Choosing the right pocket knife is an important decision that requires careful consideration. With the wide variety of styles, sizes, blade types, handle materials, and features available, selecting the ideal pocket knife for your needs can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key factors to evaluate when picking your perfect everyday carry (EDC) pocket knife.
Types of Pocket Knives
Pocket knives come in two main categories based on the number of blades: single-blade and multi-blade.
Number of Blades
Single-Blade
A single-blade pocket knife contains one main blade. These tend to be more lightweight and compact.
Pros: Simple, versatile for most everyday tasks, easy to maintain.
Cons: Less flexibility compared to multi-blade knives.
Recommended Models: Opinel No.6, Victorinox Cadet, Buck 55
Multi-Blade
Multi-blade pocket knives have two or more blades with different shapes and edges. This provides more functionality for tackling a variety of jobs.
Pros: Greater versatility, specialized blades for different uses.
Cons: Heavier, more complex, harder to maintain.
Recommended Models: Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman Skeletool, SOG PowerPint
Knife Edges
The type of blade edge impacts cutting performance. Common options include:
Plain Edge
A plain edge has no serrations or teeth. It slices smoothly through softer materials.
Pros: Excellent control, clean cuts, easy to sharpen.
Cons: Struggles with tougher materials like rope or wood.
Recommended Models: Benchmade Griptilian, Spyderco Delica 4, Kershaw Leek
Fully Serrated Edge
Serrations extend along the full cutting edge. They tear through fibrous materials.
Pros: Great for slicing rope, bread, cardboard.
Cons: More difficult to sharpen, less versatility.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Salt, Victorinox Fibrox Pro, Opinel Outdoor No.12
Partially Serrated
Part of the edge is serrated while the rest remains plain. A good compromise option.
Pros: Allows slicing and sawing, reasonable versatility.
Cons: Master of none.
Recommended Models: Kershaw Blur, Gerber EAB Pocket Knife, CRKT M16-14SFG
Blade Length
Blade length has legal restrictions but also impacts utility. Common sizes include:
Small (≤2.75 inch)
Pros: Maximum legal carry, unobtrusive for EDC.
Cons: Limited cutting power.
Available States: Legal in most states.
Recommended Models: Victorinox Classic SD, Opinel No. 6
Medium (2.75 - 4 inch)
Pros: Balances portability and cutting ability.
Cons: May exceed legal limits in some urban areas.
Available States: Legal in most states, restricted in some cities.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Tenacious, Benchmade Mini Griptilian, Leatherman Skeletool CX
Large (≥ 4 inch)
Pros: Maximizes cutting power.
Cons: Less convenient to carry, often illegal in cities.
Available States: Legal in most rural areas, banned in many urban zones.
Recommended Models: Cold Steel Recon 1, Ka-Bar Dozier Folder, Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Blade Types
Choosing the right blade shape contributes to utility and aesthetics. Here are some of the most popular options:
Clip Point
Features a controllable point with a large belly for slicing.
Pros: Agile, good detail work.
Cons: Narrow tip prone to breaking.
Recommended Models: Buck 110 Folding Hunter, Case Small Texas Toothpick, Boker Kalashnikov
Drop Point
A spine that drops slowly to meet the tip. Strong and versatile.
Pros: Broad tip, great all-purpose shape.
Cons: Less suitable for piercing.
Recommended Models: Benchmade Griptilian, ESEE Zancudo, Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Straight-Back Blade
The uncurved spine and edge make a wedge-shaped tip.
Pros: Excellent piercing ability.
Cons: Not as robust at the tip.
Recommended Models: Ka-Bar TDI, Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point
Needle Point
Extremely narrow, sharp tip for piercing tough materials.
Pros: Precise puncturing ability.
Cons: Weak tip, not much cutting edge.
Recommended Models: Spyderco P'Kal, Cold Steel Espada XL
Spear Point
Symmetrical shape with a strong, sharp tip. Graceful appearance.
Pros: Versatile stabbing and cutting.
Cons: Less belly than drop point.
Recommended Models: Emerson CQC-7, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, Kizer Ursa Minor
Tanto Point
Features an angled point ideal for puncturing and cutting tasks.
Pros: Intimidating look, excellent piercing ability.
Cons: Point is weaker than drop point.
Recommended Models: SOG Trident, Emerson Commander, Gerber 06 Auto
Sheepsfoot Blade
Curved spine and straight cutting edge make for safety and control.
Pros: Prevents accidental puncturing.
Cons: No sharp point.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Delica, Ontario Knife RAT II
Trailing Point
Large curved belly with a thin, delicate tip. Ideal for skinning.
Pros: Lots of cutting edge, narrow controllable tip.
Cons: Low durability at the tip.
Recommended Models: Case Small Yellow Peanut, Buck Zipper, Kizer Feist
Pen Blade
A small spear point or drop point blade like a traditional pen knife.
Pros: Compact, convenient for office tasks.
Cons: Very limited cutting ability.
Recommended Models: Victorinox Executive, Al Mar Knives SLB
Wharncliffe Blade
Resembles a straight edge shear blade. Excellent control for detail work.
Pros: Ideal for carving and slicing tasks.
Cons: No curved belly or stabbing tip.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Delica Wharncliffe, Kershaw Crown, CRKT Folts Minimalist
Spey-Point Blade
Upswept tip ideal for slicing and skinning game.
Pros: Allows close, precise cuts.
Cons: Weak tip prone to damage.
Recommended Models: Case Copperhead, Queen Cutlery Premium Stockman
Hawkbill Blade
Curved cutting edge and spine make pulling cuts easier.
Pros: Rip cutting tough materials.
Cons: Poor penetration and piercing.
Recommended Models: Cold Steel Persian, SOG Pentagon XR
Unique Blades
Some manufacturers offer innovative shapes tailored to specialized tasks like the Kizer Cormorant's hooking blade optimized for rescue cutting applications.
Pros: Unmatched performance for specific jobs.
Cons: Single-purpose tools offer less versatility.
Recommended Models: Kizer Cormorant, Karroll KC3, Emerson Trainer
Blade Steel Materials
The steel affects edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Common options include:
Stainless Steel Blades
Pros: Resist rust, wide range of quality options.
Cons: Less hardness than carbon steel.
Recommended Models: Benchmade Griptilian, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, spyderco Endura 4
Carbon Steel Blades
Pros: Easy to sharpen, can achieve greater hardness.
Cons: Rusts more easily.
Recommended Models: Morakniv Companion, Opinel No.8 Carbone, Ka-Bar Becker BK2
Titanium Blades
Pros: Extremely corrosion resistant, lightweight.
Cons: Difficult to sharpen, expensive.
Recommended Models: Benchmade 710, Spyderco Techno 2
Handle Materials
The handle affects comfort, grip, and aesthetics. Some top options include:
Aluminum
Pros: Lightweight, stylish.
Cons: Can be slippery, cold in the hand.
Recommended Models: Benchmade Osborne 940, Kizer Gemini
Celluloid
Pros: inexpensive, easy to work with and dye.
Cons: Not very durable.
Recommended Models: Rough Rider Reserve Stockman Pocket Knife
Bone
Pros: Smooth, classy appearance.
Cons: Porous, prone to cracking.
Recommended Models: Case Sod Buster Jr. Pocket Knife
Wood
Pros: Beautiful natural patterns.
Cons: Not as rugged.
Recommended Models: Opinel No.8 Hardwood Handle
G-10
Pros: Tough, lightweight, grippy.
Cons: Lacks elegance of natural materials.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Para Military 2, Benchmade Barrage 580
Micarta
Pros: Rugged, textured for grip.
Cons: Less attractive finish.
Recommended Models: ESEE Zancudo Framelock Knife, Ontario Rat II
Titanium
Pros: Extremely strong, corrosion resistant.
Cons: Expensive, can be slippery.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Techno 2, ZT 0801BRZ
Zytel
Pros: Affordable, durable, lightweight.
Cons: Cheap plastic feel.
Recommended Models: Gerber EAB Pocket Knife
Stainless Steel
Pros: Sturdy, sleek appearance.
Cons: Slippery grip, adds weight.
Recommended Models: Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Delrin
Pros: Low friction, comfortable contouring.
Cons: Brittle if subjected to shock.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Delica 4 FFG
Stag
Pros: Beautiful, natural material.
Cons: Expensive, less durable.
Recommended Models: Puma Stag Handle Lockback Pocket Knife
Rubber
Pros: Comfortable, grippy, shock-absorbing.
Cons: Can deteriorate over time.
Recommended Models: SOG Trident, Kershaw Cryo II
Kraton
Pros: Cushioned, flexible, non-slip.
Cons: Susceptible to oils and chemicals.
Recommended Models: Cold Steel American Lawman
Mother of Pearl
Pros: Gorgeous nacreous appearance.
Cons: Brittle, expensive, requires care.
Recommended Models: Boker Magnum Lady Mother of Pearl
Opening Mechanisms
How the blade is deployed impacts convenience and legal status. Common types include:
Manual-Opening Blade
Pros: Simple, no mechanical issues.
Cons: Not as fast as assisted/automatic.
Recommended Models: Opinel No.8, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Switchblade or Automatic
Pros: Lightning quick deployment.
Cons: Restricted in many regions, mechanical issues over time.
Recommended Models: Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Phaeton
Assisted-Opening Mechanism
Pros: Fast, safe opening with manual start.
Cons: May fail over time.
Recommended Models: Kershaw Blur, Gerber Fast Draw, SOG Aegis
Locking Mechanisms
Locks keep the blade securely open during use. Common types:
Liner Lock
Pros: Simple, reliable, ambidextrous.
Cons: Can stick over time.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Tenacious, Kershaw Cryo, CRKT M16
Slipjoint
Pros: No moving parts to break.
Cons: Less secure.
Recommended Models: Opinel No.8, Victorinox Bantam Alox
Lockback
Pros: Very safe and secure.
Cons: Not ambidextrous.
Recommended Models: Buck 110 Folding Hunter, Spyderco Endura 4
Mid Lock
Pros: Ambidextrous operation.
Cons: Small, lacks strength of liner/frame lock.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Roadie
Frame Lock
Pros: Very strong lockup.
Cons: May be stiff at first.
Recommended Models: Benchmade Bugout, ZT 0562
Ring Lock
Pros: Unique appearance, ambidextrous.
Cons: Vulnerable to grit and dust.
Recommended Models: CRKT Obake, Real Steel Luna
Lever Lock
Pros: Smooth operation, easy closing.
Cons: Less durable over time.
Recommended Models: Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, Wenger Evowood
Knife Styles
Consider your needs and personal style:
Tactical(Military, Self-defense and Patrol)
Pros: Rugged, specialized features.
Cons: Aggressive aesthetics.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade Adamas
Everyday Carry(EDC)
Pros: Versatile for everyday carry.
Cons: Jack of all trades, master of none.
Recommended Models: Kershaw Blur, CRKT Pilar
Outdoor(Camping and Hiking)
Pros: Optimized for hunting, camping, and survival needs.
Cons: Often larger and heavier.
Recommended Models: Buck 119 Special Fixed Blade, Victorinox Hunte
Gentlemen's
Pros: Understated and non-threatening.
Cons: Less cutting power and features.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Smock, Boker Urban Trapper Gentlemen's Knife
Women's
Pros: Stylish colors and contoured handles.
Cons: Form over function limitations.
Recommended Models: Spyderco Ladybug, CRKT Minimalist Bowie
Customization
Pros: Personalize materials, blade shape, engraving.
Cons: Takes time and costs more.
Recommended Brands: Winkler Knives, LionSteel, Gavko Knives
Popular Knife Brands
When selecting a pocket knife, you generally get what you pay for. Top manufacturers produce high-quality blades with excellent fit and finish. Here are some notable brands and models to consider:
Olight (Oknife)
Origin: China
Main Service: Folding knives and EDC Tools.
Price range: $50 - $100
Representative Products: Oknife Heron L1, Oknife Borzoi, Oknife Sentry R1
Kizer
Origin: China
Main Service: Innovative tactical and EDC folders.
Price range: fixed-blade($50 - $100), folding($50 - $500), Slip Joint($50 - $100)
Representative Products: Kizer Gemini, Kizer Begleiter, KIZER Assassin, KIZER Cormorant, KIZER Drop Bear
Spyderco
Origin: USA
Main Service: Unique opening holes and blade serrations.
Price range: $30 - $600
Representative Products: Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Spyderco Endura 4, Spyderco Tenacious
Benchmade
Origin: USA
Main Service: Premium tactical, outdoor, and EDC knives.
Price range: $100 - $1000
Representative Products: Benchmade Griptilian, Benchmade Bugout, Benchmade Barrage
Victorinox
Origin: Switzerland
Main Service: Mass-produced multi-tools and pocket knives.
Price range: $25 - $300 (small size), $25 - $1000(medium size), $25 - $400(large size)
Representative Products: Swiss Army Knife, Spartan, Tinker
Buck
Origin: USA
Main Service: Reliable hunting and tactical knives.
Price range: $50 - $350
Representative Products: Buck 110 Folding Hunter, Buck 505 Knight, Buck Vantage Select
Kershaw
Origin: USA
Main Service: Innovative folding knives and assisted opening mechanisms.
Price range: $50 - $500
Representative Products: Kershaw Blur, Kershaw Leek, Kershaw Cryo
Schrade
Origin: USA
Main Service: Rugged, affordable tactical and survival knives.
Price range: $25 - $100
Representative Products: Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival, Schrade SCHF36 Frontier, Schrade Walden
Boker
Origin: Germany
Main Service: High-performance gentlemen's and tactical pocket knives.
Price range: $40 - $1400
Representative Products: Boker Kalashnikov Automatic Knife, Boker Urban Trapper Petite, Boker Plus Strike
Gerber
Origin: USA
Main Service: Quality, rugged knives and multi-tools.
Price range: $15 - $300
Representative Products: Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade, Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Sheath, Gerber Flatiron
SOG
Origin: USA
Main Service: Innovative, tactical-inspired folding knives and multi-tools.
Price range: $12 - $350
Representative Products: SOG Trident, SOG Twitch II, SOG PowerLock
Case
Origin: USA
Main Service: Traditional slipjoint pocket knives.
Price range: $50 - $200
Representative Products: Case Sod Buster, Case Russlock, Case Trapper
Cold Steel
Origin: USA
Main Service: Durable, high-performance tactical folding knives.
Price: $10 - $600
Representative Products: Cold Steel Recon 1, Cold Steel Code 4, Cold Steel AK-47
CRKT
Origin: USA
Main Service: Innovative everyday carry and survival knives.
Price range: $100 - $200
Representative Products: CRKT M16, CRKT M21, CRKT Foresight
Fallkniven
Origin: Sweden
Main Service: Prestige outdoor and survival fixed blade knives.
Price range: $100 - $300
Representative Products: Fallkniven A1, Fallkniven F1, Fallkniven S1
Al Mar Knives
Origin: USA
Main Service: Innovative tactical folder designs.
Price range: $12 - $250
Representative Products: Al Mar Falcon Ultralight, Al Mar Hawk Ultralight, Al Mar Eagle HD
Emerson Knives
Origin: USA
Main Service: Hardcore tactical and combat folding knives.
Price range: $100 - $250
Representative Products: Emerson CQC-8, Emerson Commander, Emerson Super Roadhouse
Chris Reeve Knives
Origin: USA
Main Service: Iconic Sebenza folding and fixed blade designs.
Price range: $400 - $700
Representative Products: Chris Reeve Sebenza 31, Chris Reeve Umnumzaan, Chris Reeve Pacific
In summary, with the wide range of factors to consider from blade shapes and steels to handles and opening mechanisms, choosing the ideal pocket knife involves balancing your intended uses, personal preferences, and budget. Do your research to select a knife from a reputable brand that offers the right mix of performance, features, and style for your needs. Consider size and legal restrictions as well, and always use and maintain your knife properly for best results.
