Have you ever used a key to open a box? Or your teeth on a stubborn bag of snacks? You, my friend, need a pocket knife.
Luckily, you’ve just stumbled upon a small but dedicated community of people who love one of mankind’s most useful creations. Knives are simple tools, and they have a simple job to do. But when you get to know them a little more, you’ll come to appreciate all that goes into them. Blade HQ has been around for over 20 years to serve knife enthusiasts, and we really know knives, so let us help you learn more!
In this article, we’ll talk about why you should carry a pocket knife, help you find your first one, and show you some of the most popular knives for beginners. Stick around, and I’ll show you some insider SECRETS and rabbit holes you’ll fall down if you catch the knife bug—like I did.
Without further ado, let’s learn about pocket knives!
Table of Contents
- Why should I carry a pocket knife?
- When should I not carry a pocket knife?
- How to shop for your first pocket knife
- Best pocket knives for beginners
Why should I carry a pocket knife?
- To open and break down packages
- To survive the outdoors
- To complete odd jobs that require a cutting tool
- To prepare food
- To accessorize your outfit
We carry pocket knives primarily for function and form. In the movies, it seems the only reason anyone carries a knife is to use it as a weapon, and I’ve got beef with that. It makes anyone in real life carrying and using a knife look like a cartoon villain! It’s not fair to judge everyday knife users by the actions of fictional villains.
Here’s the truth: the vast majority of pocket knives are carried by normal, wholesome people. They use their knives for simple, everyday cutting jobs. And the more you learn about knives, the more you appreciate thoughtful design, interesting mechanisms, exotic materials, etc. In that way, knives are kind of like watches. Not only do they serve a particular purpose, but they look great and can tie your whole appearance together!
When should I not carry a pocket knife?
- If you’re mentally unstable
- If you have criminal intentions
- If there are restrictions due to local laws and regulations
Nothing I’ve said so far is to say that everyone should carry a knife. Knives are great tools, but when used improperly, they can be dangerous. Knives should only be carried by responsible people who know how to use knives safely.
If you’re mentally unstable or premeditating a crime, I’d suggest you pass on the knife and instead seek professional counseling. But if you’re a law-abiding citizen who means to contribute to society, the very law by which you abide might restrict carrying certain knives, like switchblades. If knife legality is a concern, seek qualified legal counsel before carrying a knife.
To learn more about what types of knives are regulated, read our switchblade knives article or watch our YouTube video!
How to shop for your first pocket knife
So, you’re ready to buy your first knife! Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect one for you. Choosing the right knife is kinda like making a meal. Pick your ingredients (or knife components), and there’s sure to be a knife that meets your needs.
Start by asking yourself five questions:
1. How much should I spend on my first pocket knife?
You can get a solid knife for as low as $10 and spend well over $1000! You should budget about $30-$100 for your first knife. If you care for it properly, this will get you a great knife that will last you a lifetime.
2. What type of pocket knife should I get?
There are four main types of pocket knives to choose from:
- Folders – They fold! These are broken down into three sub-categories.
- Fixed Blades – They don’t fold! These knives require a sheath. In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of fixed blades made to be carried in the pocket. Very fun!
- Out-The-Fronts (OTFs) – They shoot out the front! These are cool but tend to be a bit pricey.
- Butterfly Knives – They flip! These have their roots in Filipino martial arts and combine a skill toy with a knife. Very cool!
3. What size pocket knife should I carry?
When it comes to knives and pockets, size does matter. Especially for ladies. Small knives are easier to carry, while big knives can do more work. The key is finding the right balance between pocket depth and hand size.
4. Which knife mechanisms do I need?
You have three considerations when choosing mechanisms: openers, locks, and carry options.
- Opener – How you open the knife. There are many types of openers, but the three most common openers are:
- Thumb Stud – A peg in the blade you push on to open it.
- Thumb Hole – Functions much like a thumb stud, except it’s a hole.
- Flipper – A tab protruding from the back of the knife for you to press on with your finger to open the blade.
- Lock – How you keep the knife open. There are a ton of locks out there, and you can learn more in our Knife Locks article!
- Carry Options – How you plan to carry it. This could be a pocket clip, a sheath, or just slipping it into your pocket or purse.
5. What pocket knife materials are best for me?
This is what your knife is made of!
Handles have the most variety. Pick what’s most comfortable and best looking to you! This subject has its own article, Knife Handle Materials Guide, but I’ll give a brief overview:
- Metals – You most often see aluminum, steel, and titanium.
- Laminates – Layered textiles soaked in resin. There are three common types:
- G-10 – Fiberglass sheets soaked in resin. Impervious to the elements!
- Micarta – Fabric soaked in resin. Grippy when wet!
- Carbon Fiber – Carbon fibers soaked in resin. Strong and high-tech!
- Polymers– High-end plastics like Grivory, FRN, and acrylics—so, not the cheap kind.
- Natural Materials – Wood, bone, antler, etc. give a rugged and classy touch.
Blades are made of steel! This is the deepest rabbit hole in knives, and we have an entire knife steel guide to help you!
Best pocket knives for beginners
Kershaw Iridium
Smooth and Ambidextrous
- Blade: Drop point blade made from durable D2 steel.
- Opener: Dual thumb stud openers with a smooth KVT ball-bearing pivot.
- Handle: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle with nested steel liners that’re both tough and lightweight.
- Lock: Ambidextrous DuraLock that’s strong and easy to use one-handed.
- Carry: Tip-up reversible pocket clip for left or right deep pocket carry.
Spyderco Tenacious
Tough and Slicey
- Blade: Drop point blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.
- Opener: Thumb hole for classic Spyderco opening action.
- Handle: Available in G-10, FRN, and carbon fiber.
- Lock: Stainless steel liner lock.
- Carry: Four-way reversible pocket clip.
CRKT CEO
Understated and Classy
- Blade: Standard shape and available in multiple steels and finishes.
- Opener: Flipper tab coupled with an IKBS ball-bearing pivot.
- Handle: Various handle colors and materials to choose from.
- Locker: Stainless steel, liner lock mechanism.
- Carry: Tip-up, deep carry pocket clip.
CIVIVI Elementum II
Simple and Fidgety
- Blade: All-purpose drop point blade that can do it all.
- Handle: So many colors and materials to choose from.
- Opener: Flipper opener with a ceramic ball bearing pivot for smooth action.
- Lock: Button lock integrated into the classic Elementum design.
- Carry: Updated steel pocket clip for secure deep-pocket carry.
Buck 110 Slim
Strong and USA-Made
- Blade: Tough and stainless 420HC blade steel.
- Opener: Dual thumb studs and a reversible deep carry pocket clip offer fully ambidextrous use.
- Handle: Textured glass-filled nylon handle scales provide a light build and a secure grip.
- Lock: Stainless steel lockback mechanism for secure lock up.
- Carry: Reversible tip-up pocket clip.
Boker Kalashnikov
Tactical and Automatic
- Blade: D2 blade steel offers excellent edge retention.
- Opener: Push button automatic opening action.
- Handle: Coated aluminum handle.
- Lock: Button lock mechanism.
- Carry: Deep carry pocket clip.
Ontario RAT Model 2
Woodsy and Practical
- Blade: Drop point blade excels in outdoor cutting tasks.
- Opener: Dual thumb stud openers with washer pivot.
- Handle: Textured nylon handle scales.
- Lock: Steel liner lock mechanism.
- Carry: Four-position pocket clip.
CJRB Pyrite
Small and Slick
- Blade: AR-RPM9 stainless steel with ultra-fine grain structure thanks to cutting-edge metallurgy tech.
- Opener: Convenient thumb stud opener.
- Handle: Grippy, durable, and lightweight G-10 handle.
- Lock: Secure button lock.
- Carry: Reversible, tip-up pocket clip.
Gerber FlatIron
Distinctive and Rugged
- Blade: Stylish cleaver blade with elongated thumb hole for easy one-handed use.
- Opener: Thumb hole for easy blade deployment.
- Handle: Contoured scales provide solid ergonomics
- Lock: Durable steel frame lock mechanism with over-travel stop provides solid blade lockup.
- Carry: Stout stainless steel pocket clip for secure everyday carry.
Cold Steel SR1
Oversized and Overbuilt
- Blade: Thick, overbuilt blade made of tough 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.
- Opener: Dual thumb studs for ambidextrous opening.
- Handle: Molded and textured plastic scales over metal liners.
- Lock: Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock provides unbeatable lock strength.
- Carry: Reversible stainless steel pocket clip.
Victorinox Tinker
Classic and Functional
- Tools: Two blades, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, scissors, and a can opener.
- Opener: Nail nick openers on all tools.
- Handle: Injection-molded plastic handle scales that store a toothpick and tweezers.
- Lock: Non-locking slip joint mechanism is legal in more places.
- Carry: Slips easily into a pocket.
Dessert Warrior
Sweet and Sprinkly
- Blade: Blue-coated stainless steel blade.
- Opener: Automatic switchblade opening.
- Handle: Pink, besprinkled aluminum handle scales.
- Lock: Robust button lock mechanism.
- Carry: Stainless steel pocket clip.
Benchmade Bugout
Fancy and Featherlight
- Blade: Thin, slicey blade made of CPM S30V blade steel.
- Opener: Dual thumb studs for ambidextrous opening.
- Handle: Molded Grivory handle scales with partial steel liners.
- Lock: Fidgety and ambidextrous AXIS Lock
- Carry: Reversible stainless steel deep-carry clip.
