Cool is subjective and this list is not: these are the knives we stock that people pick up first at a table, with the reason each one gets picked up, and whether it is also a good knife. All of them are.
Bestech Cicada's Wing in Ultem
Translucent amber handle, gold blade, button lock. It looks like something from a jeweler and cuts like a $50 Bestech. Cicada's Wing Ultem.
QSP Turtle Punk
A champagne-coated tanto and a handle made of stacked, multi-colored G10. Loud, and a 14C28N liner lock underneath. Turtle Punk.
QSP Coyote in copper foil G10
G10 with copper foil suspended in it, so the handle flashes when it turns. Nitro-V, button lock. Coyote.
WESN Microblade in mustard G10
A titanium keychain knife with a mustard inlay. The knife people ask about. Microblade.
Any QSP in glow
A handle that glows on the nightstand. The Penguin in glow resin is the one everyone photographs.
CJRB Shale in blue and orange
Two-tone G10, crossbar lock, $65. Shale.
The rule
Cool is fine as long as the knife under it is good. Every one of these is.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coolest pocket knife?
The Bestech Cicada's Wing in Ultem gets picked up first.
Are cool knives good knives?
These are. Steel, bearings and a lock are what matter.
What is Ultem?
A translucent amber high-performance plastic.
Which is the best-looking budget knife?
The Cicada's Wing or the QSP Turtle Punk.
Which glows?
The QSP Penguin, Coyote, Elk and Mantis have glow handles.
The bottom line
The Cicada's Wing in Ultem. Fifty dollars, and everyone will ask.
Related reading
Bestech Cicada's Wing review
Glow-in-the-dark knife handles
Best pocket knife brands
