Best Credit Card Knives Insanely Useful For Everyday Survival

By Will Brendza | Updated: 01/12/2024

Credit Card KnifeToday I’ve got something really cool to share…

A Complete Guide To Finding & Using A Credit Card Knife

Because credit card knives are:

  • Sleek & Slender
  • Sneaky & Serviceable
  • Affordable
  • Easy To Come By
  • And Highly Concealable

That’s why they’re a very useful (and cool) survival gadget EVERYONE should add to their wallet…

TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE…    ↓(click to jump)
Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

Want a free 78 item preppers checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Best Credit Card Knives For Sale Today

Nowadays, you can find many interesting, creative, and even straight-up odd card knives for sale.

Some are simple (like a folding knife), and others are complex and multifaceted (like multitools).

It is up to every survivalist to decide which one will best suit their needs.

Here is a short list of some of the best ones on the market today:

Note: my new favorite is the last on this list…
1. Our Top Pick
InstaBlade Credit Card Folding Knife

Simplicity IS beauty.

It's also extremely functional. That’s why we’re starting with this basic but effective credit card folding knife.

The ultra-thin stainless steel blade fits snugly into a wallet or pocket. It folds out easily when you need it, and when you don’t, the blade safety lock prevents accidental opening - so it won’t open in your pocket.

No bells and whistles here - a functional blade that looks like a credit card.

  • Ultra Slim - Folds to the size of a credit card folding knife, 2 mm THIN!
  • Quick and Simple Conversion - This tool transforms from an unassuming card into a fully functional knife in seconds.
  • Surgical Steel Blade - Stainless steel construction for durable, rust-free sharpness.
  • Built-In Safety Sheath - This prevents any accidents caused by an open blade in your pocket or pack.

When this post was published - you could get an InstaBlade for FREE (pay S&H). Click here to see if this fantastic deal is still available.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓ FREE InstaBlade Knife – The Folding Wallet-Sized Knife

2.
Victorinox Swisscard Lite Pocket Tool

If you took a Swiss army knife and flattened it out to the size of a credit card, this is precisely what you’d get.

The Swiss army knife company makes this credit card knife.

This slick little multi-tool includes:

  • a knife
  • LED mini light
  • magnifying glass
  • scissors
  • straight pin
  • nail file
  • two screwdrivers
  • tweezers
  • toothpick
  • ballpoint pen
  • ruler

It’s like carrying a miniature tool kit on a credit card!

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓ Victorinox Swisscard Lite multi-tool EDC Review

3.
Survival MultiTool Card (3 TOOL PACK)

This credit card multi-tool is a three-in-one deal.

It's the exact dimensions of a credit card, but it is three separate multi-tool cards in one small pouch.

The blade on this one is smaller than most. But it has a card full of fishing hooks, miniature saw blades, and even arrowheads.

Another card includes a can opener, a length of survival cordage, and lots more!

This is one of the most versatile and comprehensive credit card knife deals.

The only downside to this product is it is hard to fit inside a wallet. Because three cards are packed into one pouch, it is a little bulkier than other, more straightforward options.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓Survival Multi Tool Card

4.
Credit Card Knife Multitool

This Tactical Credit Card Knife MultiTool can slide into any wallet or driver's license slot.

This little multitool packs a mean punch and can assist in several emergencies.

It includes a knife, blade sharpener, magnifying glass, compass, ruler, bottle opener, toothpick, metal tweezers, firestarter, paracord, and an emergency whistle.

This highly-rated credit card knife is so much more than just a blade; it's a survival multitool.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓ EDC – Survival Card Knife and Tools

5.
Zootility Tools Wallet Knife, WildCard Credit Card Tool

Described as an “amazing feat of stainless steel origami.” This cleverly designed pocket tool has four different functions.

There's a serrated fold-out knife blade, bottle opener, screwdriver, and pry bars.

It's slightly fatter than a standard credit card, allowing for easy storage in a pocket or pants pocket.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓Nice blade, but…Zootility Wildcard Knife Review

6.
Tactical Credit Card Axe

When it comes to cutting, slicing, or jabbing holes in things, the SURVCO Credit Card is the way to go.

This simple multi-tool transforms into the following items:

  • Tomahawk
  • Ax
  • Knife
  • Scraper
  • Skinner
  • Shovel
  • Arrow
  • Spear

There are 21 functions in total. Making this one of the best self-defense, hunting, and survival options.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓The Card Ax by SURVCO – Full Review

7.
BOKER Plus 01BO010 Credit Card Knife

This compact Boker Knife has a 2-1/4 in. blade, 2-3/4 in. closed length, and only weighs 1.1 oz.

The 440C stainless steel blade ensures you do not have to sacrifice quality for portability.

This credit card folding knife fits easily in a wallet or pocket or hangs easily on a lanyard.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓ Boker Plus Credit Card Knife Review

8. [New] Top Choice
Boker Plus Subcom Black Knife

This little knife is a real gem.

It may be small, but it sure is mighty.

The blade is made from tough, durable AUS-8 steel, and it's got a tanto-style tip that's perfect for piercing and slicing through all kinds of tough materials.

And the handle? It's made from sturdy stainless steel and it's got a nice little groove in the center that makes it easy to grip and hold onto, even in wet or slippery conditions.

But here's the real kicker - this knife is compact. I mean really compact.

It's just 1.9 inches long when closed, which means it's easy to slip into your pocket or backpack without taking up too much space.

But when you need it, just flip it open and it's ready to go.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking "Well, it's small, so it probably can't handle heavy-duty tasks."

But let me tell you, this little guy can hold its own.

It's perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to fishing and hunting.

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
↓ EDC Card Knife Boker Plus Subcom 2.0

When To Use A Credit Card Knife

Say you’re walking down a dark alleyway alone and in a bad part of town at night.

That’s when someone behind you leaps from the shadows and demands you empty your pockets.

And let’s say, for the sake of example, what’s in your pockets is extremely valuable.

Maybe it is a thumb drive carrying the secrets to curing Alzheimer’s.

Or it’s the antidote for a poison that’s killing your loved one.

Whatever it is, you will not give it up so easily.

But you do not have any weapons or anything to fight with.

That is, except for your wallet knife – which you pull out of your wallet and defend yourself with.

Or, what if you become stuck in the woods?

Hopelessly lost without proper equipment. You’re out of luck.

You would be unless you happen to carry a small utility knife on you at all times!

Anthony Bourdain, the famous traveling foodie, revealed he always carries a credit card folding knife with him.

In an article about the five things he “never travels without,” he talked about it.

“If it’s a place with heavy street crime, I have this sneaky credit card that turns into a knife,”

Bourdain told the New York Times.

“It’s not something you’d want to get into a serious fight with, but it might be a rude surprise should someone grab you from behind as you enter your hotel room.”

These compact little utensils come in handy in any tight spot you might find yourself in.

Because they’re disguised, they’re so light and packable, and partly they’re just awesome.

They can be used for the following survival skills:

By carrying one, you’re more prepared for whatever tasks or challenges you may face.

Survival Gear Checklist eBook Cover -with fire piston on a rock and campfire in the background

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

How To Make A Credit Card Knife

Like many survival tools, you can, in fact, create your own.

It likely won’t be made of high-tensile, durable materials like stainless steel and polypro.

Here are a few tips and tricks to home-making your own:

1. Sharpen A Card’s Edge

The first step is to carve out the knife’s edge.

Take a used credit card (one you can’t use anymore), and mark two opposite corners with small pieces of tape.

Using a whetstone, run the edge you plan on sharpening along the stone’s length. This process will shave away some of the plastic.

Alternate which side you sharpen until the edge is evenly sharp.

↓ Make a Credit Card Knife

BE CAREFUL, THOUGH!

Once sharpened, the edges will be razor-sharp, sharp enough to slice through paper, tomatoes, and skin.

2. Attach Things

Using tape, you can fasten fishhooks, flat arrowheads, sewing needles, etc., to the front and back of the card.

This improves your usefulness by making it a survival multi-tool.

Get creative with what you attach! If it’s small and useful in a pinch, do not hesitate to stick it on there.

3. Incorporate Cordage

With a small file, you can make a couple of notches on opposite ends of the card.

Those notches allow you to wrap a length of cordage or fishing line around the card.

Paracord is highly useful and should always be part of your survival gear.

Check out this article on paracord survival bracelets and this one on paracord uses for survival.

4. Add a Ruler

Along the edge that’s not sharp, mark out inches and centimeters with a sharpie.

This is an easy way to ensure you’ve got a small ruler on you and a survival knife.

Each should have about three inches of space for this

The Downside of DIY

Unfortunately, most homemade survival weapons are not as well-made as the ones you can purchase.

Also, with homemade credit card knives specifically, the blade is outward facing, which can damage your wallet or pocket.

And since the cordage is wrapped around the card, there can be some issues fitting it into a wallet.

Even so, they are simple to make and made of minimal, cheap materials.

You could easily make a bunch of these as homemade survival gifts.

And beyond making good gifts, knowing how to make a multi-tool is always useful survival knowledge.

The Legality Controversy

Since they are technically considered “concealed” weapons, the legality of carrying such a knife is tricky.

↓ Real Lawyer Looks At Whether “Credit Card” Knives Are Legal In Canada

In some countries, like Canada, such knives are illegal.

According to Canadian officials,

“These weapons have no other function that we can think of other than a dangerous purpose”.

That means you must be extra careful where you carry such a knife or multi-tool.

It could become confiscated, or you could be charged with carrying a prohibited weapon.

Luckily, purchasing, owning, and carrying such a knife is legal in America.

However, it’s still a prohibited item, according to the TSA.

So, even if you’re flight is domestic, you likely won’t get through airport security with it.

Thankfully, you won’t get charged for owning something illegal.

But they will confiscate the item if they see it in your wallet, bag, or pants pocket.

One TSA officer explained that finding these concealed plastic knives is not a hard thing to do:

“It’s actually fairly easy because the design of the blade is such that when it comes through we can see the blade and know exactly what it is.”

So, don’t try any funny business.

Unless you’re traveling by car, horse, or foot, leave your card knives at home with your survival gear.

Otherwise, you risk having it confiscated. Or worse, getting a ticket for carrying a “concealed weapon” in a federal facility.

I also wouldn’t recommend carrying them around in zero-tolerance zones such as school grounds.

Final Thoughts

It’s a survival tool that’s easy to your tactical wallet, bug-out bag, get-home bag, or survival first aid kit.

The bottom line is:

These knives are useful gadgets to add to your everyday carry gear.

Credit card knives are a clever, stealthy way to increase your survival capabilities.

They offer compact, light, packable, concealable survival tools.

Useful for self-defense, survival in the wilderness, and day-to-day utility.

Owning one improves your capacity for survival.

So why wouldn’t you add one to your armory?

You absolutely should.

Why Trust Skilled Survival...

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations...

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett

We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...

Will Brendza

Will Brendza

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder
  • Member of The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR (expired), CPR (expired)
  • 8+ Years Researching, Writing, About Survival and Preparedness
  • Awards from Society of Professional Journalists
  • Winner of Camp Cold’s “Happy Camper” award in 2020
  • P.s - I just took this FREE 60-second 'Readiness Score Quiz'👇
    Readiness Score Quiz
    AND... I've still got a few gaps in my preps...🤔

    But at least, I'm not part of 'The Fragile Masses'. 👍

    Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions...

    Cooking over a rocket stove
    Get My 10 Steps To Basic Preparedness Video For FREE.
    Plus daily survival tips (unsubscribe anytime).