TOP 15 best folding knives for every day: rating in 2021-2022 and what folding knife under 5000 rubles is better

In hiking, hunting or just during a holiday in the countryside, a knife is sure to come in handy. In order for it to take up less space in your pocket or backpack and to be completely safe, it is better to give preference to folding models.

In addition, folding knives are equipped with additional functions such as a corkscrew, bottle opener or screwdriver.

What criteria should you use when choosing a product? Which functions are important and which ones can be disregarded?

We have analyzed user reviews and expert advice in detail and compiled our own rating of the best folding knives according to 2021-2022, and to make it easier to choose the right model, we provide a list of the most important technical characteristics of the tool.

Top 15 best folding knives ranking for 2021-2022

This rating includes the best folding knives for every day according to users and experts. Among the presented models there are both expensive and budget ones, so everyone will be able to pick a suitable one.

The place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best folding knives by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	OPINEL #10 Beech (123100)
2	GANZO G707
3	Cold Steel Luzon Medium
Top 3 best tactical folding knives
1	Boker Strike spearpoint
2	SOG Spec Elite II SE18
3	kershaw Link 1776
Top 3 best folding knives made in China
1	RUIKE P108-SF
2	GANZO FH41
3	RUIKE P128-SB black
TOP 3 best folding knives with case
1	VICTORINOX Excelsior
2	BUCK 110 Folding Hunter
3	OPINEL #8 Carbon Beech
TOP 3 best budget folding knives under 5000 rubles
1	LEATHERMAN Skeletool KBX (832382)
2	OPINEL #8 Trekking Hornbeam
3	GANZO Firebird F759M

How to choose a folding knife and what to look for?

Choosing a folding knife, first of all you should pay attention to its manufacturer. Only trusted brands guarantee high quality tools.

Other important technical characteristics include:

The quality of steel. As a rule, the blades of folding knives are made of several types of stainless steel. This material is the best, because it is not subject to corrosion, and after hardening it retains the factory sharpening for a long time.
Handle. Its shape and coating depends on the ease of use of the tool. It is important that the material of the handle should not be slippery for a comfortable grip. The handle itself should have an ergonomic shape so that the user does not get tired after prolonged work with the tool.
The lock. Another important detail for folding knives. The blade lock should be secure, but also as simple as possible. This ensures that it will not break during use, and the open blade will be securely locked and will not close during operation.
Availability of a clip. A useful addition for any folding knife, because the clip allows you to carry the knife on the belt, but its presence is not required.

Many folding knives are multitools. This means that in addition to the traditional blade, they are equipped with additional accessories. Such products are the most expensive, high-quality and functional, because they can replace several tools at once, but will not take up much space in the backpack, which is important for hiking.

Top 3 best folding knives by price/quality for 2021-2022

A quality folding knife does not have to be very expensive. In the lines of many well-known brands there are tools that are notable for their democratic cost, but the quality of materials and assembly will satisfy even the most demanding users.

OPINEL #10 Beech (123100)

Production of this knife is engaged in the well-known French brand, which has long earned respect among tourists, hunters and ordinary fans of outdoor recreation. Outwardly the tool looks as simple as possible, but to make it really easy to use.

The product has a classic manufacturing format for the brand. The blade is made of stainless steel. It additionally underwent a special heat treatment, so that the factory sharpening remains as long as possible.

The handle is wooden (beech), ergonomically shaped and well polished for comfortable use. Additionally, the handle is impregnated with a special protective compound that prevents the wood from drying out or changing color under the influence of moisture and sunlight. To fix the blade, the knife is equipped with a patented lock, which securely fixes the blade and prevents it from closing while working.

Technical specifications:

total length 21 cm;
weight 46 g;
Blade length 10 cm.

Pros of

High-quality French construction;
Very sharp blade thanks to unique factory sharpening;
comfortable natural wood handle;
low weight;
easy to fold and unfold.

Disadvantages

nicks appear on the blade over time;
Some users complain about the quality of the lock.

GANZO G707

Folding travel knife is equipped with a combined straight-sharpening blade. This makes it possible to restore the sharpness of the blade The model is easy to use, although it boasts a high quality factory-ground finish that lasts for a long time even with active use.

The distinctive feature of the model is the unique Button Lock mechanism. It reliably locks the blade when unfolded, prevents you from injury and does not let the knife close while working.

The handle, as well as the blade, is made of stainless steel. There are small wooden inserts on it to increase the comfort of use. They not only improve the grip, but also allow you to use the knife in cold weather without feeling discomfort from contact with the metal. Also on the handle there is a special clip for fixing the tool on a belt or backpack belt.

Technical specifications:

overall length 20.8 cm;
weight 115 g;
blade length 9 cm.

Pros of

Attractive and detailed design;
Comfortable metal handle with wooden inserts;
small size allows you to carry the knife with you at all times;
Very sharp stainless steel blade;
sturdy and high quality clip.

Cons

some users believe that immediately after purchase the knife needs additional sharpening;
heavier than its counterparts.

Cold Steel Luzon Medium

A compact, inexpensive but reasonably sharp knife that would fit perfectly into a basic outfit for a hiker, hunter or fisherman. Despite the advanced technical characteristics, the tool does not refer to as a cold steel weapon: the appropriate certificate is provided by the manufacturer for each product.

The owner does not have to waste time on the opening of the knife, because the blade comes out of the body instantly. It is enough just to press the special button on the housing.

Ergonomic handle is made of pleasant to the touch thermoplastic. The material itself is rough, so the knife will not slip even from wet hands. Additionally, the product is equipped with a bracing hole, into which you can insert a leather or braided paracord cord for comfortable carrying of the tool.

Technical specifications:

total length 22.8 cm;
weight 99,2 g;
blade length 10.1 cm.

Advantages

Affordable price and high quality;
blade opens quickly without backlash;
lies comfortably in the hand;
handle of non-slip material;
there is a caulk hole in the handle.

Cons

not the most beautiful design of the clip;
some users complain about too tight lock.

Top 3 best tactical folding knives

Tactical folding knives have compact dimensions, but the small size does not affect the quality and usability. With this tool you can easily slice food, repair fishing gear, cut wood chips for the fire or even cut up game. In 2021-2022, three models were voted best in this category.

Boker Strike spearpoint

The cost of this tactical knife belongs to the medium price category, but it has everything you need for full-fledged in everyday life and in extreme conditions.

Specially shaped blade significantly expands the scope of blade operation, while special hardening of stainless steel and high-quality factory sharpening of the blade ensure long-lasting operation. In this case the user does not have to sharpen the knife himself, because its sharpness is retained for a long time even during active use.

The blade is made of high-alloy steel. This material has not only increased resistance to corrosion, but also high strength. This makes it possible to use the tool for a variety of tasks without fear that its blade will crack or break. The handle is made of aluminum, and it has a special clip for convenient carrying of the product on the belt.

Technical specifications:

overall length 20.1 cm;
weight 137 g;
The length of the blade is 8.5 cm.

Pros of

High quality blade;
Simple but reliable folding mechanism;
High-strength steel blade;
Lightweight but strong aluminum handle;
fits comfortably in the hand.

Cons

some users feel overpriced;
there is a small backlash of the locking button.

SOG Spec Elite II SE18

One of the most expensive folding knives on the market today, but its price is fully justified by the high quality. First of all The first thing that deserves attention is the blade of the tool. It is made of stainless steel, which does not get rusted and does not lose its performance characteristics even during intensive use.

In addition, the blade has undergone special hardening and sharpening, which is preserved for a long time, and the owner will not have to sharpen the knife himself.

To be able to use the knife even during the cold season, the manufacturer has made the handle from high quality plastic. It is not covered with cracks and scratches, and the grooved surface does not slip even in wet hands. There is a special hole in the back of the handle for attaching a cord, and a special clip allows you to easily carry the tool on your belt.

Specifications:

total length of 27.4 cm;
weight 201 g;
blade length 12,7 cm.

Pros of

very high quality of the knife;
ergonomic handle made of plastic;
Quality factory-ground blade;
convenient belt clip;
reliable folding mechanism.

disadvantages

higher price;
not very good quality of the clip.

kershaw Link 1776

Another quality folding knife of medium price category has all the necessary features for full-scale use in extreme conditions. Straight factory sharpening lasts a long time, even if the owner regularly uses the knife for cutting hard materials.

The blade itself is made of high-strength steel, so it won't rust or crack with prolonged use. For comfortable use, the manufacturer covered the handle with a special thermoplastic.

This material also has high performance characteristics. It doesn't crack, it doesn't change color, but it is very pleasant to the touch and doesn't slip even from your wet hands. Of other features, it is worth noting the ergonomic shape of the handle for a comfortable grip, as well as the quality clip, which allows you to comfortably wear the tool on the belt.

Technical specifications:

overall length 19.3 cm;
weight 113.4 g;
blade length 8.4 cm.

Pros of

Relatively low cost;
High quality steel blade;
Non-slip thermoplastic handle;
handy clip;
complete absence of backlash.

Disadvantages

short blade;
Not all users like the quality of the factory sharpening.

Top 3 best folding knives made in China

Chinese goods quite often do not inspire confidence, but on today's market there are several models of folding knives made in China, which are not inferior in quality to products of more famous brands.

RUIKE P108-SF

This all-metal folding knife is universal in its scope of use. It is suitable for hikers, hunters and or just for those who love outdoor activities. Two types of stainless steel are used to manufacture the tool (for the blade and handle).

The metal that is used for the blade has undergone special hardening, which increases the strength of the tool. The tool also boasts a high quality of factory sharpening, which is retained even with long and intensive use.

The handle of the knife is also metal, so in the cold season the owner of the tool may feel a certain discomfort from contact with the cold metal. The handle is well polished, so it is virtually unscratched. To avoid accidental folding of the knife, the manufacturer has provided two locking mechanisms, which provide a reliable fixation.

Technical specifications:

overall length 21 cm;
weight 188 g;
blade length 8.8 cm.

Pros of

Affordable price and high quality;
Increased strength of the blade;
Metal handle;
Two locking mechanisms for locking the blade;
lies comfortably in the hand.

Disadvantages

Blue clip wears off quickly;
The clips are not of very high quality.

GANZO FH41.

A very high quality, albeit inexpensive folding knife, which will be an indispensable helper in a hike, during hunting or fishing.

The tool has not only a stylish appearance, but also excellent performance and high cutting qualities. These parameters are ensured by the quality steel of the blade, which is resistant to corrosion and does not crack during long-term use.

The handle is covered with a special plastic. It is pleasant to the touch, does not let your hands freeze when using it in cold weather, and is not covered with scratches.

In addition, the handle is ergonomically shaped, and the non-slip coating does not slip even from a wet palm. A Flipper lock is provided for closing and opening, so the owner can be sure that the blade will not spontaneously close while working.

Specifications:

overall length 20.2 cm;
weight 101 g;
blade length 8.8 cm.

Pros of

Good steel of the blade;
affordable price;
compact size when folded;
Quality sharpening and increased steel hardness;
ergonomic handle design.

Cons

The blade is too short;
begins to rust with prolonged exposure to moisture.

RUIKE P128-SB black

The all-metal folding knife is a versatile tool that has an extended range of use. It can be used to easily chop wood chips for a fire, build a shelter, repair fishing gear, or chop groceries.

The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is extremely rugged and corrosion-resistant. Thanks to this, you can safely use the tool in extreme conditions without fear that the product will lose its performance characteristics.

When folded, the knife occupies little space, so it is easy to carry in a pocket or a small compartment of a backpack. The lower part of the handle has a small recess for your finger, which provides a secure grip, and a special clip allows you to comfortably carry the knife on your belt.

Specifications:

overall length 21.7 cm;
weight 159 g;
blade length 9.3 cm.

Pros of

stylish design;
very high quality steel;
Simple but effective blade locking mechanism;
very high quality factory sharpening;
fast and easy to open.

Cons

some users find the knife too heavy;
costs a bit more expensive than analogues.

Top 3 best folding knives with carrying case

Not all folding knives come with a sheath, but there are manufacturers who have provided for this possibility. Three models were found to be of the highest quality and the most convenient.

VICTORINOX Excelsior.

Compact, stylish and inexpensive penknife stands out not only for its democratic price and high quality, It is also versatile in its application.

In addition to the traditional large blade, the tool has a small blade and a small key ring. This makes the knife an indispensable aid of a survivalist, tourist or fisherman.

For comfortable use in any weather, the knife handle is made of durable plastic. It does not slip even in wet hands and does not get scratched during prolonged use.

Another peculiarity of the knife is the high quality of factory sharpening. Thanks to this, the knife successfully copes with almost any task, and the blade does not lose its sharpness even during prolonged use. But even if the blade has to be sharpened again, it will not cause serious difficulties, as sharpness can be restored on any sharpening stone, including a pocket one.

Technical specifications:

length in folded form 8,4 cm;
weight 20 g;
blade length 6.3 cm.

Advantages

low weight
compact size in the folded state;
comes with a case;
high quality factory sharpening;
extended functionality.

Cons

Many users have called the blade too short;
Not a very high quality small blade.

BUCK 110 Folding Hunter

There is no way to call this folding knife cheap, but its performance characteristics fully justify its price.

The blade is made of high carbon steel. This material has received mixed reviews by users, as it is quickly covered with rust when constantly being in a humid environment. However, this has almost no effect on the operation of the tool: the blade is easily cleaned of rust, and if the factory sharpening is lost, the user can easily restore it.

To do this, it is enough to sharpen the blade on an ordinary stone or with a natural leather belt. The handle is made of natural wood. It is impregnated with a special compound, so it does not crack and does not dry out with prolonged use. Also included with the knife is a carrying case, which allows compact storage of the tool.

Specifications:

overall length 21.9 cm;
weight 205 g;
Blade length 9.5 cm.

Pros of

The quality of the assembled body without backlash;
very high quality of the factory sharpening;
natural wood handle;
comes with a carrying case;
can be worn on the belt due to the special clip.

Cons

some users find the price too high;
Slippery handle.

OPINEL #8 Carbon Beech

Folding knives of this French brand are traditionally very popular among users. This model successfully combines excellent build quality, reasonable price and laconic stylish design.

The blade is made of carbon steel. This material has an increased resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion, but it is easily covered with rust stains, so after each wash the blade must be wiped dry.

At the same time, the advantage of a carbon blade is that it can be sharpened using improvised materials, such as an ordinary stone or a leather belt. Also noteworthy is the handle of the product. It is made of natural wood, and to increase the life of the material is impregnated with a special composition that does not allow the tool to dry out or lose color.

Technical specifications:

total length 19 cm;
weight 46 g;
blade length 8.5 cm.

Advantages

natural beech wood handle;
affordable price;
proven foreign brand;
High-quality factory-ground blade;
reliable lock.

Cons

short blade;
not all users like the shape of the handle.

Top 3 best budget folding knives under 5000 rubles

Not all users have the opportunity to buy expensive professional knives. But if the budget allows you to spend 5 thousand rubles to buy a tool, it is not difficult to choose a quality knife.

LEATHERMAN Skeletool KBX (832382)

Slim and light folding knife, despite its democratic price, has high quality and all the necessary performance characteristics for use in extreme conditions.

The serrated blade made of high-quality stainless steel has excellent cutting properties and does not rust, even with prolonged use. The handle is coated with a special material (tungsten carbide) that is resistant to abrasion.

In addition, the grip material is pleasant to the touch and does not slip even in wet hands. A convenient notch on the blade allows you to remove it almost instantly from the body. There is a quality lock for reliable fixation of the blade in the opened state. There is also a clip included with the tool, which makes it convenient to carry the knife on the belt, and in the folded state the tool takes up very little space, so it can be carried in a jacket pocket or a small compartment of a backpack.

Technical specifications:

length in folded form 8,9 cm;
weight 42.5 g;
Blade length 6.6 cm.

Advantages

Factory-quality sharpening;
solid steel of the blade;
ergonomically shaped handle;
affordable price;
high cutting qualities.

Disadvantages

some users find the knife too small;
It is difficult to sharpen on your own.

OPINEL #8 Trekking Hornbeam

Inexpensive, simple but reliable pocket folding knife from famous French manufacturer will be a great addition to arsenal of hunter, fisherman or hiker.

Despite the affordable price, the tool successfully combines high cutting performance, concise design, and maximum ease of use. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel. The blade has been factory-sharpened and hardened, so it stays sharp even during intensive use.

Like many other products of the brand, the handle is made of natural wood. It is well polished and lies comfortably in your hand. To prevent the handle from drying out and fading in the sun, the manufacturer impregnated it with a special compound. Additionally a leather shank is provided with the knife. With its help you can easily fix the knife on a belt or a strap of a backpack.

Technical specifications:

overall length 19 cm;
weight 46 g;
blade length 8,5 cm.

Advantages

stylish laconic design;
comfortable handle made of natural wood;
Quality factory sharpened blade;
comes complete with a leather handstrap;
reliable lock for fixing the blade in the open state.

Disadvantages

Many users find the blade too short;
There are difficulties with self-sharpening.

GANZO Firebird F759M

One of the most unusual folding knives on the market today. The unusual shape makes the blade appear slightly curved.But the materials and compact size make the tool suitable for use in everyday life and hiking conditions.

For a comfortable grip, the manufacturer has provided an ergonomically shaped handle. It is made of durable synthetic material (glass-filled nylon). The grip is screwed down with five bolts for a secure grip.

The handle material itself is highly resistant to wear and tear. In addition, it is very pleasant to the touch and slips out even from wet palms.

The handle of the knife is available in several colors, so each user can choose a tool to his taste. The blade is securely locked in the unfolded state by a special lock, which ensures safe operation.

Technical specifications:

overall length 17,5 cm;
weight 67 g;
blade length 7,5 cm.

Advantages

affordable price;
sharp blade with original shape;
comfortable handle of non-slip material;
there is a clip for carrying on the belt;
reliable mechanism for fixation of the knife in the opened state.

disadvantages

too small;
not very strong standard clip.

What brand to choose?

It was mentioned above that the brand is an important criterion for selecting a folding knife. In today's market, there are brands that have long since proven themselves on the positive side.

Such manufacturers include brands: