A pocket knife is a knife that may be folded and carried in your pocket. These tools are versatile and can serve various purposes. They may be used to cut rope, webbing, seat belts, open boxes, and peel produce.
Whether you’re an outdoorsman, a self-defense enthusiast, or need a pocket knife for general use, you’ll want to be armed with the right tool—the pocket knives range from multi-blade designs to traditional slip-joint and Swiss Army knife-style models.
Slip-Joint
Slip joint knives do not use a locking mechanism and instead rely on spring pressure to hold the blade in place. These knives Canada are popular with those who prefer a traditional, classic pocket knife design and feature a rounded back spring that maintains constant contact with the blade tang as it opens and closes.
While they have a slightly higher risk of falling back into the closed position while cutting or carrying, these knives are no more dangerous than any other knife when used correctly. The general rule is that a quality slip-joint should pull itself open or closed with minimal effort.
Trailing Blade
A trailing blade knife offers excellent cutting control, especially when skinning. It has a wide belly that makes slicing easy and a sharp, upturned tip for stabbing.
A trailing blade knife uses a locking mechanism called a crossbar or sheath lock. This system has a steel bar that passes through the handle and slots into a notch in the tang, holding the blade in place. This locking mechanism is more durable than a liner lock, allowing the user to open or close the blade using only one hand. Some models also use a circular collar around the blade that twists to unlock or release the blade.
Tanto Point
The western tanto is the most iconic blade shape on this list, known for its tactical coolness. A variant of the katana, it features a sharp point and secondary edge designed for piercing and puncturing.
It’s not as good for slicing tasks as other blade shapes but is an excellent choice to choke up on a trapped person or perform some close-quarter combat. This tool has the versatility to handle survival tasks such as opening clamshell packaging and skinning game.
Tanto knives are also popular among military personnel because of their destructive potential for penetrating through clothing and even low-level soft body armor. Whether you choose a skeletonized version or something with a more traditional handle made from wood, bone, ivory, or celluloid, the strong lines of this blade shape evoke a certain rugged ruthlessness that many people find attractive.
Gut Hook
Gut hook knives are a great addition to any hunter’s arsenal, allowing them to work faster and safer in field-dressing games. These tools can also be handy for household tasks such as removing nails or prying boards.
The blade is sturdy and durable, with a full tang to ensure it doesn’t break easily. It also comes with a leather sheath for easy carrying and storage.
Needle Point
The locking mechanism on back-lock knives consists of a rotating sleeve of metal running along the blade. This sleeve slips into a divot near the base of the blade, locking it during use. This is one of the oldest folding knife designs, and it’s a good choice for anyone who needs to carry a sharp edge with them for long periods.
Sheath-style knives are designed to enclose the blade within the handle when not in use, which makes them both safe and convenient to store. They’re ideal for carrying clipped to a pocket, waistband, or lanyard. Many people also like to carry them as money clips. They look more like a money clip than a knife, so they hardly even feel like a blade in your pocket.
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