Home / Outdoors / Knives & Multi-Tools

The 16 Best Minimalist EDC Knives You Can Buy

Keep your carry sleek and discreet with these folding blades that eschew all extraneous details.

three open pocket knives on a blank backgroundWESN, Craighill, Volstead

By Sean Tirman

Published

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

One of my first interactions with the world of pocket knives happened in the late ’90s in a Southern California mall. I was wandering the stores, mostly drawn in by action figures and video games, when I stumbled upon a shop that advertised itself as a place to buy kitchen cutlery and other bladed tools. Lured by the full set of plate armor in the entryway, I wandered inside.

There, among kitchen knives, bastard swords and Japanese katanas, I found a case filled with folding knives. And just about every single one was a gaudy mess of color and over-the-top details. Even back then, I remember thinking how ugly they seemed. And not just that, they also all looked so busy.

Read More

Thankfully, it seems like most “mall ninja” stores (as I’ve heard them called) were left in the ’90s and early 2000s. And while there are still plenty of knives with excessive detailing, there are also many that are as simplified, discreet and sleek as possible. An aesthetic trend focused on stylistic simplicity (usually letting the materials and functionality do the talking), minimalist knives are kind of like the polar opposite of these aforementioned mall knives.

If that’s a style trend that speaks to you, you’re in luck, as we’ve rounded up our favorites for you here.

Products in the Guide

Filson Brass Lockback Pocket Knife

Filson

Filson Brass Lockback Pocket Knife

As simple and as classic as they come, Filson’s aptly-named Brass Lockback Pocket Knife reminds us of the kinds of knives used by our grandparents and parents. And while it’s definitely a more budget-friendly option, it’s still quite solid for the price, even if the brand isn’t forthcoming about what steel is used for the blade.

Specs

Blade Length 2.25 inches
Blade Steel N/A
Handle Material Brass
Locking Mechanism Back
Total Length 5.125 inches

Pros

  • As close as you can get to a Buck 110 at this price
  • Classic styling
  • Extremely affordable

Cons

  • A bit cheap
  • Unclear what blade steel is used

Normally, we wouldn’t be promoting a knife that doesn’t have its steel listed for this price, but something that comes from Filson is a bit different, as they’re a brand we implicitly trust (the rest of the brand’s catalog is outstanding). Furthermore, this knife reminds us of another, far more iconic knife (the Buck 110 Folding Hunter), albeit vastly more affordable. This probably isn’t an heirloom knife by any stretch, but it does have a simple beauty to it.

CRKT Large Eros

a silver kershaw large eros knifeBlade HQ

Kershaw Large Eros

Though similar in style to the more famous Leek, the Eros (yes, even the large one) is actually a measure smaller and even more minimalist. Yet it still boasts Ken Onion’s legendary styling and makes for a really great EDC option for anyone looking to slim down on their carry.

Specs

Blade Length 2.84 inches
Blade Steel AUS-8
Handle Material Stainless steel
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 6.94 inches

Pros

  • More compact than the Leek
  • Designed by Ken Onion, a knifemaking legend

Cons

  • Not the Leek
  • Still quite small, despite naming convention

For the price, it’s pretty tough to beat anything from Kershaw that’s associated with Ken Onion. And while the Leek is a good deal more popular, the Large Eros is not that dissimilar stylistically. This is an outstanding, compact knife for the price, and it definitely deserves a similar amount of respect.

Nagao Higonokami Friction Folder

a knife with a handleBlade HQ

Nagao Higonokami

An iconic, historically-significant knife in any format, the Nagao Higonokami is inspired directly by the samurai and even made by the descendants of the blacksmiths who outfitted them. This one is more compact and simple, at least stylistically, than others — but it still has the same DNA.

Specs

Blade Length 2 inches
Blade Steel Blue Paper
Handle Material Brass
Locking Mechanism N/A (friction folder)
Total Length 5 inches

Pros

  • Iconic Japanese knife design
  • Heirloom-quality

Cons

  • No locking mechanism
Read our full review of the Nagao Higonokami

A version of the same knife that recently appeared in Apple TV+’s Godzilla show, the Nagao Higonokami is as classic as pocket knives get — standing alongside others, like the Douk-Douk and SAK. It’s also perhaps the poster child for minimalism, at least where heirloom-quality, old-school knives are concerned. While there are some downsides (no lock, for instance), the blade’s history and pedigree make up for them many times over.

Vosteed Mini Labrador

Vosteed Mini Labrador

Sometimes, compact is better, especially when a knife is as well-built as Vosteed’s Mini Labrador (a tiny, reworked version of the regular Labrador). While this knife is much smaller than it looks, it still packs the cutting power of a full-sized knife.

Specs

Blade Length 2.73 inches
Blade Steel 14C28N
Handle Material Titanium
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 6.23 inches

Pros

  • Extremely compact, yet fully-featured
  • Great build quality for the price

Cons

  • Much smaller than it looks

For anyone counting ounces, smaller is often better — at least as far as space-saving is concerned. That usually, unfortunately, means there are some concessions regarding quality and cutting power. But that’s not really the case with this tiny titan, which feels a lot stronger than its small stature might suggest.

Kizer Klipper

Kizer Klipper

Kizer’s Klipper almost looks like an old-school peasant knife. However, once you take a closer gander, you’ll find that it’s an entirely modern knife with a sleek flipper deployment and a locking mechanism. It’s a great blend of old style and new mechanisms.

Specs

Blade Length 3.25 inches
Blade Steel 3V
Handle Material Aluminum
Locking Mechanism Liner
Total Length 7.28 inches

Pros

  • Modern take on classic design
  • Minimalist but still eye-catching

Cons

  • Somewhat basic for the price

Simply by virtue of what was available at the time (technologies and materials, mostly), a lot of old-school knives fall under the umbrella of minimalism. And some knives that take inspiration from those, like the Kizer above, maintain it. This peasant-styled knife is made with modern materials and even has a modern deployment and lock, but it still looks very classic, and that gives it even more clout.

Deejo 37g

Amazon

Deejo 37g

At a glance, Deejo’s 37g (named for its weight) seems to defy convention, boasting a handle that’s about as skeletonized as it gets. Yet, despite the seeming lack of material, the knife is still sturdy and reliable for EDC purposes. Furthermore, it actually locks open, which might seem even more confounding to many.

Specs

Blade Length 3.74 inches
Blade Steel Z40C13
Handle Material Stainless steel and hardwood
Locking Mechanism Liner
Total Length 7.87 inches

Pros

  • About as minimalist as possible
  • A surprising number of colorway and style options
  • Still a great cutting tool despite ultra-minimalism

Cons

  • Not the best design for hard-use cutting

From a construction standpoint, Deejo’s iconic knife design for the 37g could certainly win the argument for the most minimalist knife (or at least the most minimalist locking knife), as it is genuinely stripped down about as much as possible. And yet it sacrifices little from a functional standpoint to achieve this. While I definitely wouldn’t call it a hard-use blade, it serves well in an EDC context.

Craighill Rook Knife

Craighill Rook

Craighill is not a knife brand, per se, but they are master craftspeople when it comes to everyday carry. Turns out, that expertise crosses over well into bladed tools, as the Rook proves. This knife is utterly minimalist in its design yet still offers all that you’d want or expect out of a solid EDC cutting tool.

Specs

Blade Length 2.3 inches
Blade Steel 12C27
Handle Material Stainless steel
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 5.5 inches

Pros

  • Three beautiful colorways
  • Custom engraving available (for an upcharge)

Cons

  • Expensive for a knife not from a knife brand

It is, unfortunately, rare for brands outside of the knifemaking world to craft blades that are worth carrying. Thankfully, that’s not the case at all with Craighill’s Rook knife. This surprising addition to the brand’s catalog is gorgeous in its minimalism, respectable in its construction and surprising on both accounts.

Boker Kwaiken Compact

Böker

Böker Kwaiken Compact

Don’t let the name of this knife fool you — the Kwaiken Compact (based on Lucas Burnley’s legendary design) is actually still over seven inches in length, total. That makes it ideally-sized for EDC carry. And it has a swath of materials and mechanisms that further solidify that fact.

Specs

Blade Length 2.99 inches
Blade Steel CPM MagnaCut
Handle Material Aluminum
Locking Mechanism Button
Total Length 7.24 inches

Pros

  • Iconic design
  • EDC-friendly size

Cons

  • Currently only available for pre-order

The Japanese-inspired Kwaiken (and all its permutations) has become something of a legend in the everyday carry and knife worlds. If that weren’t the case, Böker wouldn’t keep making new versions of it, like this sleek button-locking compact one. If you like Japanese-inspired design and still want a minimalist edge to your EDC knife’s design, this is the one for you.

Pro-Tech Godson

Blade HQ

Pro-Tech Godson

A much smaller version of Pro-Tech’s Godfather, the Godson is similarly equipped and, as a result, similarly spectacular. It is an automatic knife, however, so you’ll want to be sure it’s legal wherever you live before picking one up. Having said that, if you can carry it, this is a tremendous, speedy, sleek EDC knife.

Specs

Blade Length 3.15 inches
Blade Steel 154CM
Handle Material Aluminum
Locking Mechanism Button
Total Length 7.56 inches

Pros

  • Extremely quick automatic deployment
  • Sleek stiletto-inspired silhouette
  • Good piercing point

Cons

  • Automatic, not legal everywhere

Technically speaking, it’s hard to argue that automatic knives are very minimalist, if simply by virtue of their complex deployment mechanisms. Luckily, Pro-Tech’s Godson makes up for that with an extremely minimalist exterior marred only by the pivot, button lock and pocket clip. And while a lack of detailing might make lesser knives seem more generic, this one’s silhouette still helps it stand out.

WESN The Allman

The AllmanWESN

WESN Allman

Boasting one of the more unique EDC knife silhouettes we’ve ever seen, WESN’s Allman might not be for everyone. And that’s a shame, as it’s a truly spectacular knife that’s well-balanced both in regard to its appearance and weight/materials. While we prefer the titanium version, there’s also one with G10 handle scales.

Specs

Blade Length 3.8 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material Titanium or G10
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 6.65 inches

Pros

  • Bulldog shape makes up for slick grip
  • Unique silhouette, still minimalist
  • Well-balanced

Cons

  • Unique silhouette isn't for everyone
Read our full review of the WESN Allman

Of all WESN’s bladed tools, the Allman is one of the most unique and definitely one of the most well-executed. It’s unlike most other minimalist blades, opting for gentle lines as opposed to a slim silhouette. That also makes the grip more ergonomic and gives a very wide belly to the blade, increasing its cutting power. While it’s not for everyone, it should definitely be on the radar of anyone looking for minimalist EDC knives.

Artisan Cutlery Sirius

Artisan Cutlery Sirius 1849G

Designed by Ray Laconico, Artisan Cutlery’s 1849 Sirius boasts one of the sleeker profiles of any everyday carry knife on the market right now. And while it’s a little large (measuring up at over eight inches deployed), the slimness of the handle and blade make up for that extra length.

Specs

Blade Length 3.54 inches
Blade Steel CPM 20CV
Handle Material Titanium
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 8.04 inches

Pros

  • Highly minimalist silhouette
  • Front flipper makes design even sleeker

Cons

  • Not the grippiest handle

Though perhaps not as widely beloved as some of the other more recognizable brand names in the EDC world, Artisan Cutlery certainly deserves a measure of respect and consideration, as is proven by the beauty and grace of the Sirius knife above. This knife even manages to retain a flipper deployment without compromising its shape with a jutting protrusion.

Zero Tolerance Sinkevich 0450

Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance Sinkevich 0450

A more compact version of the 0454 (and, therefore, more EDC-friendly), this sleek folding knife has been around for a few years, but is still a worthy, worthwhile knife — largely courtesy of its top-notch materials and the design prowess of Dmitry Sinkevich.

Specs

Blade Length 3.25 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material Titanium
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 7.375 inches

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle
  • Sleek silhouette
  • Satisfying flipper action

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Older model

While so much of the consumer focus is dedicated to the latest and greatest, there are still plenty of options that have been out for some time that still stand up to scrutiny. The Zero Tolerance 0450 is one such knife, marking (in our opinion) a high point of Dmitry Sinkevich’s design career (and that’s saying a lot). Yes, this is an older knife. Yes, it’s still an outstanding one, too.

WeKnife Qubit

WeKnife Qubit

Recently elevated from Civivi (WeKnife’s more budget-friendly sister brand), the Qubit is a stylistically sleek knife perfect for EDC that, while minimalist in its silhouette, is still designed to work. It’s well-balanced, boasts a secure locking mechanism and has five available variations (including one with a Damasteel blade)

Specs

Blade Length 3.2 inches
Blade Steel CPM 20CV
Handle Material 6AL4V titanium
Locking Mechanism Button
Total Length 7.41 inches

Pros

  • Upgraded from fan-favorite design
  • Five distinct variations

Cons

  • Huge price range

It’s probably worth noting that, while three of the WeKnife Qubit’s variations qualify as minimalist, the one made with a Damasteel blade and the one with the tiger stripe titanium handle are probably pushing it a bit, at least stylistically speaking. Altogether, however, this model is a great, sleek addition to WeKnife’s catalog, and we’re happy to see it get some high-end upgrades.

Spyderco Bodacious

Spyderco

Spyderco Bodacious

When you’re named after a famous bucking bull, chances are you’re set to make an impression. The Bodacious does just that — it’s geared toward hunting as well as EDC tasks and features no-nonsense materials including a CPM S30V steel blade and skeletonized stainless steel liners for weight reduction. This knife is big, burly and ready to throw down.

Specs

Blade Length 3.66 inches
Blade Steel CPM S30V
Handle Material G10
Locking Mechanism Spyderco Compression Lock
Total Length 8.27 inches

Pros

  • Simple design makes for easy upkeep
  • Great for a variety of jobs

Cons

  • No premium materials
  • Design is more basic than innovative

Spyderco is not a brand most people would likely expect to find on a list of minimalist knives. However, one of the latest releases, the Bodacious, certainly qualifies (especially in the blacked-out colorway). While this knife still has the signature Compression locks and Spyder Hole, its silhouette is uncomplicated and subtle, and the blacked-out version does a great job of hiding extra details, like the hardware.

The James Brand The Wells

The James Brand black folding wells pocket knifeThe James Brand

The James Brand The Wells

The brand’s first-ever flipper design, TJB’s Wells hits some major high points — including the minimalist handle (it’s practically free of all visible hardware), the smooth flipper deployment, high-quality materials and the button lock. It’s not without faults, but this is another exceptional addition to the brand’s repertoire.

Specs

Blade Length 2.875 inches
Blade Steel MagnaCut
Handle Material 6061 Aluminum
Locking Mechanism Button
Total Lenth 7.25 inches

Pros

  • Excellent size and shape for EDC purposes
  • Flipper deployment is smooth and satisfying
  • Absolutely gorgeous design

Cons

  • Highly expensive
  • The handle texture is off-putting
Read our full review of the The James Brand The Wells

Were it not for the button lock and flipper, TJB’s Wells might just be the most stylistically minimalist knife on this list. It’s utterly free of hardware (apart from the aforementioned aspects and the pivot), and the styling is as subtle and sleek as they come. It’s another impressive release from the brand and, hopefully, opens a window to what The James Brand still has yet to come.

Chris Reeve Knives Impinda

Chris Reeve Knives

Chris Reeve Knives Impinda

Leave it to CRK to craft a minimalist slipjoint folder that’s, to coin a phrase, functionally opulent. Yes, this knife is made to the same standard as everything the brand makes, but it’s also well-suited to hard usage — the kind of knife you could actually use in the outdoors and not feel bad about. It also won the American Made Knife of the Year at Blade Show 2018.

Specs

Blade Length 3.13 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material 6Al4V titanium
Locking Mechanism Slipjoint
Total Length 7.144 inches

Pros

  • Beautifully minimalist
  • Smooth, secure action

Cons

  • Expensive, especially for a slipjoint

As far as CRK is concerned (and not including fixed options), the Impinda is as minimalist as the brand’s knives come. For starters, it’s entirely non-locking — relying instead on a slipjoint mechanism — and doesn’t have a flipper or thumb stud deployment (the brand recommends using both hands to open it). While CRK’s entire catalog is fairly minimalist, this one is definitely the superlative option in that regard.

What makes a knife minimalist? Our criteria

While not complicated, per se, the concept of minimalism as it applies to EDC folding knives does necessitate some clarification. For our purposes, it breaks down into two parts: style and functionality. And this guide puts particular emphasis on knives that combine both parts. To further clarify, here’s how they break down:

Style: This is the metric that is perhaps the most obvious at a glance. Knives that qualify as stylistically minimalist are ones that have the fewest extraneous stylistic details. That means they’re not bogged down with complicated patterns (on either the handle or blade), excessive textures, bells and whistles, etc. They’re often smooth, have minimal angles to their silhouettes and don’t have excessive hardware showing. These knives favor sleekness and discreetness over showiness and bombast.

Functionality: The simplicity of a minimalist knife’s exterior also needs to extend to how it operates. A knife with a complicated deployment (CRKT’s Provoke comes to mind) or a complex locking mechanism (Cold Steel’s AD-15, for instance) likely doesn’t qualify. Of course, it would be a little ridiculous to expect all minimalist knives to be free of deployments and locks (then they’d just be fixed blades). So we’re applying a little editorial levity. Essentially, we want knives that are on the simpler end of the spectrum, as far as their operation is concerned.

Stay Sharp