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Pocket knives can be so feature-rich that picking the perfect one for you or a loved one can be a considerable and time-consuming challenge. Fortunately, our editors have rounded up the three main features you should be keeping an eye on when evaluating a pocket knife. These 3 features alone can tell you if the knife is right for you or not.
Main Types of Pocket Knives
Pocket knives, or folders, can be grouped into three categories:
1. Single Blade Pocket Knives
These are the most popular because they’re built to hold up to a lot of abuse and they are sturdier than the dual blade pocket knives. Single blade knives are also lighter than the Swiss Army knife, which is why many people prefer them. They’re the simplest model, and often simplicity equals resilience. They also have locking mechanisms so they deploy faster than the other two types of pocket knives. They make great general-purpose pocket knives.
2. Dual Blade Pocket Knives
Dual blade pocket knives have a duo of blades to give you a backup blade when the main one fails. There are also models with three or four blades for the exact same reason. However, these pocket knives are not as durable as the single blade knives and they’re less likely to become knife workhorses.
3. The Swiss Army Knife (or the multitool)
The Swiss Army knife should be a part of every survivalist’s arsenal. It is a pocket knife that comes with multiple tools for multiple tasks when away from home. Some models incorporate can openers, screwdrivers, tweezers, nail files, corkscrews, scissors, and even saws. The more attachments, the more expensive the knife.
This pocket knife has a long history and was initially designed for Swiss Army soldiers to use in non-combat scenarios, such as opening cans of food or taking apart their rifles. Meanwhile, these knives have evolved to contain more tools or be sturdier or lighter than their original counterparts. They’re also known as multitools and they’re usually the heaviest pocket knives on our list.
Types of Blade Edges:
When looking to choose the right pocket knife for your lifestyle and needs, the type of blade is also important. There are 3 major blade types:
- Plain (straight) edge
- Fully serrated
- Partially Serrated (the Combo Edge)
The plain edge is the best for EDC use and in general-purpose pocket knives as it handles most cutting tasks exquisitely. It is also a breeze to maintain because it is easier to sharpen (serrated blades pose some obvious challenges). The chief drawback of this type of pocket knife edge is that tougher materials such as nautical rope, wood, or seat belts might be harder to handle.
The fully serrated edge is great at handling harder materials and can last a bit longer than a plain edge as there’s little risk of chipping with heavy-duty use. However, serrated edge pocket knives are harder to sharpen, they’re less precise than their plain edge cousins, and are more likely to destroy the material being cut.
The partially serrated edge is a dual-purpose design that is supposed to give you the best of both worlds. They’re a combo of plain edge and serrated edge that are marketed as being the best in tactical and self-defense situations. The partially serrated is (theoretically) great for survival, combat, and tactical pocket knives, but it can be quite annoying especially in shorter blade pocket knives. Many people buy these because of their “tacticool” looks, rather than performance.
If you ask them, most experts will tell you that they would rather carry a plain edge knife and a fully serrated one and use each as the situation requires. If you’re into ultralight packing or your bug out bag weighs a ton already, go for a partially serrated blade.
Most Popular Blade Steels: Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel
Another feature you should be paying attention to when picking a pocket knife is the type of blade steel. The two most popular alloys are stainless steel and carbon steel. Pick stainless steel, a chromium-rich metal alloy, if you want a corrosion-resistant pocket knife that could last you a lifetime. However, stainless steel blades are soft (they might bend under heavy use), are hard to sharpen, and they lose edge lightning fast, so keep a knife sharpener nearby.
Stainless steel knives are the primary choice for beginner survivalists, rookie hunters, home cooks, and common (lazy) folks as they do not need special care and are fairly rust-resistant. Some stainless steel pocket knives might rust too, so keep an eye on them in a humid environment.
Pick carbon steel, a carbon-rich metal alloy, if you want a knife blade that is tough, scary sharp, holds and edge like a champ, and which is very easy to sharpen. The major drawback of carbon steel is that it rusts without proper care. So, make sure that you keep the knife away from water and season it if it needs seasoning.
Carbon steel is usually the choice of professionals that already have a sizable knife collection, including restaurant chefs. Because they stay sharp for longer, they’re the best pocket knife for preppers getting ready for bugging out or hunters who need to field dress their game. Carbon steel pocket knives are also slightly more affordable than their stainless steel counterparts.
Conclusion
Pocket knives come in many shapes, types, and sizes, and picking the right one for you can be a dizzying experience if you don’t know what to look for when choosing a pocket knife. To easier narrow down your options, start with the three chief features mentioned in this post to make your life a bit easier and elaborate from here.
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This content is brought to you by Nate Wilderness.
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