How to Buy the Best Pocket Knife

What Type of Knife is Right for You?

Knives are as unique as people, and a knife that suits one person may not suit another person. There are multiple factors that characterize a pocket knife. Design, price, balance, size, weight distribution, and intended use are just a few. Some knives are now historical artifacts and some are collectables. Other knives

perform a specialty function; cutlery is specifically used in the kitchen. Pocket knives, though, are versatile and can be used everyday. When determining which pocket knife is right for you, it’s important you know how you plan to use it and what factors you’re looking for. In this post, I share how to buy the best pocket knife.

Why Should You Choose a Pocket Knife Rather Than a Fixed Blade Knife?

The primary benefits of a a pocket knife are its accessibility and the ease with which it can be carried. Furthermore, a pocket knife can fulfill a variety of uses, ranging from opening boxes and mail to performing self-defense. Fixed blades are large knives that are not as versatile or easy to carry. Fixed blades also require a holster. For a practical, everyday carry knife, the pocket knife can’t be beat.

I Want to Buy the Best Pocket Knife. Where Do I Start?

What Is the Purpose of Your Knife?

Before you choose a pocket knife, determine what the purpose of your pocket knife will be. Will you use it outdoors for hunting, hiking, and camping, or are you more focused on survival and self-defense? All preppers should carry a pocket knife, as they can be incredibly helpful in emergency situations. Considering everything that is going on in today’s society, it is best to be prepared if you’re forced to protect yourself. A pocket knife offers you some catastrophe insurance.

How Much Should the Pocket Knife Be?

Before making any purchase, you should have a budget in mind. You don’t want to start searching for options and, after seeing some prices, come up with your budget. Know your price point before you consider your options. Like with many other products, pocket knives come at different price points. And, to a certain extent, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a folding knife that has nearly unlimited utility indoors and outdoors, I suggest the best EDC knife under $50. If you’re instead focused on a multitude of different functions, it’s hard to go wrong with a Swiss Army Knife. These great options are very affordable. Once you reach higher price points, then you’re likely considering bowie knives. 

Consider the Blade Length of the Pocket Knife

In my state, the length of the overall pocket knife size is limited to 8 inches. For most practical purposes, including self defense, you don’t need your blade to be longer than 4-5 inches. Furthermore, a smaller size would allow you to have more control in a given situation. So, there are legal restrictions on long blades and short blades offer its owner more utility.

Selecting the Blade Edge: Plain Edge, Serrated Edge, or Combination Edge

Serrated edged knives are best to use in emergency situations, such as encountering a rabid animal. A plain edge blade is better in a day to day situations because it makes a clear, clean cut. A combination edge is a mix between the two but serves a different purpose based on the blade. The combination edge knife offers both a clean and serrated edge. As a result, it can serve multiple purposes. Your choice of edge again comes down to the purpose for which you’re buying the knife. For most purposes, a plain edge is the best decision. If you want to buy the best pocket knife for you, the blade edge type should be one of your primary considerations.

Pocket Knife Handle: Length, Material, Design, Structure, and Grip

Your pocket knife has to be perfectly balanced in your hand, comfortable, and easy to use. Balance, comfort, and use is largely dictated by the handle. The knife’s handle is vital in ensuring your control of force applied on the blade. The material should be sturdy and both the design and structure should emphasize practicality over aesthetics. Handle grip is important in preventing you from losing your knife or having it slip out of your hands during use. The grip has to be comfortable but firmly reliable in its position within your hand. 

Safety Features to Consider When You Want to Buy the Best Pocket Knife

The best pocket knives have three very important safety features. First, when you extend the blade, there is a safety feature preventing the blade from collapsing on your fingers. Second, the knife needs to reliably execute its tasks when it is fully extended. Any malfunction can potentially harm its user. Third, the best pocket knives properly retract. Retraction is just as important as extension. If your pocket knife doesn’t properly retract, it has the potential to accidentally extend. This is a recipe for an injury.

Opening Mechanism: Manual, Single-Hand, Two-Hand, Automatic, or Assisted Opening Knife

There are many different types of pocket knife opening mechanisms. In my eyes, the single-handed opening mechanism is advantageous because your second hand is free to perform an additional function. This is especially important in the event you need to defend yourself. Just one hand is needed to deploy the blade, leaving your other completely free. Furthermore, a pocket knife that automatically opens provides you with increased opening speed. Contrast this with a knife that requires two hands to manually open. You may be familiar with the knives that require you to use your  thumb nail to pull the blade to full extension. These types of pocket knives may be too impractical in emergency situations. I suggest thinking through this when you go out to buy the best pocket knife for your intended uses.

I’m Now Ready to Buy the Best Pocket Knife. Any Final Words of Advice?

The best pocket knife is one that suits all your needs. Moreover, the best pocket knife is reliable, comfortable, and easy to use. The pocket knife should be strong and sturdy as well. I suggest going to a local hunting store and try out a number of different pocket knives. Test out the feel, weight, balance, and other above mentioned factors. You’ll know when you have the pocket knife that’s right for you.

William C. Cabral is a professional blogger and writer. His favorite topics to write about are tactical and fighting knives. If you are searching for the best tactical knife, you should check out The Tactical Knives. His blog has lots of review articles, informative tips, a proper guideline, buyers guide, and much more.