Pocketknives have long been the go-to tool for the avid outdoorsman. Whether it comes to fishing or for other purposes found around the campsite, pocket knives are always handy to have if you are out in the wild. However, they have grown in popularity outside of the campground with them being a prime choice for craftsmen, those who want some form of self-protection, or individuals who just want a tool they can carry on them at all times.
What exactly is a pocket knife?
As defined by Merriam-Webster, a pocketknife is “a knife that has one or more blades that fold into the handle and that can be carried in the pocket.” Before purchasing a knife, you should know what your knife laws are in your state. Here is a nifty state-by-state guide that can help you learn exactly what you can and can’t carry.
Top traditional pocketknife
You really can’t go wrong with the traditional Buck Knives 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife. It is made in the USA and comes with a warranty that never expires. It comes with a leather sheath and snap fastener so that you can carry it on your belt for greater accessibility. It has a walnut handle with brass bolsters, giving it that vintage look. The blade itself is 3-3/4” 420HC Stainless Steel. It is corrosion resistant and is known to hold its edge. For only $39.99 on Amazon, it is really a no-brainer.
Top high-end pocketknife
If you are not new to the knife world, then you probably have already heard about the quality of Benchmade’s products. The Adamas 275 Drop-Point Knife is one of their best knives.. With D2 stainless steel, it is able to hold an edge better than most other knives. It is 100% ambidextrous and can be open and closed with one hand. With its ability to handle a broad range of temperatures, it makes it excellent for tactical purposes. Although it costs $195.49 on Amazon, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty to help you keep the knife in top operating shape. And if you need it sharpened, you can send it back to Benchmade and they will do it for you.
Top middle of the road option
If you don’t like the traditional look and don’t want to fork over the money for a high-end Benchmade, then you can try going with a Kershaw Blur. This Kershaw knife is made in the USA, unlike some of their other products that are made in China. It is also ambidextrous like the Adamas 275. It has a reversible pocket clip so you can store it in a variety of ways. It has a thumb stud that allows you to easily open the blade. At $58.30 on Amazon, it is more affordable than the Benchmade without sacrificing too much on quality.
Determine Your Needs
The traditional pocketknife route is great if you expect to be using your knife while you are camping. It is also a great knife to pass on to your kids. However, if you want something that can be used as a tactical knife as well as a tool, then the Benchmade or the Kershaw would be your best bet.
