A pocket knife proves to be a very useful and essential tool that should be included in your bag for your next outdoor adventure. Finding which pocket knife will best suit your needs can be challenging and at times, even complex. Therefore, it is important to narrow down this somewhat challenging field of outdoor accessories into a more manageable list of must-haves.
What Is a Pocket Knife?
A pocket knife is a general all-purpose tool, and it provides a very versatile and sustainable tool to use outdoors that is easy to carry and allows for quick and easy access when it is needed most. It is small enough to fit comfortably and conveniently in your pocket, and it is a very portable and accessible tool.
Considerations
When purchasing a pocket knife for the outdoors, you will want to determine how you will be using the pocket knife. A knife used for the outdoors should be able to handle bigger tasks such as cutting food, climbing webbing, and be able to tackle repairs. Therefore, it should be sharp and durable and come with a very functional blade that can withstand what you throw at it.
A plain edge knife allows the user to maintain more control over the knife and offers one sharp edge for improved accuracy. However, it may not do well when it comes to cutting rope or anything that will entail a sawing motion.
A serrated edge is sharp and makes it easier to cut harder materials, but they are a lot harder to sharpen once they are worn down. If you need a sharp pocket knife, then you may want to reconsider a serrated edge.
No matter which pocket knife you choose, you will want to make sure that it can handle what you need it for and can be easily sharpened and ready to use for the next outing.
The following are reviews of some of the sharpest pocket knives you can find for outdoor usage:
1. M-Tech 8-Inch Spring Assisted Blood Red Folding Pocket Knife
The M-Tech Folding Pocket Knife has an overall length of 8.25 inches with a blade length of 3.5 inches. It has a thick, stainless-steel blade with a black anodized handle and is extremely sharp. It is a versatile and durable pocket knife that can be used for the outdoors. It is a spring assisted knife, rather than a switchblade, and you do not need to sharpen it prior to its first use.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 8.25 inches with a blade length of 3.5 inches |
| Product Weight | Not Specified |
Pros
- Comes extremely sharp and ready to use
- Blade is strong and durable
- Comfortable handle
- Easy to open
Cons
- Can be hard to release
- May be bigger and weigh more than expected
2. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife
The Victorinox is a classic Swiss Army knife that comes in a variety of different color options. It features seven different functions which makes it suitable and dependable for outdoor use and it fits comfortably and conveniently in your pocket, so it is within easy reach when you need it the most. You can also place it on your keyring. It is ideal for those looking for a smaller knife that is sharp enough to tackle smaller and lighter outdoor tasks while being convenient to carry.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 0.35 x 0.71 x 2.28 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.3 ounces |
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Blade is 1.25-inches in length
- Includes a nail file, screwdriver, scissors, key ring, tweezers, and toothpick
- Stainless steel construction and sharp blade
- Polished black ABS for durability
Cons
- Only meant for lighter outdoor tasks
- Keychain end is on the wrong side and is located where the blade folds out
3. TEK Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife
The TEK Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife has a razor-sharp blade that is 3.25 inches in length, and the knife is made from a heavy-duty stainless-steel material and comes with a pocket clip to make it easier and more convenient to carry. It can be used outdoors as well as for self-defense and is a durable and versatile knife that is useful in a number of different circumstances.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | Overall Length of 8.25 inches |
| Product Weight | 7.1 ounces |
Pros
- Spring assisted opening for ease
- Sharp drop point blade
- Stainless steel handle
- Pocket clip for accessibility and portability
- Includes emergency features like a window breaker and cord cutter
- 3.25-inch blade
Cons
- A bit heavy and may be more suited for self-defense
4. Kimter EDC Pocket Knife with Keychain
The Kimter EDC Pocket Knife features a black ebony handle and is small in size, lightweight, but both practical and versatile. It can be placed on a keychain for easy access and is suitable for smaller outdoor tasks. One of its biggest selling points is how sharp the blade is as well as its very compact and pocket-portable design.
| Price | $$$ |
| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.8 x 1 inches; blade length is 1.65-inches |
| Product Weight | 3.2 ounces |
Pros
- Pocket-sized, portable, and compact
- Very sharp blade
- Features linelock for safety
- Survival tool for a reasonable price
- Includes keychain
- Holds its edge very well
Cons
- Finish of the handle may be rough on the hands
- May be hard to open and close at times
Final Thoughts
Most people may not think of a pocket knife when it comes to having a practical and useful outdoor tool. However, the pocket knives listed in this article are all known for being sharp right out of the box and are useful for smaller outdoor tasks.
Their small size makes them easily portable and easy to access when they are needed. The pocket knives with the longer, serrated blades are a bit stronger, however, and can tackle bigger tasks as mentioned above such as cutting rope but those above with the sharp and straight edges are useful for other outdoor tasks and provides a more clean, controlled, and accurate cut.
