Probably the first knife you ever owned was a pocket folder, and I’ll bet it was also one of your most prized possessions, until you lost it and got a better one. I can’t imagine anyone who didn’t grow up owning a progression of better pocket knives, although I suppose there are some very deprived souls out there who didn’t.
Folding knives are still the knives you’re most likely to carry every day and use the most, because they’re out of sight and polite. Clips make them even more discreet, sitting on the edge of the pocket instead of laying somewhere at the bottom. Fifty years ago when I had a two hour argument with a Walmart clerk over whether the knife he sold me was the same as the knife on display, small differences in detail and shape meant a lot because choices were limited. Today folding knives come in an amazing variety of styles, from traditional to high tech tactical designs. New companies and new makers offer new and often better ideas. Case and Buck aren’t the only makers whose knives include automatic bragging rights.
Choose from one hand opening knives, spring loaded assisted opening versions, and even a few innovative types that aren’t easy to describe. The folding knife keeps evolving to more specialized forms, but the pocket knife you carried fifty years ago is probably still available today.
You can’t go wrong with the Buck Ranger, but the Ranger 112 FG sports an improved grip.
For everyday and special occasions, the Al Mar Hawk is a practical barlow with beautiful details.
Simplified and strong, the Victorinox Parachutist Lockback packs more than a knife blade.
The Case Pen Knife was once the favorite of statesmen and shopkeepers as well as anyone else who dealt with the written word. Although "pen knife" has become synonymous with "pocket knife," this particular model was built with a special purpose in mind.
The Case Pen Knife with yellow ...
This personal tactical folder designed for Boker Plus by martial arts instructor Jim Wagner may be just what you need if you carry a knife for urban emergencies like cutting yourself out of a safety harness or smashing an occasional car window. Although the Reality-Based Plain Blade serves ...
Ceramic blades get better every year, and although owners still need to relearn a few basics of use, knives like the Boker Plus Anti-MC could make you happy simply because they're razor-sharp and stay that way.
The Boker Plus Anti-MC combines two modern materials to create this elegant pocket ...
The two-bladed trapper pocketknife has been a common pattern for many American knife companies for generations. Bear and Son -- in business since 2003 -- aims to make the same thing, but better.
Compare the Bear and Son slip joint Trapper to other versions and you'll notice one big ...
Until now, I hadn't seen a Swiss Army Knife with a laser pointer, but the Signature Laser neatly solves the classic problem of pointing things out. You'll no longer have to explain where something is -- just paint it with the laser beam. This would have been extremely handy ...
One of the oldest pocket knife styles, the Barlow came to America during the 1600s and was a common tool on the American frontier. This new version of the Barlow, released by W.R. Case in August 2010, brings a new steel to a knife that's a part of American ...
Since 2006, W.R. Case has offered a select few types of knives with special high carbon Damascus steel instead of the high carbon stainless steel in common use today. The Case 6092 Whittler Pocket Knife released in August of 2010 is one of the latest examples.
The Damascus steel used in ...
Released in August 2010, the Case 6098 Canoe Pocket Knife adds the beauty of modern Damascus steel to a well-known W.R. Case & Sons design. Owners now have a chance to return to the good old days of high carbon steel that really holds an edge.
Only 3-7/8 inches long ...
The Case 6093 Tiny Trapper condenses all the good qualities of a versatile outdoorsman's pocket knife into a package small enough for inconspicuous daily carrying. Damascus steel and the strength of one of W.R. Case's best knife designs make even the Tiny Trapper good enough to trust.
At just 2-3/8 ...
One of my favorite Case pocket knives, the Trapper seems just right for the pocket and the hand with a simple shape that fits the palm securely and two practical blades perfect for every situation. Ron Yellowhorse adds Navajo workmanship and symbolism to these Case Trappers, but includes a few with ...
Produced in limited quantities from one to 500, the Yellowhorse Whittler knives from W.R. Case depend upon traditional Navajo craftsmanship as well as proven Case pocket knife design.
The Half-Whittler knives created by Ron Yellowhorse offer the most striking patterns, using such rare materials as slabs cut from fossil mammoth teeth to ...
Everything's a little different about the Yellowhorse series of Case collectible knives, but there's enough familiar Case styling in them that you'll find them comfortable instead of just artistic. Using the Case Saddlehorn knife as a basic pattern, David Yellowhorse created many one-of-a-kind knives as well as several limited edition runs.
Each knife ...
On the fringe between total custom work and very limited edition runs, these knives are truly one-of-a-kind but belong to a small family of specially created artworks. If you've seen every knife Case ever made, look again.
The Case Yellowhorse knives with Damascus steel blades use familiar Case knife types as ...
Case's 25th Limited Edition series starts off with a classic favorite, the Texas Toothpick. This time the knife displays unusual crimson jigged bone handle slabs and fancy Limited Edition etching on the blade, but you'll also find the familiar styling and practical features expected of this well-tested design.
The long taper ...
Part of a limited edition of only 500 knives, the commemorative Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gift set from W.R. Case includes a stylized Case Trapper knife and an enameled Zippo lighter from the company which now owns W.R. Case. This collectible gift set will look great on display, but the knife ...
The Hobo Gift Set from W.R. Case fits in anywhere and actually does offer survival basics as well as practical camp cutlery. Experts get by with a knife and a firestarter -- Case throws in fork and spoon plus a handy belt pouch.
This 4-1/8-inch-long pocket folder with jigged amber ...
Leatherman offers two of their best tools in this combination set. The Core Multi-tool still ranks as the most rugged Leatherman Multi-tool made, and the lightweight Crater C33LX pocket clip folding knife offers two one-handed opening options.
The Leatherman Core weighs 10.8 ounces but that extra weight means more strength and ...
The favorite field and military knife of Nepal's Gurkha regiments inspired the Rajah III from Cold Steel. Recreating the broad and heavy blade of a kukri knife in a folding clip knife style is right in line with Cold Steel's philosophy.
The Rajah III is the smallest of the gurkha ...
Wenger's Evolution Lock Swiss Army Knife improves the simpler flat-sided Swiss multi-function pocket folders by adding ergonomically correct contours to the knife's body. The result is more comfort and more security with a non-slip shape scientifically designed to fit the hand.
Three of the knife's blades, including the 2.5-inch ...
The Wenger Micro Tool Chest Watchmaker's Knife could also find a place in the pocket of any technician who works with precision parts. Although the tool set is designed specifically for work on watches, the scale of the tools could fit the world of micro-electronics as well.
If you collect unusual knives, ...
Eight multi-purpose blades give the Alinghi Yachtsman a total of 17 functions. This sensible assortment of strong tools makes the Alinghi an excellent multi-tool for anyone who works with rope, rigging and machinery.
Wenger designed the Alinghi for use on yachts, but any outdoorsman would find this knife handy. The mechanics tools ...
If you want a knife for everyday use, the Kershaw Skyline could be your favorite. It's dependable, simple, and opens easier than most one-hand opening knives.
Kershaw built the Skyline for people who need a dependable pocket utility blade, leaving out all the fancy stuff that looks pretty but breaks or ...
Spyderco's Para-Military 2 is the third version of a Spyderco design originally meant for military use. First scaled down for civilian needs as the Para-Military, the knife now returns with subtle but important improvements.
The Para-Military 2 slims down the bulky styling of the older civilian survival knife but doesn't ...
For those privileged to carry a tactical automatic knife, the Benchmade Infidel 3310 offers the same intimidating features as the earlier Infidel 3300, but with a single edged blade that's easier to use in ordinary work.
Owners will still be most impressed by the tactical advantages of this Out-The-Front automatic knife. ...
Made in the German knife-making center of Solingen, this stiletto-type pocket knife is functional as well as beautiful. Although it looks like an automatic, it's a slip joint with some interesting extra features.
The blade shape of the 440A high carbon stainless steel gives the Medici the deadly look of a ...
First produced by Case in the early part of the 20th century, the Humpback Whittler was reintroduced to the Case lineup in 2009. The Humpback Whittler pattern is one of Case's oldest, but the new version includes several important improvements.
Overall, the handle shape and blade pattern are much the same ...
Designed by Tommy Hart, one of Case's master cutlers, the Russlock 1953L was first available in 2000 and is one of the popular Many Case designs are currently being considered for the Case "Vault." Beginning in 2008, the Vault program retires selected knife patterns for a period of ...
Model 05170 in the W.R. Case Slimlock series features real mother-of-pearl handle slabs and a BG-42 high carbon stainless steel blade. Be sure to order by model number, since Case manufactures seven different versions of this commemorative knife -- each with different types of handle materials.
Designed to pay tribute to ...
The Texas Toothpick handle style of the Yellow Delrin Fishing Knife from W.R. Case & Sons makes this knife elegant enough for dress occasions. The knife was actually intended for better things than formal dinners. With this in your pocket and some tackle stashed in the car, you're never ...
From the W.R. Case & Sons' Working Knife series, the Case Medium Stockman #217 holds three blades selected for the modern working person in three styles which have been around for generations.
The knife's main blade is the strong clip point type that Case developed for general farm chores -- which ...
The Case Mini-Trapper with jigged bone handle hasn't changed much over the years. Although blades have upgraded to high carbon stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance, this is still the knife you might have owned fifty years ago. In fact, you may still have that one.
The Case Mini-Trapper ...
Full of good features but not complicated, the Leatherman Crater appeals to handymen, outdoorsmen, and anyone who needs a basic dependable pocket blade.
Small details make all the difference here. The Crater's one-hand opening system uses a thumb-stud at the base of the blade for leverage, but you have access to it ...
One of the most sensible improvements to any multitool is a separate knife to use instead of the awkward pen-knife blade that's the usual multitool fold-out option. That's what Leatherman offers in the Core Multitool and C33LX pocket folder combo.
By itself, the Core version of the popular Leatherman handyman's multitool ...
The Kershaw Indian Ford combines useful modern features with a look that reminds us a little of the classic barlow pocket knife. The traditional look isn't all there is to the Indian Ford -- this modern gentleman's pocket knife has some of the quality of larger and more dangerous blades.
Not ...
Designed by Lee Williams and manufactured by Kershaw Knives, the Ener-G Knife with black G10 handle opens with a surprisingly easy and fast action. The "pseunetic" flipper system invented by Williams qualifies the Ener-G as a manual opening knife and streamlines the opening process without crossing the line into ...
Any scout should be both proud and prepared when equipped with this fine, multi-blade Swiss Army Adventurer Pocket Knife. To make your favorite Boy Scout even happier, this Victorinox knife sports the emblem of the Boy Scouts of America.
Four-and-3/8 inches long when folded, this is a full-sized and full-featured ...
While the Silver Alox versions of Victorinox Swiss Army knives do have advantages compared to the classic red polymer and stainless steel builds, the Swiss Army Electrician manages to make a good pocket knife fall short of its name.
In the Swiss Army Electrician, you'll find several handy tools. The ...
With over twenty usable tools in a 3-1/2 inch handle, this knife will seem heavy to most users. Although it's still a manageable size for pocket carry, the red-handled Craftsman from Victorinox Swiss Army Knives contains over six ounces of high carbon stainless steel.
Everything in this good knife works. ...
Anywhere you travel, you stand a good chance of needing a pocket knife, a flashlight, or both. The Classic set from Victorinox Swiss Army provides both, plus several other good tools most of us would otherwise leave behind.
Swiss Army's Classic knife may be only 2-1/4 inches long when ...
Swiss Army knives are great knives to carry, but when you're traveling on foot, saving weight sometimes means choosing to leave the monster pocket tool kit at home. The Swiss Army Centurion offers just what you need with two good features you might not expect.
The Swiss Army Centurion -- 4-3/8 ...
Only a little more than half as thick as the same knife built with stainless steel liners and cellidor handle slabs, the Silver Alox version of the Swiss Army Cadet carries the same set of useful blades. If you need a knife that's practical for the office or for ...
The UZI Special Forces Set includes a tactical pocket knife, compass, watch, and an LED flashlight. Overall, it's a good deal and a handy emergency kit for anyone's pockets.
The tanto-style pocket clip folder knife, only 4-1/4 inches when closed, wields a combo-serrated cutting edge of 8Cr14 high carbon ...
With such a varied array of sizes and combinations available, any knife user could find a Swiss Army knife to fit their personal needs. Narrowing down that choice is tough, but for many who focus on everyday chores and an occasional trip to the woods, the Nomad covers your ...
As part of the company's 125th Anniversary celebration, Victorinox reissued this classic version of its first Soldier knife. Manufactured for the Swiss Army beginning in 1891, the Soldier knife was the first multi-purpose pocket knife developed in Switzerland. Its assortment of practical blades outfitted the modern infantryman of the day with ...
The Boy Scout version of the Victorinox Swiss Army Explorer features the same versatile set of blades and tools and includes the emblem of the Boy Scouts of America on the red Cellidor handle.
The Explorer's tools will interest solitary travelers as well as troop members. Only 3-1/2 ...
The Spyderco Chokwe G-10 Titanium knife includes an important locking system from the Chris Reeve product line. Chris Reeve Knives won the 2009 Blade Magazine Manufacturing Quality Award for such excellent innovations as the R.I.L. or Reeve Integral Lock used in the Spyderco Chokwe.
One of Spyderco's modern folder designs ...
Winner of Blade Magazine's 2009 Collaboration of the Year award, the Spyderco Bob T. Slip-It -- also known as the Spyderco Terzuola -- combines Spyderco's popular folding clip design with Bob Terzuola's improved slip joint. If you want a knife with traditional action but modern features, the Slip-It is the ...
Almost too good to be true, the Case Stag Series 5154L Trapperlock takes an old but loved pocket knife and makes it better. If you already own the traditional model but secretly envy the newer one-handed locking folders, this is your chance to discreetly retire the Trapper slip joint and ...
Built for work but good enough for show, the Bear & Son 247R Rosewood Large Stockman knife holds three important blade styles. Originally developed to suit the needs of frontier wranglers and farmers, the blade selection is just as practical for those of us who no longer work ...
Made in Alabama by Bear & Son Cutlery, this pocket slip joint folder shows that, even with simple knife styles, the people at Bear & Son take time to think.
Four inches long when closed, this sleek pocket knife holds two clip point blades nearly identical in pattern. ...
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