Menu
History
Anatomy & Features
Guides
Best Automatic Knives of 2025
Published: September 15th, 2025
2025 marks an exceptional year for automatic knives, defined by innovation, collaboration, and refined craftsmanship. Work Sharp introduces a modular approach that sets a new standard for versatility. Zero Tolerance’s award-winning design demonstrates how premium materials and lightweight construction can coexist in a high-performance folder. Heretic Knives pushes aesthetic boundaries with striking, stylized finishes, while Chaves and Pro-Tech combine forces to deliver a powerful yet precise tactical automatic. SOG, meanwhile, elevates the category of the gentleman’s knife with a sleek model that pairs elegance with dependable performance. Each release highlights a different facet of modern automatic design, making 2025 a great year for collectors and everyday users alike.
Work Sharp
RMX (Reverse Tanto)
The Work Sharp RMX Reverse Tanto leads the pack in 2025 with a design that redefines what an automatic knife can be. At its heart is a modular pivot system that ships with both a Manual Pivot and an Auto Pivot, each of which can be swapped in or out with the included magnetic wrench. The Manual Pivot delivers a glassy smooth, bearing-driven action, while the Auto Pivot transforms the knife into a fully spring-loaded automatic with snappy deployment. Switching between the two takes only moments, giving users the freedom to choose their preferred action without compromise. Its 3.2-inch reverse tanto blade, forged from CPM-3V steel and ground to a razor-sharp 15-degree edge, is satin finished for clean, dependable cutting performance in either configuration.
Lightweight construction makes the RMX just as impressive in the pocket as it is in use. At only 2.4 ounces, the 4.3-inch magnesium handle is internally hollowed for weight reduction while remaining strong, finished with a black Cerakote coating for added wear resistance. The ergonomic frame is designed to accommodate hand sizes from small to extra-large, ensuring comfort and control. A reliable button lock secures the blade, while a reversible mini deep-carry clip allows discreet, ambidextrous carry. Measuring 7.5 inches overall, the Work Sharp RMX is compact, versatile, and was awarded at Blade Show 2025 for the Most Innovative Import Design of 2025.
Zero Tolerance
0056
The Zero Tolerance 0556 brings together premium materials, lightweight construction, and refined design in a high-performance automatic folder. Its 3.35-inch CPM MagnaCut blade offers an ideal balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it a dependable all-purpose tool. A two-tone finish highlights the blade’s clean geometry, with stonewashed flats contrasting against satin-finished grinds for a sleek, detailed look. Despite its cutting power, the 0556 remains remarkably pocket-friendly, measuring 4.4 inches closed, weighing only 2.4 ounces, and deploying with fast, authoritative automatic action.
The handle pairs carbon fiber and titanium in a black-and-gray pattern, finished with a ceramic bead blast for a subtle, high-end aesthetic. Strong, slim, and lightweight, it provides just enough texture for a secure grip while maintaining a streamlined profile. At 7.75 inches overall, the knife carries easily yet feels full-sized in the hand, offering both control and confidence. With its thoughtful design, flawless execution, and rapid automatic performance, the Zero Tolerance 0556 was awarded Automatic Knife of the Year at Blade Show 2025. Proudly made in the USA.
Heretic Knives
Wraith Auto V4 (Yellow Cel Shade)
The Heretic Wraith Auto V4 in Yellow Cel Shade looks like it leapt straight out of a comic book into real life. Its vivid Cel Shade Yellow blade finish and matching aluminum handle give it a stylized, animated look that sets it apart from anything else on the market, while the black traction inlays add contrast and grip. Beneath that striking exterior, the Wraith V4 delivers the serious performance expected from a Heretic design. The 3.75-inch bowie-style blade is forged from CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel, chosen for its outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Flat-ground for slicing strength and piercing power, it deploys with speed and authority through an automatic button lock mechanism.
At just under half an inch thick, the 4.875-inch handle maintains a slim profile while sitting securely in the hand, and its titanium pocket clip allows for reversible tip-up carry. Weighing 4.23 ounces with an overall length of 8.625 inches, the Wraith balances presence with portability, making it as practical in the field as it is eye-catching in a display. Proudly made in the USA.
Chaves Knives/Pro-Tech
Rendencion Auto
The Chaves Knives Pro-Tech Redencion 229 is the result of a powerful collaboration between Ramon Chaves and Pro-Tech, uniting bold design with precision automatic performance. Every detail of the Redencion 229 reflects high-end craftsmanship and practical toughness, making it a knife that commands attention while delivering reliable everyday utility. Its 3.37-inch tanto blade is forged from CPM S35VN stainless steel, chosen for its edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Finished in black DLC, the blade carries a stealthy, non-reflective look while adding excellent durability against wear. The tanto geometry provides exceptional tip strength and a razor-sharp plain edge that excels at slicing and piercing tasks.
Pro-Tech’s signature push-button automatic action powers the Redencion 229, deploying the blade with speed and authority at the press of a button. The button lock secures the blade firmly in place, giving the knife both smooth performance and dependable strength in use. Its black aluminum handle is clean and minimalist in design, yet solid and ergonomic in hand. Measuring 4.5 inches closed and weighing 4.45 ounces, it balances durability with pocket-friendly carry. Completing the design is the instantly recognizable Chaves skull pocket clip, a tip-up stainless steel clip that adds personality and presence while securing the knife with confidence. The Redencion 229 captures the essence of Chaves’ aggressive style and Pro-Tech’s unmatched automatic engineering in a single knife that's built to perform and is proudly made in the USA.
SOG
One-Zero AU
The SOG One-Zero AU represents the pinnacle of a gentleman’s automatic knife, blending refined aesthetics with rugged performance for an everyday carry that’s both practical and elegant. Built around the AU-XR automatic locking mechanism, it pairs the speed of an automatic with the security of SOG’s XR Lock, deploying with authority and locking firmly in place for confident use. Whether carried in an urban setting or taken outdoors, it offers immediate, dependable action in a compact and stylish form.
Its 3.1-inch drop point blade is forged from CRYO CPM S35VN stainless steel, heat-treated to SOG’s exacting specifications for improved toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. A two-tone satin finish highlights the clean lines of the blade, while the slim 0.10-inch thickness makes it agile and easy to control without compromising strength. The sculpted aircraft-grade aluminum handle features a silver chrome finish and hidden fasteners for a sleek, polished profile. Ergonomic shaping and anodized durability ensure it remains comfortable in hand and is built to last. At 4.7 inches closed, weighing 3.9 ounces, and designed for smooth one-handed operation, the One-Zero AU OTS delivers a seamless balance of elegance, portability, and performance.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.