Tested: The Best Keychain Knives For Everyday Carry

While not for everyone — especially if you’ve got room in your EDC loadout for a full-sized knife or you require a heftier performance-focused hard-use cutting tool — keychain knives are a superb alternative when space-saving is necessary. They’re often a fraction of the size of their standalone siblings, made to fit on a keyring alongside your keys and any other keychain accessories you might own. And many of them offer plenty of cutting power, at least enough for typical daily tasks.

This is not their only benefit, however. You see, keychain knives — while superb as space-saving tools — are also a good deal more discreet than their larger counterparts, they tend to have fewer legal implications (larger knives, especially with automatic deployments, are often restricted or entirely illegal to carry), they’re extremely lightweight (a byproduct of their compactness), and much more. If you’re limited on space, you’re not confident in your desire to carry a dedicated standalone blade, or you’re just trying to minimize your carry as much as possible, a keychain knife is a difficult tool to beat in every regard. After scouring the segment, we’ve managed to round up what our hands-on testing process has revealed to be the very best keychain knives for everyday carry. 

Selection & Testing

As the larger everyday carry space has picked up steam over the last decade or so, an enormous amount of keychain knives have been released in order to cater for the sector’s ever-increasing demand. In a bid to get our hands on the segment’s latest and greatest offerings, we kicked off our search for the best keychain knives for everyday carry by first making a list of the criteria and qualities that we’d be using to guide or search. This included looking at elements ranging from blade lengths to blade steel to handle construction to locking mechanism to overall size and dimensions. Also considered was whether or not any of these knives boasted additional features or functions that can further bolster utility, value, or conduciveness to EDC, such as integrated bottle openers, pry bars, or other onboard tools. Allowing these properties to steer our search, we then used said criteria to generate a shortlist of keychain knives that we suspected of possibly being the best of the best. 

From there, we then proceeded to get our hands on every keychain knife comprising our shortlist. Each keychain knife was then individually scrutinized before being compared and contrasted side-by-side. In a bid to glean a more complete sense of each knife’s performance, each model took a turn on my keychain for several days — affording me a better sense of what it’s like to live with and carry these items on a daily basis. Additionally, each keychain knife on our shortlist also underwent a paper-cutting test to determine the sharpness of each model’s factory edge. What’s more, every keychain knife on our shortlist was also used for cardboard and rope-cutting tests in order to gain a more comprehensive sense of how each unit performs in the real word. Additionally, these tests also shined a light on other crucial areas such as overall build quality, ergonomics and grip, sturdiness of the locking mechanism, and ease of deployment, just to name a few. Armed with the information from our hands-on testing phase, we then narrowed our original shortlist down to a final selection of what our testing revealed to be the very best EDC keychains knives that money can currently buy. 

Kershaw Cinder

Best Value Keychain Knife: Typically, budget-friendliness and quality don’t always go hand-in-hand. Thankfully, Kershaw — the spectacular knife-making brand — is basically always an exception to that. That’s certainly true with their ultra-inexpensive Cinder keychain knife, which boasts a 3Cr13 stainless steel blade, glass-filled nylon scales, and a handy integrated bottle opener. Of course, that’s fair and to be expected coming from a knife designer as spectacular as Rick Hinderer. For the price, this tiny titan is a spectacular value proposition.

Though it’s no larger than most of the other keychain knives on this list, the Cinder sets itself apart from the crowd largely on the strength of its absolutely stellar ergonomics. Between finger groove in the blade and the GFN scales, this knife is able to deliver a super solid three-finger grip, making this knife the closest thing to a workhorse that you can find in a keychain-sized package. I also found this Kershaw keychain knife to have the second-sharpest factory edge out of all of the models that I got hands-on with when testing. On top of the benefit of an integrated bottle opener, this knife appealed to me even more after realizing its blade can actually be flipped open using the knife’s lone thumb stud — thereby affording this cutting tool a good deal of fidget-friendliness. 

SOG Key Knife

Best Discreet Keychain Knife: As previously mentioned, discretion is one of the primary benefits of carrying a keychain knife. And perhaps nowhere is that more true than in the Key Knife from SOG. You see, when folded, this knife looks like just another key on your keychain carabiner. But it opens up into a fairly formidable folding tool boasting a 5Cr13MoV blade with a nail nick for easier deployment, a stainless steel handle, and it even has an integrated lockback. If you want to carry a knife without looking like you’re carrying a knife, go no further.

As touched on above, a monumental part of what makes this keychain knife so special is the fact that it easily blends in with the rest of the keys on your keyring, giving it a more subtle and discreet appearance. While it would have been cool to see SOG opt to integrate a serrated or saw-style blade into the ridged section of the key-style handle, I did still appreciate how-well finished this keychain knife truly is. Not only does its lock back function feel super sturdy and robust, but its 5Cr13MoV blade also features a surprisingly sharp blade. If that wasn’t enough, this item also carries an MSRP of just $12 and can at times be found for even cheaper via certain online retailers — it’s also offered in a version with a brass handle as well. 

Opinel No.04

Best Miniaturized Keychain Knife: Opinel has been crafting some of the most iconic pocket knives of all time for longer than a century. And while they offer a full catalog of full-sized (and even oversized) folding blades, they also offer the ultra-compact No. 4 you see here. It still boasts the same instantly-recognizable silhouette, Sandvik steel blade, and beechwood handle, but it’s so small you can attach it to even the most crowded of keychains. The only downside: it doesn’t include the brand’s signature Virobloc Safety Ring — but that’s the price you pay for compactness.

If you’re a fan of the French firm’s legendary No.08 knife, you’ll no doubt be drawn to the Opinel No.04, as it’s essentially a scaled down version of the more iconic peasant knife. On top of mimicking its design, this knife is also made in France and features just as simple but effective of a design. It also offers pretty exceptional bang-for-your-buck too, all things considered. As much as I love this keychain-style version of an Opinel knife, I did have a few gripes during my testing. In addition a super dull factory blade that’s alarmingly thin, this Opinel knife is also devoid of a Virobloc Safety Ring — plus it lacks a slip joint mechanism and is instead a simple friction folding design. 

Gerber GDC Zip Blade

Best Zipper Pull Knife: There’s certainly something to be said for stout bulldog blades, like the one upon Gerber’s Key Note keychain knife. They’re small, sure, but they’re also sturdy and good for even tougher cutting tasks as a result. This particular knife also doubles as a scraper, it has a liner lock for better security in use, and lightweight aluminum scales that are also durable and tough in their own right.

Above and beyond the fact that it can serve as a zipper pull — allowing it to be readily accessible and easily carried on any backpack or jacket — a huge part of what makes this knife special is the fact that it’s able to deliver shockingly high levels of utility, even with a tiny blade. This is owed to the fact that Gerber bestows the GDC with a razor-sharp factory edge, and a super sturdy mini frame-lock mechanism. With a 7Cr17MoV blade construction, the GDC’s edge can also easily be resharpened. Obviously, it diminutive size also allows this zip-pull knife to function as an excellent keychain knife, as well. 

Statgear Pocket Samurai

Most Utilitarian Keychain Knife: Let it be said that style is always an important factor to consider when choosing an everyday carry knife. That doesn’t change a lick when you’re seeking a much smaller keychain-friendly option, either. And if you happen to be a fan of Japanese culture and style, then you’re sure to find something you like in StatGear’s aptly-named Pocket Samurai. Made to look like a traditional katana sword, this knife has a 440C stainless steel tanto blade, titanium handle, frame lock, and somehow manages to clock in at less than an ounce in weight.

Like the Kershaw Cinder, the Statgear Pocket Samurai is able to afford a surprisingly robust three-finger grip that, when coupled with the nearly-two-inch 440C blade is able to deliver a level of utility that’s more in line with compact everyday carry knives than it is most keychain-style blades. Furthering its real-world use is the fact this model also features a decently-sharp factory edge that’ also super easy to resharpen, along with a blade thickness that affords a decent amount of confidence when taking on more hard-use tasks. Ultimately, the biggest selling point of this knife is almost certainly its Japanese-inspired appearance — a motif that’s also found on the company’s full-size liner-locking version of this knife. 

Gerber Key Note

Best Backup Keychain Knife: There’s certainly something to be said for stout bulldog blades, like the one upon Gerber’s Key Note keychain knife. They’re small, sure, but they’re also sturdy and good for even tougher cutting tasks as a result. This particular knife also doubles as a scraper, it has a liner lock for better security in use, and lightweight aluminum scales that are also durable and tough in their own right.

Like Gerber’s GDC, the Key Note punches well above its weight with a super stubby tanto blade that excels at both slicing and piercing alike. I did find this keychain knife’s factory edge to be incredibly dull, though its 7Cr17MoV blade can easily be sharpened to a razor’s edge with minimal time and effort. What’s more, with its aluminum scales and anodized backspacer, this keychain knife legitimately feels as robust as any full-size knife that Gerber makes — something that can’t be said for any other knife on this list. The thing’s pocket clip also affords an additional carrying option. What’s more, in addition to sporting a nail nick opening, the Gerber Key Note also features a what Gerber calls a “starter tab,” though I found with a bit of practice — and a good flick of the wrist — this stubby Carson-style flipper tab can be used to fully deploy the blade, locking it into place. I also really appreciate that this knife is sold with a premium matte finish keyring. 

Victorinox Classic SD

Best Keychain Multi-Tool: Almost no everyday carry knife best-of list would be complete without the addition of a Swiss Army Knife. And that rings true for this keychain knives article, as well. Small enough to stash on any keychain, available in far more colorways than any other offering around, and with a trio of useful tool inserts (a knife, scissors, and file), this SAK is an almost unbeatable keychain EDC multi-tool. And truly, no knife collection would really be complete without one (or at least one of its siblings). If you’re a true EDC enthusiast, there’s a good chance you already own a SAK. If not, the time is now.

While there’s absolutely no denying this knife’s conduciveness to being carried on a keychain, a great many EDC enthusiasts opt to pocket-carry this SAK — a fact that speaks volumes about the overall performance and utility of this Swiss-made multi-tool. And, though still super affordable, this offering is made all the more utilitarian by the fact that its functions aren’t merely limited to cutting, as its numerous other tools help to increase its real-world functionality. It’s also worth mentioning that the immense popularity of the Classic SD has lead to Victorinox producing this tiny SAK in a wide range of handle materials and finishes. 

Spyderco Bug Mini Keychain Knife

Best Iconic/Recognizable Keychain Knife: Spyderco makes some of the most recognizable everyday carry and tactical folding knives around. Turns out, they also trade in one of the best keychain knives around — found in their Bug SS Mini you see before you. Completely free of extraneous detailing, this fully stainless steel folder is only about the size of a pinky finger, but still boasts all the quality and functionality we’ve come to expect from Spyderco. That includes a 3Cr13MoV leaf-shaped blade (complete with the brand’s signature thumb hole), a slipjoint mechanism for a bit of security in and out of use, and more. Measuring up at just 2.875″ in total, this is one of the best ultra-compact keychain knives around.

There’s honestly a lot to love about Spyderco’s Bug Mini Keychain knife. For starters, it features a myriad of the brand’s trademark design elements, from its leaf-shaped blade profile to its mini thumb-hole opener. More importantly, despite being made in China, the thing also boasts the Colorado Company’s usual level of top-notch craftsmanship and fit and finish — including a razor sharp 3Cr13MoV blade that had no problem dicing through cardboard (and was one of the three sharpest factory edges that I tested during this piece). When I first got my hands on this knife, it’s nail nick opening was difficult to use, as the handle’s stiff slipjoint made it difficult to open, though after carrying it for a few days this problem went away. Long story short; if you love Spyderco and want a quality keychain knife, the Bug Mini is almost certainly your best bet. 

The James Brand Elko

Best Premium Keychain Knife: Seventy dollars is a lot to ask for a knife that measures up at just 4.33″ when deployed, but if any brand can make sense of it in quality and style, it’s The James Brand. Their Elko is, without a doubt, one of the best folding knives around today — keychain-sized or otherwise. With a Sandvik steel blade, aluminum handle scales, a slipjoint mechanism, and ultra-clean minimalist styling, this is a tool that begs to be both used and shown off.

In typical TJB fashion, The Elko manages to beautifully merge form and function. This design is not only brought to life using premium materials throughout, but it also benefits from a top-notch level of craftsmanship that together justify its admittedly steep MSRP. What’s more, the knife just has a more high-end overall feel to it. Its size also makes it compact, yet still large enough to dish out some genuine utility when it comes time to handle cutting tasks. It’s also worth noting that The James Brand produces this keychain knife in a wide range of anodized color options — though you really can’t go wrong with the black-on-black model that I tested (seen here). 

Quiet Carry Shorty G2 Key Organizer

Best Key Organizer Knife: Boasting room for 3-to-5 house keys, the Quite Carry Shorty G2 Key Organizer is a fantastic piece of everyday carry gear that puts an end to jingling keychains and offers a simple and reliable means of storing and individually-selecting your keys. Mated together using 416 stainless steel hardware, the Shorty G2 boasts a folding 1.70″ AUS-8 blade that’s secured via a sturdy framelock mechanism. The entire item is constructed around a frame and handle that have been precision-machined from top-shelf 6AL 4V titanium. 

My favorite thing about the QuietCarry Shorty G2 Key Organizer is the fact that it offers a cleaner, more modern alternative to carrying a traditional keyring and keychain knife, instead integrated a (fully removable) frame-locking blade into a compact titanium key organizer design. Considering the undeniably premium nature of this product, I really wished Quite Carry had opted for a more high-end blade steel (such as one of the constructions found on their full-size knives) instead of the AUS-8 construction that it features. With that said, I do need to give credit where credit is due, as this AUS-8 item benefits from a remarkably smooth opening action, a super smooth and sturdy framelock mechanism, and a factory edge that’s one of, if not the single sharpest one that I tested for this guide. 

WESN Microblade 3.0

Best Titanium Pick: If one were to task a designer with taking the full list of features from a premium, full-sized everyday carry knife and apply them to a top-shelf keychain knife, the result would almost certainly look a whole lot like the WESN Microblade 3.0. This third-generation version of the boutique brand’s compact cutter is constructed around an actual frame-locking titanium handle that comes mated to a stubby D2 blade that can easily be deployed using its included thumb-stud or flipper tab — both of which are fully functional. On top of including a lifetime warranty, WESN also produces the gen-3 Microblade in a wide range of handle colors and materials, plus makes several special edition variants with upgraded blade steel. 

Everything that I appricete about WESN’s larger flagship knife — the Allman — is also present on the Microblade 3.0. It shares its big brother’s general design language, stubby blade shape, titanium handle, buttery-smooth action, and overall top notch fit and finish. Unsurprisingly, this thing’s factory edge comes razor sharp, though its stubbier 1.5” blade length does make it harder to slice through cardboard or other larger objects. Plus, in addition to being able to be carried on a pocket clip or via a keychain, WESN also sells leather sheaths for the Microblade 3.0 that give it even more charm and character when hanging from your keyring. 

What To Consider When Shopping

There are admittedly numerous factors that one can take into account when purchasing an everyday carry keychain knife, though the reality is that there are eleven factors that trump all others in terms of importance — all of which we’ll briefly be breaking down directly below. 

Design & Size: The overall size and design of an everyday carry keychain will both play monumental roles in any model’s overall performance and user experience — making this a beyond-crucial area to consider when shopping. On one hand, smaller knives will be more pocketable and more conducive to being carried on a keychain, though will often lack the utility of their larger, more functional — but less pocketable and keychain-friendly — counterparts.

Blade Steel: Just like when buying any type of knife, the blade steel on a keychain knife should always be considered, as the construction of the blade will play a major role in the knife’s performance, ability to retain an edge, and how often it will need to be resharpened. 

Blade Length & Shape: When looking at any keychain knife, you’ll also always want to pay attention to the shape of the blade, as well as its length. This is particularly important as a blade’s silhouette will play a monumental role in the type of cutting tasks that it best lends itself to. 

Blade Thickness: As keychain knives, you’ll very very seldom come across models with super beefy blade thicknesses, though it’s still pivotal to look into this area, as some keychain knives boast super flimsy and thin blade thicknesses that are markedly more prone to chipping, breaking or snapping — especially when constructed from a cheaper, more budget blade steel. 

Handle Material: The material that a keychain knife’s handle is crafted from is also of extreme importance, as this single factor plays direct roles in determine a keychain blade’s grip and durability. Despite their diminutive size, most keychain knives feature handle materials that are also used on full-sized knives such as G10, aluminum, and wood. 

Ergonomics & Grip: It’s not just the material used to make a knife’s handle that should be scrutinized when shopping, but also the shape of that handle, whether it’s textured, and how well it fits in the hand, as all of these factors play crucial roles in determine a keychain knife’s overall ergonomics and grip — another wildly important area to take into account before pulling the trigger on your purchase. 

Blade Deployment: Keychain knives unsurprisingly tend to feature fairly short blades. As a result, they can at times be difficult to open/deploy. Consequently, you’ll want to examine the method in which each keychain knife’s blade is opened, as the ease of use in this one area can play a major role in the overall user experience — and whether or not the knife requires one or two hands in order to open. 

Build Quality & Craftsmanship: Most keychain knives tend to be fairly budget-friendly and small. Despite this, the build quality and craftsmanship that these items exhibit can vary pretty drastically from one model to another. As such, you’ll no doubt want to pay close attention to this area when shopping in this space. 

Locking Mechanism: Despite being incredibly small, quite a few of our favorite keychain knives for everyday carry come equipped with mini versions of standard locking mechanisms such as liner locks and lock backs — though non-locking slip joints are also fairly common in this space. Allowing the knife’s user to use the item for more hard-use tasks, a keychain blade’s locking mechanism is another crucial area to consider when shopping. 

Additional Tools Or Functions: The primary purpose or any keychain knife is to serve as a cutting tool. Having said that, one way a keychain knife is able to bolster utility — and value — is to feature one or more integrated supplementary tools or functions such as a built-in bottle opener, bit driver, or pry bar, just to name a few. 

Price & Value: Though most keychain knives for everyday carry are sold at a similar price point, there are a few outliers in this space that boast a more premium price (as well as super budget models). While you tend to get what you pay for, with costlier models unlocking better materials and craftsmanship, there are some less expensive, more accessibly priced keychain knives that admittedly offer pretty stellar bang for your buck — something the more exorbitantly priced models can’t say. 

The Benefits Of A Keychain Knife

While not for everyone — especially if you’ve got room in your EDC loadout for a full-sized knife or you require a heftier performance-focused hard-use cutting tool — keychain knives are a superb alternative when space-saving is necessary. They’re often a fraction of the size of their standalone siblings, made to fit on a keyring alongside your keys and any other keychain accessories you might own. And many of them offer plenty of cutting power, at least enough for typical daily tasks.

This is not their only benefit, however. You see, keychain knives — while superb as space-saving tools — are also a good deal more discreet than their larger counterparts, they tend to have fewer legal implications (larger knives, especially with automatic deployments, are often restricted or entirely illegal to carry), they’re extremely lightweight (a byproduct of their compactness), and much more. If you’re limited on space, you’re not confident in your desire to carry a dedicated standalone blade, or you’re just trying to minimize your carry as much as possible, a keychain knife is a difficult tool to beat in every regard.

Tested: The Best Keychain Flashlights To Carry Every Day

Interested in checking out some additional compact EDC gear you can carry on a keyring? Then be sure to head over to our hands-on testing and guide to the best keychain flashlights for everyday carry.