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5 min readKnives for self defense can help you get out of dangerous situations. They are also among the best personal safety devices because they’re multifunctional. Even if you never need it to defend yourself (fingers crossed), you can use a knife to open packages, cut your apple at lunch, and so much more.
The best knives for self defense are easy to use in high-stress situations and stay sharp throughout whatever else you use them for. The Spyderco Chaparral Prestige meets these criteria and then some, but don’t miss our other top picks.
Check your state knife-carrying laws
Before you purchase knives for self defense, make sure to check your state’s knife laws and concealed carry laws. This may determine what type of knife you can purchase and how you can store it. For example, in Texas, you’re not allowed to carry a knife that is over 5.5 inches, but if the length is right, you’re allowed to conceal your self-defense weapon.1
Best knives for self-defense
- : Best all around
- : Best fixed blade
- : Budget pick
- : Best multi-use
- : Best keychain knife
Comparison of the best knives for self-defense
Amazon Disclaimer: *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Pepper spray, personal alarms, and safety apps
Product | Best for | Price | Blade length | Overall length | Type | Learn more | Read review |
| Best all around | $165.00 | 2.80" | 6.40" | Folding | View on Amazon | Read review | |
| Best fixed blade | $36.95 | 5.2" | 10.6" | Fixed blade | View on Amazon | Read review | |
| Value pick | $68.99 | 3.1" | 7.35" | Folding | View on Amazon | Read review | |
| Best multi-use | $9.99 | 3.5" | 8.5" | Folding | View on Amazon | Read review | |
| Best keychain knife | $19.98 | 2" | 6.25" | Folding | View Packages | Read review |
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Best knives for self defense reviews
1. Spyderco Chaparral Prestige: Best overall
Best overall
Spyderco Chaparral Prestige
$165.00
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Spyderco Chaparral Prestige (model C152CFP) is our top pick for the best knife for self-defense because, unlike most pocket knives on the market, it’s made from CTS XHP stainless steel.
Pros
Durable steel folding blade
Tough carbon fiber/G-10 laminate handle
One-handed opening 
Cons
No extra uses CTS XHP stainless steel blades are high-quality, sharp blades. They’re tough, easy to sharpen, and the blades tend to not corrode as easily.
The blade material isn’t the only reason we chose the Spyderco Chaparral Prestige as the best self-defense knife. It also has a loop at the top that you can use to flip open the folding blade with one hand. Plus, the carbon fiber/G-10 laminate handle is light and tough. It won’t look beat up in a few years like knives with plastic handles.
Along with the carbon fiber style, the Spyderco Chaparral Prestige is available in a lightweight style, Raffir Noble, and Sun and Moon.
2. Smith & Wesson Fixed Blade Knife: Best fixed blade
Best fixed blade
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Smith & Wesson Fixed Blade Knife is a reliable self-defense knife for people who don’t want to worry about opening and closing folding knives when time is of the essence.
Pros
Durable steel construction
Easy-grip handle
Affordable Cons
Large size It’s made from 9Cr17MoV stainless steel, which is durable, easy to sharpen, and resists corrosion well. It also has a handle with a built-in grip, so there’s no need to worry about it slipping and cutting your hand. It comes with a sheath that can be attached to your belt too.
The only drawback of this knife is it’s on the larger side. It won’t fit in a pocket or a smaller purse.
3. Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife: Budget pick
Value pick
Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife
$68.99
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This type of steel isn’t as durable as our top self-defense knife, but the price is right. Plus, it’s still super easy to sharpen. While the Kershaw is more expensive than others on this list, it’s still one of the best knives for self defense when looking for a good bang for your buck.
Pros
Easy to sharpen
Easy to open
Adaptable with partially serrated edge Cons
Made of less durable steel The feature we really like about this budget pocket knife is it has an assisted opening. With just a slight push on the opening tab, this self-defense knife pops open. This is great for those with one hand, arthritis, or other hand issues.
The blade is also partially serrated. A serrated edge is perfect for cutting fruit during a picnic.
4. Albatross 6-in-1 Survival Knife: Best multi-use
Best multi-use
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Albatross 6-in-1 Survival Knife keeps you safe in many different situations, whether you’re confronting an attacker or a car crash. While it may not be made of the toughest steel, its multi-use functionality makes up for that.
Pros
Comes in multiple colors
Includes a built-in light
Includes built-in pocket or belt clip Cons
Less durable blade This folding knife comes with so many built-in features. It includes a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker to help you escape a car crash, a magnesium fire starter for when you need a fire in a pinch, and the LED light can help you unlock your front door when you forget to leave the porch light on. The built-in bottle opener may not save lives, but it’s a handy addition as well.
5. StatGear Samurai Micro: Best keychain
Best keychain
StatGear Samurai Micro
$19.98
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Your keys go everywhere you go, so it makes sense to choose a knife that attaches to your keychain. The StatGear Samurai Micro keychain knife is both beautiful and sturdily made.
Pros
Includes pocket clip
Offers easy-open design
Provides sturdy construction Cons
Narrow handle This knife looks like a little samurai sword, and we love it for that alone. But it made our list of best knives for self defense for some other loveable features, too. The blade is made from durable 440C stainless steel and has an easy-open design. Plus, you can choose from various color options.
The only downside to this knife is that its handle is narrow, so it might not be as easy to grasp as other knives on our list.
Final word
The Spyderco Chaparral Prestige is one of the best knives for self defense, and our top pick because it has a strong, easily sharpened blade, tough handle, an easy opening mechanism, and small, easy-to-carry size. It’s rare to find such a well-rounded knife.
Pocketknife FAQs
Assisted opening knives are the easiest to open for those with one hand or hand mobility issues because they have a spring in them that pops the knife open with little force.
Yep, but it’s super simple. Open and close it repeatedly. This will make the opening mechanism less stiff so the knife is easier to open in a dangerous situation.
For sure. They are easy to open in a stressful situation.
Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise
To find the best knives for self defense, I used decades of safety experience combined with decades of experience collecting and carrying knives. I have carried a self-defense knife with me since the 90s. I’ve only needed them for self-defense once, and luckily just making it appear out of my purse was enough to scare away my potential attacker.
While there are arguably better pocket knives on the market (like , one of my favorites) those knives are meant for people who use their pocket knives rigorously. And they come with a steep price. In this review, I opted for knives at a lower price point that still make reliable self-defense knives. I also considered knives for casual use to open mail or slice an orange every now and then.
To learn more about how we review products and services, please see our Safewise methodology page.
Related articles
Sources
- The American Knife and Tool Institute, "Texas Knife Laws," Accessed July 1, 2024.
Disclaimers
Amazon: *Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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