The best small pocket knives are not only easy to carry but are also versatile and functional. Size is, no doubt, a vital factor when considering EDC knives. A big pocket knife can be too bulky to carry and illegal in many jurisdictions.

On the other hand, a pocket knife that’s too small might not rise to the occasion when you need it. Many knife enthusiasts agree that some of the best small pocket knives have less than 3-inch blades.

Here are reviews of the top small EDC knives on Amazon and what to look for when buying one.

Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Sized Knife

Fixed blades offer more sturdiness and durability than their folding counterparts. Still, many people don’t expect a fixed blade pocket knife shorter than 3 inches. Enter, Morakniv Eldris.

This knife comes with a practical Scandinavian design to offer functionality with a 2.2-inch blade. Despite its size, the blade is hardened to resist corrosion and is also a fire-steel with which you can start a campfire.

Its bulging, textured handle gives you optimal maneuverability control and minimizes slipping to prevent accidents. The included symmetrical sheath also helps prevent accidents when the knife’s in storage.

Opinel No 6 Carbon Steel Folding knife

There’s always something classy about the traditional pocket knife designs, and if you fancy one, this Opinel pocket knife is a worthy consideration. Besides an affordable price point, you will also love the wooden handle into which the blade closes for added safety.

The blade measures about 2.9 inches, long enough to handle a wide range of tasks. And while carbon steel is superior corrosion resistant, it also requires more maintenance than its stainless counterpart. Overall, this is an elegant pocket knife that’s garnered several positive reviews on Amazon.

CRKT Pilar EDC Folding Pocket Knife

Since its release, the CRKT Pilar has undergone a few upgrades but remains one of the best small pocket knives. Besides a compact design that makes it easy to carry around, its clip helps save space.

The wide blade is made from D2 steel, refined for edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip with a protective finger guard.

Read next: 7 Best Fixed Blade Pocket Knives This Year

CRKT Sketch EDC Folding Pocket Knife

This is a heavy-duty pocket knife from a collaboration between CRKT and Luca Burnley – a custom knifemaker. Its shape and design make it a reliable go-to utility knife that’s easy to pull out when needed.

The shape of the 2.9-inch blade offers a wide surface for cutting, chopping, and slicing with a pointy tip which you can use for piercing or puncturing. Moreover, users love how long the knife retains its sharp edges.

Benchmade – Mini Bugout 533 Knife

With a 2.82-inch blade, the Benchmade Mini Bugout pocket knife offers the functionality you’d require from an EDC knife. Its innovative design helps keep the weight low at only 15 ounces, making it less bulky and convenient to carry around.

The handle features Grivory scaling to improve grip and prevent slipperiness. Its axis locking mechanism enhances safety when opening and closing the knife.

CRKT Piet EDC Folding Pocket Knife

This is another CRKT EDC knife on this list that’s a collaboration with another knifemaker – Jesper Voxnaes. It features a 2.7-inch blade with a drop point shape, creating a wide surface for chopping and slicing.

The handle design optimizes grip and comfort for optimal control. The hole at the end of the handle can help tie down the knife when carrying or storing it.

Read Next: Styles of Pocket Knives You Should Know About

Spyderco Lil’ Native Signature Folding Knife

This folding knife from Spyderco ensures your safety with its compression lock technology. This feature helps prevent the blade from wobbling out of the handle when locked or close up when in use.

It comes with a long-enough and wide blade (2.47-inches) to handle different cutting tasks. Besides, the handle has a contouring shape and G10 scales for a firm, comfortable grip.

Zero Tolerance and Tim Galyean Pocketknife

In a partnership with Tim Galyean, Zero Tolerance made this small pocket knife with a blade measuring only 1.8 inches. The premium stainless steel blade resists corrosion and has a clip-point shape to create a pointy tip for making precise piercings and punctures.

The handle has contours to enhance grip and give you comfortable control of the wide slicing blade. The knife has a total weight of about 1.7 ounces.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Small Pocket Knives

Comfortable Handle

The agility of small pocket knives requires comfortable handling. As such, the first thing to consider when buying a pocket knife, or any knife for that matter, is an ergonomic handle. Go for handle designs that enhance grip and eliminate slip, such as contouring shapes, finger notches, and textured finishes.

Regulation Compliance

Wanting to buy the best small pocket knife won’t mean much if the legislation in your area doesn’t permit owning or carrying one. Be sure to check the legal requirements in your region regarding the type of blade, lockup, or style.

Additional Features

Compression locking, a clip, a serrated blade, and a lanyard hole are some features to consider when buying a pocket knife. These are worth considering if they improve your knife’s functionality or eases carrying.