Don’t Underestimate These Mini Pocket Knives

What Is a Mini Pocket Knife?

A mini pocket knife is usually under 4”, when closed, with a blade that’s no longer than 3”. You can find them with every blade profile and opening method including assisted opening. The handles can be found in every design and made of all the materials that you can find in a standard pocket knife.

Benefits of a Mini Pocket Knife

If you’re one of those folks who don’t like to have a lot of bulky stuff in your pocket, a mini pocket knife is the way to go. You can get the same sharp and capable blade in a smaller package. Many of these smaller pocket knives also have other features built-in to their design that you may not find in standard pocket knives.

Our Recommendations

Below you’ll find a wide variety of mini pocket knives from premium brands, which offer premium performance. These are some of my personal favorites and some that are popular with customers.

Ridge Runner Mustang Mini

At the top of my mini pocket knife list is the Ridge Runner Mustang Mini. It’s got great visual appeal and is just so well put together in its compact package. The handsome knife is a very capable workhorse with its razor-sharp 2” stainless steel, modified Wharncliffe blade. It can be quickly deployed with the flipper easily activating the assisted opening mechanism. The blade also has some finger jimping for extra control when using it. The handle scales are a premium pakkawood, secured to the stainless steel liners with screws and complemented by stainless steel bolsters and a leather thong through the lanyard hole. The Mustang Mini is only 2 3/4”, when closed, making it a pocket knife that you can comfortably carry anywhere.

Kissing Crane Mini Satin Smooth Knife

Founded, in Germany, in 1834, Kissing Crane Knife Company began as the go-to brand for high-quality pocket knives. The tradition of quality craftsmanship still continues today and, believe me, the Kissing Crane Mini Satin Smooth Pocket Knife is a jewel of an EDC! The time-honored, 2 1/2” stainless steel blade was carefully sharpened and then stamped with the classic Kissing Crane mark of quality. Don’t let the blade length fool you, though, this razor-sharp mini pocket knife will get the job done. Both blade and stainless steel handle have a smooth satin finish, giving the overall appearance of this knife a balanced, symmetrical look. At just 3” closed, you won’t even notice you’re carrying the Mini Satin Smooth Pocket Knife in your pocket!

Gerber Mini Covert Automatic

Known as the international, best-in-class folding tactical knives, the Gerber Covert family took another leap forward when the Gerber Mini Covert Automatic was added to the line-up. I mean who doesn’t love an automatic and who doesn’t want a legendary Gerber knife. The black, 2 4/5” S30V steel blade can be rapidly deployed with just a push of the button that activates the spring-loaded auto release. The blade has partial serrations and comes down to a sharp, spear point. The blade is housed in a black, hard-anodized aluminum handle and the automatic features a plunge lock safety to prevent accidental deployment. At 3 7/10” closed, the Gerber Mini Covert is the perfect example of a small tactical automatic with everyday carry capabilities. Light. Strong. Discreet.

BugOut Carabiner Pocket Knife

Now, this next mini pocket knife really is a unique little piece. The BugOut Carabiner Pocket Knife has an integrated, carabiner-style clip, making it a handy pocket knife that can be clipped on your keyring, backpack, bug-out bag or anywhere you need a reliable cutting tool. The handle is made of a lightweight, cast aluminum and sturdy TPU with the carabiner clip making up half of the handle’s length. The razor-sharp, 2” stainless steel blade has a cut-out nail nick for quick access and jimping for control. With a closed length of just under 3”, the BugOut Carabiner won’t be bulky on your keyring at all. The mini pocket knife comes either with a metallic orange handle with a satin finished blade or a tactical grey handle with a black finished blade. I’ve actually given this great little knife as part of a birthday gift and my friend carries and uses it because it’s so convenient to carry.

Kershaw Launch 12 Mini Stiletto

Kershaw Launch 12 Mini Stiletto I just had to put another mini automatic on this list because the made-in-the-USA, Kershaw Launch 12 Mini Stiletto is one serious pocket knife. Inspired by the look of the classic, Italian stiletto knife, this knife offers stiletto style for a new generation. The slim, 2 1/5” CPM154 powdered metallurgy steel blade is sharpened on one side and has a deep top grind to lighten the weight. It is both corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant, plus, it takes and holds an excellent edge. Lightweight and strong, the black, anodized aluminum handle is comfortably slim like the blade and features a carbon fiber insert. Integrated fingerguards on the handle top and bottom keep your fingers away from danger and the low-profile push button makes it harder for the blade to accidentally deploy. For ease of carry, the 3 7/10” mini automatic stiletto has a black, Teflon finished steel, reversible pocket clip.

Black Legion USA Flag Money Clip Knife

Finally, last but certainly not least or not least in performance, if least in overall size. The Black Legion USA Flag Money Clip Knife has a lot of practicality and personality packed into its compact design. First off, it does double duty as a capable knife and a money clip. Then, the patriotic design is striking with a waving flag laser-etched on the aluminum handle and “God Bless the USA” laser-etched on the stainless steel blade. This pocket knife is absolutely the mini of the minis at only 2 1/4”, when closed, with a 1 1/2” sharp and pointed blade. What I really love is that, as small as it is, this knife is assisted opening. Yes, it’s actually assisted opening! Trust me, this is a cool-looking a functional little piece and I have given it, too, as a gift.