I’ve discussed my preference for carrying a fixed blade knife in the past, and have even made a list of what I think are some of the top fixed blade knives. However, some of these knives can be too cumbersome to carry every day. So, I decided to look at my favorite options that slip easily into the pocket.
Obviously pockets are different sizes and everyone will have their own tolerance in terms of max size and weight, but for me, I’ve found that staying under 9-inches in overall length is ideal. This works well in my front pocket in either pants or shorts.
Benchmade SOCP
This minimalist design is lightweight and slim in the pocket. The pocket clip is similar to ones found on folding knives, so it is probably the easiest fixed blade to transition to carrying. Retrieving the knife is made easy with the exposed ring at the rear of the tang, which provides karambit-like retention. This is not just great for self-defense, although that is the intended purpose, it also keeps the blade in hand when working on common tasks, as was the original design of the karambit. If the knife drops or slips, it is caught by the pinkie finger.
The Benchmade SOCP features a 3.22-inch double-edged spear point blade. Benchmade also offers a Mini SOCP with a smaller footprint. The 440C blade steel is not the best, but will certainly hold up to most use. It will just need to be resharpened more frequently. If you do go with this option, be sure to check your local laws regarding double-edged knives and daggers.
Schrade Isolate
The Schrade Isolate keeps with the lightweight and thin theme, but goes for a more traditional clip point blade design. The 3-inch blade is constructed out of AUS-10 steel. Better yet, the very thin blade stock makes this blade super slicey. The thermoplastic rubber handle keeps your hand from slipping, even in wet conditions, and the neon green color will help you locate your knife if it is dropped in the woods or set down somewhere. The full skeletonized tang keeps the knife lightweight and durable. This would be a great backup option as well for those that like having a spare knife on them.
Bear Ops Combat Neck
Neck knives often work just as well in the pocket. The Bear Ops Combat Neck Knife features a great recurve blade shape that maximizes the use of your cutting edge. A 2 ounces with about a 3-inch blade, it carries just as well as any folding knife. The beautiful high-definition damascus steel holds a good edge and the kydex sheath lays flat in the pocket… Add some paracord wrapping to the handle for some added comfort and you’ve got a great lightweight blade ready to tackle it all.
SOG Altair FX
The SOG Altair FX is a great general purpose knife for everyday use. The “Squid Ink” Blue GRN handle scales have a nice color to them and provide good traction. Additionally, the Altair FX includes a configurable Universal Mounting System sheath, which provides a host of carrying options and is compatible with straps, belts, and MOLLE systems. In the pocket though, it carries nicely.
The 3.4-inch clip point blade is constructed out of CPM-154, one of my favorite steels for being tough and easy to sharpen, while remaining fairly stainless and less expensive. SOG makes solid knives and this is definitely one of the best values on this list.
Ka-Bar Becker Skeleton
If you’re always losing your knife one place or another, and you don’t want to spend much on what you consider a disposable tool, look no further than the Ka-Bar Becker Skeleton. With a 3.25-inch clip point blade, it’s a good size for everyday carry use. There’s no doubt that the 5Cr15 stainless steel blade will be lacking in terms of performance, which is why I wouldn’t normally recommend it. But, if you’re going to lose the knife and get a new one anyway, you likely won’t even notice. The skeletonized tang keeps the knife lightweight and slim enough that it disappears in jeans pockets. The friction fit sheath keeps the blade secure until you’re ready to use it.
Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck
Another great budget option is the Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck. Offered in tanto, spear point, and clip point configurations, all three would work well in an everyday carry role. All utilize a 3.5-inch blade constructed out of 8Cr13MoV steel. Additionally, the Mini Leatherneck features a stainless steel guard with broad quillons to protect your fingers. The grip is made from Kray-Ex and is designed to be reminiscent of the larger Leatherneck models.
Kershaw Deschutes Caper
This little fixed blade knife is full of business, with an incredibly versatile design. The 3.3-inch D2 blade features an excellent finger choil for choking up on the knife. This allows for more control of the blade during detailed work and more reach for harder cutting tasks. The clip point blade offers similar flexibility with the wide belly that narrows down to a fine tip.
Further, the Deschutes Caper has an OD green Polypropylene handle that incorporates a rubber overlay for a good no-slip hold in all environments. The molded sheath is high-quality, but may need some modification for better use in the pocket. Mainly, I would remove the belt strap and thumb break.
Spyderco Street Beat
Finally, my favorite option on this list and one that I’ve mentioned a number of times before, the Spyderco Street Beat Lightweight. The Street Beat’s Bowie-style blade is machined from VG-10 stainless steel and features a full-flat grind for superior balance of edge geometry and strength. The 3.5-inch blade is long enough for good use, but still rides in the pocket well. The black FRN handles work well and help with weight savings. At just over 3 ounces, you can carry it all day long without fatigue. Further, the Street Beat has the best sheath of the bunch, it flicks off easily with your thumb and lays fairly flat in the pocket.
Bonus: WOOX Rock 62
The WOOX Rock 62 is the largest knife on this list and is just a little longer than my preferred max overall length of 9 inches (at 9.5” OAL), but it makes the list because it’s such a nice design. The 4.25-inch blade is constructed out of Sleipner steel and has an HRC between 60-62. The drop point shape works well with general cutting tasks. The handle scales are a nice looking micarta that only gets better with age and use. If you can take the size, this would be a great do-it-all blade to toss in the pocket, whether working around the house or going on a camping trip.
The one downside is that the Rock 62 does not come with a sheath. WOOX offers a nice leather belt option, but for pocket carry I’d recommend something aftermarket or custom.
Final Thoughts
A good fixed-blade knife is an invaluable tool to have on hand. They are more durable than pocket knives and can handle much more demanding tasks. Just remember that all knives are not created equal, but if you select one of the knives on this list, you can be sure that you have an incredible blade that will provide you with excellent service. Some of these knives can be a little pricey, but if you find the right one, it can last a lifetime, just keep it sharp!
What is the bottom knife on the cover photo of this article? The knife with the OD blade and green striped micarta handle…
It was shown on initial page but never talked about.
Hi William,
I believe you’re asking about the knife in the image on my carrying a fixed blade article, that is a Half Face Blades Cav Jr. I don’t mention it here because it is not readily available, the company produces assorted knives in limited weekly batches. Thanks for reading!
-Alex Cole
I found most of these knives to be thin, overpriced and flimsy. The width of the spine should be your primary consideration for an edc knife. Check out Self Reliance Outfitters for a quality blade. These knives are junk.
Andrew,
No doubt a thicker blade spine will make for a stronger knife for hard use. It will also create more drag when cutting and will not slice as well. For a larger blade that will see harder cutting tasks, I agree a thicker blade can be more useful. For a pocket knife intended to be used on general EDC cutting tasks, a thinner blade stock is more than sufficient for most and leads to less overall weight in the pocket. Thanks for reading.
-Alex Cole
It would be nice in an article of this nature to list the MSRP of each knife it would be really helpful
Any of my Spyderco Mule Series. A different handle for every occasion lol
I carried a Hoffner HandSpear in my pocket for a couple years. It fit perfect in the front pocket of my Duluth trading work pants.
This is the way it should be to look up knives and guns and lasers and things like that to protect yourself this is the railway you should be able to look them up
Do you sell these ? IF so , prices please ?
I have a Smith & Wesson H.R.T Knife that comes with a sheath/holster with a belt clip that fits in my pants similar to an IWB gun holster. I also have a knife that I’ve had since I was in the Boy Scouts that attaches to my belt through a belt loop. Both are pretty much indestructible.
I carry a buck maxlite11 small full tang fix blade for edc 3/14 inch blade drop point.
Not mentioned here are two other Cold Steel models: Bowie Spike and Tokyo Spike. The blade length at 4” is longer than is typically encountered. The molded grip offers very secure control, and is superior to earlier models that used a wrapped cord grip. The sheath provides very secure retention.
Also, the sheath accommodates the alternative “under arm” method of carry: stringing a boot lace thru the far end of the sheath, with the boot lace running from the side of the neck to the under arm of the opposite side of the body, similar to a pistol “shoulder holster”. Some prefer this method to carrying a knife at the sternum. The legality of this carry method is the responsibility of the individual.
I would also add in a Morakniv knife made in Sweden. I have a Companion model that goes with me just about every time I go out in the woods.
What?! No Buck knife?