The 10 Best Pocket Knives Money Can Buy
After the World Trade Centre attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration banned knives on aircraft. However, one of the advisory committee members, Bob Monetti, said that everybody carries a little pocket knife, and banning them was silly and unenforceable. While a pocket knife poses a security threat, it is an everyday tool with many uses. From opening packages to cutting fruits, the pocket knife is instrumental for survival and if you are yet to buy one, consider one of these ten pocket knives that money can buy.
10. Buck Knives 55
According to the New York Times, the Buck Knives 55 may not have modern features, but they are stainless classics. At the affordable price of $59.99, this pocket knife is ideal when you need control when detailing something or cutting tight places. Since the blade is thin and has a sharper point, the knife comes in handy should you need to make holes, such as in a belt. The steel blade makes it nearly indestructible since it is super resistant to corrosion, wear, and tear.
9. Leatherman FREE K2
If you need a pocket knife that offers you value for your money, you cannot go wrong with the Leatherman FREE K2. Not only does it have a 420HC blade, but it also comes with a pry tool, awl, bottle opener, package opener, Phillips screwdriver, an extra-small screwdriver, and medium screwdriver. The seven tools are on the outside to enable easy access, and you can be guaranteed top-notch quality considering that it comes with a 25-year warranty. It can be operated with one hand and has excellent safety measures because the locking mechanism ensures that all the tools except the plier head lock into place.
8. Gerber FlatIron
Although it is heavy-duty, it is not heavy when held. You can work with it using one hand, specifically the left hand, since the right hand squeezes the frame lock and prevents opening the blade using the thumb. It is a good choice for campers who need a pocket knife that will cater to all the different needs in the outdoors because it sustains its sharpness regardless of what you hack. It comes razor-sharp from the box, but at 3.5 inches, it is big.
7. CRKT Drifter
According to Blade Reviews, the CRKT Drifter is available in two major variants: the G-10 version and stainless steel framework version. The stainless steel is heavier at 3.2 ounces, while the G-10 weighs 2.4 ounces. Depending on the finish you like, you can go for the stainless steel version with a satin finish, whereas the G-10 has a gray Titanium Nitride coating. It has an easy deployment and lock-up mechanism, but the large thumb studs may get caught up in your pockets. The overall length is 6.5 inches. The blade length is 2.87 inches, and its closed length is 3.6 inches. You can also choose from the full-serrated, half-serrated, or plain edge.
6. Benchmade Mini Bugout 533
The small compact size on the Benchmade Mini Bugout 533 makes it perfect for carrying around even in the watch pocket. For this reason, it is a tool preferred by hikers and campers since they do not need extra baggage. You can use any hand thanks to the ambidextrous ergonomic handle with a textured grip. Although it does not have a lock to keep the blade in place, the blade is secure when the knife is closed and cannot deploy on its own.
5. Kershaw Link
Popular Mechanics ranks this as the best spring-assisted pocket knife money can buy. It deploys fast and extends fully, making it easy to open with one hand. It also locks up fast, and the lock bar is easily accessible. It measures 7.6 inches in length, and some would consider it quite big for everyday carrying. It has enough room for a firm grip with a natural rest for the thumb on the back of the handle. The knife has a pocket clip to prevent it from moving around in your pockets.
4. Opinel No. 8 Carbon Steel
Even Opinel cites No. 8 as its most iconic size. It is, therefore, no wonder that it has been featured in museums, galleries, and books worldwide. The handle is available in a range of colors comprising olive, walnut, beech, and Oakwood. The stainless steel anti-corrosive blade is easy to sharpen. Since its manufacture dates back to 1890, you can be sure that it is a great pocket knife that has remained a top pick over the years.
3. SOG Twitch II
At 3.55-inches closed length, this pocket knife is small enough to fit in any pocket. You will be pleased with the fast-action lock mechanism and one-hand open feature; it boasts of a flick the “kick” feature meaning you can open the SOG Twitch II with one finger. The safety lock prevents accidental deployment, while the straight edge blade has a drop point design that comes in handy for skinning animals.
2. Kershaw Leek
According to Clever Hiker, Kershaw Leek knives are the best overall pocket knives for value, quality, and affordability. It is reportedly one of the most popular pocket knives worldwide and has been the Kershaw number one selling knife of all time. It has a unique 3-inch blade with a drop point design perfect for piercing and making detailed cuts. It is a bit heavy at 3.2 ounces, but that does not hinder its efficiency since it can be opened fast with one hand.
1. Spyderco Para Military 2
It has G-10 scales that make the handle have a good grip regardless of the size of your hands. You can open it using your thumb or depress the Compression Lock, which is secure. At first, the Compression Lock made it difficult for right-handed users to close the knife with one hand, but the manufacturer released a left-handed Para Military 2 version. It weighs 3.8 ounces making it heavy, and the overall length of 8.25 inches makes it the longest pocket knife on this list. Still, it is arguably the best Spyderco pocket knife ever made.
