Top 10 Lightest EDC Folding Knives in 2025
Every gram counts when you're building an EDC kit. Heavy knives get left at home; light knives get carried every day. We obsessively tracked weight across our entire catalog to bring you the definitive ranking of the lightest everyday carry folders available right now.
Benchmade Bugout 535
Lightest Premium FolderTop PickFrom $150.00 at BladeHQ
At just 1.85 oz, the Bugout is the lightest full-size premium EDC knife money can buy. The skeletonized Grivory handle and thin blade stock shave every possible gram without sacrificing rigidity. You will occasionally forget you're carrying it.
- ▸1.85 oz
- ▸3.24" blade
- ▸4.22" closed
- ▸CPM-S30V steel
Verdict: The benchmark for lightweight EDC — nothing else at this quality comes close to this weight.
Kershaw Leek
Lightest Budget OptionFrom $33.00 at Walmart
The Leek's slim stainless profile at 3.0 oz makes it the lightest sub-$40 folder we've tested. The clip point blade and SpeedSafe opening make it a joy to use daily. It's been Kershaw's best-seller for a reason.
- ▸3.0 oz
- ▸3.0" blade
- ▸4.0" closed
- ▸14C28N steel
Verdict: At this weight and price, the Leek is nearly impossible to beat for everyday utility.
Civivi Elementum
Best Weight-to-ValueFrom $49.95 at BladeHQ
2.47 oz for under $50 with a D2 steel blade and ball-bearing pivot? The Elementum is the value king of lightweight EDC. The drop point geometry is perfect for everyday tasks and the flipper action is impressively smooth.
- ▸2.47 oz
- ▸3.0" blade
- ▸3.96" closed
- ▸D2 steel
Verdict: If your budget is under $50 and weight is a priority, just buy the Elementum.
Gerber Paraframe
Lightest Ultra-BudgetFrom $12.97 at Walmart
The open skeletonized frame of the Paraframe keeps weight to 2.8 oz at a price that's almost laughable. It's not a performance knife, but as a car-glovebox or bag spare, nothing beats the value.
- ▸2.8 oz
- ▸3.13" blade
- ▸4.0" closed
- ▸7Cr17MoV steel
Verdict: The best knife under $20 if you just need something light and reliable in a pinch.
The Bottom Line
Going light doesn't mean going cheap. The Bugout proves you can have elite materials and sub-2-oz weight. But if budget is a concern, the Civivi Elementum and Kershaw Leek offer remarkable lightweight performance for the price. Pick your weight target, then choose the best steel your budget allows.