Photo by Zoltron
It used to be that a pocket knife was an essential item that a man carried with him. You had your wallet, your keys, and your trusty pocket knife.
The History of the Pocket Knife
1st Century Romans created the first folding pocket knife. They made for easy carrying for soldiers and other explorers on their journeys and conquests. However, as the use of sheathed knives became more popular, the use of pocket knives fell somewhat into disfavor.
By the late 16th Century, pocket knives began to regain popularity. They were especially popular in the American colonies. From farmers to lawyers, men from all walks of life started to carry them. The ultimate portable tool, the pocket knife was a useful aid in various tasks, including eating on the go.
Pocket knives have been an essential tool for soldiers throughout American history. New York and New Hampshire required their militias to carry pocket knives during the American Revolution. Even George Washington toted one around as he led his troops. The U.S. Navy began issuing pocket knives to sailors during the Civil War. During WWII, the pocket knife was standard issue for American GIs.
Men have been carrying pocket knives for centuries. But with increased security at the airport and other buildings, knives have been disappearing from men’s pockets. Yet these minor obstacles are not sufficient reason to give up carrying a knife completely. The carrying of a pocket knife is a man tradition that should be continued.
Why a Man Should Carry a Pocket Knife
How many times have you been in a situation where you’ve said to yourself, “Damn, a knife would be really handy now!” Here are a few instances when a pocket knife can come in handy or just make the simple things in life more enjoyable:
1. Opening a box.
2. Cutting rope, tags, and string.
3. Cutting an apple. I love eating an apple that I’ve cut with my pocket knife, slice by slice. You feel like a bad ass doing it. You hold the apple in your non-dominant hand and then make a slice with the knife using your dominant hand. After you make the slice, pinch it between your thumb and knife blade. Bring the blade to your mouth and deposit the apple slice.
4. Opening a letter. Sure, you could use your finger, but using a knife is just more manly.
5. Weapon. Not the most effective, but it’s better than nothing.
6. Camping. How else will you sharpen the point of a stick in preparation for stabbing your prey? And by prey I mean hot dog.
7. You never know when you’re going to have to MacGyver your way out of a crisis. Be prepared.
8. You need something to clench in your teeth when swinging from a rope.
What kind of pocket knife should you get?
Picking out a knife is a personal thing. It’s like picking out a wallet. It all comes down to personal taste. Men have a bond with their tools. Pick something that feels good in your hand, and that you’ll take pride in and want to carry around.
There are three common designs of pocket knives: the jack knife, the pen knife, and the multi-purpose knife. We’ll discuss the features and benefits of each one, in order to help you decide what kind of knife you should get.
Jack knife. A jack knife has a simple hinge at one end, and may have more than one blade. The jack knife is popular among hunters, fishermen, and campers.
Pen knife. A pen knife is hinged at both ends of the handle, and usually has two or three blades at each end. The pen knife was originally designed to cut or sharpen pen quills for writing. The pen knife is good if you want more than one type of blade. It’s also small and lightweight and won’t be noticeable in the pocket of dress clothes.
Multi-purpose knife. These are probably the most popular pocketknives. The Swiss Army knife and the Handyman are probably the most well known of the multi-purpose knives. Boy Scout knives are also multi-purpose knives. In addition to the knife blade, multi-purpose knives have can openers, scissors, leather punchers, tweezers, or even screwdrivers. These can come in handy on camping trips. However, if all you’re looking for is a sharp blade, the extra features will probably annoy you.
There are variations of these knife designs that you should take into account as well. Here are few to think about:Lock blade knife. The name of the blade explains it all. When you open the blade fully on this type of knife, the blade locks in place. Closing the blade requires you to release the blade by pressing down on a lever located near the back of the knife handle to disengage the hook from the notch that keeps the blade in place. A lock blade is useful for more heavy duty use. A good example of a lock blade knife is the Buck knife.Slipjoint knife. On a slip joint knife, the blade doesn’t lock, but is held in place by a spring device that allows the blade to fold only if a certain amount of pressure is applied. Most pen knives or multi-purpose knives use the slipjoint blade. Because the blade is less stable, it should only be used for light jobs.
Friction folder knife. This is another method of a non-locking blade. Friction folder knives use friction between the blade and the scales to hold the blade in place once opened.
One handed opening. Newer knives have a feature that allows for one handed opening. On the top of the blade, there is a hole that enables you to place the pad of your thumb in. Just press up and BAM, you got an open knife. This feature makes using a pocket knife much easier, especially when you have your hands full.
Where to Get a Pocket Knife
The best pocket knifes to have are the ones with a sense of history. I carry around a pocket knife that my father gave to me. It’s still in really good shape, and with regular sharpening cuts like new. It’s something tangible that reminds me of my father. One day I hope to pass it down to my son. So ask your dad if he has an old pocket knife that he can give to you. I’m sure he’ll be happy to pass it along.
If you can’t get a hand on an old pocket knife, or the one your dad or grandpa gave you is no longer usable, pick yourself up a new one. You can find pocket knives at any outdoor store. Better yet, find a knife store in town so you have a wider selection to choose from.
If you liked this article, please bookmark it on del.icio.us or vote for it on Digg. I�d appreciate it.
Subscribe to Art of Manliness by RSS or email to get your FREE guide to being a gentleman in 2008.
Facebook
{ 22 trackbacks }
{ 138 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
I’ve carried a Victorinox “Spartan†with a corkscrew, which has proved useful when there’s a bottle of wine to be opened and not one to be found anywhere close.
A great gentlemen knife, and one of many to add to your collection. A note about Swiss Amry knifes, the blades are stainless and require a little special attention to sharpen properly.
I’ve carried a pocket knife since starting cub scouts in the 60’s. Right now I carry a balisong tanto folding which clips onto your pocket and is rarely noticed. For my work as a paramedic, I find that leatherman is the best thing since the invention of sliced bread. Now, if you want to really impress people, remember knife protocol. When handing someone a knife, always hand it to them with you holding the blade edge away from your palm, giving them the handle. You don’t release the knife till they say “thank you”. That way you know they have control of the knife.
It's actually protocol to close the knife before handing it to someone and letting them open it.
I can understand, though, that some people would not necessarily know how to open a folding knife, and fewer would know how to close one, so I suppose it depends on whom you're giving the knife to.
Every man should carry a pocketknife. My first pocket knife was a little promotional slipjoint when I was about 8. Of course, I promptly cut myself. I learned the lesson to use a tool for it’s intended purpose and a knife is not a drill. Like all the others here, I feel naked without a pocketknife. I use mine 20 times a day in my work. I prefer a traditional knife to a multitool. I keep a Leatherman in my briefcase and there have been many times I have done whole service calls using it instead of pulling out a tool case. I have had more expensive knives, but find that the cheaper ones, kept sharp, are just as useful and tend to stick around like an ugly dog. By the way, all us guys, including the pastor, compare our pocket knives at church. My son carries one daily. He’s an adult now, but got thrown out of high school and charged for weapon possession for having one in his pocket. Be mindful.
I’ve been looking for opinions and advice. My son is 14 and got his first pocket knife in Scouts, like many boys do. We found that he primarily used it to carve sticks when we were camping, and also at home near our fire pit and the boyscout blade broke, which struck me as dangerous, so we got a different , single-blade style that I supose could best be described as a small hunting knife. He got two – one with a smooth blade and one with a serated blade for sawing through small twigs. Both are under 3″ in size.
Anyway, he’s not allowed to have either in his pocket most of the time – certainly not for school, for example. He’s been allowed to have it at home when there are not younger children around, and when we’re camping or fishing or when he’s at his Dad’s cabin in the woods.
One day last week he had it in his hands, closed and locked it and rode off to the local park. We live in a small river town in Illinois. Some other kids who do not like my son told someone that he had a knife in the park, and he got in trouble with the police.
Since this happened a few people have become furious with me for letting my son have this knife, including the police. All talk about it as a “weapon” and my son and I have always viewed it as a “tool”. The police have been almost crazy about it. I explained a hundred times that he got his first one in scouts, uses it to whittle sticks and does not view it as a weapon, and have conceded he should not have had it in the park. He didn’t threaten anyone with it or anything – this craziness is all because he has it.
Even my parents got on my case for my decision in letting him have it (they don’t remember that my brother had one much younger…and they bought it!)
I am interested in opinions on when a boy is old enough to have a pocket knife and also, why are they so commonly used and sold if, per the police, they are illegal in nearly every state for men of any age to carry (considered a concealed weapon)?
Until this happened I carried a small Swiss Army knife on my key chain – it’s pink…never thought it was a criminal act! I just find it handy for everything from getting dirt out from my fingernails, to opening a package or envelope to yes, cutting an apple…never even thought of it as a potential weapon.
Does anyone feel as I do, that boys can no longer just grow up and be trusted not to be violent morons? My son is not allowed to have airsoft guns, bb guns, rifles or even toy guns that look real at all because I do see they are more dangerous (particularly if someone thinks they are real and shoots in perceived self-defense). But I do let him light camp fires and things like that with my supervision – to me, he needs to learn these responsibilities. I think this living by fear is getting out of control! My son’s preschool buddie was suspended several years ago for having a neon orange water pistol in his backpack – a “concealed weapon” – he was 5. Is this a bit silly or what?
“8. You need something to clench in your teeth when swinging from a rope.”
Haha.. I found that pretty funny.
I carry a Camillus electrician knife, and a generic chinese made swiss style knife, which I pretty much consider expendable.
Excellent article. I carry a Buck 110 – I just totally love this knife.
I have a uncle henry pocket knife (the picture of the third knife) and I almost lost it. Luckley I found it in the trash.
y’all – case knives are the way to go. they make pretty much every type of knife mentioned in this article, have a great history, are made in the US, and feature beautiful and supple materials. they have pioneered a knife whose blades can be switched with one another. thus, you get a lock-back blade with the versatility of a multipurpose knife, hand-crafted with utmost care and only for $110! i mean, seriously, i made half that much daily working as a teenager! here’s the URL to a pic of the knife: http://www.casexx.com/DisplayDetailPage.asp?ProductCode=70050
P.S. no, i don’t work for them either.
I carry a case brothers jr scout. thanks for this article!
i love pocket knives
About 16 years ago I purchased a Camillius knife. One of their Yellow Jacket collections called a muskrat. It has two thin blades one on each end of the knife. I used it for work and love it. Unfortunately Camillius is no more (The name was sold to a company in Spain I think) so now I have to find another knife to carry. I wanted a smaller knife (less than 3″) because of the hyper-sensitive security everywhere. I have been looking for the right knife and Zippo lighter for the past month. I am new to the site and haven’t gotten through all of it yet, but if there isn’t an article on Lighters yet that might be a good topic.
I love my Xikar 138 and 158 pocket knives. These knives are no-longer made, but some places still have some in stock, as well as eBay. These are amazing well-thought-out, balanced and beautiful knives.
I used to always carry a pocket knife as a kid. I would even take it to school. The worst that would ever happen was the teacher would confiscate it until the end of the school year. I had several knives confiscated throughout my educational career but was never sent to the Principal’s office. I’m 43 now and times have sure changed. As an adult I got out of the habit of carrying a knife until last year. Two things prompted me to get back in the habit, I started a career as a middle school/high scool shop teacher and noticed all of my fellow shop carried pocket knives. I also read this excellent blog. I love the reaction I get from my students when I pull out my knife in woodshop! I also love the reaction of my 18 month od son and 4 year old daughter when I get out my pocket knife. One time at school the principles were trying to un jam some coins in the vending machine. I got brave and pulled out my pocket knife and fixed it for them. They never said a thing about having a knife at school. Of course I teach at a small rural school in N.E. Oklahoma so that probably makes a difference. Last Christmas I proudly opened my kids presents with my now ever present pocket knife!
I daily carry a Leatherman Wave. Got it 8 years ago, only had to clean and lube it once.
As I live in Sweden knives are not allowed to be carried on public places.
Unless you can claim reasonable use, such as a carpenter needing it for work or a scout going on a scout trip.
I can kindoff get away with it since I’m an It tech and can claim I need it for work.
I also dailycarry a smaller gerber knife with a 1.5 inch blade on my keychain.
I find that some of the best knives are the most simplistic.
I carry a Laguiole Knife I received as a gift for my 18th birthday or an Opinel knife.
Opinels are some of the best deals in knife buying. They are very inexpensive (between 9-15 dollars) look beautiful and last forever.
Just asked my dad if he had any pocket knives I could have and I scored a 35+ year-old one that my grandfather owned! Just needs a little steel wool and oil and it’ll be good as new.
I love pocket knives. I actually bought my first one at an antique shop. Later when I looked at it closely I found that it was a Viatnam war knife issue. The blade was too lose to really use it though. Still a great thing to have around.
My favorite knives that I use are a flip-out Winchester clip one blade half serrated knife. But one I also like it a Leatherman Wave. Knife, saw, file, rasp, serrated knife, two screw drivers, can/bottle opener, scissors, pliers, and 8 inch ruler. THAT’S what I call a knife!
i like my opinel its a good simple pocket knife and thats i want and need.
i might get a douk douk .
i am new here but why is everyone john l sullivan.
by the way hes a hero of mine i just didnt think too many knew of him
Funny – I got my first pocket knife, an official Cub Scout knife, for Christmas, when I was eight years old. I have carried a pocket knife every day since, yes even in elementary and high school. The funny part is that nobody gave a second thought to the fact that I had a I probably even used it to cut tapes, rope, whatever, for the teachers. What’s more, many of my friends also carried pocket knives, and nobody found it strange that a normal boy would have a pocket knife. But that was many years ago. Nowadays, many people seem a little surprised to see that I’m carrying it, but they’re always grateful for it, as I’m opening packages, cutting twine, etc.
My how times have changed.
I’m entirely impressed by this article, I’ve carried a pocketknife since I was a kid and have found numerous uses for it on a daily basis. I’ve owned many Case knives of different sizes and makes as well as CRKT and Buck knives and I can say hands down that every Case that I’ve ever owned has always been an absolutely amazing tool.
Kudos Brett and Kate, keep the good articles coming!
I’ve been carrying a small knife on me for years, but this post inspired me to get a more traditionally styled knife. That was a few months ago, and now I’m currently awaiting the delivery of my 4th Case pocket knife. Just wanted to say a quick thank you for introducing me to my new hobby of knife collecting.
Don’t forget about the marlinspike! I make my living on the water and its great not only for the cutting ebge but for splicing lines and untieing tight knots…
I carry what is called a “doctor’s knife”…very elegant looking, and has never caused an issue when pulled out an used.
I think part of the problem with people’s attitudes is the same issue as guns. If they look military/tactial, then there’s the “oh that’s dangerous” ….but if it looks like something their dad/grandad carried or less threatening like a swiss.multi tool….then that’s okay.
The Kershaw Chive is a great knife i got mine from here.
http://www.thebladeshop.com/Chive_Models_s/296.htm
Its small and sharp and has one hand opening function i love mine.
This article is excellent!
I always carry a knife on me, and I have since I was about 10 in Boy Scouts. Truly, if I don’t have it on me, I feel naked. And it is nice to have it on hand when you really need to use it!
For example, I was the best man at my friend’s wedding. When the happy couple went to light the Unity candle, that they light together, they couldn’t get it to light be cause the wick was too short. My friend turned around and looked at me in panic! His new bride was getting upset, and I could tell this was going to end in tears if someone didn’t do something.
So I moved forwards, and removed my knife from the back of my tuxedo trousers. I then proceeded to cut a deep crater around the wick, allowing enough room for them to light it. I then stepped back, and motioned for them to continue. The candle was lit, and they went on to have a lovely ceremony.
And at the reception, so many people thought it was marvelous that I came prepared. My friend, and now newly-wed, even commented “This is exactly the reason I picked you to be my best man. You were prepared to save my ass!”
it felt really good. I was hoping to attach that story to the knife, but sadly, i misplaced it at work one day, and I couldn’t find it anywhere. But I have a new one! So I am prepared once more.
my grandpa is 75, and i bet he has carried a pocket knife on him for the last 65 years. it’s always at the ready.
Just so everyones aware Magnum Boker is not a true Boker. Boker’s are very nice but Magnum Boker is a subsidiary made in Asia.
Gerbers are very nice, Smith and Wesson you have to be careful (their tactical stuff is nice, and the magnesium handled are light), Kershaw are nice. I’ve never actually had a Remington, Spyderco, Winchester, Buck, Leatherman or SOG.
The leathermans i’ve used have been of really good quality.
I carried my Leatherman Wave on my belt every day in Montana Conservation Corps. It was useful, not just for me, but for the whole crew. 90% of the use is on the pliers, file, wood saw (huge improvement over the old style), and screwdriver. Everyone carries a pocketknife, so my big blade is seldom used, and stays sharp. I’ve heard great things about the SOG multitools from SCUBA divers, but I think they’re overkill for my terrestrial adventures.
Here in the UK, you can only carry a folding knife with a blade less than 3 inches.
And even that becomes illegal if you use it in a threatening manner.
See attached website.
Cheers.
Doh!
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/CrimePrevention/DG_078569
My first pocket knife was a Swiss Army knife that I received as a gift when I was in the Boy Scouts. I used to carry that knife everywhere. When I was in high school, one of my teachers told us that we should always carry a pocket knife because you’d never know when you would need it.
For a number of years I stopped carrying one, but then started a few years back when I received a small pocket knife that hangs on your keychain. I had forgotten how handy the things were to always have around. Inevitably there’s always something you need to cut, and having a pocket knife on me has been a god send.
But that all stopped when I went to a high school football game. I life in a good town, and going to a high school with little to no violence, I was startled when I had to walk through a metal detector at the gate. I was not allowed to come in because I had my pocket knife on me. This tiny little knife with a blade less than two inches long was apparently such a dangerous weapon that I was not allowed to carry it in to the game with me. After walking all the way back to my car and then walking all the way back to the stadium, I decided that it just wasn’t worth the hassle. Sure, I could keep it in my pocket and then just leave it in the car if I went anywhere, but I know I’d forget.
I just think it is so sad that a tool, a necessity like a pocket knife, is being banned because it’s considered a weapon. I could do more harm to someone with a pencil than with my dinky pocket knife. You’d figure that common sense has to come in to play sometime.
I carry a simple Smith & Wesson blade that has a straight edge, a serrated edge, and a solid bulk at the end for bashing out a window. Inexpensive, highly useful, and of course manly.
I have always carried a pocketknife, usually a small one. Several years ago I happened to notice a nice, made-in-the-USA Gerber pocketknife with part of the blade serrated. I paid $20 and immediately suffered buyer’s remorse: I have several knives; why would I buy another one? But a few weeks later Hurricane Rita left my part of the world wrecked and without electricity for almost six weeks. That sturdy Gerber served me well!
I said Hurricane Rita, not Katrina; this is Texas, not New Orleans, and here we get off our butts and DO something
I always carry a pocket knife. I typically have one in my pocket (usually a kershaw or a case knife) and also carry a multi-tool and a swiss army knife in my briefcase.
I recently used my kershaw to “rescue” a lady in distress, although I hesitated briefly before doing so, not being sure how she would react to me carrying a knife in my pocket at work. “Rescue” may be a bit strong — my boss was having trouble opening a packet of coffee at the coffee bar. I offered to help, took the packet of coffee, and said (in hopes to belay her fears of me carrying a “weapon”), “Here, let me get that with my trusty Boy Scout pocket knife”. I took out the kershaw, zipped open the coffee packet, upon which she remarked, “Wow, that thing is SHARP!”. I slipped the knife back in my pocket, and handed the cleanly-sliced coffee bag back to her with a smile.
Always carry a knife!
David
I’ve always preferred knives to guns for protection.I feel more in control with a knife than a gun.Plus you can do more things with a knife than a gun.
I carry my grandfather’s pen knife with me every day. It’s a great knife and it feels like I have a bit of my family history with me wherever I go – my grandfather is my primary role model when it comes to manliness. He passed away in 2004, but is very much alive in my memory.
Wonderful readings, all of you. Brings me back to yesteryear. Been Knife crazy since a young lad growing up at Grandma’s house (Grandpa past on when I was very young).. First knife was Grandpa’s Winchester (lost it somewhere) and after that one Grandma gave me several that she had (haven’t lost those yet). Ofcourse now I’m into the expensive stuff, Microtech, Benchmade, Tighe, special Tacticals (I’m ex SF, 1973 SOG). Carry several on my person every day. I like to believe that a Knife is first a tool then a weapon. It’s too bad the way things are now days, but I will never give up my collecting and carrying of Knives. I’ll sign off now and to all you Knife Lovers out there, keep on cuttin’ (away from yourself ofcourse) and God Bless, Sincerly “Double Edge”.
← Previous Comments