WHICH POCKET KNIFE TO CHOOSE?
Why is choosing the perfect pocket knife so difficult?
So why is choosing the ultimate pocket knife so complicated? Since knives have been around for so many years, they have evolved and diversified into many variations, leaving you with thousands of models to choose from. Choices are a good thing, but they can also make things overwhelming.
So what's a knife lover to do?
Well, short of buying every knife you see, the best approach to finding the right pocket knife is to know all about them. Since you don't have time to do this research, we did it for you.
Single Blade Pocket Knives
Single blade pocket knives are come in many shapes and sizes, but their best qualities are their simplicity and size. Unlike multi-blade pocket knives , these knives usually have locking mechanisms that make them stronger and more robust for more demanding jobs. They can also have spring-loaded opening mechanisms, allowing them to open on a dime.
Of course, the downside to a single blade is its lack of variety. These knives are great if you're looking for a solid all-purpose knife, but if you need a knife that can saw through wood in an instant and carve through wood afterward, you're out of luck.
Multi-blade pocket knives
Having multiple blades allows you to carry one pocket knife that can do the work of two or three.
However, the three or four blade models offer you the possibility of having several types of blades at your disposal. You never know when you'll have to carve a piece of wood in one case and skin a furry animal in the next. While multiple blade models give you variety, you won't get as much strength or durability as a single-blade pocket knife. This is a tradeoff you'll need to consider when deciding what type of knife to buy.
Swiss Army Knives and Multi-Tools
Sometimes you need a pocket knife with more than just blades. Saws, toothpicks, pliers, can openers, nail files, scissors, corkscrews and magnifying glasses are all common features of swiss army knives and others multi-tools , which are the most versatile pocket knives on the market.
Fully serrated, partially serrated or simple
Plain blade
Advantages : A pocket knife with a smooth blade is more effective for making deep cuts. Along the same lines, the single sharp edge gives you better control, more precision and cleaner cuts. Another advantage is that smooth edges are much easier to sharpen.
Disadvantages : One of its main disadvantages is its inability to saw and perform pull cuts. Just as you can't cut a loaf of bread with a flat-bladed knife, you can't slice objects that require sawing motions very effectively.
Recommended Uses : If you find yourself doing heavy cutting throughout the day, a plain edge will work well for you. While it won't work well on wood or rope, it will excel in areas like shaving and skinning.
Partially serrated blade
Advantages: A partially serrated blade is a mix of both edge types and has overtaken the fully serrated edge in popularity. The combo edge is more popular because it allows you to use one part of the knife for push cuts and the other part for rigorous cutting.
Disadvantages : The compound edge has some of the same disadvantages as a serrated edge, such as difficulty sharpening. However, other aspects, such as its clumsiness, are fixed by the flat part of the knife. Another thing to consider is the placement of the serrations on the blade as they are not always useful for certain tasks.
Recommended Uses : If you're looking for the best of both worlds, a partially serrated edge is the way to go. It combats some of the negatives of serrated edges but allows you to retain the sawing ability of your knife.
Choosing the blade length
When you browse pocket knives, you'll see a wide range of blade lengths. Even if it's just a few inches difference, the size of your blade can make a huge difference.
Like all other considerations when purchasing a pocket knife, it's usually a matter of preference.
Small blades
Benefits : It may seem like a better deal to get a larger pocket knife, but knives with blades 3 inches and smaller have a number of advantages. The first, and often most important, advantage is that small-bladed pocket knives are generally legal everywhere, so having one of these smaller knives will ensure you comply with almost all knife laws.
Smaller blades also have the advantage of being small. Their size allows for easy transport that is not as heavy as larger knives.
Disadvantages : The obvious downside to small blades is that they are not as strong or versatile as large blades. Due to their size, these are often slip joint blades, meaning they do not lock into place and are prone to failure under extreme use.
Recommended uses : These are ideal for light everyday carry when you only use the knife for basic tasks around the house like cutting string or opening small boxes.
Medium blades
Benefits :When we put together our best pocket knife guide, every knife fell into this blade length range. Blades between 7 and 10 cm have the advantage of being small enough to be mobile, but large enough to handle a wider range of tasks. Blades at this length also have various locking mechanisms that allow for better versatility and strength.
Disadvantages : There aren't too many downsides to medium sized blades, but some local knife laws may prohibit knives longer than 7cm, so it's important to follow your country's laws.
Recommended uses : This is the sweet spot of blade lengths for pocket knives. Medium blades are ideal for just about any task, from small things to heavy duty loads.
Large blades
Benefits : Pocket knives with blades longer than 10cm have many of the advantages of larger fixed blade knives, but are much more difficult to carry discreetly.
Disadvantages : Larger blades tend to be heavier. The blades also make the knife bulkier and less discreet. In some countries these knives may not meet certain legal requirements.
Recommended uses : A large blade is not always practical on an everyday carry knife. These are often considered novelty knives for display purposes, but can also be used for self-defense.
