Top 10 American Made Knives: Quality Knives Every Enthusiast Should Own

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2, or PM2, has not just earned its place but has carved a niche in the pockets and collections of knife enthusiasts worldwide. This lightweight, folding knife is not just a favorite among everyday carriers but also finds utility in the hands of campers and those in tactical fields. The PM2's ergonomic design ensures easy carry and use in almost any grip position, while the 4-position clip offers versatile carry options, whether in your pocket, on a vest, or attached to a chest rig, making it a practical tool for a wide range of users.

While the PM2 is available in various configurations, we've highlighted the version featuring CruWear steel. CruWear is an air-hardening steel renowned for its high wear resistance and toughness. Spyderco treats their CruWear to a Rockwell hardness of around 62-62.8 for the PM2, resulting in a blade that offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. CruWear is also easy to sharpen, requiring only a few simple steps with a sharpening stone or rod, ensuring you can keep your PM2 in top condition with minimal effort.

One of the PM2's most appealing aspects is its unparalleled versatility. This knife is not just for everyday cutting chores, but it's a reliable companion for more demanding outdoor activities. The combination of the PM2's design and CruWear steel makes it a tool that can handle virtually anything you throw at it.

For those who enjoy personalizing their knives, the PM2 is a treasure trove of aftermarket parts and options. From a variety of steel choices to G-10 scales and titanium scale alternatives, the potential for customizing your PM2 is not just vast, but it's in your hands. This adaptability allows you to tailor your PM2 to your specific needs and preferences, making it a truly unique tool in your collection.

In conclusion, the Spyderco PM2 with CruWear steel is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance folding knife for everyday carry. Its ergonomics, versatility, and top-tier materials make it a must-have for any knife enthusiast or EDC practitioner.

In high-end pocket knives, few names carry as much weight as Chris Reeve Knives (CRK). If you've spent time in knife circles, you've undoubtedly heard of, held, or seen multiple Chris Reeve Knives for an excellent reason. The Sebenza, in particular, is renowned for its incredible craftsmanship, with tolerances so tight you couldn't squeeze a sheet of paper through them. For instance, the blade is meticulously ground and polished, and the handle is flawlessly finished, showcasing the precision and attention to detail that goes into each Sebenza.

When Chris Reeve set out to design the Sebenza, his mission was clear: to create the ultimate pocket knife. Many would argue that he achieved this goal. The Sebenza is not just a knife, it's a legacy. Built to withstand the test of time, it's the perfect heirloom to pass down through generations. With its bank vault-like lockup, lightweight 6AL4V titanium scales, and a ceramic ball interface that produces a satisfying 'click' sound when opened, the Sebenza is a testament to reliability and longevity.

What truly distinguishes this Sebenza is its use of CPM Magnacut steel. Magnacut is a game-changer in the realm of blade steels, offering unmatched toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This steel is low-maintenance and can even withstand occasional exposure to saltwater, although it's advisable to rinse and dry the knife after such encounters. In terms of performance, Magnacut is on par with other high-end steels like CPM S90V, CPM S110V, and CPM M4, but it outperforms them in several aspects.

One potential challenge with Magnacut steel is its sharpening, which requires specialized stones and skills. However, CRK has your back. If your Sebenza ever needs a touch-up, simply return it to Chris Reeve Knives. They will not only restore the edge but also the finish on the scales, ensuring your knife maintains its pristine look and performance for years to come. The sharpening process involves using high-quality stones and a precise technique that ensures the blade sharpened to its original factory edge, maintaining cutting performance.

The Chris Reeve Sebenza with Magnacut steel epitomizes a perfect pocket knife. Its unparalleled craftsmanship, top-tier materials, and timeless design make it a must-have for any serious knife collector or enthusiast. But it's not just for collectors. The Sebenza's versatility also makes it a practical tool for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, and even professional use. Invest in a Sebenza, and you'll have a trusty companion for life, one that you can proudly pass down to future generations.

The Pro-Tech Knives Rockeye is a long-standing, tried-and-true EDC auto knife that has earned its place in the pockets of knife enthusiasts everywhere. Designed by the infamous Les George, who has trained in a wide range of tactical and technical skills, including Explosive Dynamic Entry, Advanced Access and Disablement, Improvised Explosives, and Devices, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Close-Quarters Combat, the Rockeye is a versatile tool that can handle any task you throw at it.

From mundane tasks like opening boxes and mail to more adventurous ones like carving your partner's name into a tree, the Rockeye auto folder is up to the challenge. Its sturdy, purposeful design and easy one-handed operation make it the perfect companion for everyday use. The swift, spring-coil action of a ProTech auto knife adds to its practicality, making the Rockeye a versatile pocket knife that won't let you down.

Underneath the textured aluminum handles, which provide excellent grip in wet environments, lies a coated CPM D2 steel blade. CPM D2, a newer and improved version of the classic D2 steel, is known for its high chromium and carbon content, offering an excellent hardness and corrosion resistance balance. It boasts better toughness than CPM-154 and is similar to high-end steels like CPM-M4, 10V, Vanadis 8, and K390, ensuring the Rockeye's durability and performance.

The Rockeye's solid construction, deep finger weld, and recessed button lock ensure that the blade stays securely locked in place until you've finished your task. This attention to detail and focus on reliability make the Rockeye stand out as one of the most perfectly built, do-all knives available today.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an EDC auto knife that can handle any task, look no further than the Pro-Tech Knives Rockeye. With its versatile design, top-tier materials, and reliable performance, this knife will become your go-to pocket companion for years.

Since its debut in 2000, the 940-1 Osborne by Benchmade has consistently ranked among the top-selling EDC knives, a testament to its enduring durability. Crafted by Warren Osborne as a reliable ranch hand knife, the Osborne is packed with all the features you could desire in a daily carry folding knife. Backed by Benchmade's Lifesharp service and lifetime warranty, the 940-1 is not just a knife, but a lifelong, trusty,  companion.

The 940-1 Osborne is a masterful fusion of features that have earned it a spot on our list of American-made knives. From the smooth-operating Axis lock to the interchangeable pocket clip and the reverse tanto blade in CPM-S90V steel, this knife is a performance powerhouse. The carbon fiber scales not only contribute to its feather-light weight, but also give the 940-1 a sleek, modern appearance that is sure to catch the eye of any knife enthusiast.

Upon unfolding the knife, one of the first things you'll notice is the trademark reverse tanto blade, crafted from CPM-S90V steel. This high-end steel is known for its exceptional wear resistance, rust resistance, edge retention, and toughness. While S90V may take a bit longer to sharpen compared to some other steels, the good news is that you won't need to do it often. Benchmade heat-treats the 940-1's blade to an impressive HRC of 59-60, ensuring it maintains its edge through even the most demanding tasks.

Osborne's AXIS lock is another standout feature. With a little practice, it allows for easy one-handed opening and closing. This is particularly useful when one hand is occupied, such as holding a fishing line or performing other tasks.

The Benchmade 940-1 Osborne is a timeless EDC knife with the perfect design, materials, and functionality combination. Whether you're a collector, outdoors enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable daily carry knife, the 940-1 is it. With Benchmade's commitment to quality and customer service, investing in a Osborne means gaining a trusty pocket-knife that will serve you well for a lifetime.

Since its debut in 2006, the Hinderer XM-18 has established itself as one of the most durable folding knives on the market. This knife features a CNC flat ground Spanto blade with a robust tip designed for prying, a feature not often discussed when discussing knives. The generous choil allows for a closer grip on the blade, providing you with enhanced precision control, empowering you to handle tasks with utmost accuracy. The press-fitted thumb stud serves double duty as a blade stop, showcasing the well-thought-out design elements found throughout the knife. Despite being slightly thicker and more substantial than most pocket knives, the XM-18 feels comfortable and balanced.

The blade of the XM-18 is crafted from CPM-S45VN steel, a premium stainless steel renowned for its exceptional edge retention, wear resistance, and good toughness. This steel, heat-treated to around 60-61 HRC, ensures top-notch performance and instills confidence in the knife's durability and longevity, despite not being as tough as its predecessor, S35VN.

Hinderer offers various scale options for the XM-18, including G-10, micarta, titanium, copper, brass, and even wood. One of the standout features of this knife is its customizability, with every component being replaceable or customizable using Hinderer's OEM parts. This extensive range of options is sure to offer you endless possibilities for personalization and making the knife truly your own.

Another notable aspect of the XM-18 is the Tri-Way system, which allows users to easily swap between bearings, washers, or nylon washers. This adaptability not only ensures a smooth and satisfying opening and closing action but also reassures you about the knife's versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases and environments, while prolonging the knife's internal components.

The Demko MGAD20, the flagship knife from Demko's custom shop in New Castle, PA, represents a significant innovation in pocket knives. Demko Knives is renowned throughout the industry for its exceptionally durable Shark-Lock system.

The Shark-Lock mechanism, ingeniously situated along the knife's spine, is a breeze to use. Its spring-driven lock arm moves upward and into a notch in the tang, positioning itself beneath a lock pin when the blade is opened. This forward and backward movement of the lock enables the knife blade to have a larger tang, providing a superior mechanical advantage. The drive spring that moves the locking element into the locked position is contained within the locking arm itself, protecting it from dirt and grime. Designed to be effortlessly user-friendly, it can be easily operated, even while wearing gloves.

The Sharkfoot blade, crafted from CPM 20CV steel, is a testament to Demko's commitment to quality. This steel is known for its high wear resistance, excellent edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, it's relatively easy to sharpen, making maintenance a breeze and ensuring the knife's edge longevity.

The MGAD20 is thoughtfully designed with pocket clips for both sides, making it a versatile choice that caters to the needs of both right-handed and Southpaw users, ensuring everyone feels accommodated in either pocket.

The MGAD20 from Demko Knives showcases a significant advancement in pocket knife technology, combining the innovative Shark-Lock system with a high-quality CPM 20CV blade and ambidextrous pocket clips. This knife will appeal to collectors and everyday carry enthusiasts alike. You will not be dissapointed with this knife. It could have easily been in the number one spot. 

The Zero Tolerance 0350TSTR Tritium stands out with its unique design features. The S30V blade is not only eye-catching with its cerakoted tiger stripe finish but also practical with a Tritium insert that makes it easy to locate in low-light or no-light conditions.

Designed by the renowned Ken Onion, the 0350TSTR's distinctive drop point blade with a recurve is instantly recognizable, even from a distance. Ken Onion's name is a seal of quality and innovation, and his design for the 0350TSTR is a testament to his reputation. Since its release by ZT in 2013, the 0350 has swiftly gained popularity, and for good reason. The knife's robust ergonomics and well-thought-out design provide a superior, controlled cutting experience for users of all skill levels, from seasoned knife enthusiasts to those new to the world of everyday carry (EDC).

The 0350TSTR is a knife that adapts to your needs, giving you the power to customize your experience. The versatile 4-position clip offers users a variety of carry options, allowing you to carry it in a way that suits you best. The spring-assisted opening, activated by the flipper tab, ensures smooth and effortless deployment every time. Despite its compact size, the 0350TSTR maintains a sturdy feel, and its heavy-duty frame guarantees secure blade lock-up during use. This knife masterfully combines the qualities of a reliable working knife with the convenience of an EDC, while the cerakote finish provides an added layer of chemical resistance.

Crafted from S30V, a classic knife steel staple in pocket knives since 2001, the 3.25-inch blade is tough and capable of holding various edge angles exceptionally well. S30V is also known for its impressive corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for EDC. A memorable quote overheard on a knife forum sums it up perfectly as a testament to its performance: "As a fat man who sweats a lot, S30V is pretty much as stainless as it gets."

Since its introduction in 1996, the Microtech SOCOM Elite has undergone various design changes. This folding knife quickly gained popularity among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians seeking a reliable and versatile tool. The current iteration of the SOCOM Elite features an aircraft-grade aluminum handle and a spear point blade with a 2-tone DLC finish on M390 steel, making it an excellent choice for everyday carry (EDC), work, play, and even tactical tasks.

The SOCOM Elite boasts a four-inch blade and an overall length of just over nine inches, making it a substantial knife. Thanks to its efficient design, the knife weighs only 5.25 ounces despite its size. The newly designed pocket clip, upgraded glass breaker system, and sub-frame design ensure trust and reliability in various scenarios.

The blade is crafted from M390 steel, known for its exceptional edge retention and ability to be polished to a mirror finish. Microtech heat treats their M390 to a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC, ensuring the blade stays sharp through numerous cuts. The glass breaker on the butt of the knife is a feature that, while hopefully never needed, provides an added level of utility in emergencies.

The SOCOM Elite is also available with serrations and a Tanto-style blade, catering to those who prefer a more tactical build. Regardless of the blade shape, the knife remains useful for daily tasks. Despite its large size, the SOCOM Elite rides comfortably in the pocket, and users can trust that it will handle any task thrown its way.

Heretic Knives, a testament to the precision and craftsmanship of TJ and Jessica Marifone since its establishment in 2015, has been creating rugged, beautiful, and functional knives that are akin to works of art. Despite its expansion, Heretic Knives remains committed to a small-batch approach, ensuring every knife is a masterpiece of detail. Like many knife makers, and designers, they offer a lifetime product warranty, a testament to their confidence in the quality of their creations.

Unveiled in the summer of 2021, the Pariah is a larger-sized folding knife meticulously designed for everyday carry (EDC). The Pariah's one-handed operation allows for swift opening and closing, making it ideal for discreet deployment. The aircraft-grade aluminum handles, with their textured grip inlay and scalloped spine, provide enhanced grip in diverse environments. Weighing 5.60 ounces, the Pariah strikes a perfect balance between heft and portability. If you're seeking a knife that exudes reliability and versatility, the Pariah, crafted from premium materials, is a go-to pocket knife for a multitude of tasks.

One of the Pariah's standout features is its blade steel. The knife is equipped with CPM-Magnacut, a steel renowned for its exceptional performance in pocket knives. Heretic Knives takes it a step further by hardening their Magnacut to 60.5 - 62.5 HRC, ensuring the steel's resilience to a wide range of tasks and guaranteeing the Pariah's longevity.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience a Heretic Knife, we highly recommended that you do so. The ergonomics and designs of their knives are meticulously tailored for a comfortable grip, ensuring a seamless and effortless user experience. Combined with their meticulous choice of materials, exceptional customer service, and established reputation, any Heretic Knives purchase is a reliable choice for your intended tasks, providing you with the comfort and ease of use you deserve.

Hogue is renowned for crafting high-quality knives, and the Hogue Deka is no exception. This proper everyday carry (EDC) knife, measuring 7.5-inches overrall and weighing a mere 2.3 ounces, is tough enough for most tasks. It can be used nearly anywhere without raising concerns that you're using a knife, making it an ideal pocket knife for daily use.

The Deka offers a plethora of configurations, catering to a wide range of preferences. You can choose between a wharncliffe or clip point blade and select from various scale options, including carbon fiber, polymer, and G-Mascus, each available in different colorways. Hogue knives are renowned for their value, with the company's expertise extending to manufacturing knives for Heckler & Koch and Sig Sauer, and even supplying knives to the United States Military.

The Collector Series Deka is a limited edition, a testament to its exclusivity. It features a lightweight carbon fiber handle, an ambidextrous ABLE Lock (similar to Benchmade's AXIS Lock), and a Glow Rhino Tritium insert that glows without the need for light absorption. The reversible pocket clip allows for right or left-hand carry, and a lanyard hole is available for those who prefer to attach a lanyard to their pocket knife.

The blade is flat ground from CPM-20CV steel, a premium steel known for its excellent edge retention and stainless properties. This steel, comparable to M390 and CTS 204P, is hardened to 59-61 HRC, striking a perfect balance between hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for pocket carry. The Cerakote coating on the blade helps repel sweat, grease, and other substances, reducing the risk of rust.

We invite you to visit our shop and experience the Hogue Deka firsthand. It's a pleasure to handle, open, and close. Whether at church, in the office, working in the shop, or out in the yard, the Hogue Deka is a capable and willing companion and the Collector Series Deka sure is sweet on the eyes.