Probably more than any other industry where product brands compete against each other, I believe the knife industry has the highest number of really high-end brands that offer stellar quality. There are literally hundreds of brands and you can see just a partial list to give you an idea HERE. You know if a company is sold by a reputable retailer like BladeHQ, it’s at the top of its game and offers folding knives that are on par with the world’s best.
Having said that, some folding knives just don’t cut the mustard. Either a company hasn’t developed its manufacturing processes or it’s cutting corners to offer a lower-priced option. There are several kinds of folding knives that are above the rest in quality. They are chosen by handlers and knife enthusiasts alike. There are quality knives available in many different types, however, a few made the cut for being the best folding knives on the market.
Fox Knives
Fox knives have always been on my radar as one of the better brands, but because of the sheer number of good knife companies in the world, it’s tough to keep track of who is leading the pack. The 2019 Blade Awards recognized the most innovative design for the year, and it was no surprise to me that Fox came out as the winner with a very unique blade opening design featuring a thumb stud that is pushed to open the blade. Fox is a company based in Maniago, Italy which is known as the European capital for knife-making. It has a long history of quality and still assembles most of its products by hand for what they promise is the “best quality”. We have no complaints!
Benchmade Rocks
The Benchmade Griptilian folding knife works best for everyday use. It’s characteristics feature textured Valox for a good grip. It sports 420j stainless steel.
The inner inserts increase strength and a superior 154cm stainless steel blade. It is a very lightweight blade. It is dependable and easy to open and close. Benchmark makes strong functional folding knives. It is available in various styles, colors, and sizes. (Read about the top 3 machetes).
Boker Rocks as Well
The Boker Plus Titan Drop 01BO188 can be pricey but is well worth it. It’s one of the best knives that cost under $50. It is a great work knife that can be carried comfortably even in a tight pocket because of its slim profile.
The flat ground drop point blade is made of 440C stainless steel. It can handle any cutting job with ease. The ornate bead blasted titanium handle combines minimum weight with the most stability. The polished pocket clip is reversible. This enhances the versatility of this knife. (Butterfly trainer knives).
Spyderco is a Great Brand
The Spyderco Dragonfly folding knife is designed to catch the eye. A large thumbhole makes a knife easy to open. It is one of the larger folding knifes available. It won’t give under heavy use. At just five inches open it lives up to its Spyderco design. It is available in stainless steel that is etched or brushed or FRN handles and a plain or serrated blade. (Pink pocket knives for your wife).
Lionsteel SR-11
The Lionsteel SR-11 is surely among the best on the market. In the 2017 blade awards, this Italian crafted knife took the top prize for Overall Knife of the Year. Every detail of the SR-11 has been thought out for quality. This ensures fine craftsmanship, durability, and design. It has a sleek, comfortable feel because of the 6A14V titanium handle. It is also one of the smoothest opening knives available. It is simply fun to use. The blade consists of Sleipner 60-61 HRC which is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy. It offers a razor-sharp edge. It is balanced with remarkable edge retention. The frame lock on the knife is a simple and solid design. It gives the user confidence during heavy use. And the price? Just a cool $400. For a more “modestly” priced Lionsteel blade, check out this folder.
Is That It?
Heck NO! We’ve just scratched the surface of some of the great quality folding knife companies and products on the market. Each year, the Blade Awards recognizes excellent knives from great companies who have offered the highest degree of innovation. Other companies that offer folding pocket knives (EDCs) that you or I would be proud to have in our pockets would be MicroTech, Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Pro-Tech, and Gerber. Those are some of the better-known names, but other companies offer as good a quality for prices that vary from lower to WAY higher than the ones we just outlined. If you’re curious about which companies offer the best folding knives (beyond the ones we mentioned), just check out this LINK and you’ll be on your way!
Conclusion
It is crucial that you get a knife that meets all your needs. These knives are top of the line. (How to buy the best throwing knife). They offer the best quality for your money. They are highly valued with knife enthusiasts. These knives will make the owner happy to own one of them. If you plan to purchase a folding knife, you should compare prices on the above-mentioned ones. Chances are you will find a quality knife for a good price. When you are comparing prices and knives choose the one that suits your needs the best. You can’t go wrong if you purchase a folding knife of high quality for a good price.