20 Pocketknives, Folding Knives and Humble EDC Blades

We’re the first to admit that there’s a time and place for a superior multitool.

But whereas carrying a hatchet-shovel-saw on your belt is sure to draw a few raised eyebrows, the humble pocketknife is equally at home opening boxes in the office or cutting rope at the company offsite.

Not sure which one’s for you? We’ve rounded up 20 unimposing folding knives you can carry stress-free. At the very least, these’ll save you from having to slice things with the sharpest key on your key ring.

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Gerber Sharkbelly
A semi-serrated sheepsfoot blade housed in a scaled-grip handle with pocket clip.

The James Brand County Knife
Not a modish design fan? The rounded walnut handle offers warmth without sacrificing steel.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Maxamet
Award-winning design paired with Carpenter’s notorious Micro-Melt Maxamet alloy.

CRKT Daktyl
Looks like a keychain, named like a dino and found in the dictionary under “barebones.”

Zero Tolerance Sinkevich Carbon Fiber KVT
A high-performing black-on-black blade that sounds aggressive, but carries light.

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Benchmade Bugout Knife
A full 7.5-inches of perfected utilitarianism, wrapped in a cool blue.

Schrade Old Timer
U.S. knifemakers Imperial Schrade are no longer, but their three-blade Old Timer lives on.

Taylor Stitch Drop Point Knife
The brass handle will age well, as will the blade (if you use the added sharpening stone).

CRKT Snap Lock
Daktyl’s older, more secure brother. Arrives razor sharp, but locks down tight.

Deejo Black Granadilla
The wood handle and titanium finish give this thoroughly modern design old-world appeal.

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The James Brand Serrated Chapter Knife
Reliable frame-lock construction with a semi-serrated blade for greater serviceability.

Douk-Douk
Scimitar blade, blackened handle and Melanesian spirit-god — and that’s not the half of it.

Quiet Carry The Strand
An ambidextrous stunner available in a sophisticated stone-washed or PVD black finish.

Nontron French Knife
A storied pyrographic boxwood knife. Don’t say the French never gave you anything.

SOG Access Card 2.0 Sheepsfoot
Intimidating sheepsfoot blade? Check. Folds smaller than a credit card? Also check.

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Gerber Pocket Square
No one’s going to flinch when you take out this harmonica/pack-of-gum-lookin’ number.

Mercator Black Cat Knife
Douk-Douk’s simplicity and drama, but with a German heritage going back to the 1860s.

Shinola x Zieba MS3 Style Manhattan
Shinola’s discerning eye meets Zieba New York’s USA-made craftsmanship.

Horse Brand Co. Steel Naval Knife
Inspired by Scandinavian knives, made in NYC. The brass offers some extra heft in the hand.

WESN Titanium Micro Blade
The smallest of the bunch at 3.75 inches, this whipper-snapper is made for your keychain.

Main photo via Gerber Gear
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