In this guide, we’re going to discuss how to buy a pocket knife and why the elegant gentleman should consider carrying one as part of his everyday carry (EDC) kit.
History of Pocket Knives
To talk about the history of pocket knives is to go back as far as the invention of the wheel. Knives have been fashioned from stones and other natural materials since the early Iron Age.
The oldest pocket knife ever found featured a bone handle and was unearthed at the Hallstatt Culture type site in Austria. After experts examined it, it was dated to around 600-500 BCE.
The original pocketknives were called peasant knives, farmer knives, or penny knives and used a very rudimentary pivoted blade that folded into the handle without a back spring, locking mechanism or slip joint as found in modern versions.
The first knives were regularly used in the pre-Roman era but were considered luxuries and not easily afforded by the everyman. In fact, pocketknives didn’t become widely popular until the mid-1600s when cutlery makers began producing them in England. Regular mass production began in the early 1700s which allowed farmers, herdsmen and tradesmen to be able to purchase them at a fairly low cost. A modern example of the original knives is the small Opinel knives from France.
Today, there are many kinds of pocket knives designed with different applications in mind. From the traditional Opinel knives to tactical knives used by emergency responders, there are multi-tools which are a favorite for EDC and often given to boys as a gift as they reach manhood.
Why Gentlemen Should Carry One
It’s easy to disregard the pocket knife as being for the tradesman or the miscreant. Rarely would one assume that a gentleman would carry one with him, however, there are many reasons why more and more elegant gentlemen are choosing to keep on in their pocket or in their bag.
Of course, one can argue that a pocketknife is a reasonably solid weapon of choice for defending yourself, however, there are many other reasons to carry one, and if self-defense is your primary objective, there are better options available.
Here are a few reasons why it is worth carrying a pocket knife:
- To open letters, parcels and other mailings.
- To cut a loose thread from your clothing, rope, string or remove the tag from a new item of clothing.
- To cut a piece of fruit, bread, meat or cheese when on the go. A pocket knife can be especially handy when sampling fresh produce at a farmer’s market and is a great tool if you’re a professional chef.
- For emergencies such as cutting a seatbelt after a car accident, picking a lock if your child locks themselves in a bathroom, ripping through clothing to render first aid or as a last resort in self-defense.
- To sharpen a pencil, whittle wood or while hiking, camping, or sailing.
There are many great uses for pocket knives. As the old adage goes, luck favors the prepared.
Types of Knives
There are three basic styles of pocket knives.
The Jack Knife
Ideal for those who spend time outdoors, the jack knife bears a hinge at one end and often has more than one blade or a blade and another tool such as a file. It is ideal for outdoorsmen who enjoy fishing, camping or hunting small game. It is also exceptionally useful for rock climbers and mountain climbers.
The most popular pocketknife for the average man, it’s the quintessential Swiss Army. In addition to at least one blade, it usually has a plethora of other tools which can include a saw, tweezers, scissors, screwdrivers, can openers and corkscrews. Some even come with a plastic toothpick. They are great for amateur campers and as gifts for young men. However, the wider it is, the more difficult it can be to handle safely.
Ideal for the Gentleman’s Gazette reader, the pen knife can easily slip into a jacket pocket or your trousers. It’s thin and was originally designed to sharpen a quill writing instrument which is where it gets it’s name from. Typically, it will have a few blades that each cut differently and can be used for different purposes.
Depending on what you plan to use your pocket knife for, it is wise to invest in a knife that meets your specific needs. If you require a knife for regular use outdoors or cutting with pressure, it’s a good idea to get a locking blade that requires you to release it by pressing a lever. This way, you don’t have to be concerned with cutting yourself should the knife accidentally close on your fingers.
For moderate use where you won’t be applying significant pressure to cut, a slip joint knife requires a specific amount of pressure to be applied in order for the blade to close. It is inherently more risky and therefore those only using their knife on occasion to open a letter or sharpen a pencil should invest in this type of knife.
There are also other types of knives that rely on friction to keep the blade open or a locking device that turns to secure the blade. Some blades close easier than others, so it’s a good idea to try out different knives or at least research them before purchasing one.
How to Buy a Knife
There are so many styles of knives to choose from. For the gentleman, having one that’s as beautiful as it is functional is often important. New knives with bone handles or ornamental finishings can cost quite a great deal of money. However, investing in a vintage knife found on eBay or Craigslist can often net you a better quality knife that will last a lifetime.
If you are looking for a more tactical knife, it’s worth buying new. Most tactical knives serve distinctive purposes and therefore buying something new and under warranty will ensure you don’t walk away with buyers remorse when you decide to use it for the first time. We only recommend a tactical knife if you truly need it for work. Otherwise, a less expensive pen knife or a beautiful vintage pocket knife will serve you quite well.
Things to Consider When Buying a Knife
There are a few factors worth considering before you invest in a pocket knife.
How do you plan to carry it?
Will it slide into your pocket? Be carried in a bag? Or, will it just be kept in the glove compartment of your car? This will determine the size of knife as larger multi-tool knives may be too bulky if you want to carry it in your suit pocket.
What will you use it for?
Will it be for work? To take the kids camping? Perhaps just to open the occasional parcel. By figuring out what you will plan to use it for, you can decide on the type of blade you’ll need, what additional tools you want and how much you want to spend on it.
How long will you keep it?
If you only plan to keep it until you lose it or until you need a different knife, consider less expensive knives you can buy at a local camping store. However, if you’re looking for an heirloom piece you can hand down to your son, consider buying your knife from a cutlery store, jeweler or custom knife maker.
Opinel No. 8 Carbon Pocket Knife
This traditional pocketknife from France features a single carbon steel blade, a classic hardwood handle and stainless steel locking collar that twists to lock the blade in place. Inexpensive, it is a great EDC knife for the gentleman who rarely needs a knife but wants the convenience of being prepared. Click here to get the Opinel No. 8 Carbon Pocket Knife.
Marfione Custom Sigil Copper Chasis Damascus Blade
This lovely knife has a solid copper tumbled finish handle, a hand ground Hattori San Mai Cowry-X core Damascus steel blade, bronze hardware and a Cowry-X Damascus steel stop plate on the reverse. Perfect for any gent who needs a reliable knife. Click here to get the MArfione Custom Sigil Copper knife.
Boker Limited Dinosaur Lockback Folding Knife
With a handle dating back more than 130 million years, the scales are actually crafted from a section of petrified bone from the Brontosaurus dinosaur. A true, limited collectors piece, you can click here to get your very own Boker Limited Dinosaur Lockback Folding Knife.
Stéphane Rambaud Forge de Laguiole
A single piece from the ‘Collection Couteliers d’Art’ model line, Stéphane Rambaud is a master knife maker responsible only for unique pieces of the highest level of craftsmanship. This knife is a one of a kind piece crafted from giraffe bone with an etched surface crafted by hand. A truly marvellous knife, it is as much a talking point as it is a practical tool. Click here to get a Stéphane Rambaud Forge de Laguiole knife.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife
The quintessential pocket knife, this Swiss Army knife is a multi-tool knife that’costs under $20 and is sure to give you years of use. This is also a great first knife to gift or hand down to your son when he becomes a teenager. Comes in a number of color options and it is flat so it is easily put away in your jacket or pants pocket without destroying the look of your outfit. Click here to get the classic Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife.
Buck Cedar Prince Knife
This classic Buck knife is designed by Wilde Bill Cody and has a red stabilized cedar handle featuring a beautiful turquoise spacer. Limited to just 250 pieces, each blade is mirror polished and enhanced with custom file work. This is a great everyday carry knife for any man. Click here to get a Buck Cedar Prince Knife .
Pocket Knife Laws
Ignorance is unfortunately not an excuse to break the law. Many cities and states have laws that prevent the carrying of a pocket knife in general, or a pocket knife that exceeds a certain length. Make sure to learn and understand the local laws regarding the carrying of a knife. It’s not worth keeping a pocket knife on you if you run the risk of a criminal charge.
It is also important to research the laws of any area you may travel to as well as any rules and regulations for private and public buildings, transportation and other venues you plan to visit.
Pocket knives are a great tool to keep with you. They can be used for many daily tasks and are instrumental if you happen to work in a trade. Do you carry a pocket knife with you? What kind?