Answer a few quick questions and get the knife our editors would buy for your job and budget, from leading brands.
What will you use your knife for?
- 60 secA few quick questions
- Leading brandsNot tied to one maker
- Editor-pickedCurated for each job
- No emailResults straight away
Turn on JavaScript to use the knife quiz, or jump to our best pocket knives guide.
How the knife finder works
- 1Tap a few answersWhat it’s for, who it’s for and your budget.
- 2We match our rankingsA curated shortlist for each job, across leading brands.
- 3Get one clear pickPlus a few strong alternatives to compare.
How to choose a knife
- What will you use it for?
- Choose for the job, not the looks. Slim folders open boxes; thick fixed blades split kindling.
- Folding or fixed?
- Folding for your pocket. Fixed for hunting, camping and the kitchen: stronger and easier to clean.
- How big?
- Around 3 inches can suit many everyday tasks. Check local purchase and carry laws before choosing.
- Which steel?
- Stainless if it’ll get wet or you want low upkeep. Premium steels like S30V stay sharp longer.
- How much to spend?
- Under $50 buys a genuinely good knife. $50–100 is the sweet spot for most people.
Our buying guides
These guides provide related advice and comparisons. Not every quiz product has an individual review.
- PocketBuck knives
- PocketBest EDC knives
- PocketBest pocket knives
- PocketBudget pocket knives
- PocketGentleman’s knives
- PocketHard-use folders
- PocketKnife buying
- PocketPocket knives on Amazon
- PocketSmall pocket knives
- PocketTactical knives
- OutdoorsESEE knives
- OutdoorsSurvival knives
- Hunting & fishingBoning knives
- Hunting & fishingFishing knives
- Hunting & fishingHunting knives
- KitchenKitchen knives
Common questions
How does the knife quiz choose a knife?
The quiz filters a curated shortlist for each job using your answers and estimated price tiers. Related guides offer further reading; not every catalog item has an individual review. Alternatives stay within the same job shortlist and selected preferences, and may be up to one price tier higher.
What is the best knife for a gift?
For most people, a quality everyday pocket knife in the $50–100 range is a practical gift option. Choose “It’s a gift” in the quiz and we will match the knife to the person.
Is this only one brand, like Benchmade’s knife finder?
No. We recommend from leading brands, from $20 Moras to premium Spyderco, Benchmade and ESEE knives, so you get the right knife for the job rather than the best match from one catalog.
Do I need to give my email?
No. Your results appear straight away, and you can copy a link to share them or come back later.
How much should I spend on a good knife?
For most people, $50–100 buys an excellent everyday knife. Above $100 you pay for premium steel, tighter build quality and often US manufacture.
Fixed blade or folding knife?
Folders carry easily in a pocket. Fixed blades are stronger, easier to clean and better for hunting, fishing and bushcraft, but need a sheath.
Are these knives legal to carry where I live?
Rules vary by state and city, especially for blade length and automatic knives. Check our state knife law guides before you carry.
