• Cat-intel
  • MedIntelliX
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Request Free Sample ×

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights

    clients tt-cursor

    Folding Knives Market

    ID: MRFR/CR/37985-HCR
    128 Pages
    Pradeep Nandi
    September 2025

    Folding Knives Market Research Report By Type (Manual Folding Knives, Assisted Folding Knives, Automatic Folding Knives), By Material (Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Titanium, Aluminum), By Application (Hunting, Camping, Everyday Carry, Survival), By End Use (Personal, Professional, Military) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2032.

    Share:
    Download PDF ×

    We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

    Folding Knives Market Infographic
    Purchase Options
    $ 4,950.0
    $ 5,950.0
    $ 7,250.0

    Folding Knives Market Summary

    The Global Folding Knives Market is projected to grow from 2.23 USD Billion in 2024 to 3.71 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Folding Knives Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.74% from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 3.71 USD Billion, indicating robust growth.
    • In 2024, the market is valued at 2.23 USD Billion, reflecting a strong foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of outdoor activities due to increased consumer interest in survival and tactical gear is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 2.23 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 3.71 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 4.74%

    Major Players

    Leatherman, Victorinox, Kershaw, Spyderco, Boker, Cold Steel, Buck Knives, ESEE Knives, SOG Knives, CRKT, Gerber, Ontario Knife Company, Hogue, Moja Knives, Benchmade

    Folding Knives Market Trends

    The Folding Knives Market is influenced by several key factors that drive its growth. One major market driver is the increasing interest in outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, which boosts the demand for reliable and versatile knives. Additionally, urban survivalism and a growing appreciation for self-defense tools make folding knives popular among various consumer segments. The rising trend in DIY projects and home improvement also contributes to the market, as these tools are essential for many tasks.

    Opportunities in this market are expanding as manufacturers are exploring innovative designs and materials.Lightweight and compact knives are becoming increasingly popular among both casual users and those who enjoy the great outdoors. The possibilities for customization are appearing, giving customers the freedom to choose characteristics that best fit their lives. With the help of e-commerce platforms, firms may expand their audience reach, which in turn increases sales and makes the market more accessible. To appeal to customers who are concerned about the environment, brands can take advantage of sustainability trends by using green production methods and products.

    Consumers looking for ease and adaptability have driven a recent trend towards multifunctional knives, which integrate multiple functions into one item.The internet has also profoundly impacted how consumers research and purchase folding knives, fostering communities that share reviews and tips. Social media's influence enables brands to engage with customers more effectively and promotes trends such as tactical and collectible knives. Overall, the folding knives market is evolving, marked by an increasing demand for innovative features and practical designs that meet the needs of diverse consumers.

    The global folding knives market is witnessing a notable shift towards multifunctional designs, reflecting a growing consumer preference for versatility and practicality in everyday carry items.

    U.S. Department of Commerce

    Folding Knives Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    Rising Demand for EDC Products

    The Global Folding Knives Market Industry is significantly influenced by the rising demand for everyday carry (EDC) products. Consumers increasingly seek multifunctional tools that can be easily carried and utilized in daily tasks. Folding knives, with their compact design and practicality, fit this niche perfectly. As urban lifestyles evolve, the market is expected to grow, with projections indicating a value of 3.71 USD Billion by 2035. This trend suggests that manufacturers may focus on innovation and design to cater to the preferences of EDC enthusiasts, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.

    Growing Outdoor Recreation Activities

    The Global Folding Knives Market Industry experiences a notable surge due to the increasing popularity of outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing. As more individuals engage in these pursuits, the demand for versatile and reliable folding knives rises. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 2.23 USD Billion, reflecting a growing consumer base that values functionality and portability. The trend indicates that folding knives are not merely tools but essential gear for outdoor enthusiasts. This growth trajectory suggests that the industry will continue to expand as outdoor activities gain traction globally.

    Diverse Applications Across Industries

    The Global Folding Knives Market Industry benefits from diverse applications across various sectors, including outdoor recreation, culinary, and emergency services. Folding knives are utilized not only by outdoor enthusiasts but also by chefs and first responders, highlighting their versatility. This broad applicability fosters a steady demand for folding knives, as different industries require specialized features and designs. The market's adaptability to various consumer needs suggests a stable growth trajectory, potentially leading to a market value of 3.71 USD Billion by 2035.

    Increased Focus on Safety and Regulations

    The Global Folding Knives Market Industry is also shaped by an increased focus on safety and regulations surrounding knife ownership and usage. Governments and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter guidelines to ensure consumer safety, which influences product design and marketing strategies. Manufacturers are likely to adapt by producing knives that comply with these regulations while maintaining functionality. This shift may lead to a more informed consumer base that prioritizes safety features in folding knives. Consequently, this trend could drive market growth as consumers seek compliant and reliable products.

    Technological Advancements in Knife Manufacturing

    Technological advancements in knife manufacturing play a crucial role in shaping the Global Folding Knives Market Industry. Innovations in materials, such as high-carbon stainless steel and advanced composites, enhance the durability and performance of folding knives. Additionally, improvements in production techniques allow for more precise and efficient manufacturing processes. As a result, consumers benefit from higher-quality products that meet their diverse needs. This trend may contribute to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.74% from 2025 to 2035, indicating a robust future for the industry as it adapts to technological changes.

    Market Segment Insights

    Folding Knives Market Segment Insights

    Folding Knives Market Segment Insights

    Folding Knives Market Type Insights  

    Folding Knives Market Type Insights  

    The Folding Knives Market, valued at 2.18 USD Billion in 2023, is witnessing steady growth as demand rises across various industries. A notable aspect of this market is its segmentation by type, which includes Manual Folding Knives, Assisted Folding Knives, and Automatic Folding Knives. Manual Folding Knives dominate the market, holding a value of 0.87 USD Billion in 2023 and expected to grow to 1.25 USD Billion by 2032. This segment's significant performance can be attributed to its traditional appeal and versatility, making it a preference for outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and everyday users.

    Assisted Folding Knives, with a valuation of 0.79 USD Billion in 2023, are also experiencing growth and are projected to reach 1.15 USD Billion in 2032. This segment offers a blend of convenience and safety, appealing particularly to the tactical and self-defense markets. The innovative mechanisms in these knives enhance user experience and functionality, making them a compelling choice for consumers looking for more reliable tools. In contrast, Automatic Folding Knives, starting with a market value of 0.52 USD Billion in 2023, are perceived as a niche segment within the broader market, expected to reach 0.85 USD Billion by 2032.

    While they provide ease of use with a quick deployment feature, regulatory restrictions in specific regions may hinder their widespread adoption. Overall, the  Folding Knives Market segmentation indicates a diverse range of consumer preferences focused on manual operation, assisted mechanisms, and automatic features. The trends highlight a demand for reliability, efficiency, and safety, leading to opportunities for innovation within the  Folding Knives Market industry.

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Folding Knives Market Material Insights 

    Folding Knives Market Material Insights 

    The Material segment of the  Folding Knives Market is crucial as it encompasses various materials, significantly influencing product performance and user preferences. In 2023, the market is valued at approximately 2.18 billion USD, reflecting a robust demand across various applications. Stainless steel remains a dominant choice due to its corrosion resistance and durability, making it ideal for outdoor and everyday carry knives.

    Carbon steel is also significant because of its superior edge retention, appealing particularly to enthusiasts and hunters.Titanium, known for its lightweight and strength, caters to premium markets, while aluminum provides options that balance weight and affordability, attracting casual users. The combination of these materials allows manufacturers to cater to diverse consumer needs, driving overall market growth and presenting opportunities for innovation in design and functionality. As the  Folding Knives Market evolves, advancements in materials will continue to shape product offerings, enhancing performance and expanding market reach. .

    Folding Knives Market Application Insights  

    Folding Knives Market Application Insights  

    The Folding Knives Market, valued at 2.18 billion USD in 2023, encompasses a variety of applications that cater to different consumer needs. The Application segment, which includes areas like Hunting, Camping, Everyday Carry, and Survival, plays a crucial role in the market's growth. Each of these applications not only demands specific features and functionalities from folding knives but also drives innovation and design enhancements within the industry.

    For instance, the Hunting segment benefits from advanced blade technology and durability, making it a preferred choice for outdoor enthusiasts.Meanwhile, Camping applications emphasize versatility and ease of use, attracting a wide range of users, while Everyday Carry options are increasingly popular due to their practicality in everyday life. The Survival segment underscores the importance of reliability and multi-functionality in folding knives, thus contributing significantly to overall market dynamics. With the rising inclination towards outdoor activities and self-sufficiency, the market is witnessing robust opportunities for growth driven by these applications.

    As such, analyzing the  Folding Knives Market revenue and segmentation reveals a landscape of continuous evolution shaped by consumer preferences and lifestyle changes.

    Folding Knives Market End Use Insights  

    Folding Knives Market End Use Insights  

    The Folding Knives Market, valued at 2.18 billion USD in 2023, showcases diverse applications across various end uses, including Personal, Professional, and Military. Each of these segments plays a significant role in driving market growth. The personal segment often caters to everyday consumers, emphasizing convenience and versatility, which are essential for recreational and outdoor activities.

    The professional market is largely driven by industries that require durable and reliable tools for tasks like camping, survival, and trades, highlighting the importance of quality and functionality.In contrast, the military segment remains crucial, as folding knives are indispensable tools for service members, offering reliability in high-pressure situations. The  Folding Knives Market segmentation reveals that the military segment dominates due to its specific operational needs, while the personal and professional segments are significant contributors to the overall market dynamics.

    Such diversification within the end use categories reflects varying consumer preferences and requirements, which ultimately shape the evolving market landscape.The growth in these segments is reinforced by trends toward outdoor activities and the rising demand for multi-functional tools, although challenges, such as competition and regulatory considerations, continue to impact the market.

    Get more detailed insights about Folding Knives Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2032

    Regional Insights

    The Folding Knives Market demonstrates substantial growth across various regions, with a total market valuation hitting 2.18 USD Billion in 2023 and rising to 3.25 USD Billion by 2032. Within this landscape, North America holds a majority share, valued at 0.95 USD Billion in 2023, and projected to rise to 1.4 USD Billion by 2032, driven by its strong outdoor culture and consumer demand for recreational and tactical folding knives.

    Europe follows closely with a valuation of 0.65 USD Billion in 2023, expected to reach 1.0 USD Billion by 2032, reflecting a growing interest in quality and craftsmanship in knife manufacturing.The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, valued at 0.4 USD Billion in 2023 and anticipated to grow to 0.7 USD Billion by 2032, showcases increasing urbanization and outdoor activities that contribute to the market's expansion. South America and the Middle East  Africa (MEA) demonstrate smaller but significant values of 0.1 USD Billion and 0.08 USD Billion in 2023, respectively, underscoring emerging markets' potential with values expected to rise modestly.

    These dynamics reveal the differentiated potential across regions, highlighting North America's and Europe's leading roles in shaping the  Folding Knives Market industry.

    Folding Knives Market  Regional

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The Folding Knives Market is characterized by a diverse range of products catering to various consumer needs, including everyday carry users, outdoor enthusiasts, and professional tradespeople. The competitive landscape is marked by the presence of numerous players, each aiming to capture market share through innovative designs, quality materials, and unique features. Companies are continuously investing in research and development to enhance the functionality and durability of their folding knives, addressing aspects such as user safety, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal.

    This competitive insight highlights the strategies employed by manufacturers to differentiate their products and build brand loyalty amongst consumers, emphasizing design, price points, and marketing techniques that resonate with target demographics. As outdoor activities gain popularity and consumers increasingly seek multifunctional tools, the market positions itself to flourish amidst evolving consumer preferences and technology advancements.Leatherman has carved a strong presence within the  Folding Knives Market, leveraging its reputation for producing high-quality, multifunctional tools that appeal to a broad audience. The company excels in innovation, continuously integrating new technology and ergonomic designs to enhance user experience.

    Leatherman is renowned for its attention to detail and durability, ensuring that its folding knives perform reliably under various conditions. Additionally, Leatherman's commitment to quality manufacturing in the United States reinforces its position in the market, appealing to consumers who prioritize American-made products. The brand's extensive warranty policy and customer service further contribute to building trust and ensuring customer satisfaction, which, in turn, strengthens its competitive edge in this dynamic market.Victorinox is another prominent player in the  Folding Knives Market, recognized for its heritage and expertise in crafting Swiss Army knives that blend functionality with classic design.

    The company's folding knives are synonymous with reliability and versatility, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences from casual users to outdoor adventurers. Victorinox distinguishes itself by incorporating high-quality materials and specialized features into its products, ensuring that they meet the rigorous standards of performance expected by its loyal customer base. Furthermore, Victorinox's  reach and strong distribution channels enhance its market presence, allowing it to effectively penetrate various regions and cater to the diverse needs of consumers.

    With a focus on continuous innovation and adherence to its long-standing tradition of quality craftsmanship, Victorinox maintains a competitive stance in the folding knives market, consistently appealing to those who value both form and function in their tools.

    Key Companies in the Folding Knives Market market include

    Industry Developments

    Recent developments in the  Folding Knives Market have seen significant innovation and increased product offerings, particularly from prominent companies such as Leatherman, Victorinox, Kershaw, and Benchmade. These brands are focusing on enhancing their product designs and incorporating advanced materials to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry consumers. The market is witnessing a surge in demand for multifunctional tools, which has prompted manufacturers like Spyderco and Cold Steel to expand their product lines. Additionally, strong sales growth in the pandemic aftermath is contributing to an increase in market valuations for companies such as Buck Knives and ESEE Knives.

    While no significant mergers or acquisitions have been publicly reported among the mentioned companies, the market's dynamics are shifting toward collaboration and strategic partnerships to improve supply chains and optimize product development. This environment of growth and innovation is making the  Folding Knives Market increasingly competitive, with a focus on sustainability and customer-centric designs propelling further advancements in the coming years. The evolving consumer preferences are prompting brands to refine their offerings in terms of functionality and ergonomics, ultimately impacting market shares positively.

    Future Outlook

    Folding Knives Market Future Outlook

    The Folding Knives Market is projected to grow at a 4.74% CAGR from 2024 to 2035, driven by rising outdoor activities, technological advancements, and increasing consumer interest in multifunctional tools.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop eco-friendly folding knives using sustainable materials to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
    • Leverage e-commerce platforms to enhance market reach and streamline distribution channels for folding knives.
    • Innovate smart folding knives with integrated technology for enhanced user experience and safety features.

    By 2035, the Folding Knives Market is expected to exhibit robust growth, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.

    Market Segmentation

    Folding Knives Market Type Outlook

    • Manual Folding Knives
    • Assisted Folding Knives
    • Automatic Folding Knives

    Folding Knives Market End Use Outlook

    • Personal
    • Professional
    • Military

    Folding Knives Market Material Outlook

    • Stainless Steel
    • Carbon Steel
    • Titanium
    • Aluminum

    Folding Knives Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Folding Knives Market Application Outlook

    • Hunting
    • Camping
    • Everyday Carry
    • Survival

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2022 2.09(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2023 2.18(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2032 3.25(USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 4.52% (2024 - 2032)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2023
    Market Forecast Period 2024 - 2032
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Leatherman, Victorinox, Kershaw, Spyderco, Boker, Cold Steel, Buck Knives, ESEE Knives, SOG Knives, CRKT, Gerber, Ontario Knife Company, Hogue, Moja Knives, Benchmade
    Segments Covered Type, Material, Application, End Use, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Increased outdoor recreational activities, Rising demand for multifunctional tools, Growth in e-commerce sales, Advancements in knife technology, Expansion in emerging markets
    Key Market Dynamics increasing outdoor recreational activities, rising demand for everyday carry tools, advancements in knife technology, growing popularity of survival gear, expanding e-commerce distribution channels
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the expected market size of the Folding Knives Market by 2032?

    The Folding Knives Market is expected to be valued at 3.25 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the Folding Knives Market from 2024 to 2032?

    The CAGR for the Folding Knives Market is projected to be 4.52% from 2024 to 2032.

    Which region is expected to dominate the Folding Knives Market by 2032?

    North America is expected to dominate the market, with a value of 1.4 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the projected market size for Manual Folding Knives by 2032?

    The market size for Manual Folding Knives is expected to reach 1.25 USD Billion by 2032.

    Who are the key players in the Folding Knives Market?

    Major players in the market include Leatherman, Victorinox, Kershaw, Spyderco, and Boker.

    What is the expected market size for Assisted Folding Knives by 2032?

    The Assisted Folding Knives segment is projected to reach 1.15 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the market value for Automatic Folding Knives by 2032?

    The market value for Automatic Folding Knives is anticipated to be 0.85 USD Billion by 2032.

    Which region is forecasted to show significant growth in the Folding Knives Market?

    The APAC region is expected to grow to 0.7 USD Billion by 2032.

    What is the market size for the Folding Knives Market in 2023?

    The market size for the Folding Knives Market in 2023 is valued at 2.18 USD Billion.

    What are some of the growth drivers for the Folding Knives Market?

    Growth drivers include increasing outdoor activities and demand for versatile tools among consumers.

    Folding Knives Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2032 Infographic
    Free Sample Request

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Customer Stories

    “I am very pleased with how market segments have been defined in a relevant way for my purposes (such as "Portable Freezers & refrigerators" and "last-mile"). In general the report is well structured. Thanks very much for your efforts.”

    Victoria Milne Founder
    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials