Search Categories

What Are The Best Folding Survival Knives in 2025

"Choosing the Right Folding Survival Knife: A Friend's Guide to Your Outdoor Essentials" When it comes to selecting the best folding survival knives, it’s crucial to consider both functionality and durability. Look for a blade made from high-quality steel, as this will ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion. A good folding knife should also have a reliable locking mechanism; you want to be sure it won’t accidentally close while you're using it. Ergonomics play a significant role too—choose a handle that feels comfortable in your hand, especially during extended use. Weight and size matter as well; a compact design will make it easier to carry without sacrificing utility. Additionally, think about the knife’s versatility—some models come with extra features like serrated edges or built-in tools, which can be lifesavers in a survival situation. Lastly, read reviews and get recommendations from fellow outdoor enthusiasts to find the knife that truly meets your needs. Investing in the right folding survival knife can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures, so take your time and choose wisely!

1

Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool

Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
Buy Now $23.97

Why We Love It

Users love the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool for its versatility and compact design. They appreciate the range of functions it offers, making it a reliable tool for various situations. The stainless steel construction and polished ABS scales are praised for their durability and quality.

Pros

  • Versatile with 12 Functions
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Durable Stainless Steel

Cons

  • Some Functions can be Difficult to Pull Out
  • No Pocket Clip

Swiss Army folding knife featuring 12 functions.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool is a versatile folding knife featuring 12 different functions including, a large blade, small blade, can opener, screwdriver, and more. Made from stainless steel and encased in polished red ABS scales, it is durable and reliable. This knife is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for everyday use and survival situations.

2

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife
Buy Now $164.71

Why We Love It

The Spyderco Para Military 2 has received high praise for its superior cutting ability and unique opening mechanism. Reviewers frequently mention the knife's outstanding durability and sharpness. The textured G-10 handle and secure locking mechanism are also highly appreciated by users. Many have praised its exceptional build quality and say it's worth every penny.

Pros

  • Superior cutting ability
  • Unique opening mechanism
  • Secure grip

Cons

  • May be too large for some users
  • Price might be high for some

A high-performance folding knife with a plain edge and G-10 handle.

The Spyderco Para Military 2 is a premium folding knife featuring a 3.42" plain edge blade made from CPM S30V particle metallurgy stainless steel, known for its superior cutting ability and edge retention. The knife has a unique, patented Spyderco Round Hole for quick, one-handed deployment. The G-10 handle is textured for a secure grip and the Compression Lock mechanism ensures safety during use.

3

Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife

Why We Love It

Users often mention the Gerber Paraframe's small size and lightweight design, which makes it ideal for everyday carry. The blade's strength and sharpness are also frequently praised. People appreciate the secure lock system and the simplicity of the design, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Strong blade
  • Secure lock system

Cons

  • Small size may not suit all tasks
  • Non-serrated blade

A small yet robust folding knife with a frame-lock design and a smooth blade.

The Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife is a compact yet powerful survival knife. It boasts a 2.22-inch high carbon stainless steel blade with a smooth edge. The knife's frame-lock design ensures the blade stays in place while in use, adding to overall safety. The lightweight open frame makes it easy to clean and reduces weight, making it an excellent choice for everyday carry. With a sturdy pocket clip, it's easy to keep it close at hand.

4

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife
Buy Now $31.00

Why We Love It

Users love the CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife for its compact size and sturdy construction. They appreciate the 8Cr13MoV Steel blade for its durability and sharpness. The frame lock is valued for its safety feature, and the stonewash finish gets praise for its stylish look.

Pros

  • Compact and Sturdy
  • 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade
  • Frame Lock for Safety

Cons

  • Small Size May Not Suit All Tasks
  • Stonewash Finish May Show Scratches Over Time

Folding pocket knife with a 2.14-inch blade.

The CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife is a compact and sturdy tool featuring a 2.14-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV Steel. With a frame lock for safety and a stonewash finish for style, it makes for a reliable everyday carry. The knife also includes a lanyard hole and pocket clip for versatile carry options.

5

Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife

Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife
Buy Now $91.63

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Kershaw Blur Black for its sleek design and excellent performance. The knife's Sandvik 14C28N steel blade is often praised for its sharpness and edge retention. Users appreciate the secure grip provided by the Trac-Tec inserts and the smooth operation of the SpeedSafe opening mechanism. The reversible pocket clip is also a well-loved feature.

Pros

  • Excellent edge retention
  • Secure grip
  • Smooth opening mechanism

Cons

  • Partial serration might not suit all tasks
  • Handle might be slippery when wet

A stylish folding knife with a partially serrated blade and anodized aluminum handle.

The Kershaw Blur Black is a high-quality folding knife featuring a 3.4" partially serrated blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel, known for its excellent edge retention. The anodized aluminum handle is equipped with Trac-Tec grip tape inserts for a secure grip. The SpeedSafe Assisted Opening mechanism allows for a smooth and easy one-handed opening. Comes with a reversible pocket clip for convenient carry.

6

Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife

Buy Now $92.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers praise the Kershaw Blur for its high-quality blade and secure grip. They appreciate the easy one-handed opening and the sleek design of the knife. Many note that despite the slightly higher price point, the knife's performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

Pros

  • High-performance blade
  • Secure grip
  • Easy one-handed deployment

Cons

  • Slightly higher price point
  • May require frequent sharpening

A folding knife featuring a slightly recurved blade and a unique handle with Trac-Tec grip.

The Kershaw Blur Black is a stylish and performant folding knife. The knife's slightly recurved blade enhances its ability to cut and slice, while the high-carbon, DLC-coated Sandvik 14C28N steel ensures durability and sharpness. The handle is equipped with Trac-Tec grip tape inserts for a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The SpeedSafe assisted opening ensures a smooth and easy one-handed deployment.

7

Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife

Buy Now $18.00

Why We Love It

Users love the Opinel No.08 for its classic design and high-quality blade. The safety ring is often highlighted as a unique and highly useful feature. Reviewers also appreciate the comfortable grip provided by the beechwood handle. Despite the lack of a pocket clip, many find the knife easy to carry and use.

Pros

  • Excellent cutting quality
  • Comfortable grip
  • Safety ring for secure handling

Cons

  • Handle may not be as durable as metal options
  • No pocket clip

A French-made folding knife featuring a stainless steel blade and a beechwood handle.

The Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife is a timeless classic suitable for a variety of survival tasks. The knife features a 3.28-inch stainless steel blade that offers excellent cutting quality and resistance to corrosion. The beechwood handle adds a touch of class while providing a comfortable grip. The knife's unique Virobloc safety ring locks the blade in open or closed position, offering added safety.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 4 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Folding Mechanism Blade Length Blade Material Handle Material Weight Functions
2 Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife
Yes 3.42 inches CPM S30V Stainless Steel G-10 3.75 oz Single blade
2 Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
Yes Various (largest: 3.5 inches) Stainless Steel ABS Plastic 2.5 oz 12 different tools
4 CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife
Yes 2.14 inches 8Cr13MoV Steel Stainless Steel 3.7 oz Single blade
5 Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife
Yes 3.4 inches Sandvik 14C28N Steel Anodized Aluminum 4.2 oz Single blade with partial serration
2

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife

Folding Mechanism
Yes
Blade Length
3.42 inches
Blade Material
CPM S30V Stainless Steel
Handle Material
G-10
Weight
3.75 oz
Functions
Single blade
2

Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool

Folding Mechanism
Yes
Blade Length
Various (largest: 3.5 inches)
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
Handle Material
ABS Plastic
Weight
2.5 oz
Functions
12 different tools
4

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife

Folding Mechanism
Yes
Blade Length
2.14 inches
Blade Material
8Cr13MoV Steel
Handle Material
Stainless Steel
Weight
3.7 oz
Functions
Single blade
5

Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife

Folding Mechanism
Yes
Blade Length
3.4 inches
Blade Material
Sandvik 14C28N Steel
Handle Material
Anodized Aluminum
Weight
4.2 oz
Functions
Single blade with partial serration

Related Video

Frequently Asked Questions About Folding Survival Knives

What makes a folding survival knives the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your folding survival knives recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of folding survival knives?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.