Finding the Best Pocket Knife for You
1. CRKT Homefront - Editor's Pick
We first got our hands on this knife at SHOT Show. It has AUS 8 blade steel with 6061 aluminum handles making it a very durable, sharp and lightweight pocket knife. What truly sets it apart is the Field Strip system. Designed by legendary knife designer Ken Onion, the Field Strip system allows you to take the knife apart without tools and in a matter of seconds. You flip the lever, rotate the wheel and the knife comes apart for cleaning. This makes it the perfect knife for everyday use because if you’re like us, you are always doing something fun where your knife could get filthy. This system solves one of the major issues with folding pocket knives. And being from CRKT, you know the quality is there, too.
2. Benchmade Boost 591
Benchmade is one of our favorite knife makers. They work with custom knife makers and designers for every knife offered by the brand. One of our newer favorites for an everyday carry pocket knife is the Boost 591. The 591 has what Benchmade calls comfortable, dual-durometer ergonomics. A practical knife with the quick action of the Axis Assist mechanism, ambidextrous access and strong CPM-3V steel with opposing bevel and blunt pry-tip blade. It is just 4.83 inches long when closed and 8.26 inches when opened. A great multi-purpose knife and tool.
3. Case Stockman - The Classic Pick
How could we talk about pocket knives and not include a Case? Case knives are the quintessential pocket knife. The Stockman is one of their best models, and there are many options available for the handles. We like the black laminated canvas handles that is scratch resistant and textured for grip. The Stockman has three distinct blades. The Clip blade is commonly used as a multi-purpose blade and preferred for detail work. The Sheepfoot blade allows for added strength at the point making it great for carving and achieving a clean cut. The Spey blade is commonly used as an all-purpose utility blade. These knives are about as classic as they are functional. You need to get one for yourself, and maybe one to pass along to a friend, spouse or child.
4. Ontario Knife Company Rat 1A Folding
Ontario Knife Company (OKC) took their top-selling RAT1 folding blade and updated it to include OKC’s patent-pending Tactical Assisted Opening (T.A.O) system, designed by Joe Pardue. The RAT 1, with its aggressive yet practical design, can be used for everything from emergency situations to everyday carry. The durable, textured G10 handle provides your hand a firm and stable way to grip the knife. OKC has been around for over 100 years and still operates from their original upstate New York location.
5. CRKT Minimalist Cleaver - The Little Knife You Didn't Know You Needed
While not a traditional pocket knife, this sweet little blade is just too cool to leave off the list. It fit perfectly in the hand and the grooves are so well placed that the knife sits right in the grip and doesn’t slip well. The satin, bead-blasted blade is durable 5Cr15MoV steel. The shape is unconventional, but once you use it, you’ll find it to be extremely handy. The knife is not a folder, yet is small enough for your pocket. The sheath also has a lanyard so you can hang it around your neck.
What we look for in a pocket knife
There are so many good knives on the market today, it’s rather hard to pick the best ones. When thinking about what we’d look for in a pocket knife there are two main factors – usability and cleaning.
Usability and functionality are key. Pocket knives get called into duty for many different things, so it simply has to be able to get the job done. For this, we look at how sharp it is and how well it retains the edge. Dull knives are worthless. Quality steel that holds the edge and can be readily sharpened when needed is a must.
A good pocket knife also has to be easily cleaned regularly. All kinds of stuff gets into your pocket, and that can settle into the handle and mechanism of your pocket knife. Plus, if you’ve ever forgotten your hunting knife and had to dress a deer with your pocket knife, you’ll be glad you bought one that can be cleaned easily.
How long can my pocketknife blade be?
This varies by state, so check your local regulations before ever leaving your house with a knife in your pocket. Some states allow for no longer than three inches, and other restrict how the knife can open.
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