covered with rust spots, so after each wash the blade must be wiped dry.

At the same time, the advantage of a carbon blade is that it can be sharpened using improvised materials, for example, an ordinary stone or a leather belt. Also noteworthy is the handle of the product. It is made of natural wood, and to increase the service life, the material is impregnated with a special composition that prevents the instrument from drying out or losing color.

Specifications:

• total length 19 cm;
• weight 46 g;
• blade length 8.5 cm.

TOP 3 best budget folding knives under 5000 rubles

Not all users have the opportunity to buy expensive professional knives. But, if the budget allows you to spend 5 thousand rubles on the purchase of a tool, it will not be difficult to choose a quality knife.

LEATHERMAN Skeletool KBX (832382)

A thin and light folding knife, despite its not democratic cost, is of high quality and has all the necessary performance characteristics for use in extreme conditions.

Serrated blade made of high quality stainless steel has excellent cutting properties and does not rust even after prolonged use. The handle is coated with a special material (tungsten carbide) that is resistant to abrasion.

In addition, the handle material is pleasant to the touch and does not slip even in wet hands. A convenient recess on the blade allows you to almost instantly remove it from the case. For reliable fixation of the blade in the open state, a high-quality lock is provided. Also included with the tool is a clip that allows you to conveniently carry the knife on your belt, and when folded, the tool takes up very little space, so it can be carried in a jacket pocket or a small compartment of a backpack.

Specifications:

• folded length 8.9 cm;
• weight 42.5 g;
• blade length 6.6 cm.

OPINEL №8 Trekking Hornbeam

Inexpensive, simple, but reliable pocket folding knife from a well-known French manufacturer will be a great addition. for the arsenal of a hunter, fisherman or tourist.

Despite the democratic cost, the tool successfully combines high cutting properties, concise design and maximum ease of use. The blade is made of high quality stainless steel.The blade has undergone a special factory sharpening and hardening, so it remains sharp even with intensive use.

Like many other products of the brand, the handle is made of natural wood. It is well polished and fits comfortably in the hand. To prevent the handle from drying out and fading in the sun, the manufacturer impregnated it with a special composition. Additionally, a leather lanyard is provided with the knife. With it, the knife can be easily fixed on a belt or backpack strap.

Specifications:

• total length 19 cm;
• weight 46 g;
• blade length 8.5 cm.

GANZO Firebird F759M

One of the most unusual folding knives on the market today. Due to the unusual shape, the blade seems to be slightly curved, but at the same time, materials and compact dimensions make the tool suitable for use in everyday life and camping conditions.

For a comfortable grip, the manufacturer has provided an ergonomically shaped handle. It is made of durable synthetic material (glass-filled nylon). The pads are screwed with five bolts for secure fixation.

The handle material itself is highly resistant to wear. In addition, it is very pleasant to the touch and slips even from wet hands.

The handle of the knife is presented in several colors, so each user will be able to choose the tool to their liking.The blade is securely fixed in the open state with a special lock, which ensures safe operation.

Specifications:

• total length 17.5 cm;
• weight 67 g;
• blade length 7.5 cm.

Which firm to choose?

It was already mentioned above that the brand is an important criterion for selecting a folding knife. In the modern market, there are brands that have long established themselves on the positive side.

These brands include:

• OPINEL;
• GANZO;
• cold steel;
• Bocker;
• SOG;
• kershaw;
• RUIKE;
• VICTORINOX;
• BUCK;
• LEATHERMAN.

We selected the most successful models of these manufacturers and included them in the rating.

Useful video

How to choose a folding knife: