The Best Pocket Knife

Buying Guide

Pocket knives can be an incredibly useful tool to keep on hand. From opening packages to cutting food to removing staples, there are hundreds of uses for this product. There are several different types and styles of pocket knives to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for you?

First, decide on the number of blades you want in your pocket knife based on the types of tasks you’ll be using it for. Single-blade pocket knives are simple to use and have one large blade as the name suggests. They are strong and sturdy and can lock in place. They can also have spring-loaded mechanisms so they are easy to open quickly. Multi-blade pocket knives can do more than just one job, unlike a single-blade knife. They can have between two and four different types of blades so you have more variety in terms of uses. Multi tools have several blades in addition to other tools such as toothpicks, saws, tweezers, nail files, scissors, can openers, corkscrews and more. Originally created to be used by soldiers in the field, they are handy for civilians as well.

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Another important factor to consider is the type of blade you need on your knife. Plain-edge blades are good for push cuts such as shaving wood or peeling an apple. Serrated edges are good for pull cuts, such as cutting a rope or slicing bread. Plain-edge blades offer more control and accuracy and cleaner cuts. They are easy to sharpen, too. Serrated edge blades are great for cutting tough material or anything that requires a sawing motion. You can also get a combo blade, which includes both plain and serrated edges as it provides more versatility in the types of things you can cut.

• How long a blade do you need on your pocket knife? The length of a pocket knife can range anywhere from around 2 inches to 7.5 inches. Small blades have the major advantage of being legal everywhere, so they are easy to carry with you wherever you go. However, due to their size they are not as versatile as larger ones. You can use small blades for simple tasks such as opening boxes or cutting string. Medium blades are the most common, and for good reason. They are stronger than smaller blades and can do strenuous tasks. However, depending on the length of the blade, you may not be able to carry them in locations with certain knife laws. Large blades are typically used for self defense purposes, and can be heavy to carry around. While not a handy knife to use every day, they offer a strong, sturdy blade.
• What kind of pocket knife opening mechanism do you prefer? Manual opening knives require you to use your hands to open up the blade. Of course, with this style, you have to be careful you don’t injure yourself in the process. Switchblade or automatic knives open up when you push a button. These types of knives are not legal in some places, so be sure to check the local knife laws in your area before getting a switchblade. Another style is the assisted opening method, which is similar to a switchblade but requires more force to open.