Pocket knives are undoubtedly the most useful tool that was ever invented. Over decades, this small pocket tool has been helping everyone in various situations, from cutting laces, opening packages to self-defense and life survival. Small but versatile, the pocket knife can be anyone’s best EDC tool.
As time passes, the pocket knives have been evolving with so many variants of styles and functionalities. With thousands of models to choose from, one can be overwhelmed while trying to get the best pocket knife.
Understanding the possibility of you having confusion, we’ve gathered here this list of pocket knife buying guides to help you easily get the best tool for you.
Number of blades
Though most of the best pocket knives on the market often come with a single blade, sometimes you might find yourself looking for more as it helps enhance the versatility of your tool.
Single-blade pocket knives, as the name indicates, come with solely one large blade that often comes in different shapes and sizes. This type of pocket knife typically features a locking mechanism for a stronger and studier tool, which is ideal for heavy-duty work. Some of the single-blade pocket knives come with spring-loaded opening mechanisms for users to easily pop out any desired tool.
Though it is more specialized, the single-blade pocket knife lacks variety. Hence, this is not the best option if you are looking for an all-purpose EDC tool.
On the other hand, the multi-blade pocket knives have multiple blades that allow users to tackle various jobs. The multi-blade tool often comes with two, three, or up to four blades with different shapes. Hence, the versatility. That said, a multi-blade pocket knife will not offer as much strength and durability as the single-blade counterpart.
Pocket Knife Edges
Another feature you should consider while shopping for a pocket knife is its belly, or the cutting edge. Nowadays, there are three most common edge types used in pocket knife blades: Plain, Fully Serrated, and Partially Serrated. Each comes with its own pros and cons.
With plain edge being the most popular type over centuries, it offers users great control over the work, with more accurate and cleaner cuts. This type of edge also poses efficiency when it comes to push cuts such as shaving or skinning.
The major downsides of the plain edge, in contrast, is that it cannot work well with pull cuts and saw motions. Hence, you might have trouble cutting wood or rope using a plain-edged blade.
In contrast to the plain edge, a fully serrated edge blade can excel at cutting tough materials, which often requires saw motions. Given the serrations, this type of edge has more strength due to higher pressure per area.
This hybrid version has gained its popularity over time with the ability to work as both plain and fully serrated edge. The Partially Serrated Edge let users use part of the knife for push cuts and the other part for rigorous cutting.
Blade length
Nowadays, the blade in a pocket knife comes with different sizes, varying from very small to very large. Though these sizes might differ only a few inches, it can make a big difference on the knife’s purpose.
Above are some most significant features you can find while looking for a pocket knife. There are more features you can consider to get the best pocket knife for yourself. To know more, check out our article: https://thekinglive.com/how-to-close-a-pocket-knife-and-safely-handle-your-multi-tools.html