Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- December 9, 2023 , Last updated on : December 10, 2023
There are various types of pocket knives on the market. Among them, spring-assisted pocket knives easily take the top spot because of their versatility and functionality. However, these spring-loaded pocket knives are not legal for public possession in some states in the US because of their lethality. If they are legal in your area, the best spring-assisted knives are some of the most versatile everyday carry that you can get.
Buying guide for the best spring-assisted knives
The requirements for buying the best open-assist knives will not be the same as the requirements for buying other types of knives. For example, if you want to get the best knives for slicing briskets, you need to look for carving knives. Here is how you can choose the best spring-assisted knives on the market.
Legality
The first step is to ensure that spring-assisted knives are legal in the state you are residing in at the moment. In some states, there are special conditions that knives need to meet in order to be legal like the blade’s length needs to be below a specific threshold. You can make your decision after checking out the state knife laws.
Material
After you have determined that you can legally buy and carry the spring-assisted folding knife in your state, you need to get a knife that is made from durable materials. The blades and the handles of the best-assisted opening knives are made from two different materials. While you can be flexible on the handle material, you should look for stainless steel or high-carbon steel for the blade.
Functionality
Another aspect to look for is the quality of the spring in the knife that you want to get. However, it is hard to judge the spring quality and other functionalities of the knives without testing them physically. Thankfully, we have tested some of the best EDC spring-assisted pocket knives, and you can check our reviews below.
Size
Last but not least, the length of the best spring-assisted tactical knife will depend on your personal preferences. However, ensure that the size that you want to get is legal in your state. Other than that, it is better to get smaller ones because they easily fit in your pocket and are easier to carry.
Best spring assisted knives | Top 11 Picks
Since there are a lot of manufacturers of spring assisted knives that are competing in the market, it can get quite tough to differentiate the quality ones from the crowd. That is why we have selected the best spring assisted knives on the market. We have ranked them based on personal testing and user reviews.
List of the best spring assisted knives
Benchmade 940-2 Knife
Zero Tolerance 0350TS Folding Pocket Knife
Kershaw 1605CKTST Clash Pocket Knife
ALBATROSS Tactical Folding Pocket Knife
GRAND WAY Folding Knives
Kershaw 1660 Leek Pocket Knife
Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Folding Knife
TAC Force Rescue Pocket Knife
ALBATROSS EDC Raptor Claw Knife
CRKT EDC Folding Pocket Knife
GRAND WAY Pocket Knife
Benchmade 940-2 Knife
Material: CPM-S30V steel
Length: 3.4 inches
The Benchmade 940-2 knife is the overall best assisted pocket knife you can find because of its versatile features that make it an all-rounder. The biggest advantage it brings to the table is its first-rate edge retention, which ensures it remains sharp for a long time. It has been able to retain its edge for a long time because of its outstanding corrosion resistance.
Besides its edge retention, the Benchmade spring-assisted knife also has a durable handle. A durable handle is just as important as a durable blade because you cannot use the blade if the handle is damaged. Lastly, it has a lightweight design that lets anyone use it without any issues.
This is a premium knife, so the premium price point is justified. If you want to get the absolute best sprint-assisted pocket knife on the market and you can afford this, then this is definitely the knife that you should get. Considering its durability, it will pay for itself in time.
Pros:
First-rate edge retention
Corrosion resistance
Durable handle
Lightweight design
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Benchmade 940-2 Knife has some of the best features you can expect in a spring-assisted pocket knife, it is also very expensive. However, if you can meet its price tag, it is undoubtedly one of the best spring-assisted knives on the market that you can buy.
If you want a pocket knife that will let you cut everything from vegetables to seat belts, the Zero Tolerance 0350TS folding pocket knife is the one for you. Besides having versatile functionality, it also has versatile usage because of its ambidextrous design that ensures anyone can use it easily. It has textured black G-10 handles that are very stylish. Additionally, the blade has tiger-striped Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) blade coating, which is also aesthetic.
Besides being versatile, the Zero Tolerance 0350TS folding pocket knife also stands out from the crowd because of its durability. It has a blade that is wear and corrosion-resistant, so you can use it in wet situations without worrying about rust. Lastly, it has a secure locking system that makes it safe to carry.
This knife is an upgrade from the previous 0350. It has a better design with a more aesthetic blade. Besides looks, the blade has a better build as well. Overall, the knife has a premium blade, which is why it also comes with a premium price tag. Given its features and build quality, the knife is worth the cost.
Pros:
Extremely versatile blade
Wear and corrosion-resistant
Ambidextrous design
Secure locking system
Cons:
Heavier than its competitors
The only problem you might face while using the Zero Tolerance 0350TS Folding Pocket Knife is that it is a bit heavier than its competitors. However, if you want a heavier knife, then this is perfect for you. Other than that, its versatile blade, combined with its ambidextrous design, makes it the best spring-assisted knife that you can get.
The Kershaw 1605CKTST Clash Pocket Knife is preferable for people who want a handle with a solid grip. You can use the knife without worrying about it slipping from your hand. Besides the secure handle, it also has an outstanding blade with excellent toughness and long-lasting edge retention.
Other than the knife itself, the Kershaw spring-assisted knife set also includes a knife sharpener that lets you keep the knife in top condition easily. Lastly, it has a SpeedSafe-assisted opening mechanism that ensures you can easily open the knife while remaining safe from the edge as well.
Even though this is a lightweight sprint-assisted knife, it does not feel cheap to hold. It is sturdy, and you can feel it when using it. Personally, we loved the snapping sound it makes when you take out the blade. Additionally, it is very easy to close the knife off as well.
Pros:
Excellent toughness and edge retention
The handle offers a solid grip
SpeedSafe assisted opening
Includes a knife sharpener
Cons:
The pocket clip is a bit small
The only concern we have with the Kershaw 1605CKTST Clash Pocket Knife is that the pocket clip on the knife is a bit small. As a result, it may not fit in bigger belt buckles easily. Other than that, its SpeedSafe opening function, combined with its excellent handle and blade, makes it the best spring assisted knife.
The ALBATROSS Tactical Folding Pocket Knife has a unique anti-corrosive grease-coated knife that ensures you can consider it as a one-time investment from your party. It has a handy pocket clip that can fit almost anyone. Lastly, it has a rapid one-handed deployment system that makes the knife very easy to use.
Corrosion and wear resistance are very important features of a pocket knife. Since people keep pocket knives in person all the time, a worn blade will not save you in a pinch. This knife not only has a dependable blade but also a low-profile pocket clip that makes it easier to pull the knife from your pocket.
We thought that the glass breaker they included at the back of the knife was very thoughtful. If you ever lock your keys in your car or need to rescue a baby or a dog, then you will have a quick solution. Taking it one step further, they also include a seatbelt cutter.
Pros:
Coated in anti-corrosive grease
Handy pocket clip
Rapid one-handed deployment
Includes a glass breaker
Cons:
The handle could be more durable
The only objection that we have with the ALBATROSS Tactical Folding Pocket Knife is that the handle could be more durable. However, if you maintain it, then this will not be an issue for you. Other than that, its anti-corrosive grease, combined with its handy pocket clip, makes it the best spring-assisted knife.
If you like wooden handles on your knives, the GRAND WAY Folding Knives is the ideal spring-assisted pocket knife for you. Besides aesthetics, it has a safe and reliable liner lock that ensures your safety when the knife is in your pocket. Lastly, it has a sharp blade that you can use to cut a wide variety of things.
Before you get this knife, ensure that it is legal where you intend to use it. For example, it is not legal in New York, and Amazon will not let you order it there. However, you can get in trouble if you get it elsewhere and bring it to the city. If you live near camping sites or go camping on a daily basis, then you can get this knife without any issues.
This knife provides the best value for your money. We firmly believe this is the best sprint-assisted knife under $10 you will find on the market. Even though the knife is very affordable, it still has an aesthetic design with all the attractive features.
Pros:
Aesthetic wooden handle
Safe and reliable liner lock
Sharp blade
Cons:
Could be easier to open
A problem that you might face when using the GRAND WAY Folding Knives is that it is a bit harder to open because of the safe liner lock. However, if you prefer safety over convenience, then this will not bother you. Other than that, its aesthetic wooden handle, combined with its sharp blade, makes it the best spring assisted knife.
The Kershaw 1660 Leek Pocket Knife is ideal for people who want a knife that is fast and easy to deploy. It has an outstanding spring quality, which is what makes it easy to deploy. Besides that, it has a durable blade and a durable handle, which will last a long time if you maintain it. Thankfully, it is easy to maintain as well.
Kershaw uses the SpeedSafe Assisted Opening mechanism, which not only makes it easier to open but also makes it safer than other options on the market. It also has a convenient pocket clip that lets you quickly draw it in case of an emergency. Both of these features combined make it the ideal spring assisted knife for you.
Pros:
Fast and easy deployment
Durable blade and handle
Easy to maintain
Cons:
Could be more ergonomic
The biggest drawback of the Kershaw 1660 Leek Pocket Knife is that it could have been more ergonomic. They can easily improve the design without making the knife more costly. Other than that, its durable blade, combined with its easy deployment system, places it among the best spring assisted knives on the market.
The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Folding Knife stands out from the competition because of the lightweight aluminum handle that makes it very easy to use. Besides being lightweight, the aluminum build makes the handle durable as well. Lastly, it has a black aesthetic design that will suit a wide array of styles.
We found this knife to be both dependable and aesthetic. If you want a retro army pocket knife with all the advanced features of the newer knives on the market, then this is the one for you. It will also last longer because of the blade’s full tang build.
Pros:
Lightweight aluminum handle
Aesthetic black design
Convenient pocket clip
Cons:
Harder to close than its competitors
One drawback of the Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Folding Knife is that it is harder to close than some of its competitors. However, you can get used to it after a few attempts. Other than that, its black aesthetic design, combined with its lightweight aluminum handle, makes it the best spring assisted knife.
The TAC Force Rescue Pocket Knife is a versatile knife that comes with a glass breaker stub. If you mistakenly lock your keys inside your car, you can use the stub to easily break the glass without hurting yourself. Besides that, the knife has a serrated blade that lets you cut unconventional things like seat belts with ease.
We used the knife for everything from opening packages to preparing ingredients for food, and it held up surprisingly well. If you want a versatile pocket knife that will get you through thick and thin, this is the one that you should get.
Pros:
Has a glass breaker stub
Safe liner locking system
Serrated blade
Cons:
Spring assist could be more durable
One problem we had with the TAC Force Rescue Pocket Knife was its spring, which could have been more durable. However, if you maintain the knife regularly, it will last a lost time. Other than that, its serrated blade, combined with its handy glass breaker stub, makes it the best spring assisted knife that you can get.
The ALBATROSS EDC Raptor Claw Knife stands out from the crowd because of the modern Damascus steel that is used to make the blade. The steel is folded over 71 times to ensure utmost durability and edge retention. The folding also gives the knife the popular and aesthetic Damascus design.
If you prefer smaller blades, claw knives are ideal for you. Among all the spring assisted pocket knives with claw blades that we tested, this one came out on top. You can easily deploy the knife with one hand in case of an emergency.
Pros:
Made from the best steel on the market
Modern Damascus design
Easy to deploy
Cons:
Small blade
You might have an issue with the ALBATROSS EDC Raptor Claw Knife, which is a common problem with all claw knives. Their blades are too small. However, their claw shape gives them versatile functionality. Other than that, its Damascus steel build, combined with its ease of deployment, makes it one of the best spring assisted knives.
The CRKT EDC pocket knife has a G10 handle that provides exceptional grip, so you can rest assured that the knife will stay in your hand when you are cutting something. The blade has serrations, which provide superior cutting power. Lastly, it has a liner safety system that provides an extra layer of lock security.
CRKT has always had our confidence because they always release knives that we could depend upon. Their M-16 spring-assisted pocket knife is no exception. Kit Carson, a retired Sergent Major, designed the original M-16 pocket knives, and they have withstood the test of time. You can depend on this knife to get you through sticky situations.
Pros:
The G10 handle provides exceptional grip
Serrations provide superior cutting power
Liner safety improves lock security
Cons:
Thread locks could be more durable
The biggest concern we have with the CRKT EDC Folding Pocket Knife is that the thread locks on the spring are not as durable as you would expect. Besides that, its handle with exceptional grip, serrated blade, and superior cutting power makes it one of the best spring assisted knives on the market.
The GRAND WAY Pocket Knife has a titanium nitride stainless steel blade that is both aesthetic and durable. Additionally, it is very sharp and retains its edge for a long time. Besides the blade, the knife also has an ergonomic handle that has an aesthetic wood and steel design. Lastly, it has an easy-to-use liner-lock system.
The knife is ergonomic and comfortable to use because it comes equipped with thumb studs that let you put sufficient pressure on the blade so that you can easily cut through most things. Furthermore, it has an ambidextrous design that not only lets you cut with both hands but also lets you open the knife with either hand as well.
Pros:
Titanium nitride stainless steel blade
Ergonomic and aesthetic wood and steel handle
Simple and easy-to-use liner-lock
Cons:
Could be lighter
You might have trouble with the GRAND WAY Pocket Knife because it is a bit heavier than its competitors. However, if you prefer heavier knives over lighter ones, then you will prefer this one. Other than that, its durable stainless steel blade, combined with its ergonomic handle, makes it the best spring assisted knife that you can buy.
The best spring-assisted knife for you will be the one that caters to your specific needs. For example, if you want a knife that comes with an edge sharpener, you can go for the Kershaw 1605CKTST Clash Pocket Knife. Alternatively, if you want the overall best on the market, you can go for the Benchmade 940-2 Knife. If you liked the spring-assisted knives we chose, check out our choices of the best horizontal carry knives or the best German knives.
