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Are you in need of a pocket knife for your outdoor expeditions? Are you searching for the best pocket knives on the market? If you are an avid outdoors individual, then you know the importance of a high-quality pocket knife. It can be the difference between getting a job done deep in the woods or returning to your home or camp without accomplishing your goal. In this article, we review some of the best pocket knives to help you find the right one for your outdoor expeditions.

1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S is made with a black high-carbon stainless steel blade. It has ambidextrous thumb knobs, jimping, and an index finger. This Smith & Wesson folding knife is ideal for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, survival activities, and many other outdoor activities. It has a length of 7.1 inches, a blade length of 3.1 inches, and weighs 3.5 ounces.

What We Like:

Secure

Dependable

Durable

2. ALBATROSS Folding Pocket Knife

This pocket knife is made of high-end stainless steel with a black finish. It is durable, sharp, and wear-resistant. This pocket knife is a multi-functional knife designed with a rope cutter, magnesium fire starter, minim LED flashlight, glass breaker, bottle opener, thumb stud, liner lock, pocket clip, and flat and serrated blade part of it. It is ideal for hunting, camping, hiking, survival activities, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Multi-functional Tool

Wear-Resistant

Durable

Razor-Sharp

3. Grand Way Pocket Knife

This pocket knife is durable and made of high-quality materials. The blade is made of 440c stainless steel. It is ideal for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, self-defense, and many other outdoor activities. It is also a perfect gift item for the outdoors person in your family.

What We Like:

Durable

Easy To Use

Sharp

4. Palmetto Wood Shop Pocket Knife

The Palmetto pocket knife is ideal for many outdoor activities like hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, and many others. It is a multifunctional pocket knife that is designed with a rope cutter, can opener, and a glass breaker as parts of the pocket knife.

Moreover, it features a 3.25-inch long blade that is 3 mm thick. and weighs 5 ounces. This pocket knife is personalized to make it an ideal gift for the outdoors person in your family.

What We Like:

Multifunctional

Durable

Easy To Use

5. Kershaw Shuffle II Folding Pocket Knife

The Kershaw Shuffle II is made of durable, reliable high-carbon steel and textured handles with rubber molding for a secure and non-slip grip. its blade is made of stainless steel Tanto blade that is extremely sharp. Additionally, this pocket knife is a multifunctional knife that is designed to include a bottle opener, a lanyard hole, and a flathead screwdriver tip. It can be used for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Multifunctional

Durable

Easy To Use

Sharp

6. Kershaw Link Pocket Knife

The Kershaw Link pocket knife is made of reliable and durable 42HC stainless steel. It is extremely sharp and corrosion and stain resistant. Additionally, this Kershaw pocket knife is secure with its liner lock features that secure the blade opens during use and prevents accidental closure. It is 7.6 inches in overall length, 4.4 inches when folded, and weighs 4.7 ounces. This Kershaw pocket knife is also wear-resistant.

What We Like:

Corrosion Resistant

Durable

Wear Resistant

Secure

7. Steinbrucke Pocket Knife

This pocket knife is durable and its blade is made of German stainless steel. It is a multifunctional pocket knife that is designed with a glass breaker, and belt cutter part of it. Its overall length is 8 inches, with the length of the blade being 3.4 inches, and the knife handle length is 4.6 inches. It weighs 0.5 ounces. Additionally, this pocket knife is ideal for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Multifunctional

Durable

Easy To Use

Sharp

8. GVDV Pocket Knife

The GVDV pocket knife’s blade is made of stainless steel with a black oxide layer that makes it corrosion-resistant with great cutting performance. It is also designed to be safe and secure with a liner-lock system that secures the blade when opened and prevents unwanted blade closure.

Additionally, this pocket knife is also designed as a multifunctional knife with a slot cutter and a glass breaker. It can be used when hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like:

Multifunctional

Corrosion Resistant

Durable

Safe

9. Buck Pocket Knife

This pocket knife is razor-sharp and made of steel blades that deliver excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Weighing 1.5 ounces, this pocket knife is lightweight and portable making it ideal for many outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other activities.

What We Like:

Lightweight

Corrosion Resistant

Razor-Sharp

Durable

10. Kershaw Grid 2200 Pocket Knife

This Kershaw pocket knife features a 3.7-inch stainless steel blade with excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and toughness. It is designed to be a safe and secure pocket knife for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor expeditions.

What We Like:

Corrosion Resistant

Wear Resistant

Durable

Safe

Types of Pocket Knives

  1. Single-Blade Pocket Knives

Single-blade pocket knives are simple in design with one large blade. They are stronger and sturdier with a locking mechanism. You can also find single-blade knives with spring-loaded opening mechanisms. These knives are simple and not versatile; therefore if you are looking for a knife that can do more difficult and different tasks, then this isn’t the best option for you.

2. Multi-Blade Pocket Knives

Multi-blade knives allow you to perform a number of different tasks with a single knife. They usually have more than two blades. This knife is ideal for the outdoorsman who may have to do one task and then a completely different type of task that requires a different knife.

Types of Blades

  1. Clip Point

The clip-point blade has a narrow point and is ideal for hunters. The back edge has a concave shape which makes the tip sharper.

2. Drop Point

Drop point blades are usually found on hunting or survival knives. They are good for skinning and piercing due to their large belly and controllable point.

3. Straight-Back Blade

The straight-back blade is good for chopping and slicing. This blade has a traditional shape with the front featuring a curved edge while the back has a straight and dull back that produces additional pressure.

4. Needle Point

The needle point blade has two edges and is ideal for self-defense. The blade is asymmetrical and sharply meets to a point.

5. Spear Point

The spear point blade is good for piercing although it features a belly that renders it good for slicing. Both edges of the spear point blade can be single or double-edged.

6. Tanto Point

It features a high point with a flat grind but has no belly. It can be used for push cuts and piercing tough materials.

7. Sheepsfoot Blade

The sheepsfoot blade is ideal for cutting and slicing due to its flat cutting edge. With a dull point, it is difficult to cause any injury to you. It is ideal for emergency responders to cut seat belts and other restraints to free a victim.

8. Trailing Point

The back of a trailing point blade curves upward to create a deep belly for slicing. It is ideal for skinning and slicing with its large cutting area.

9. Pen Blade

The pen blade is usually found on swiss army knives. Its dull and sharp sides slope at the same degree, making it appear similar to a spear point.

10. Wharncliffe Blade

The Wharncliffe blade is good for carving wood with its cutting ability. It is similar to the sheepsfoot blade.

11. Spey-Point Blade

The spey-point blade features a straight edge that curves upward and a straight back with a short flat edge that runs to the tip. It is usually found on knives with multiple blades and is ideal for skinning furry animals.

12. Hawkbill Blade

The hawkbill blade looks like the shape of a hawk’s bill, hence the name. It features a concave cutting edge and a dull spine. It is good or opening boxes, stripping wires, and cutting cords.

Types of Pocket Knife Edges

  1. Plain Edge

The plain edge offers better control, more accuracy, and cleaner cuts. Additionally, plain edge knives are easier to sharpen. However, the plain edge knife can’t saw or perform pull cuts. It works well for push cuts.

2. Fully Serrated Edge

A fully serrated edge will easily cut tougher materials due to the nature of the edge. Additional strength is produced from the higher pressure per area due to the serrations. However, serrated blades are more clumsy than plain blades. Additionally, serrated blades are more difficult to sharpen. It is ideal for hard cutting and sawing tasks.

3. Partially Serrated Edge

This is a combination of plain and serrated edges. With this edge, you get the benefits of both worlds. You can use part of the knife for push cuts and the other part for serious cutting.

What To Look For When Choosing a Pocket Knife

  1. Durability

Durability is one of the important factors to consider when choosing a pocket knife. It will usually be used outdoors and you want a durable knife to withstand the rough jobs it will do s well as the occasional drops and impact from the harsh weather.

Most pocket knives are made of different variations of stainless steel and have a finish that renders them durable, corrosion-resistant, and wears resistant.

2. Multifunctional Capabilities

Most pocket knives are designed to be multifunctional. They are designed with other tools built into the pocket knife that comes in handy when you are outdoors. Most pocket knives have a bottle opener, glass breaker, fire starter, belt cutter, LED light, and other tools that can be used in everyday activities and also when you are out in the woods.

3. Safety

Safety is another important factor to consider when choosing a pocket knife. You want a pocket knife that is designed to be safe and secure when it is used and when not in use. Many are designed with a liner lock and thumb studs for right and left-hand openings.

4. Ease of Use

How easy it is to use a pocket knife is another factor to consider when choosing one. Many pocket knives are designed with pocket clips that make them easy and safe to use ad carry while you are outdoors. Some are also designed with a reversible clip that makes them convenient for both left and right-handed users.

5. Grip

The grip of the pocket knife is also an important factor. You want a pocket knife with an ergonomic and comfortable grip. Most pocket knives are designed with a comfortable grip that makes them easy to hold and use it when hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

6. Size

The size of the pocket knife is also very important. A small or average-sized pocket knife makes it portable to carry with you on your outdoor expeditions. Most knives are designed to be small and lightweight which renders them portable.

7. Design

The design of the pocket knife is also another important factor to consider when choosing one. You should choose a well-designed knife that will meet the demands of outdoor expeditions as well as make it safe to use and carry it. Many are designed to be durable, sharp, lightweight, and safe.

8. Sharpness

The sharpness of the pocket knife is also very important. When working outdoors with a pocket knife, you want a razor-sharp knife that can quickly get the job done. Whether you are hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking, a razor-sharp knife will make it easier to complete the job and get back to your base. Most pocket knives are made of hardened stainless steel which renders the blades razor-sharp.

Best Pocket Knives

How many types of pocket knives are there?
There are two main types of pocket knives: singleblade and multi-blae pocket knives.
What are the 3 common designs of pocketknives?
Three of the common pocket knife designs are the pen knife, the jack knife, and the multi-purpose knife.
What is a 3 blade pocket knife called?
A 3 blade pocket knife is called the Stockman.
What knife shape is best for self defense?
A spear point blade is a good option for self-defense.
What is the smallest knife called?
The smallest sizes knife is called the paring knife. It features a small, short-blade knife that is ideal for intricate cutting, peeling, mincing, and dicing.
What are the 9 knife cuts?
The 9 knife cuts are small, medium, large dice, mince, rough chop, batonnet, julienne, rondelle, and chiffonade.

The Bottom Line

Pocket knives are very useful when you are on outdoor expeditions like hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking. Situations will arise that require a pocket knife to get the job done.

In this article, we reviewed some of the best pocket knives on the market today to help you narrow down your choices and choose the best one for your outdoor trips. If you are interested in hunting knives and fillet knives, then read the best hunting knives and the best fillet knives.