Menu
Anatomy & Features
Guides
Shopping & Gifting Guide
Shopping for or gifting a pocket knife can be a thoughtful and personal experience, reflecting the recipient's style, needs, and hobbies. Whether it's for a seasoned outdoorsman, a handyman who appreciates practical tools, or a collector with an eye for craftsmanship, selecting the right pocket knife requires consideration of several key factors. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering insights and tips to help you choose the perfect pocket knife for yourself or as a gift.
Modern, Traditional, or Swiss Army?
Choosing between a modern pocket knife, a traditional pocket knife, or a Swiss Army pocket knife depends on your specific needs, preferences, and intended use.
Modern
Modern pocket knives showcase cutting-edge designs and materials, frequently incorporating premium steel for superior edge retention and robust locking mechanisms that securely hold the blade in position. Moreover, these modern knives often facilitate effortless one-handed opening through the use of assisted and automatic openers, as well as through intuitive features like thumb studs and flippers.
Traditional
Traditional pocket knives evoke a sense of timeless craftsmanship and simplicity. They often carry a classic design, fewer moving parts, and a straightforward approach. The allure of traditional knives lies in their heritage and the aesthetic appreciation of a bygone era. They're known for being easy to use and maintain, with some models having significant collectible value.
Swiss Army
For those seeking versatility in a compact form, a Swiss Army knife presents an intriguing option. These knives are designed to be multifunctional, featuring an array of integrated tools beyond the primary blade. From screwdrivers to scissors and saws, Swiss Army knives are like miniature toolboxes. Their compact and portable nature makes them well-suited for everyday carry, providing solutions for various tasks.
Edge Type
When deciding between plain, serrated, or partially serrated blades for pocket knives, it's important to consider the specific needs and uses you have in mind.
Plain-Edge
Modern pocket knives showcase cutting-edge designs and materials, frequently incorporating premium steel for superior edge retention and robust locking mechanisms that securely hold the blade in position. Moreover, these modern knives often facilitate effortless one-handed opening through the use of assisted and automatic openers, as well as through intuitive features like thumb studs and flippers.
Serrated-Edge
Traditional pocket knives evoke a sense of timeless craftsmanship and simplicity. They often carry a classic design, fewer moving parts, and a straightforward approach. The allure of traditional knives lies in their heritage and the aesthetic appreciation of a bygone era. They're known for being easy to use and maintain, with some models having significant collectible value.
Partially Serrated
For those seeking versatility in a compact form, a Swiss Army knife presents an intriguing option. These knives are designed to be multifunctional, featuring an array of integrated tools beyond the primary blade. From screwdrivers to scissors and saws, Swiss Army knives are like miniature toolboxes. Their compact and portable nature makes them well-suited for everyday carry, providing solutions for various tasks.
Price Range
Below $30
In this affordable segment, brands like Opinel, Victorinox, and Gerber stand out. For instance, the Opinel No. 8, known for its simple yet effective design, offers a carbon steel blade and a beechwood handle. Victorinox, famous for its Swiss Army Knives, offers the Classic SD model, a compact option with multiple tools. Gerber's Paraframe Mini is another notable mention, known for its lightweight and minimalist frame lock design.
$30-70
Kershaw, CRKT, and Cold Steel are prominent brands in this segment. The Kershaw Leek, for example, is popular for its sleek design and Sandvik stainless steel blade, offering both quality and aesthetics. CRKT's Pilar is another excellent choice, featuring a compact, robust design with a stainless steel handle and a distinctive sheepsfoot blade. Cold Steel also makes a significant entry in this range with knives like the SRK SK-5, which comes equipped with a durable Kray-Ex handle and a finely constructed blade made from SK-5w steel.
$70-150
This mid-range price bracket includes more premium offerings. Benchmade’s Griptilian series offers versatility with high-quality steels and various handle colors. Spyderco shines in this range with the Delica 4, featuring a VG-10 blade and a lightweight yet durable fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle.
$150-$200
Navigating the $150 to $200 price range in the pocket knife market, you'll encounter a diverse array of sophisticated knives that blend impeccable craftsmanship with high-grade materials. One notable brand in this category is WE Knife Co., known for its innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail. Their knives typically feature premium steel blades that offer superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, paired with elegant and durable handles made from materials like titanium and carbon fiber.
Another standout brand in this price range is LionSteel, an Italian knife maker renowned for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. LionSteel knives often boast beautifully crafted M390 steel blades, recognized for their toughness and edge-holding capabilities, and are paired with stylish, ergonomically designed handles.
Above $200
In this premium category of pocket knives priced above $200, brands like Microtech and Pro-Tech are just a few that distinguish themselves with exceptional craftsmanship and use of high-end materials.
Microtech, known for its mastery of out-the-front automatic knives, offers models like their Ultratech X-Wing, a benchmark in the OTF category, known for its precision engineering, durability, and innovative design. Microtech knives often feature premium steel blades, with handles crafted from materials like anodized aluminum and carbon fiber, offering a blend of tactical functionality and sleek aesthetics.
Pro-Tech, equally renowned in this high-end market, specializes in automatic knives. Offering models like the Pro-Tech Godfather, which exudes elegance and robust functionality, featuring premium steel blades and handles adorned with materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and custom inlays. Their knives are not just tools but are also considered works of art, appealing to both collectors and enthusiasts.
Personalization
Engraving on a pocket knife involves etching or carving a design, text, or pattern onto the knife's surface, typically on the blade, handle, or locking mechanism. This process can be done through various techniques, from traditional hand engraving, which involves using manual tools to carve the design, to modern laser engraving, which uses laser technology for precision and consistency.
Engraving adds a unique personal touch to the knife, transforming it from a simple tool into a cherished keepsake or a meaningful gift. The customization options range from simple initials, names, and dates to more elaborate messages or designs. It not only enhances the knife's sentimental value, especially if commemorating a special event or milestone but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.
Displays
Knife displays come in various forms, from simple single-knife stands to elaborate cases capable of holding multiple knives. These can range from minimalist designs, where the focus is purely on the knife, to more decorative stands that complement the style of the knife or the room's decor. Materials used in these displays can vary widely, including wood, metal, acrylic, and even glass for display cases.
For those who appreciate the artistry of their knives, a well-designed display stand or case can enhance the visual impact of their collection. It turns the knife into a piece of art, showcasing intricate details, materials, and craftsmanship. Furthermore, displays can help preserve the condition of the knives by keeping them in a secure and controlled environment, away from potential damage.
In addition to traditional stands and cases, magnetic wall strips are also a popular choice for displaying knives. These strips allow for easy access and a modern way to showcase your knives, turning them into a focal point in a room.
Investing in a quality knife display or stand is a worthwhile consideration for any knife enthusiast or collector. It not only adds to the enjoyment and appreciation of the collection but also ensures that your knives are stored safely and in a manner that highlights their beauty and craftsmanship.
Written by Drew Clifton
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.