Having a pocket knife handy can be nothing short of life-changing. Once you incorporate it into your everyday carry, it can be difficult to go back. You’ll never reach for a multi-tool or a box cutter again; a good pocket knife can help you perform both general and specialized tasks with ease, from opening your latest package to popping a bottle of beer open.
Given the variety of options available, though, how do you choose the best pocket knife for your specific use case(s)? Here are a few things you should consider when shopping for one:
It should be safely pocketable
It’s safe to say that there’s no such thing as the “best pocket knife”, only one that’s best for you. Contrary to what top 10 lists on the internet would have you believe, pocket knives are different things to different kinds of people. The best pocket knife for a fishing enthusiast, for example, may not be the same as the best pocket knife for a mechanic.
What all pocket knives should be, though, is safe to carry around. It’s going to spend most of its time in a pocket, though some people prefer to clip them inside jackets or have them hang off a keychain. For ease of use, though, most will probably keep them in a pants pocket. And you do not want them accidentally falling open in there.
You’ll therefore want any pocket knife you invest in to have a safe and secure pocket clip. Do your research on which manufacturers produce the best ones; White Mountain Knives offers SOG pocket knives that are known for having really great ones.
Size does matter
When it comes to pocket knives, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Portability is one of its biggest selling points, and likely one of your major considerations. There’s no sense in buying a pocket knife that’s bigger than you need it to be.
Consider your needs carefully when choosing a pocket knife. For most daily tasks, a shorter, lighter design should be more than suitable. Avoid any pocket knives that are too big and unwieldy. You’ll probably have a harder time using them, and the additional weight in your pocket won’t be worth the impressive looks.
Pay close attention to the steel
When shopping for a pocket knife, you’ll find that they come in a variety of knife steel types. Some of the most common ones include carbon steel, stainless steel, and tool steel, among others.
By far, stainless steel is the best choice for most daily applications. It has better resistance against corrosion, which makes it easier to care for. Conversely, carbon steel is less resistant to rust and corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture, but it is stronger and more durable than stainless steel.
White Mountain Knives is the best place to shop for knives, tools, and other outdoor gear. They carry a wide variety of well-known brands, including Benchmade, CRKT, SOG, and many more. Visit their website today and purchase your first pocket knife now!
