The 7 Best Folding Knives of 2022

A knife is one of the most useful tools ever invented, but it’s only useful if you have it with you when you need it. That’s why folding knives are the go-to choice for most people. They can be used for opening a package, breaking down a deer, or whittling a tent stake, and are easily carried in a front pocket. Their usefulness also means there are a ton of options, and finding the best folding knife isn’t an easy task. Follow along as we cover the 7 best folding knives of 2022.

As an outdoorsman, and knife addict, I’ve had the chance to use a pile of great folding knives. I’ve taken on the task of choosing the best option for your needs by choosing the best folding knives for camping, bushcraft, hiking, hunting, and fishing. Here are my picks.

The 7 Best Folding Knives of 2022 are: 1. Benchmade Adamas, 2. One Handed Trekker, 3. Fieldcraft Folder, 4. Benchmade Bugout, 5. Buck 110, 6. Spyderco Salt 2, 7. CRKT Pilar

1. Benchmade Adamas

Key Features

Made in the U.S.
3.82 inch CPM CRU-WEAR drop point blade
6.45 ounces
Skeletonized G-10 handle scales
AXIS Lock

Why It Made the Cut

The Benchmade Adamas has been upgraded from its original materials, and is the closest thing to a fixed blade that you can get in a folding knife. For this reason, the Benchmade Adamas made it to the top of our list of The 7 Best Folding Knives of 2022.

Pros

Good edge retention and toughness
Strong lock
Blade coating prevents staining
LifeSharp warranty
Large enough to handle nearly anything

Cons

None of note

The Benchmade Adamas was designed by famed maker Shane Seibert, and recently received a big upgrade to Cru-Wear Steel from its original D2. The handle shape is comfortable, and provides solid grip in any situation. The Adamas makes you forget that you have a folding knife because it’s so solid. The size and blade shape make it super versatile for just about any situation whether you are camping, hunting, bushcrafting, or taking a hike. Obviously, it isn’t the lightest or best blade grind for specialty uses, but the Adamas is a jack of all trades, and master of none. The Adamas takes the title of best overall folding knife because it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, and keep on cutting.

2. One Handed Trekker

Key Features

Made in Switzerland
12 tools
4.6 ounces
One-handed opening main blade
Full length main blade and saw

Why It Made the Cut

The One Handed Trekker is the best folding knife for camping because it has the tools you need to take care of almost anything at camp. It can open cans, prepare food, fix gear, and prepare wood for a fire.

Pros

Quality manufacturing
Locking, one-hand opening main blade
Saw works for up to “wrist-sized” wood
Feels solid in hand without being bulky
Available in several variations

Cons

Only the main blade locks

Product Description

I received one of these tools as a gift a few years ago and didn’t think I would like it. Then I took it outside and started using it—my opinion quickly flipped. I was most surprised with the saw and how it just ripped through wood. The Trekker is easy to carry and packs a ton of utility in a sub-4.5-inch tool. I chose a multitool as the best folding camp knife because whether you’re in the backyard or backcountry, RV or tent, the Trekker will cover just about any camping task you have. These models are not the most popular tools made by Victorinox, but I think they are some of the best, and the Trekker earns my pick for best folding knife for camping.

3. Fieldcraft Folder

Key Features

Made in the U.S.
4.375 inch 1095 high carbon steel blade
Scandinavian grind
8.5 ounces
Comes with pocket clip and leather sheath
Liner lock

Why It Made the Cut

The Fieldcraft Folder was purpose-built as a bushcraft knife, packed with features specifically for common bushcraft tasks and primitive fire making.

Pros

Thick liner
Bow drill divot in handle scales
Easy to sharpen
Excellent warranty
Scandi grind perfect for wood carving

Cons

Using the knife as a bearing block for friction fires will eventually wear out the micarta scales

Product Description

This knife has bushcraft in its DNA, and in its name. BOB stands for Brothers of Bushcraft. The Fieldcraft Folder is a folding version of the popular TOPS Fieldcraft. It’s not easy taking a proven fixed blade design and creating a folding version. But, TOPS did a great job translating all the good things about the Fieldcraft fixed blade into the Fieldcraft Folder.

While the blade is not quite a true Scandinavian grind because it has a small secondary bevel, it still carves like a Scandi grind. The Fieldcraft Folder excels at notching wood and other common bushcraft tasks. It’s made to use in all conditions with its grippy (even when wet) micarta scales. If you enjoy practicing friction fire skills, you’ll make good use of the bow drill divot in the handle. The divot works well, but would be even better if it included a metal insert to lower friction and prolong the life of the scales.

Bushcraft is totally dominated by fixed blade knives, but if you want a folding knife that has serious bushcraft chops, the Fieldcraft Folder should be at the top of your list.

4. Benchmade Bugout

Key Features

Made in the U.S.
3.24 inch CPM S30V drop point blade
1.85 ounces
AXIS lock
Grivory handle material

Why It Made the Cut

When you’re on the trail, ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain. The Bugout is a featherweight at 1.85 ounces, but it doesn’t compromise on capability.

Pros

Lightweight, yet strong
Easy to carry in your pocket
Lifetime and LifeSharp warranty
Blue scales are easy to spot if dropped
Mini deep carry pocket clip helps prevent snags on brush

Cons

This is not the cheapest Bugout knife on the market, and it is more of an investment. However, it is a reliable and well-made knife that is built to last.
Some users may not be as keen on the plastic handle

Product Description

The Benchmade Bugout has been with me on quite a few hikes and backpacking trips. Even with pants and shorts made of thin material, the Bugout won’t weigh down your pocket. Its slim profile allows access to whatever else is in your pocket, but once you open the knife up, you have plenty of blade length. Although there is some flex in the handle scales, you can apply a lot of pressure on this knife and it won’t break. The handle flex is not serious and handles don’t stay bent. The blade shape lends itself well to food prep on the trail, carving tent pegs, or taking care of splinters or blisters. The S30V blade holds an edge and is relatively easy to sharpen, not that you should have to need to do so on the trail. Weight is always a consideration on the trail, and the Bugout hits the perfect balance between counting ounces and not giving up capability. Add in a great warranty and free sharpening from Benchmade for life, and the Bugout seems an easy win for the best folding knife for hiking.

5. Buck 110

Key Features

Made in the U.S.
3.75 inch S30V clip point blade
3.3 ounces
New Torx Screw Construction
Lockback lock

Why It Made the Cut

The original Buck 110 is a classic, well-loved hunting knife, and the 110 Slim Pro TRX takes an already solid hunting knife and upgrades everything about it. This classic definitely qualified for our list of The 7 Best Folding Knives of 2022.

Pros

Reversible pocket clip
Much lighter than the original
Durable materials
Thumb studs for one-handed opening
Thinner profile for easier carry

Cons

Requires two hands to close

Product Description

I like the looks and nostalgia of old-school folding knives like the original 110 and various slip joint knives, but I value function over form at the end of the day. That has led me to mostly use modern folders with easier opening, convenient pocket clips, and higher-end materials. So, when I saw Buck had modernized the venerable 110, I was pretty excited.
The 110 Slim Pro TRX got a big upgrade in blade steel, as well as modern features like thumb studs on the blade to aid one-handed opening and a new torx screw construction instead of old school rivets. The 110 Slim Pro TRX also went on a serious diet and lost weight and girth making it easier to carry and, in my opinion, feels better in hand. You’ll also have a better grip with the G10 handles on the 110 Slim Pro TRX, which are much better for resisting the elements. The Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX retains the same blade and handle shape as the original, but gets the modern upgrades that it deserves. Classic shapes meet modern materials and conveniences to produce the best folding knife for hunting.

6. Spyderco Salt 2

Key Features

Made in Japan
3-inch Sheepsfoot Blade
2.1 ounces
FRN handle scales
Rustproof H1 steel

Why It Made the Cut

The Spyderco Salt 2 makes use of H1 blade steel, which is rustproof even in saltwater conditions. Normal stainless steels just stain less than carbon steel, but H1 does not stain at all.

Pros

Sheepsfoot blade is less likely to stab you when the boat is rocking or if you slip
Lightweight and easy to carry in four positions
High traction FRN scales prevent slipping
Hollow ground blade slices with ease
Easy opening with thumb hole blade

Cons

H1 is rustproof, but lacks slightly in edge retention

Product Description

The Spyderco Salt 2 is the perfect example of a knife taking care of you, not you taking care of the knife. If you are in saltwater environments (or freshwater for that matter) this knife requires basically zero maintenance aside from the occasional sharpening. Throw it in the tackle box wet and dirty, and give it a second thought. Wade into the shallows with this in your pocket and don’t sweat it.

The H1 steel is not like other stainless knives that will eventually rust and discolor. H1 won’t rust even under the worst conditions. The Salt 2 isn’t going to replace your fillet knife because of its size, but cutting line, ropes, tangles, dispatching your catch, and gutting shouldn’t be a problem for the Salt 2. Good grip, ergonomics, and H1 steel make the Salt 2 the best folding knife for fishing in my book.

7. CRKT Pilar

Key Features

Made in China
2.4 inch Sheepsfoot blade
4.2 ounces
Stainless steel handle scales
Frame lock

Why it Made the Cut

The CRKT Pilar was a great seller when it first came out, and has spawned many variations in handle and blade materials. It remains popular because it works so well.

Pros

Strong construction
Affordable
Several variations and special editions to choose from
Finger choil gives great blade control

Cons

The Pilar is a small knife, and when closing it there really isn’t anywhere for your fingers to go.

Product Description

The CRKT Pilar is a collaboration between CRKT and custom knife maker Jesper Voxnae. The Pilar’s solid construction and a beefy frame lock makes you feel like you have something substantial in your hand, but a forward finger choil and shorter blade length make the heft easy to control. The Pilar is also available with a wide variety of handle materials such as G-10, micarta, and copper, and can be had with a satin or dark acid stone washed finish on the blade. If you’re on a budget and need a solid performer (and you aren’t chasing the latest super steel), the CRKT Pilar should serve you well.

Things to Consider When Buying a Folding Knife

The biggest consideration when buying a folding knife is not the price, the looks, or the brand— it’s the intended use.

Ask yourself these questions:
What will you be using it for mostly?
Are you rough on gear, or are you someone who takes time to care for your knives regularly and are careful with them in the field?

Make sure you get something that is well suited to your most common cutting tasks. For example, a thin blade is great for slicing cardboard and a thicker blade with a convex grind is better for carving wood. Both knives can do both tasks, but choose the knife that excels at the task you do most often.

I also recommend looking at the brand’s warranty policy you are considering buying from. Some knife companies have amazing service and warranty, and some will leave you wanting. Do some research, especially if you’re going to put your knife to work.
Another consideration is the type of blade steel. A carbon steel is easy to sharpen, but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. A stainless blade is more rust resistant, but is more difficult to sharpen.

Summary

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best folding knife, but my rule of them is if you can’t decide between two knives, buy both. Thank you for checking out our article on The 7 Best Folding Knives of 2022. If you would like to share any feedback about these or other knives, please feel free to leave us a comment.