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The Best Knives and Multi-Tools of 2025: Benchmade, Leatherman and More

A countdown of the year’s most important releases.

Collage of four images showing a black folding knife with "USA" embossed on a metal surface, a hand using the knife's screwdriver tool, a close-up of the knife blade held in a hand, and the knife's textured olive green handle on a wooden surface.Gear Patrol
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By Steve Mazzucchi and Sean Tirman

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“Gradually, then suddenly.” Since The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s signature quip has been used to describe everything from political upheaval to cultural change — or, for our purposes, industry in flux.

As with any list, our countdown of the year’s most important knives and multi-tools is sure to ruffle a few feathers, if not for the selections then certainly for their order. Though perhaps it’s for the best.

After all, change is not always smooth nor welcome. But it is always on its way, first slowly before arriving all at once.

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

6. A rugged tactical folder, revamped for your EDC rotation

benchmade bailout embedBenchmade

gp100 winner

Benchmade Bailout (537BK-06)

Specs

Blade Length 3.38 inches
Blade Steel S30V Stainless
Handle Material Grivory

With its beefy, sometimes serrated tanto blade, anodized aluminum handles and glass breaker, the tough-as-nails Bailout has always come off as the rough-and-tumble Bugout stepbrother you’re secretly kind of hoping doesn’t make it home for the holidays. 

But early this year, Benchmade introduced a version that cleans up nice, dropping the price (by a hundo) and weight while swapping tactical features for practical EDC ones that had us reaching for it over the Bugout time and again. 

benchmade bailout half folded
This overhauled Bailout retains the original’s best features while getting lighter, cheaper and more EDC-friendly.
Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While the 537BK-06 variant retains the Cerakote-finished, 3.38-inch tanto blade, patented Axis Lock mechanism and reversible mini deep carry tip-up pocket clip, much else has changed. 

The blade material is now refined CPM-S30V stainless steel, valued for its edge retention and corrosion resistance while shedding some of the cost of the original CPM-4 tool steel. 

benchmade bailout blade
Switching to S30V steel helps drop the price while still delivering reliable everyday performance.
Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

This Bailout also ditches the tough, pricy aluminum scales for textured, ultralight Grivory, which helps shave the weight from 2.7 ounces by 24 percent, to a positively feathery 2.05 ounces. 

To paraphrase a skintight ski suit-wearing stupid sexy Flanders, it feels like you’re carrying nothing at all. 

benchmade bailout off side folded
The introduction of Grivory handle scales helps this still-robust knife slim down to a shockingly light 2.05 ounces.
Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Finally, the back of the handle drops the glass breaker in favor of a full-size slotted aluminum pommel, making it easier to attach an actual lanyard — and maybe even pop a bottle in a pinch.

Consider it the finishing touch of this civilianized vet, impressively decommissioned for steady, satisfying EDC use.

5. The world’s slimmest EDC knife with a speedy assisted opening

Folding pocket knife with a stonewashed metal blade and handle. The blade is partially serrated near the handle and has the brand "SOG" and model "Slim Jim 2.0" printed on it. The handle features textured grooves for grip and several screws, with a small circular button near the blade pivot. The knife is shown open against a plain white background.SOG

GP100 Winner

SOG SlimJim 2.0

Specs

Blade Length 3.18 inches
Blade Steel AUS-8
Handle Material 420 Stainless Steel

Genuine innovation is hard to come by in the world of everyday carry knives. Part of the problem is that, with literally hundreds of thousands of options, it starts to seem like everything has been done, sometimes to death.

While there are still frontiers to be crossed — new materials to be developed, new production processes to be embarked upon — some intrepid brands are still toying with and combining existing concepts in novel ways.

Two folding knives are displayed on a wooden surface. The knife on the left is shown from the side, highlighting its thin profile and clip. The knife on the right is open, revealing a stainless steel blade with the brand "SOG" and model details etched near the base. The handle of the right knife is light gray with a textured grip and a locking mechanism. The wood surface beneath has a rustic, worn appearance with visible grain and scratches.
This knife is so slender, you could lose it between the cracks of a park bench, so make sure to utilize its pocket clip.
SOG

SOG, a stalwart of the tactical and EDC industries, is often among both groups, but this year, has its best achievement, the SOG Slim Jim 2.0, in the latter category.

Based on an existing knife, its materials are somewhat par for the course. Its classic drop-point blade is AUS-8 steel and its handle is 420 stainless — both classic, affordable options. But its the execution of its deployment and its overall slenderness that have earned it a spot amongst this year’s best offerings.

A hand holding a black folding knife with a partially serrated blade. The blade is marked with the brand "SOG" and the model "SLIM JIM 2.0." The handle has a textured grip and a pocket clip.
Despite its slenderness, it’s still a full-sized knife, hitting the sweet spot for EDC at 7.4 inches total.
SOG

You see, the knife measures a mere 0.18 inches at its widest point. As impressive as that is, however, it’s not the best part. Within that ultra-slender handle, SOG has equipped this knife with a spring-loaded assisted opening mechanism, earning the Slim Jim 2.0 the title of the world’s thinnest assisted EDC knife.

For reference, 0.18 inches is about the same thickness as a pack of gumsticks. That’s a jaw-dropping achievement, making a knife that’s sturdy, reliable, crafted from trustworthy materials and still managing to make it so slender. Oh yeah, and it still has a lock, too.

4. A “pocket axe” that deploys more stunningly than any knife

crkt provoke x embedCRKT

GP100 Winner

CRKT Provoke X

Specs

Blade Length 1.84 inches
Blade Material Titanium Nitride-Coated SUJ2 Steel
Handle Material Stainless Steel with Glass-Reinforced Overlays

“If at first you don’t succeed…” is half of a cliché knife designer Joe Caswell must be painfully familiar with, as the man seemingly spent most of last year living the “try, try again” part.

After all, the production version of CRKT’s mind-blowing kinematic axe, the Provoke X, is the 94th iteration of Caswell’s design.

Hand holding a black CRKT folding axe in closed and open positions against a blurred outdoor background.
The conversation-starting potential of the Provoke X’s deployment mechanics alone is pretty much priceless.
CRKT

He might have given up long before, if not for the faith that presumably comes from having designed CRKT’s original Provoke morphing karambit for first responders six years ago. 

That revolutionary mechanism spawned a whole Provoke family, plus EDC versions with more traditional blades. 

However, as essentially a folding pocket axe, the Provoke X is on a whole other level.  

The nitty gritty of deployment and re-sheathing is a classic “video is worth a thousand words” situation, so here is one… 

As this video demonstrates, every stop has been pulled out to ensure smooth, safe deployment and re-sheathing.

What’s incredible, at the end of the day, is that the Provoke X really does deploy with a flick of a wrist. 

It’s just satisfying as hell to brandish, no matter how you plan to actually use the thing.

With a weight of 13.2 ounces and an overall length of 8.69 inches, it’s not exactly small but can fit a bigger pocket, with a reversible clip keeping it in place. 

Black CRKT folding knife with a wide blade resting on dark rocks.
Having tried out the Provoke X at CRKT’s headquarters in Portland over the summer, we can confidently say that it works exactly as advertised.
CRKT

That strikes me as a nice size and heft for tackling a backcountry job that is definitely more difficult with a bushcraft knife: chopping firewood. 

Or, you know, your local bar’s next axe throwing contest.

3. An indispensable multi-tool, refined via a fan-requested upgrade

Multi-tool with orange handles featuring pliers, scissors, saw, knife, file, screwdriver bits, and other fold-out tools. The pliers have a metallic finish and the handles have textured grips. The tool is partially open, displaying several of its functions.Leatherman

GP100 Winner

Leatherman Wave Alpha

Specs

Blade Length/Material 2.88 inches/MagnaCut Stainless Steel
Functions 16
Weight 8.26 ounces

Two years ago, Leatherman dropped a shoe-in for the GP100 with the ARC, a totally loaded (and spendy) multi-tool featuring 20 functions, next-gen FREE technology and a MagnaCut steel blade. 

As fantastic as that product continues to be, it’s a bit, well, much for the everyday user, a big reason why alternatives like the Wave continue to be bestsellers for the brand.

A person wearing a teal fleece jacket is using a multi-tool knife to cut open a yellow bag labeled "Organic Venice" with dark roast whole bean coffee, featuring notes of marshmallow and stone fruit. The person's hands, adorned with rings, are prominently shown.
The brand’s biggest-ever pair of multi-tool scissors is just one of 16 reliable tools built into the Wave Alpha.
Leatherman

Boasting an impressive set of 16 essential tools, the Wave is arguably the best all-around multi-tool, and that case is only buttressed by the premium upgrade it received just a few months ago.

Released in October, the Wave Alpha boasts Leatherman’s biggest-ever multi-tool scissors and a 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade made of MagnaCut, which remains unrivaled for its blend of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. 

A person wearing a plaid shirt and olive pants is using a black multitool to tighten or loosen a screw on a metal bracket attached to a wooden surface. The multitool is held firmly in one hand, while the other hand stabilizes the wooden surface. The scene appears to be outdoors with natural light.
Tasks such as driving bits are aided by the Wave Alpha’s durable G10 handle scales, featuring a new topography-inspired texture that enhances grip.  
Leatherman

But what takes the Wave Alpha over the top into GP100 territory is the fact that Leatherman responded to fan feedback and added to the blade a small but significant element previously only available on the ARC: a thumb stud. 

Because as handy as a thumb slot is, a stud is the superior option for one-handed deployment. 

A close-up of a hand holding a partially opened folding knife with a black handle and a blade marked "MagnaCut." The knife has visible brass-colored pivot screws and textured grip scales. The background is dark and out of focus.
The rare, fan-requested thumb stud on the MagnaCut blade is the proverbial dagger that seals the Wave Alpha’s place in the 2025 GP100.
Leatherman

That’s especially true in certain all-too-common scenarios, such as when you are tired, in an awkward position or wearing gloves. 

This particular stud is made of stainless steel with a protective Cerakote finish, ensuring it sticks around for the long haul.

Assuming Leatherman continues to do the little things for its fans, the brand seems very likely to do so as well.

2. An iconic EDC multi-tool, now more modern and handy than ever

Red Swiss Army knife with multiple stainless steel tools extended, including a large blade, file, and bottle opener.Victorinox

GP100 Winner

Victorinox Synergy Alox

Specs

Blade Length/Material 2.44 inches/Stainless Steel
Functions 8
Weight 2.7 ounces

“Evolve or die” is a mantra that echoes from sports to the arts to business and beyond. 

But rarely do we see it so nakedly brought to life as with a unique Swiss Army Knife quietly released by Victorinox earlier this year. 

Red Swiss Army knife with textured grip held between thumb and forefinger.
Perfectly sized for everyday carry, the stylish Synergy Alox goes all out in its appeal to urban EDC enthusiasts.
Victorinox

Dubbed the Synergy Alox, it catches the eye with its aluminum oxide (aka Alox) handle scales, complete with a partially brushed finish, skeletonized cutouts and grip-improving griddle texture.

This style-forward aesthetic — along with a stripped-down tool set that includes a large blade, box opener, 3 mm screwdriver, 7 mm screwdriver, nail file, nail cleaner, wire stripper and bottle opener — addresses one aspect of brand evolution. 

Three Victorinox Swiss Army knives in silver, red, and blue with various tools open on a dark metallic surface.
The Synergy Alox (center) is the happy medium of a trio that also includes the Synergy X Alox (left), which adds spring-loaded scissors, and the OneFold Alox (right), which boils it all down to the blade.
Victorinox

While so many SAKs point toward specific outdoor use cases, the sleek and sexy Alox is very much making a play for urban EDC kits. 

Strengthening its case are a couple of elements that, it may shock you to learn, are pretty dang unlikely for SAKs. 

The first is a locking leaf for the main blade, which simply makes every cut smoother and safer. 

Red Victorinox Swiss Army knife with textured grip and metal clip on a white background.
The pocket clip and blade locking leaf may seem commonplace, but together they mark a big step forward for SAKs.
Victorinox

The second, even scarcer feature, believe it or not, is a pocket clip. 

Both of these traits are so uncommon, SAKs featuring them almost invariably have “Lockblade” or “Clip” incorporated into their names.

That makes finding both in the same item — at a price tag of just $78 — feel like a very rare find indeed.

Guess Victorinox isn’t planning on dying anytime soon.

1. An EDC knife with blade steel once thought impossible

Magpul Breslau on white backgroundBlade HQ

GP100 Winner

Magpul Breslau

Specs

Blade Length 2.94 inches
Blade Steel MVNS35
Handle Material Polymer

Even without knowing its significance, the Magpul Breslau EDC knife has a lot to offer. It measures 7.375 inches in total — right in the everyday carry sweet spot — and has a 2.94-inch blade, which is short enough to adhere to some of the most stringent blade length laws.

It also has a lightweight, incredibly tough polymer handle, a speedy flipper deployment and a strong, durable, reliable lug locking mechanism (similar in function and execution to a crossbar lock).

None of that matters in the grand scheme of things. What does is that the Breslau features a blade steel technology once thought impossible: Metal Injection Molding (or MIM, for short).

Closeup of Magpul Breslau USA blade stamp
Because this knife steel is molded, the lettering on the side of the blade is embossed, not machined.
Blade HQ

While not entirely novel, Magpul has improved the process in several crucial ways.

The concept is pretty simple: powdered metal is mixed with a binder and then shaped and solidified by feeding the mixture into a mold. It works similarly to plastic injection molding — a process Magpul, specifically, has pioneered for decades.

Magpul Breslau knife in hand in front of machinery
Novel technology or not, this remains an outstanding EDC knife with unique styling.
Blade HQ

The resulting steel, MVNS35, is functionally equivalent to S35VN, one of the most highly regarded steels available. The difference? MVNS35 is both cheaper and faster to make, and that makes all the difference.

The Most Important Product Releases of 2025

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