Folding Knives

Folding Knives for Everyday Carry, Work, and Outdoor Use

A folding knife is the most practical everyday carry tool you can own. Compact, pocket-friendly, and available in dozens of blade shapes and lock types, folding knives suit everything from daily utility tasks to outdoor use and collecting. CritPro carries a wide selection from trusted brands including Kershaw, Gerber, Schrade, Case, and Smith and Wesson.

What to Look for in a Folding Knife

Lock type is the most important consideration when choosing a folding knife. Lockback designs offer strong, reliable lockup and a traditional feel. Linerlock and framelock knives are thinner, easier to close one-handed, and dominate the modern EDC market. Assisted opening knives add a spring mechanism for fast one-hand deployment without crossing into automatic territory. Traditional slip joint knives have no lock at all, relying on spring tension, and are the classic pocket knife pattern favored by collectors.

Blade steel, length, and handle material follow the same principles as any knife. For everyday carry, a blade between 3 and 3.5 inches hits the sweet spot for most tasks and stays within legal carry limits in most areas. Handle materials like G10, aluminum, and stainless steel suit hard use, while wood, bone, and synthetic pearl work best for traditional and collectible patterns.

Folding Knife Types

CritPro organizes folding knives by lock type and use case to make it easier to find the right knife. Assisted opening knives are built for fast one-hand deployment and reliable everyday carry. Framelock knives offer strong lockup and modern construction. Linerlock knives cover the widest range of styles, from gentleman linerlocks and modern EDC linerlocks to tactical linerlocks and work and utility linerlocks. Lockback knives deliver dependable back-lock construction and traditional patterns. Traditional knives include classic patterns like trappers, stockmen, barlows, congress, toothpick, sod buster, and specialty patterns.

Shop Folding Knives by Brand

Looking for a specific brand? CritPro carries dedicated selections from Case, Rough Rider, Schrade, and Mercator Black Cat, all known for quality folding knife patterns at a range of price points. Browse Old Timer pocket knives for traditional American patterns, or explore premium knives for upgraded materials and refined construction.

Browse the full folding knife selection at CritPro, or explore all knives to find the right blade for your carry, work, or collection needs.