The 20 Greatest Folding Knives Ever Made — Did Your Favorite Make It?
Published: 2 hours ago
What makes a folding knife one of the greatest ever made? Industry impact, lasting popularity, sales, longevity, and the variations its success inspired all deserve consideration.
In this video, I share my picks for the 20 greatest folding knives of all time after researching knife history, comparing lists, and weighing those factors. From enduring pocket knife classics to influential modern folders, each earned its place for a reason.
This is a different list from my 20 personal favorites—that’s a separate video. This list celebrates the designs that helped shape the knife industry and the hobby we love.
We all collect, carry, and use knives differently, so our lists will differ. Disagreement is welcome; personal attacks aren’t. Including or leaving out a knife isn’t an insult to anyone.
Which knives belong on your list? Tell me what you’d add or replace, and why!
Subscribe to The Unprofessional Dad’s EDC for knife reviews, EDC gear, knife history, and more.
20 Greatest folders: ( in no order
Buck 110: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=110357
Sebenza Small 31: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=88153
Spyderco PM2: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=98642
Opinel : https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=119956
ZT 0562CF: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=93789
CRKT M16: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=112919
Kershaw Leek: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106704
Protech Malibu: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=95284
Microtech Ultratech: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=89332
Demko AD20.5: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=90763
Case Trapper: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=107477
Spyderco Delica: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106364
Victorinox Spartan: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=114770
QSP Penguin: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106852
Civivi Elementum: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=108514
Hinderer XM-18: https://www.rickhindererknives.com/shop-knives/folding-knives/xm-series/xm-18-35/
Emerso CQC-7: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96423
Cold Steel American Lawman: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=103978
Ontario Rat 1: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=113858
Benchmade 940 Osborne: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96261
Alternates:
Spyderco Police: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=100237
" Military 2: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96257
Join our premium members knife of the month giveaway, here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcVrcIxbLAAaIAM6Yvau21w/join
Other links that will help the channel: discount codes in ():
Bladebinge: https://tidd.ly/4hiU1EM
White Mountain Knives ( use code UNP-DAD): https://whitemountainknives.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3NpGvCS
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NUYjW6
Three Rivers Mfg. (T.R.M.) use code EDCDAD20 to save $20 at checkout
Skyrim Wrist Watches (CHRISWRIGHT): https://skyrimwrist.com/?ref=CHRISTOPHERDAVIDWRIGHT
Knife Center: https://alnk.to/a47vTox
Big Idea Design (DADSEDC): https://bigidesign.com/DADSEDC
Bastion Bolt Pens: https://bastionboltactionpen.com/?rfsn=9081357.055621&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=9081357.055621
Lonestar Kn ife and Supply: https://lonestarknife.com?sca_ref=10457153.yF2TY7FjpZmNFvy
Knafs (CHRISWR_350): https://www.knafs.com/CHRISWR_350
Olight O'pen 3, Ark Pro, Ark Pro Ultra, and Warrior Ultra, Baton Ultra, and Baton 4 Pro:
https://www.olight.com/s/NFYKGR
https://www.olight.com/s/3JN30N
https://www.olight.com/s/5T0SHX
https://amaz.works/4tIaxRA
https://amaz.works/3QAYerZ
https://www.olight.com/s/SBEVYX
Lost Dutchman Leather Wallets: https://www.lostdutchmanleather.com/christopher
Sofirn Lights (SOFIRN-CHRISTOPHER): https://us.sofirnlight.com/?ref=CHRISTOPHERWRIGHT
Wixco (UNP-DAD): https://wixcoknife.com/?ref=CHRISWRIGHT
In this video, I share my picks for the 20 greatest folding knives of all time after researching knife history, comparing lists, and weighing those factors. From enduring pocket knife classics to influential modern folders, each earned its place for a reason.
This is a different list from my 20 personal favorites—that’s a separate video. This list celebrates the designs that helped shape the knife industry and the hobby we love.
We all collect, carry, and use knives differently, so our lists will differ. Disagreement is welcome; personal attacks aren’t. Including or leaving out a knife isn’t an insult to anyone.
Which knives belong on your list? Tell me what you’d add or replace, and why!
Subscribe to The Unprofessional Dad’s EDC for knife reviews, EDC gear, knife history, and more.
20 Greatest folders: ( in no order
Buck 110: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=110357
Sebenza Small 31: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=88153
Spyderco PM2: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=98642
Opinel : https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=119956
ZT 0562CF: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=93789
CRKT M16: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=112919
Kershaw Leek: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106704
Protech Malibu: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=95284
Microtech Ultratech: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=89332
Demko AD20.5: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=90763
Case Trapper: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=107477
Spyderco Delica: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106364
Victorinox Spartan: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=114770
QSP Penguin: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=106852
Civivi Elementum: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=108514
Hinderer XM-18: https://www.rickhindererknives.com/shop-knives/folding-knives/xm-series/xm-18-35/
Emerso CQC-7: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96423
Cold Steel American Lawman: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=103978
Ontario Rat 1: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=113858
Benchmade 940 Osborne: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96261
Alternates:
Spyderco Police: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=100237
" Military 2: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=18445&pw=423329&mi=35733&pt=3&pri=96257
Join our premium members knife of the month giveaway, here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcVrcIxbLAAaIAM6Yvau21w/join
Other links that will help the channel: discount codes in ():
Bladebinge: https://tidd.ly/4hiU1EM
White Mountain Knives ( use code UNP-DAD): https://whitemountainknives.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3NpGvCS
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NUYjW6
Three Rivers Mfg. (T.R.M.) use code EDCDAD20 to save $20 at checkout
Skyrim Wrist Watches (CHRISWRIGHT): https://skyrimwrist.com/?ref=CHRISTOPHERDAVIDWRIGHT
Knife Center: https://alnk.to/a47vTox
Big Idea Design (DADSEDC): https://bigidesign.com/DADSEDC
Bastion Bolt Pens: https://bastionboltactionpen.com/?rfsn=9081357.055621&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=9081357.055621
Lonestar Kn ife and Supply: https://lonestarknife.com?sca_ref=10457153.yF2TY7FjpZmNFvy
Knafs (CHRISWR_350): https://www.knafs.com/CHRISWR_350
Olight O'pen 3, Ark Pro, Ark Pro Ultra, and Warrior Ultra, Baton Ultra, and Baton 4 Pro:
https://www.olight.com/s/NFYKGR
https://www.olight.com/s/3JN30N
https://www.olight.com/s/5T0SHX
https://amaz.works/4tIaxRA
https://amaz.works/3QAYerZ
https://www.olight.com/s/SBEVYX
Lost Dutchman Leather Wallets: https://www.lostdutchmanleather.com/christopher
Sofirn Lights (SOFIRN-CHRISTOPHER): https://us.sofirnlight.com/?ref=CHRISTOPHERWRIGHT
Wixco (UNP-DAD): https://wixcoknife.com/?ref=CHRISWRIGHT