Best Folding Knives of 2021?

Chronovore

Chronovore

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Sure, there are a few weeks left in 2021 but it's getting to be that time of year. Between all of us, we've probably sampled most of the market. So what were the best folding knives to be released in 2021? What have been your favorites?

Going first, I've got to break this down by price. Feel free to make up your own categories. Coincidentally, all of my picks came from WE. That wasn't planned. They just knocked it out of the park this year. I have all of these and I've had all of them apart for inspection.

Under $50 - Sencut Snap

After splitting off Sencut to handle their entry-level stuff, I was very curious to check out the wares. The first run of knives was okay but then the Snap came out. The neutral ergonomics feel great in hand. The action is good. The blade slices nicely. I love the wood scales, which only cost an extra three bucks over their G-10 models. It's worth mentioning that the Sencut knives use the same 9Cr18Mov as Civivi, which gets a fantastic heat treatment from WE.

$50-100 - Civivi Bo

I've edited this post to declare a clear winner. The little Bo is available in different colors and materials. It's a small knife but it's great for what it is. I also like the Riffle and Relic from Civivi, as well as the upgraded Kizer Begleiters with bearings, but the Bo is my pick for 2021.

Over $100 - WE Seer or WE Snick

The Seer would be an easy win here. It's relatively simple for what it is but it is beautifully executed. Unfortunately, it's a limited release. Luckily, I just got another contender. The Snick is technically my Christmas present from the wife but she let me unwrap it early. (I promised to re-wrap it for Christmas morning and "look surprised". 😇 ) It looks kinda like something the Mandalorian would carry but the action is amazing and it feels great in hand.
 
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Spyderco Maple Chap and S90V CF Native Chief.

edit: and I carry the most one of the more affordables, the MiniChamp.
 
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I’d go with the Quiet Carry Drift for best knife over $200. Changed the blade opening to thumb studs this year. IMO it is the closest thing I’ve found to check off all the boxes of what I look for in a knife. Super corrosion resistant steel while also being tough, light weight, ti scales, big belly slicey blade, excellent ergonomics that support multiple grips, and just about the perfect balance of size and usefulness for an EDC.
 
As of today, I have purchased 40 knives including 24 folders "net" this year. It's an addiction.

Don't think any of them were 1st made in 2021 but the "best" of what I purchased this year IMO was either the Olamic Rainmaker or the Tighe Breaker.

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You pick 'em.

As for a 2021 release, I ordered a pair of Spyderco Mule Team MagnaCuts over a week ago but have still have not received an email confirming that they have yet shipped - but, then again, they're not folders. :(
 
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I just got the Civivi Cogent and its pretty compelling. Virtually the same blade shape as the Relic (might actually just be the same) with the 14c28N that the riffle has but with the addition of the button lock. Right now it is spending more time in my pocket than the Riffle but that might be new knife bias there. If civivi can manage to continue to pull off button locks like this they will have some very nice knives coming in that $50-$100 price point.

Im sure it wont win any strength tests but neither will liner locks and the button lock is just eminently user friendly. It also makes for a great knife for the women in your life since a button lock is far easier to actuate when longer nails are present.
 
I like the Special edition Spartan-Harsey. They are priced well, extremely well thought design, good steel and materials, great art form from great US company.
Kind of midle of whats out there without being mediocre or overly traditional, or to have some goofy mechanical sutions for non existing problems, IMO.
Dont have one yet but working on it. 😂
 
For stabbing: Cold Seel Recon 1 Tanto
I liked the design of the Milwaukee Side Slide Utility Knife 48-22-1510. I didn't get or disassemble it. I held it. The blade storage is durable.
 
I didn't buy many knives this year. With the pandemic going on, the wife and I concentrated on banking as much as possible in case something happens and we are/were out of work for an extended time.

I love all the knives I bought this year.

DLT exclusive Endela with the red/black zome (maybe not for all but I like it) and 20CV blade.
Knifejoy exclusive Endura with 20CV blade.
Spartan Blades Astor with 3.5" of CTS-XHP. Great knife for under $90.
 
c7m2p3 said:
I just got the Civivi Cogent and its pretty compelling. Virtually the same blade shape as the Relic (might actually just be the same) with the 14c28N that the riffle has but with the addition of the button lock. Right now it is spending more time in my pocket than the Riffle but that might be new knife bias there. If civivi can manage to continue to pull off button locks like this they will have some very nice knives coming in that $50-$100 price point.

Im sure it wont win any strength tests but neither will liner locks and the button lock is just eminently user friendly. It also makes for a great knife for the women in your life since a button lock is far easier to actuate when longer nails are present.
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The Relic, Snap, and Snick all have that same overall blade shape. There is a minor difference in where the swedge is cut on each but otherwise, they are very similar. Despite not being my favorite blade shape, two out of three ended up on my favorites list and the Relic almost made it. I think I'd like the Snap and Snick even better if the spine just followed the swedge line and stayed closer to the handle when closed.

I still haven't tried any of their button locks. Perhaps in 2022, I'll see one where the design really speaks to me.
 
Okay, I've eliminated the Riffle. I love the knife. The blade shape is fun and cuts wonderfully. I'm still in love with 14C28N as a budget steel. The handle shape here is great during use and the Micarta feels great. However, one issue knocked it back. When in pocket, the back corner of the handle where they've buried a lanyard attachment pokes out. For those rare times that I have other things in pocket and need to slide a hand past it, that little corner does not feel good sliding against my hand.
 
My favorite folders purchased (16) in 2021 (ordered from small to large):

-LionSteel BM13UL (Olive wood/M390 slipjoint, dual blades)
-Enzo Birk75 (Curly Birch/D2 Scandi grind)
-Hinderer Ecklipse (RedG10/Stonewash Tanto)
-Spyderco GB2 (CarbonFiber/M4)
-Shirogorov F3NS (BlueCarbonFiber/M390)

Note, I had 3 that I returned for poor QC. 2 were from a listed manufacturer above. Crazy year!

Happy New Year everyone!
 
Spartan Harsey (full size), rock solid build quality.
Les George VECP V3, more compact in hand and able to handle any task a folder can do.
Freeman Backcountry Pocket Hunter, great smaller fixed blade that I'm very happy with.
 
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