There is nothing quite like an American made knife. USA made knives feature top quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and rugged American toughness. Browse our complete collection of American made knives and products from the best USA knife makers.
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 07/02/2020
The United States of America: land of the free, home of the brave and birthplace of some of the most incredible
knives ever made. Whether you’re into snappy OTF knives, EDC folding knives or burley fixed blades, United
States based knife makers have got you covered. This list features 10 of the Best American Made Knives and a
long-term carry review for each. We’ll look at what they’re made of, how they work and what makes them great.
The knives on this list may not come as a total surprise, but we are proud to say they are made right here in
the USA. Read on to learn more!
In addition to our look at each of these great knives we feature a review from one of our beloved customers at
the end of each breakdown!
The Benchmade Bugout offers a lightweight, ergonomic build designed with everyday carry and general outdoor use
in mind. Its high-performance CPM-S30V blade sports a partial swedge to provide a finer point, and comes fitted
with anodized dual thumb studs for easy one-handed operation. The comfortable Grivory or CF-Elite handle has
been textured on either side for added grip without being abrasive. Comes complete with an oversized lanyard
hole and reversible deep-carry clip for convenient EDC. The Benchmade Bugout is one of the absolute best
everyday carry pocket knives and is available in a full size or a mini version. We put the Bugout to the test
then reviewed it, check it out!
Overall Length: 7.46"
Blade Length: 3.24”
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: Grivory or CF-Elite
Locking Mechanism: AXIS Lock
Greg T. says...
"No knife meets every need perfectly. But when it comes to EDC and everyday cutting tasks, the Bugout checks
every box for me. Extremely lightweight. Deep carry mini pocket clip is discreet. Perfect blade shape and
length. Feels like quality in your hand. Not flimsy or cheap at all. S30V blade. Axis lock for easy one hand
open and close. Comes very sharp from the factory. All around excellent EDC knife."
The Warren Osborne designed Benchmade 940 is a popular knife for the last 20 years for good reason. It's a
comfortable everyday carry knife with its slim design, great ergonomics and lightweight. The 940 has an S30V
steel blade with a plain edge and a satin finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle is anodized green with 410
stainless steel liners and a purple titanium spacer on the handle back with custom ridges. The AXIS lock and
reversible pocket clip make the knife usable for right and left handers. Check out our Benchmade 940 Osborne Review to see more.
Overall Length: 7.87”
Blade Length: 3.40”
Blade Material: CPM-S30V or CPM-S90V
Handle Material: Aluminum, G-10 or Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism: AXIS Lock
Danny F. says...
"The 940 has been a classic carry for most knife guys out there. And I've had mine for quite some time now, that
the aluminum handle have worn down to a smooth finish. The blade lasts forever, and the reverse tanto shape is
an awesome addition for everyday use. For me, this knife holds a special place in my collection, and it is a
definite recommendation. If you need a premium blade without killing your bank account, this is your knife. I've
loved this knife since the day I got it, and I know that if you need a working tool, you'll love it too."
The Dmitry Sinkevich designed ZT 0450 knife is a compact version of the award-winning 0454 folder. It has an
S35VN stainless steel blade, titanium frame and either a titanium or carbon fiber show scale. The 0450 opens
wicked fast and buttery smooth thanks to its flipper and KVT ball-bearing pivot. Its sturdy frame lock and
reversible tip-up carry pocket clip make this knife the total package. If you’re looking for a top notch
everyday carry knife, the ZT 0450 is an amazing choice. Read our long-term carry review to learn more.
Overall Length: 7.375”
Blade Length: 3.25”
Blade Material: CPM-S35VN
Handle Material: Titanium or Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
Marcello A. says...
"It's a GREAT Knife! Perfect size to carry anywhere. Some think it's too plain.I love the function, high quality
AND the fact it's not a flashy in your face knife. It is a beautiful knife and feels good in the hand. The s35vn
steel will hold up to heavy use. It will last a lifetime. Buy it! You will love it!"
Gerber has been making survival knives for the US Military since 1968. The StrongArm Fixed Blade carries on their
legacy of dependable, hard-working fixed blade knives for survival and combat applications. This knife features
a Plain/Fine cutting edge, full-tang 420HC steel blade with a black ceramic coating. The StrongArm Fixed Blade
was designed around the fundamentals of military survival training. It utilizes a Black rubberized diamond
texture grip and adds a striking pommel and lanyard hole at the base. We had the opportunity to try it out and
were quite impressed. Click here to see our Gerber StrongArm review.
Overall Length: 9.75”
Blade Length: 4.875”
Blade Material: 420HC
Handle Material: Rubber
Locking Mechanism: Polymer Sheath
Sang K. says...
"My strongarm came scary sharp right out of the box. The sheath has solid lock and the handle feels very sturdy
and has a great grip. I can't wait to try this knife on my next camping trip!!!"
The Buck 110 Elite Automatic features built-in automatic action straight from the manufacturer. The 110 Automatic
is quickly deployed with a simple press of the firing button. This knife is equipped with a premium CPM-S30V
stainless steel blade in a satin finish. Its handle is made with either black G-10 or wood scales and sleek
nickel silver or brass bolsters. Includes a genuine leather sheath designed to prevent deployment when removing
the knife. This knife has quickly become an icon. Our Buck 110 Auto review breaks down
everything we love about this great American made knife.
Overall Length: 8.625”
Blade Length: 3.75”
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: G-10
Locking Mechanism: Back Lock
Daniel D. says...
Buck took the already outstanding and time-tested design of the 110 and gave it some modern upgrades (G10 scales,
nickel silver bolsters, S30V steel, and yes, AUTOMATIC). Absolutely solid build and perfect fit and finish with
zero blade play in any direction. All seems and edges are perfectly flush. The blade was very sharp out of the
box. I just gave some finishing touches on the strop to improve it more. The automatic opening mechanism is both
snappy and smooth with rock solid lockup.
When it comes to out-the-front automatic knives, the Microtech Ultratech is simply one of the best. Tight
tolerances, a wide array of blade shapes and colorways, and an incredible action give the Ultratech everything
it needs to quickly become one of your favorite knives. Microtech equipped the ever popular Ultratech D/A OTF
knife with a smooth, contoured handle design that promotes increased comfort during use. This updated model
provides the same dimensions, hardware, and durability offered by the "Tri-Grip" variation, but goes easier on
the hands and pockets. If you want to learn more about this awesome American made knife, check out our Microtech Ultratech Review.
Overall Length: 8.50”
Blade Length: 3.44”
Blade Material: CTS-204P
Handle Material: Aluminum
Locking Mechanism: Dual Action OTF Lock
Tyler K. says...
"This is another example of fine craftsmanship. The action is solid, blade came razor sharp, the knife feels
great in the hands. The action was a little stiff initially but after the initial break in period, it feels
amazing. Good job Microtech!"
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is one of the most popular knives on the market today, and it makes total sense.
Great materials, comfortable ergonomics, reliable build quality, attractive aesthetics, and easy one-hand use
all contribute to the astonishing popularity of the PM2. This icon of the knife industry has found its way into
pockets of soldiers, builders, hunters, survivalists, and EDC-ers the world over. Any knife enthusiast worth his
salt needs a PM2 in his collection. See more of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in our full review!
Overall Length: 8.28”
Blade Length: 3.44”
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: G-10
Locking Mechanism: Compression Lock
Douglas E. says...
"Although not as carry-able as my Para 3 lightweight, this is one tough EDC pocket knife. Given its size, it is
almost too much to call it a pocket knife, and yet it nestles in like it has always been there. I love this
knife, and have caught myself comparing it to the Para 3 for 5 or more minutes debating on which would end up in
my pocket. Since this beauty is still new, it wins for now. It is, however, going to be tougher and tougher to
make this decision in the future. If you don't have one, get one. If you don't have enough money for one, save
up and then get one. You won't regret it."
Chris Reeve Knives, the original Grail Knife makers, have improved the perfection of the Sebenza 21, and
bring us the Sebenza 31, with some awesome improvements. It's built with even tighter tolerances than we've
come to expect of Chris Reeve Knives, so you know that every single knife will be perfect. Someone with a
sharp eye might notice there's no longer a hole in the presentation scale. That's because the hole was
needed to hold the scale in the same position every time but advances in manufacturing technology made the
hole unnecessary. Instead of a hardened titanium lockbar, the 31 has a ceramic ball insert, which will last
longer and means an even smoother action. An adjustment to the pocket clip doesn't rest on the lockbar and a
few tweaks to improve ergonomics finish off the updated Sebenza. We haven’t had the opportunity to carry the
Sebenza for a review so far, but stay tuned…
Overall Length: 8.335”
Blade Length: 3.625”
Blade Material: CPM-S35VN
Handle Material: Titanium
Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock
James L. says...
"Fantastic knife that stands the test of time. Top quality materials with the fit of a Colt revolver. A must
have for any knife lover. Somehow the Sebenza far exceeds the sum of its parts into something really great.
It's odd to describe but you become very involved with the Sebenza through disassembly, cleanings, and
carefully greasing the pivot to get it just right. It might be the best case of industrial art in the knife
world. I own several vintage, regular's, classics, 21's and 25's and love 'em all."
The Launch 4 knife has a California-legal blade and ridiculously fast action. Its symmetry in design,
both the 6061-T6 aluminum handle and spear point blade, adds distinction. Following the tradition of its
predecessors, the Launch 4 has a bulls-eye pattern red firing button and a tip-up carry pocket clip. The
simple design and quality action of the Kershaw Launch 4 are what make this pint-sized pocket rocket one
of our picks for Best American Made Knives. We loved carrying this knife during our long-term review.
Check it out here.
Overall Length: 5.10”
Blade Length: 1.90”
Blade Material: CPM-154
Handle Material: Aluminum
Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
Paul B. says...
"I great addition to any knife collection. Fantastic looking design. Very fast and snappy blade
deployment make for a fun activity. Sharp out of the box and useful for many daily small tasks. It fits
perfectly in the small extra pocket on a pair of jeans. It is a great gift idea for knife collectors and
enthusiasts."
The Pro-Tech SBR "Short Bladed Rockeye" is a stout Les George automatic design, that can be
considered the little brother to the ever popular Rockeye Series. It's a short, snappy automatic
knife with all the right features and no B.S. This features an anodized aluminum handle and a wicked
drop point CPM-S35VN blade. Its recessed firing button and a deep carry tip-up pocket clip make
everyday carry both convenient and comfortable. For more information check out our in-depth Pro-Tech SBR Review.
Overall Length: 6.50”
Blade Length: 2.625”
Blade Material: CPM-S35VN
Handle Material: Aluminum
Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
Johnathan H. says...
"The SBR is a real winner and a half. I truly believe this is the EDC auto I've long been searching
for. Open or closed, the size is perfect, and it has a satisfying heft without being overly
cumbersome. I can already tell I'm going to "everyday carry" the hell out of this blade. Buy two and
enjoy it twice as much."
Conclusion
Well, this wraps up our list. It should come as no surprise that these knives made it to this
list. They are all amazing and oddly enough, they are all made right here in the good ol’ U.S of
A. If you’re after a new knife to add to your growing collection, you can’t go wrong with any of
these knives.
If these American made knives don’t catch your eye or meet your needs, check out our full
selection of American made knives by clicking below.
While these are our top American made knife recommendations, Blade HQ has way more knives than
those featured here. Leave a review of your favorite and follow us on Instagram,
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and Twitter for all
your future knife updates.
Top 5 USA Knife Makers
Fortunately for all of us there are a lot of high quality American made knife companies out there. Whether you like automatic knives, balisongs, EDC pocket knives, or fixed blades, there are tons of great options to choose from. Here are the Top 5 USA Knife Makers available at Blade HQ.
If you're still not sure what knife or brand to go with be sure to check out our Knife Banter below to see Kurt and Jaime discuss the very best American Made fixed blade knives. Or maybe just spend some quality time browsing our over 20,000 American made products! 'Merica!!!