Whether you’re a hiker, camper, hunter, or just need a reliable tool for everyday use, a high-quality folding knife is an essential investment. Compact and versatile, folding knives can be used for cutting materials, cleaning and skinning game, and even self-defense.
However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which folding knife is the best choice for you. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top five folding knives on the market and highlighted what sets each one apart.
Whether you need a durable and sharp blade for heavy-duty tasks or a compact and lightweight option for everyday carry, our guide has got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or simply looking for a reliable tool, read on to discover the best folding knives for your needs.
A List of Top 5 Best Folding Hunter Knives
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COLD STEEL SR1 KNIFE
An incredibly well-respected brand, the SR1 Cold Steel folding knife is a 4 1/2″ blade made from CPM-S35VN stainless steel. The steel is made from a chemical composition that ensures an increased resilience against chipping or breaking while also giving it a sharper edge.
It has a huge following due to its military commando aesthetic while actually being used in missions by the US Military. It has a textured G10 handle grip that is, at full size, about 5 – 3/8″.
This knife, while certainly an investment, is something that anyone that is serious about hunting knives should have at least one of in their collection.
GERBER BEAR GRYLLS FOLDING KNIFE
An awesome survival folding knife that is excellent in all aspects of the outdoor world, the Gerber Bear Grylls folding knife legitimately does it all. Featuring a 3 – 3/5″ high carbon stainless steel blade, this knife has a serrated edge on the handle-side, giving it a very rugged and hunter-esque vibe. It comes with a textured grip handle for a more confident grip as well as a dual-sided thumb stud so you can flick it open easily and effortlessly.
If you are looking for something that has all the coolness factor in the world with more than a bit of ruggedness as well, you’ll probably be happy with this little guy.
HOGUE EX-01 MODEL 34170 FOLDING KNIFE
Made by a former Marine Recon Scout and Sniper, the Hogue EX-01 model 34170 is a folding knife that is built with survival in mind. Made with an aluminum handle that can be opened with only one hand and a high-end stainless steel blade, the model 34170 is a blade that works no matter where you go or what you’re dealing with.
COLD STEEL RECON 1 TANTO
Yes, you’re not seeing things. Cold Steel is such an awesome brand, and produces such incredible knives, they managed to end up on this top 5 TWICE! And that isn’t for nothing. The Recon 1 Tanto is a truly amazing piece of steel. It has a 4″ blade and has a textured G10 handle for effective gripping.
What takes it even further is the tanto blade design. Meant for puncturing and prying, this blade is excellent for virtually any job you put in front of it.
ZERO TOLERANCE 0350
If there was ever a knife that said, “Yeah… don’t mess with me” it’d be the Zero Tolerance 0350. This folding knife was specifically designed to be a smaller and lighter heavy-duty utility knife, making it cut much deeper through more materials at a much easier rate than most other folding survival knives. It is made with CPM-S30V (recognized by many as something of a “super steel”) with an ergonomic handle design that feels super comfortable when using.
While every one of the knives on this list are worth getting, the Zero Tolerance 0350 is the one you have to have.