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Are you in need of a compact, convenient tool that you can always have on hand? Look no further than a keychain knife! These handy little knives can be attached to your keys, ensuring that you always have a reliable tool within reach. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to try to find the best keychain knife for your needs. That’s where we come in.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for keychain knives at various price points. Not only that, but we’ll also provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which keychain knife is right for you. So, let’s get started on finding the perfect keychain knife for your needs and style!
Top 6 Best Keychain Knife Reviews for 2023
Are you in need of a reliable keychain knife but not sure where to start? Look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of the top 6 keychain knives on the market, carefully selected for their balance of features, performance, and durability.
In our in-depth reviews, you’ll find information on what sets each knife apart and why it’s worth considering. Plus, we’ll provide our honest thoughts on the pros and cons of each option. With this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the perfect keychain knife for your needs. Let’s get started!
SOG Centi II Folding Keychain Knife
The SOG Centi II is a portable and lightweight keychain knife that is built for rugged use. It features a 2.1 inch stainless steel blade with good rust and corrosion resistance, as well as a cutout for added flexibility. The handle is ergonomically designed with textured surfaces and grooves to fit the shape of your hand, making it easy to grip even with large hands. The blade comes sharp out of the box and has good edge retention, although it may need to be touched up occasionally. The knife also has a one-handed opening and closing mechanism.
Pros
- Good edge retention
- Comes sharp and ready to go
- Swift opening and closing one-handed
- Rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Cons
- Slightly heavier than most keychain knives
- The black finish may wear off over time.
Screwpop Ron’s Keychain Utility Knife
Screwpop Ron’s Keychain Utility Knife is a popular choice for the best keychain pocket knife on the market. It is also one of our favorite picks for the best cheap keychain knife. This knife is a handy tool for on-the-go tasks such as cutting and slicing. It features a four-step utility for extra life and cutting longevity, and can also fit standard 2-step blades from most manufacturers.
The knife is designed for one-handed use, with a compact and lightweight design that allows for quick blade deployment. The body of the knife also has a magnetic feature that allows you to easily attach it to metal surfaces such as fridges or grills. This adds versatility to the knife and is a unique feature of the best keychain knife.
The magnet is not too strong, so you don’t have to worry about damaging electronic devices or attaching it to your keys. In addition, the knife has a durable bottle opener and can be attached to a variety of items such as backpacks, karabiners, and keychains.
Pros
- Can be mounted or carried in a variety of places
- Durable and easy-to-use bottle opener
- Lightweight and compact for easy carrying
- Affordable entry into the keychain knife market
Cons
- Can be slippery when used with wet hands
- Blade may not come very sharp out of the box
KeySmart Dapper Keychain Gentleman’s Knife
The KeySmart Dapper Keychain Gentleman’s Knife is a high-quality choice for a keychain knife. Its 420HC steel blade is extremely durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and can be sharpened to a fine edge.
The lanyard hole has been transformed into a rail for added strength and durability, allowing you to easily attach the knife to your belt, bag, or boots.
The knife’s larger handle and thicker body provide a comfortable and secure grip, while its quick opening and closing action make it easy to use. However, the blade’s edge retention may not be ideal, and it can be difficult to keep the knife clean.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick opening and closing action
- Functional blade
- Larger handle and thicker body without adding much weight
Cons
- Poor edge retention
- Tough to keep clean
NITECORE Folding Scalpel Keychain Knife
The NITECORE Folding Scalpel Keychain Knife is a high-quality tool that offers both portability and precision. It is made using CNC crafted titanium, which gives it excellent edge retention and durability.
The knife is corrosion-resistant and can handle a wide range of tasks, including box cutting, slicing materials, and hobby and craftwork. It is also lightweight and has a sleek design, making it easy to carry and use.
Pros
- Excellent cutting edge and premium performance
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Versatile mounting and carrying options
- Durable and effective in the long term
Cons
- Probably too sharp for beginners
- The Thin frame and blade can bend under lateral pressure
Keyport NEBA Keychain Knife
The Keyport NEBA Keychain Knife is a small and lightweight tool that is perfect for everyday carry. Its versatile black pocket clip, known as the Anywhere Pocket Clip, allows you to attach it to a variety of surfaces such as a pocket, hat, belt, or bag. The 2″ blade features a clip point tip that is effective for utility tasks and can be used as a standalone or backup knife.
Made of high-quality 420HC stainless steel, this knife is resistant to corrosion and rusting, ensuring it will last for a long time. Its discreet design and low profile make it suitable for use in professional settings like an office, where legal carrying and use may be an issue. It is also relatively easy to clean and the black coating does not wear off easily.
One potential drawback of the Keyport NEBA Keychain Knife is that it may need to be sharpened more often than other knives. Additionally, the notches and cutouts on the handle can make it more difficult to keep clean. Despite these issues, the balance between price and quality make it a good choice for those looking for a reliable keychain knife.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design is perfect for everyday carry
- Versatile black pocket clip allows for easy attachment to various surfaces
- Made of high-quality 420HC stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and rusting
- Discreet design and low profile make it suitable for use in professional settings
- Relatively easy to clean and the black coating does not wear off easily
Cons
- May need to be sharpened more frequently than other knives
- Notches and cutouts on the handle can be difficult to keep clean
SOG Keychain Pocket Knife
The SOG Keychain Pocket Knife is a compact folding knife with a bottle opener. It is a small but capable knife with a sleek and subtle design, making it an excellent choice for women and beginners. At just 3.5 inches closed, this knife is easy to carry and can be kept in a car or backpack as a backup or additional carry.
The blade is released with a simple press of a button and has a snappy and responsive opening action. The lockup is secure and the knob for unlocking the blade is conveniently located under the palm and can be pressed with minimal movement. However, the blade’s edge retention could be improved and it is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks due to its small size.
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry
- Sleek and subtle profile
- Snappy and responsive opening action
- Secure lockup
- Suitable for women and beginners
- Excellent bottle opener
Cons
- Poor edge retention
- Small blade not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Things To Look When Shopping For A Great Keychain Knife
When it comes to purchasing a keychain knife, there are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure you get the best value for your money and a knife that fits your needs and budget.
Weight
First and foremost, consider the weight of the knife. Keychain knives are not meant for heavy-duty tasks, so it’s important to choose one with a good balance between weight and functionality. Aim for a knife that weighs under 2oz, though slightly heavier options may be acceptable if you have specific needs.
Blade Size
Next, consider the size of the blade. We recommend sticking to a blade length of 3″ or less for a few reasons. Firstly, longer blades add extra weight to the knife, which goes against the goal of finding a good balance between weight and functionality. Additionally, many states and countries have laws that require EDC blades to be less than 3″ in length, so it’s important to check your local regulations before purchasing a keychain knife with a longer blade.
Versatility
Versatility is also an important factor to consider, especially if you want to get the most out of your keychain knife. Some options, like the Victorinox Swiss Army keychain knife, offer a range of functions beyond just a basic blade. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weight of the knife if you choose one with additional features.
Steel Quality
Finally, pay attention to the quality of the steel used in the knife. Look for stainless steel that is highly resistant to corrosion, as keychain knives are likely to go almost everywhere you do and need to be able to withstand various environments. Avoid steel that is harder than HRC58, as it tends to be brittle and prone to chipping and scuffing.