What makes a knife cool or not can vary greatly from person to person, but there are a few things we can all agree on that make some knives cooler than others. Design, materials and action are all characteristics of a pocket knife that make it cool or not. In this guide we break down seven cool pocket knives and why they make our wheels turn. Read on for the complete list plus a review after each breakdown.
1. Microtech Combat Troodon
The Microtech (Marfione Customs) Combat Troodon is one cool knife! Aside from it being an OTF automatic, it just looks awesome. Microtech is known for their high-quality build and use of premium materials. Their knives are often available in unique colors and themes, with a wide array of blade shapes and finishes. The Combat Troodon pictured above is a Marfione Custom with a hardedge blade. Whether it’s your style or not, you must admit the thing looks insanely cool.
- Overall Length: 9.50”
- Blade Length: 3.80”
- Blade Material: Bohler M390
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Double Action OTF
Scott M. says…
“This is the best knife I have ever owned! Also the most expensive. I justified the price by intending to keep and use this knife throughout my lifetime taking advantage of Microtech’s lifetime warranty. Construction, materials, and feel is overall solid. No problems thus far and if ever so I have read reviews that their repair process is a breeze. Extremely happy with this knife!”
2. Spyderco Yojimbo 2
Spyderco knives are known for their unique lines and awesome design. From its “Spydie” thumb hole to its exaggerated thumb ramp, the Spyderco Yojimbo 2 has the looks that make it a cool knife. The unique Wharncliffe blade shape provides the tactical function for which it was designed. The G-10 handle is comfortable in hand and easy to hold onto with bare or gloved hands, making it easy to grip and maneuver. Like other popular Spyderco knives, the Yojimbo 2 features the fidget friendly Compression Lock. Not only is the Compression Lock fun to use, it is one of the strongest locking mechanisms found on modern folding knives.
- Overall Length: 7.50”
- Blade Length: 3.125”
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V
- Handle Material: G-10
- Locking Mechanism: Compression Lock
Jonathan S. says…
“Good steel, grippy G10, very ergonomic, and the aggressive wharncliffe blade shape is a great slicer. Love the compression lock. Very quality piece and definitely an eye catcher to bring out with fellow knife-nuts. A+.”
3. Benchmade 87 Ti Balisong
We had to include a balisong on the cool knives list! Our pick for a cool balisong is the Benchmade 87 Ti. It features single-piece channel construction, titanium handles, thrust bearing washers, and an awesome magnetic latch. When it comes to butterfly knives, the Benchmade 87 is one of the smoothest flippers you can buy. Despite its size, the titanium handles give it great feel. They are well balanced and make the knife predictable and consistent while flipping. The Wharncliffe style, CPM-S30V blade makes this knife both durable and good for cutting tasks.
- Overall Length: 10.00”
- Blade Length: 4.50”
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Locking Mechanism: Magnetic Latch
Benjamin L. says…
“Benchmade has outdone themselves with the 87. Anyone complaining about high-price needs to learn how to put their money into the right places. This Balisong is amazing and worth every penny in quality and enjoyment. Truly a top notch flipper.”
4. Protech Magic BR-1 “Whiskers”
At a quick glance this knife may look like a regular pocket knife, but its unique opening mechanism makes it far from regular. The Protech Magic BR-1.10 is an automatic folding knife with a hidden release. By sliding the bolster to the side, the lock is released, and the blade is fired. This knife features a premium 6061-T6 aluminum handle and a durable 154CM blade.
- Overall Length: 7.25”
- Blade Length: 3.125”
- Blade Material: 154CM
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Hidden Release Lock
Kevin C. says…
“Not a single person I showed this to could figure out how to open it. The slide is a little stiff, which is how it should be. That keeps it from accidentally opening in your pocket. It fires fast and strong, but it’s not so much that it jumps out of your hand. The blade takes a good edge and keeps it. This is one of the best knives I own.”
5. Zero Tolerance 0393 Glow
You’re probably thinking, “A carbon fiber and titanium ZT? What else could possibly be cooler than that?!” Four words. Glow in the dark! Under normal light the carbon fiber scales look like normal carbon fiber but, in the dark, they glow bright green. This knife is a substantial EDC folding knife with an awesome harpoon shaped blade and lightweight titanium frame. The ZT 0393 has a super smooth action thanks to KVT pivot bearings.
- Overall Length: 8.25”
- Blade Length: 3.50”
- Blade Material: CPM-20CV
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber, Titanium
- Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
Pat J. says…
“This knife has the best cool factor out of any knife I own. The glow in the dark scales makes it so. The blade shape that I love makes it a must have for me and it’s not too heavy at all at 5 oz on my scale for a blade this size. I’m not sure if it was done intentionally but the flipper tab has jimping on the opposite side. Checked pics of others and it seems to be very common. It’s not a deal breaker at all the knife flips and drops butter smooth like most ZT’s and the detent is solid….”
6. Boker Mermaid
Do we really have to explain why this is a cool pocket knife? The Boker Mermaid is the grail of all grail knives. The mystifying gaze of the mermaid is sure to impress even the most sophisticated of knife nuts. This beautiful knife features an enchanting mermaid on the spine of the knife with amazing detail and a vivid spectrum colorway. Heed the sirens’ beckoning song and buy a Boker Mermaid for easy cool points!
- Overall Length: 8.625”
- Blade Length: 3.75”
- Blade Material: 440A
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
Joshua G. says…
“I showed this to two of my non-knife friends and they loved it. It’s a fun piece that could be an easy way to introduce a knife to someone. I got it for the collections because Mermaid!”
7. CRKT Provoke
The CRKT Provoke is one of a kind! This special karambit features the Joe Caswell designed Kinematic folding action. The Provoke was intended to be a fast action tactical karambit. It features a hawkbill style D2 blade, a low-profile pocket clip, and a 6061-T6 aluminum frame. What really gives this knife the “cool factor” is the action of the Kinematic forward opening blade. It may look odd in pictures but will quickly become one of the most interesting knives you’ll handle if you get the chance.
- Overall Length: 7.37”
- Blade Length: 2.41”
- Blade Material: D2
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Lever Lock
Sullivan V. says…
“I love the way this knife looks and operates. It is a little big for my pockets, so I don’t EDC it. I still think it is an awesome design and I hope CRKT comes out with more knives similar to this.”
Conclusion
We may be biased, but there are a lot of cool pocket knives at Blade HQ. Whether you’re into streamlined everyday carry knives or beefy tactical folders, there are probably dozens of knives you think are cool. What makes a knife cool or not boils down to personal preference. However, there are just some (*cough cough* Mermaid *cough cough*) that really bring out the cool factor. For more pocket knife fun be sure to check out our Best Pocket Knives article.
Did your favorite knife make our list of cool pocket knives? If not, which would you add? Leave a review of your favorite and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for future knife updates!
Learn More
With lots of fun locks and designs, there are some really cool knives out there. Check out some of the most bizarre knives available at Blade HQ and see which of the cool knives above made the list!
Other Best Knife Guides
Still in that information gathering phase? We’ve got a whole bunch more lists of all the Best Knives! Happy hunting and may you find that one special knife of your dreams!
*Customer reviews may be condensed for clarity and edited for grammatical errors. You know we have to make our high school English teacher proud. Check product listings for current pricing.