For nearly two centuries, the Wharncliffe blade design has remained a staple of the knife community.
While the function has evolved from a whittling knife to more of a self-defense or EDC purpose, the Wharncliffe continues to be a useful tool.
A few weeks back, I wrote about the History of the Wharncliffe, and now I’m taking it to the next step with a look at the best production knives with Wharncliffe blades.
I’m capping the list at 20, although I will undoubtedly be missing a few essential additions, so let me know in the comments.
1. SOG Snarl
Let’s start small with this popular and versatile Wharncliffe fixed blade from SOG. Designed by Jason Brous of Brous Blades, the Snarl is one thick knife.
It has a 2.3-inch Wharncliffe blade and a skeletonized handle. The whole thing is made of steel and fits into an included sheath that you can clip to your boot or belt or wear around your neck.
2. Gerber Pledge
The Gerber Pledge is a compact folder with a price you won’t believe. For a little over $20, you can get this knife with a longer 3.7-inch Wharncliffe blade and urban blue handle made from GFN.
This EDC really extols the virtues of a Wharncliffe blade for everyday activities like opening boxes and envelopes.
3. KA-BAR TDI LDK
The KA-BAR TDI Last Ditch Knife takes cues from Janich’s Ronin. This small fixed blade is made to be used in last ditch self-defense situation. The overall length is only 3.6 inches and it is meant to be put in its sheath in a boot or wallet. The backup knife is great at slashing and piercing.
4. Spyderco McBee
Spyderco went crazy the past few years making Wharncliffe versions out of almost every one of its folders. While they cut back on most of those designs, the McBee with its Wharncliffe-style blade is still among the best.
The McBee is a tiny thing with a 1.52-inch blade. The Wharncliffe profile works well on this small knife because it allows the user to put a finger on the spine of the blade for extra control. This small but capable knife almost works like an Xacto knife.
5. Kershaw Leek
Wait, the Kershaw Leek? Although Kershaw calls it a modified drop point, I would classify it more as a modified Wharncliffe. Janich says a Wharncliffe must have a straight edge, but the gentle curve of the Leek edge is just subtle enough to be nearly straight.
What else is there to say about the Leek that hasn’t already been said? This is an EDC all-timer.
6. Cold Steel Kiridashi
The Kiridashi is actually a specialized knife originating in Japan, but Cold Steel repurposed the knife into a compelling everyday carry folder.
The Kiridashi is essentially a Wharncliffe blade except the edge of the knife tapers up toward the point.
7. Kershaw Launch 13
Who says Wharncliffe knives have to look old and stuffy? This automatic knife from the renowned Kershaw Launch series boasts a sleek design with a lightning fast blade.
You can’t go wrong with a Wharncliffe auto that’s made in the United States.
8. Spyderco Canis
The Spyderco Canis is designed by Kelly McCann is a self-defense folder. Its uniquely designed spine reinforces the tip and cuts down on the overall weight of the knife.
It uses Spyderco’s Compression Lock along with carbon fiber and G-10 laminate scales and S30V steel.
This knife is an absolute beast.
9. CRKT Minimalist
The Minimalist comes in a few different designs, including a drop point and a Bowie blade. But the best is probably the Wharncliffe. Designed by Alan Folts, this is a perfect EDC fixed blade that excels at all types of tasks. The handle is almost nonexistent but somehow still very comfortable and reliable.
10. Smith & Wesson Sideburn
I’ve always said the Sideburn has a ridiculous name, but you can’t deny the look and functionality of the knife.
It has a reasonable 3-inch Wharncliffe blade that opens via flipper tab while black G-10 scales offer a solid grip. It’s a budget-friendly knife that will leave you wondering why you never loved sideburns before.
11. Condor Norse Dragon Seax
The Seax is actually the precursor to the Wharncliffe, but it still counts. This fixed blade from Condor Tool & Knife pays homage to the Viking ethos of bravery and strength.
The blade is 7 inches long and the wood handle uses Norse imagery.
12. Cold Steel Tuff Lite
The Tuff Lite is an unlikely little knife. At a time when Cold Steel was making these huge, massive folders, they released the Tuff Lite. People love this knife.
Cold Steel calls the blade angled but it’s really just a Wharncliffe blade. The length is only 2.5 inches and uses AUS8A steel. The grip allows you to choke up on the blade for more control.
13. Hogue A01 MicroSwitch
Here is a great Wharncliffe option from Hogue. This is a California legal automatic knife with a 1.95-inch blade made from CPM 154 steel. Its black aluminum handle is nicely textured for a comfortable grip.
This version is an auto and a reliable one at that. It features a safety lock mechanism to prevent accidental opening and closing. You can also get nearly the same knife but with a flipper instead.
14. CRKT CEO MicroFlipper
The CEO MicroFlipper is the newest addition to this list, having only come out in 2023. This is a miniature version of the beloved slim CEO everyday carry knife.
It has a small but capable 2.21-inch blade with a textured blue aluminum handle. If you’re looking for a small EDC with a Wharncliffe blade, it’s hard to go wrong with the CEO MicroFlipper.
15. Hogue Deka
And finally, we come to the Deka. This extremely lightweight folder is marketed as having a Wharncliffe blade, but I argue it’s a highly modified Wharncliffe blade. However, since we’re being a little lenient with blade profiles, this definitely deserves a spot on the list.
This version of the Deka has lightweight polymer scales and a superb MagnaCut steel blade.
The Hogue Deka has been among the most popular models of the past few years on Knife Depot.
Bonus: There are a host of great discontinued models, such as the Spyderco Urban Safety, Benchmade Gravitator, Kershaw Needs Work, Spyderco Air, Kershaw Ken Onion Centofante, Benchmade Opportunist, Boker Plus Wharcom, BlackHawk BeWharned, and more.
