Best Pocket Knife

[onelastshot]

For one reason or another, I've never felt the need for a pocket knife. Recently, I decided that I'd like to have one. The million dollar question is what pocket knife should I purchase? There's no specific purpose for purchasing one, I've just decided that I'd like to carry an all around pocket knife. I know some people feel undressed without their knife.

In short I'm looking for suggestions as to what brand and style of knife you'd recommend. I have no idea what options are most useful, I don't want something that has 101 different implements; just a knife that will be useful. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[msalm]

I carry a benchmade that I really like with the improved slide lock vs. a liner lock. It's a little more secure during use IMO. I would suggest a better quality folder with a pocket clip and good quality steel.

 

[JimT]

If I were you I would start off with selecting the type of steel that meets your needs and can afford and then look for a knife that has it.

The article at the link below is a great place to start.

https://knifeinformer.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/

I currently carry a Spyderco made of CTS-XHP.

 

[Wingnut00]

I’ll second benchmade. Is it the best, probably not but excellent quality and affordable.

 

[okie]

if you are like me you had better get a handful...

 

[hammerjack]

Spyderco with CPM-M4 steel. You can almost get cut just by looking at it when you learn how to keep it sharp.

 

[Blackthorn]

The most helpful advice for a pocket knife is buy one with a locking blade. Nothing like having a pocket knife close on your knuckles.
I’m partial to Kershaw brand knives. They have a nice selection.

 

[Tommie]

if you are like me you had better get a handful...

Exactly. Matter of fact I quit carrying a knife. Have no idea how they manage to slip out of a front pocket so easily!

 

[Forum Boss]

Thumbs down on Benchmade. I've had two. Neither came with a decent edge. I sent them both back to Benchmade and they came back dull as before. The made-in-china knife I got free with NRA subscription is WAY sharper, and holds its edge. I also have a Buck folder that is very sharp and is used a lot.

Maybe Benchmade is better now, but I'll never buy anything from them ever again.

Best knife I've ever had is a small Spyderco folder, plastic grip, with the partly serrated blade. I think I paid about $20 30 years ago. I still have that knife and it is still razor sharp!!!!

 

[ebb]

Don't listen to all this talk about buying an expensive pocket knife. If you have never carried one before get a good modest priced knife. You will surely lose it if you are not used to carrying one. Your second knife can be an expensive knife. Buy a case and carry it a while. I used to carry a big knife but I always wore out my jeans over the pocket the knife was in. I carry a much smaller knife now.

 

[Stepsjframe]

I carry a Gerber EAB which is a small box cutter that takes the disposable utility knife blades. Used to carry a Kershaw but it was always dull and I hate sharpening, then carried a multi-tool but it was so bulky that I often "forgot" to carry it. The EAB is perfect around the farm for opening boxes, feed sacks, cutting twine, stripping wire, etc; then when it gets dull take a dime and unscrew the retainer and flip the blade over, once that side is dull just replace. Nothing better than box cutter sharp.

 

[PDS]

Gee Boss you must have caught Benchmade on a bad day of the week. I've had 2 of their folders for 15 years now and have had no problems. Maybe I'm a little easier on them than you are. They aren't a life or death tool for me.

 

[Bill K]

You can buy and pay for a high priced pocket knife. But for the average person and having a decent pocket knife, it is hard to beat the old Case, Old Timer or Buck brands. I have carried and like the Old timer Trapper model. Have had one in my pocket for at least 60 years.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I like the ole benchmade myself

 

[Toolbreaker]

I've been carrying the same Buck 303 for over 25 years now. It hasn't let me down yet.

 

[Just Say Moe]

I have found most of my pocket knife needs are scraping, prying, screws, peeling apples, etc. These needs are best served by a medium sized Swiss Army knife.

 

[pirate ammo]

Depends what your going to do,gut a deer or cut a piece of yarn,,Old Timer.

 

[joshb]

Swiss Army. I get the model with the scissors. Handy as hell. I buy a new one, every summer. I lose more at airports than anywhere else. Forget to pack them!

 

[cdhbrad]

For "dress", I carry a small Bob Sims slipjoint folder that he called a "gentlemen's folder." I had him make for me in 1994 using a file for the blade and backspring. Black Micarta scales, no bolsters, silver liners......sharpest knife I have ever owned.
For everyday, an AG Russell "Brute":http://www.cuttingedge.com/knife/klc08853_brute_lockback Mine has Black scales. Not sure if it is still offered.

 

[GSS]

I never claim best for most any one thing But...

I won an SOG Aegis down at the Creedmoore Rifle matches in Butner NC about 8 - 9 years ago and the thing has been great. Excellent grip / texture, solid locking holds an edge great, Awesome for self defense or opening boxes. Belt / pocket clip is still solid after all these years.

Quick one hand assisted opening works slick and is very fast.
With a little practice it can be opened in a fraction of a second of the clip clearing your pocket in one motion.

I looked it up when I got home and back then it was around $90
I would have never paid that much for a pocket knife if I had never won this one and learned 1st hand how nice it is.

I liked it so much I bought one for my Dad for his Birthday the same year I won mine. He's 85 now and still carries it daily

https://www.sogknives.com/type/knives/aegis-black-tanto-serrated.html

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If I lost mine and I were to order a new one I would look at the escape as it has the built in seat belt cutter and glass breaker as well for any vehicle involved emergencies
https://www.sogknives.com/type/knives/escape-black.html
Don't know about you, but the world seems to be getting more complicated. The Escape acknowledges this and provides a solution for you. As a general knife, it is the perfect size for everyday carry but still has a tremendous amount of capability with its one hand-opening blade. Integrated in the handle is a line cutter (perfect for cutting cord, string, seat belts, etc.), a glass breaker for extreme emergencies, our patent-pending wire stripper, and extra line cutter blades (which are stored under the handle slab). All this combined with a stout partially serrated spear point blade and hard anodized aluminum handle, says I'm ready for whatever might come my way.
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I would only consider solid locking folding with quality belt / pocket clip

Here's the full current lineup of the lockback current offerings
https://www.sogknives.com/type/knives/knife-type/folding-knife/edge-type/partially-serrated.html

Here is a pic of what mine is like.