The Best Small Pocket Knives to Carry with You at All Times

There’s no denying the usefulness of a pocket knife. But let’s be honest, you don’t always need a standard-sized blade.

Small knives are handy for gutting small fish, opening tricky packages, preparing tinder for fires and slicing through campfire charcuterie boards. They also fit easily into pants pockets, and some models can even hang off keychains, leaving one less thing to remember as you’re walking out the door.

Although there is no hard-and-fast definition of a “small” pocket knife, there are a few characteristics to look out for as you’re researching your next tiny tool.

Following our selections below to out what, exactly, counts as a “small knife,” which features to look for when buying one and even a few legal implications to consider.

Best Overall Small Pocket Knife: WESN The Microblade 3.0

WESN

One of our favorite new knives of 2023, the Microblade 3.0 is also our top pick for an everyday blade slim enough to take just about anywhere.

Redesigned for its third iteration in 2023, the 3.0’s biggest update is the thumb stud, which is now removable. Keep it as your primary method of deployment, or forgo it for a more streamlined EDC experience.

The blade itself features a new choil design, and the pocket clip is crafted from a softer steel — making it more pliable and easy to use.

Best Upgrade Small Pocket Knife: Chris Reeve Small Inkosi

Chris Reeve Knives

Chris Reeve’s creations are considered by many to be the pinnacle of pocket knives. The small version of the Inkosi is no exception.

The 2.8-inch blade is compliant with most knife laws, and the titanium handle is built with grooves that make it easier to get a good grip — one of the tenets of safe knife handling. Dual thumb studs on either side of the handle make one-handed opening a breeze, and variety is the spice of knife: the Inkosi is available with either a drop point, insingo or tanto style blade.

The Small Inkosi is currently backordered, but you can fill out an online order form to get in the queue.

Best Small Pocket Knife on a Budget: Gerber Paraframe Mini

Gerber

A serrated knife is great for sawing through soft, pliable materials like fabric, rope or leather. That alone makes this Gerber knife a solid choice for any backpacking trip.

The Paraframe Mini, a smaller version of a larger Gerber knife, weighs in at just over an ounce, and with its partially serrated blade, it can pull double-duty cutting both soft and hard materials.

The open-air construction of the blade reduces weight while holding up under pressure. The cherry on top of this stainless-steel pie? The Paraframe Mini costs less than $20.

Best Collaboration: Böker Plus Harlock Mini

Böker

A collaboration between Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design and Böker Plus, the Harlock Mini is an automatic folder with style and substance in spades.

The versatile 154CM stainless black-coated steel drop point blade includes a “blood groove,” a deep depression that helps to channel fluid away from whatever you’re slicing into. The handle is a unique three-finger shape made from black-coated aluminum, which juxtaposes nicely with the brass hardware details.

If you’re looking for a knife that’s as premium presenting as it is in use, this is it.

Best Small Pocket Knife for the Home Office: The James Brand The Abbey

The James Brand

The Abbey was designed specifically for opening records — niche, we know, but that’s part of its charm. (You can also use it for opening letters or other slim packages, if you’d like a little more variety.)

The James Brand describes this little number as a desk knife, and it’s TJB’s smallest fixed blade to date. Constructed with a stainless steel blade and rosewood inlays in the handle, it’s a tool you’ll want to display.

If you would like to take it on the road, however, it comes with a tiny leather sheath.

Best Small Keychain Knife: Spyderco Bug

Blade HQ

If you want to dip your toes into the world of Spyderco but don’t want to shell out a couple hundred bucks, start out with the Bug.

What the brand calls “the miniest of mini knives” measures in at an overall length of just under three inches, but it packs plenty of performance into its minuscule frame.

Featuring a drop point 3Cr13MoV steel blade and stainless steel handle with lanyard hole, it’s a solid choice for a keychain knife that doesn’t sacrifice quality for size.

Best Small Version of a Popular Knife: Benchmade 533-3 Mini Bugout

Blade HQ

The Bugout is one of Benchmade’s most popular knives, so it only makes sense that the brand would release a shrunken version of the fan-favorite blade.

The little bro features the same premium materials and uncomplicated design as its full-sized sibling, but it’s better suited to smaller hands and shallow pockets. Its 2.82-inch blade is teetering right on the edge of full-size, but at just 1.48 ounces, the Mini Bugout is still incredibly lightweight.

Best Small Pocket Knife Made in the U.S.A.: Buck 417 Budgie Knife

Buck Knives

If U.S. manufacturing is important to you, odds are good you’ll find what you’re looking for at Buck Knives. The company’s calling card is the 110 Folding Hunter, a blade everyone and their grandpa carries, but don’t sleep on the Budgie.

Made with S35VN steel and a black G10 resin laminate handle, this little guy weighs just over two ounces. That means it’s slim enough that you won’t notice it in your pocket but thanks to its Paul Bros. heat treatment, it’s as tough as anything else you’ll carry on a daily basis — maybe more so.

Best Compact D2 Blade: Civivi Mini Praxis

Amazon

Sometimes, a knife manages to combine both quality materials and a budget-friendly price into one package, and the Civivi Mini Praxis does just that.

The drop point black stonewashed blade is made from D2 steel, and the handle is made from hardy G10. The overall weight is 2.77 ounces, making it easy to bring along on any adventure.

Because of its no-nonsense construction and materials, the Mini Praxis shines during outdoor activities and camping adventures — that is, trips where you don’t mind your gear getting a little beat up.

Best New Compact Blade: CRKT Homefront Compact

CRKT

Legendary knife designer Ken Onion’s popular Homefront design was inspired by a WWII-inspired knife. This version features a shorter drop point blade made of high-end S35VN steel and a G10 handle with aluminum bolster designed for superior grip.

Note, however, that the Homefront Compact is still one of the larger knives on this list, with an almost-three-inch blade and a “hefty” weight of three ounces.

What is considered a small pocket knife?

The standard length of most traditional pocket knife blades is three to four inches; most folding and fixed blade models made for every day carry don’t get much longer.

Small pocket knives, by contrast, typically have a blade length closer to two inches — long enough to get the job done but not get you in trouble with the law.

What size blade can you legally carry?

There are specific rules around which types of knives, and the lengths of their blades, you can carry in public. Regulations vary state to state, but for the most part, knives with blades under 2.5 inches are permitted in public areas other than schools, government buildings, courts or military bases.

Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives are generally allowed in most public places, as well. Still, it’s worth reading up on what your state and municipality does and doesn’t allow, as well as familiarizing yourself with federal laws.

Stay Sharp