UPDATED: July 06, 2023
Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman, a handyman, or just looking for a reliable everyday carry (EDC) tool, having the right pocket knife is essential. The best pocket knife can be a lifesaver, from opening packages to preparing food and even self-defense. With the selection of pocket knives available, it can be hard to find the perfect one for your needs.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about pocket knives. What to look for when buying a pocket knife. Reviews of the best pocket knives on the market. By the end of this article, you’ll know which pocket knife is the best choice for you.
What to Look for When Buying a Pocket Knife
When it comes to pocket knives, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. The size and blade shape are two of the most important factors to keep in mind.
The blade and the handle together determine the pocket knife length. Most pocket knives range from 2 to 3.5 inches in length, with some larger models reaching up to 7 inches. The handle should be comfortable and easy to grip, while the blade should be easy to open and close with one hand.
The blade shape is another factor to consider. The most common blade shapes are clip-point, drop-point, sheepsfoot, and spey-point blades. Clip-point blades are best for piercing and slicing, while drop-point is for more general uses. Sheepsfoot blades are great for precise cutting, and spey-point blades are ideal for skinning and gutting.
Consider the material of the pocket knife. Carbon steel blades are strong and durable but can be prone to rust. Stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion, require less maintenance, and can be harder to sharpen.
Reviews of the Best Pocket Knife Brands
With so many pocket knife brands on the market, selecting the most suitable option that aligns with your requirements can pose a challenge. To make the process easier, here are reviews of some of the best pocket knife brands on the market.
Kershaw Dividend Folding Pocket Knife
Kershaw is another favored pocket knife brand. Their knives feature a variety of blade shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of handle materials. They are known for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs.
About the Kershaw Dividend Folding Knife
- The USA-made Dividend's Composite Blade Technology permanently joins two steels in one blade; hard, corrosion-resistant N690 on the blade upper and tough, wear-resistant D2 on the cutting edge.
- The distinctive anodized, olive green, 6061-T6 aluminum handle is decked out with machined details and an American flag silhouette.
- SpeedSafe technology makes this knife quick and easy to open with a pull back on the flipper. The position is then safely secured with liner lock technology.
- A versatile, deep-carry pocketclip is adjustable for tip-up or tip-down, left- or right-handed carry.
- The Dividend knife measures 7. 25 inches end to end when opened, 4. 25 inches when folded, and weighs just 2. 8 ounces.
Pros
Cons
CRKT PSD EDC Folding Pocket Knife
CRKT is a lesser-known brand, but its knives are just as impressive. Their knives feature a variety of blade shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of handle materials. They are known for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs.
About the CRKT PSD EDC Folding Pocket Knife
- Assisted Opening: Flipper deploys the blade fast
- Smooth Opening: IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade smooth
- Easy To Sharpen: High carbon stainless steel blade takes an edge well
- High Tech: G10 handle with carbon fiber layer is strong and lightweight
- Easy Closing: Liner Lock can be easily closed with one hand
- Low Profile: Pocket clip provides secure carry
- Visual Appeal: Blue backspacer and accents
Pros
Cons
Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Camo Pocket Knife
Spyderco is one of the most popular pocket knife brands on the market. Their knives feature a variety of blade shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of handle materials. They are known for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs.
About the Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Camo Pocket Knife
- An Improved Classic - Undeniably one of Spyderco's most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, Pocket-Friendly package.
- Superior Quality - We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but we've also lengthened the blade's tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger coil.
- A Secure Grip - The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the Ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position.
- Easy-to-Use - The Para Military 2 features extreme strength, reliability, and ease of use of our patented Compression Lock mechanism and versatility of a 4-position pocket clip.
- Dependable - Refinements to overall construction may not be drastic but from the G-10 textured handle to the steel full flat blade, everything is sharper, smoother and guaranteed to provide performance and user comfort.
Pros
Cons
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocket Knife
Lastly, there’s Victorinox. This Swiss brand is best known for its iconic Swiss Army Knife, but they also offer a variety of pocket knives. Their knives feature a variety of blade shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of handle materials. They are known for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs.
FUNCTIONS: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, mini screwdriver, reamer/punch and sewing awl, can opener, screwdriver 3 mm, bottle opener, screwdriver 6 mm, wire stripper, scissors, pliers, wire cutter, wire crimping tool, fish scaler, hook disgorger, ruler (cm), ruler (inches), wood saw, nail file, nail cleaner, metal saw, metal file, magnifying glass, Phillips screwdriver 1/2, screwdriver 2.5 mm, chisel 4 mm, multipurpose hook, toothpick, tweezers, pressurized ballpoint pen, pin, stainless steel, key ring
Benefits of Having a Pocket Knife
When it comes to pocket knives, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. The size and blade shape are two of the most important factors to keep in mind.
The length of the blade and handle determines the size of the knife. Most pocket knives range from 2 to 3.5 inches in length, with some larger models reaching up to 7 inches. The handle should be comfortable and easy to grip, while the blade should be easy to open and close with one hand.
The blade shape is another factor to consider. The most common blade shapes are clip-point, drop-point, sheepsfoot, and spey-point blades. Clip-point blades are best for piercing and slicing, while drop-points are for more general use. Sheepsfoot blades are great for precise cutting, and spey-point blades are ideal for skinning and gutting.
Different Types of Pocket Knives
Pocket knives come in a variety of types, each designed for specific uses. The most common type is the folding knife, which features a blade that can be opened and closed with one hand. These knives are great for everyday carry and are available in many sizes, shapes, and materials.
Another popular type of pocket knife is the multi-tool. These knives include tools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, and bottle openers. These knives are ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Fixed-blade knives are another option. These knives have a blade that does not fold into the handle. They tend to be more durable and reliable. They are great for more heavy-duty tasks, such as skinning and gutting.
Finally, there are butterfly knives. These knives feature two handles that can be opened and closed with one hand. They are great for self-defense and are popular among martial artists.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pocket Knife
When choosing a pocket knife, there are a few factors to consider. The size and blade shape should be the first factors you consider. As mentioned before, the size of the pocket knife should be comfortable and easy to carry, while the blade should be suited to your needs.
The type of steel used to make the blade is important. The handle material is also a factor. The handle should be comfortable to hold and should provide a secure grip. Plastic, wood, and metal handles are popular options, each offering unique features.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Pocket Knife
You will need to guarantee your knife is maintained to keep it in good condition. Here are a few tips for maintaining and caring for your pocket knife.
The first step is to make sure the blade is clean and free of debris. After each use, wipe the blade down with a cloth, and don't forget to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
Next, make sure to lubricate the blade with light oil. That will help maintain the knife, keep it moving smoothly, and prevent it from rusting.
Also, make sure to sharpen the blade regularly. It will keep the edge sharp and help to keep it in good condition.
Tips for Storing and Transporting Your Pocket Knife
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes down to storing and transporting your pocket knife.
First, ensure you store your pocket knife in a dry place to prevent rusting. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.
Second, make sure to keep your pocket knife in a secure place. If you’re transporting your pocket knife, it should be in a secured container or pocket.
Lastly, make sure to check local laws and regulations regarding pocket knives. Some cities and states have restrictions on the size and type of pocket knives that are allowed.
Pocket Knife Safety
When using a pocket knife, it’s crucial to take safety precautions to avoid accidents. Here are a few tips for staying safe when using a pocket knife.
First, confirm you are using the right size and type of pocket knife for the task. Avoid using a pocket knife for something it was not designed for, such as prying or hammering.
Second, keep your finger away from the blade when opening and closing the knife. It will help you avoid accidental cuts or slips.
Third, make sure to keep the blade sharp. A dull edge can cause more accidents than a sharp one.
Finally, make sure your pocket knife is in a secure place when not in use. It will help you avoid accidental cuts or slips.
Pocket Knife Accessories
In addition to pocket knives, many pocket knife accessories are available to enhance your experience. Here are a few of the most popular pocket knife accessories.
Sharpening stones are one of the most popular pocket knife accessories. Their purpose is to keep your knife sharp. Sharpening stones work on a variety of knife materials.
Pocket clips are another popular accessory. They allow you to easily attach your pocket knife to your pocket or belt, making it easy to access in a pinch.
Sheaths are also popular accessories. They are designed to protect your pocket knife and have been created from various materials.
Finally, there are knife sharpeners. These sharpeners were engineered to quickly and easily sharpen your pocket knife, keeping it in good condition.
