If you’ve always carried a pocket knife, it might feel weird to walk around without one. Once you start carrying this useful tool, you’ll realize how handy it is. To help you choose the right folding knife for you, we’ve narrowed in on the top factors that you should consider. Here’s everything you need to know about these handy knives to help you make an informed decision.
Before you set your heart on your favorite knife, check out these key factors so you can be sure you’re making the right choice:
The edge of the knife is the part of the blade used for slicing or cutting and is generally either serrated or plain. The type of edge can impact your overall experience with a folding knife and it can change how the knife is put to use.
The plain edge gives a clean cut and is more traditional. A serrated edge is used for cutting objects that require a saw-like motion, such as cutting meat or bread. Choose the edge depending on your intended use.
Another critical aspect is the handle. We recommend choosing a knife that’s easy to use and grip in your hand. If the handle is slippery or too hard, the folding knife may be hazardous.
Knife handles are made from a variety of materials, including steel, wood, titanium, and reinforced nylon. Choose the material of the handle carefully to be able to use the knife efficiently. Ergonomic designs are another plus. This essential feature guarantees a better grip and overall slicing motion.
Generally, the blades of folding knives are designed from different grades of stainless steel. This impacts the knife’s resistance to wear and tear and corrosion. Carbon steel blades are a popular choice for their durability and rust-proof properties.
As far as the blade shape is concerned, the best choices for pocket knives are clip-point and drop-point blades. Other shapes include leaf, harpoon, spear, and straight-point blades.
The ideal design comes down to your personal preferences and needs. While the wide selection of designs can be a little overwhelming, if you know what you’re looking for it’s much easier to choose your knife. There are many different designs to choose from, including traditional pocket knife styles, multi-tool styles and military-style designs.
There are many reasons why carrying a pocket knife is a good idea. Here are the top reasons:
For everyday tasks like opening the mail, cutting loose threads, and opening packages
Coming with thumb studs that make it simple and quick for you to instantly deploy the blade when needed, we’ve chosen this folding knife as our best overall pick. Plus, this multipurpose pocket knife is your ultimate emergency tool for a variety of uses, including cutting rope and small pieces of wood.
This handy folding knife by Smith & Wesson is great for camping trips or just to keep on you for protection. It’s small in size so you can easily store it in your pocket and the folding design keeps the blade safely stored away. What’s more, this knife is made of high-quality carbon stainless steel that is durable and rust-proof. It also has an ambidextrous design so that everyone can enjoy using it. Featuring divots on the handle to ensure a good grip, this folding knife is easy to use.
Made of stainless steel with a sleek handle and a great grip, this knife features a spring, which allows you to deploy the blade with a simple flick.
If you’re looking for a sharp, durable pocket knife that is super affordable, look no further than this spring-assisted folding knife by Grand Way. Coming in several different patterns, including the American flag, cameo and rainbow, this folding knife makes a great gift for the camping enthusiast in your life. What’s more, since the blade is so sharp already, you won’t need to sharpen it any further. You can use this knife for everyday tasks or just as a decoration.
Very lightweight, this knife features a clip so you can hang it from your pocket or belt. What’s more, it comes with a soft carrying case so you can keep it safe while you’re traveling.
Sometimes a simple folding knife can be a total lifesaver. The ALBATROSS Folding Knife is a unique option that’s strong enough to cut through a seatbelt. This knife is available in four fun colors, including pink and multicolored, so you can choose according to your style. Another great feature of this knife is the spring-loaded blade which deploys easily. A secure lock keeps the blade in place until you’re ready to use it.
Featuring a sleek rosewood handle, this knife is small enough to be stored in your bag or pocket. Plus, the liner lock makes sure that the blade stays safely tucked away until needed.
This pocket knife by Grand Way is a great option for those who like to camp since this knife can be used to create wood kindling. Choose between a wooden or a plain black handle according to your preference. The blade is made from 440c stainless steel that doesn’t rust and stays sharp for ages. What’s more, this pocket knife has a glass breaker on one end, which allows you to break car windows if needed. You can also keep this knife safely clipped to your pocket or belt for extra security.
Made from high-quality materials, this knife also features a serrated edge for easier slicing. What’s more, the blade has an oxide coating that gives it a stunning look and improves its performance.
Pocket knives tend to be expensive, but this knife by Kershaw is not only affordable but also has a super sleek design and a sharp blade. Whether you’re using this knife for protection or daily use, there’s no doubt it works like a charm. Featuring a strong, stainless steel blade, you won’t need to sharpen it often. Plus, this folding knife can easily be deployed with one hand by simply pressing on the thumb stud.
A: A folding knife can cost between $20 and $300. We recommend spending between $100 and $250 for a high-quality knife. You can find a pocket knife with an excellent steel blade, a good warranty, a well-thought-out design and trouble-free use for around this price range.
A: The highest quality steel depends on your intended use. Some uses require a pure edge retention. Others require steel that’s durable and features more toughness and strength. If you’re choosing based on general use, S30V steel will serve you well. This steel can hold an edge and is sharp enough for multipurpose use.
A: Laws associated with carrying knives can be arbitrary and complicated. We recommend checking with your local jurisdiction to be absolutely sure if the folding knife you intend to carry is legal in your region.