A pocket knife is a foldable knife with one or more blades, which are often accessed with a spring-loaded blade. This knife can be in the form of a fixed blade or folding blade. Pocket knives typically include a single straight-edged, pointed, or serrated edge that folds into the handle, and may also feature other tools such as tweezers and scissors. 

As many people only carry a single type of folding knife and use it for both work and recreation purposes, these people may refer to their folders as their "pocket" tool. Some styles of cool knives slip into any pocket; for example, clasp knives are also called "pocket" knives since they hook onto underwear. Some of these knives have locking mechanisms for more secure folding, as well as for more utility when opened.

These knives are typically made from either stainless steel or carbon steel (such as H1 tool steel or Tungsten carbide), but other materials such as ceramic and titanium are also used. In addition to the blade, these knives will typically include a partially serrated edge on one of the blades and may be topped with a handle that allows for a variety of grips. They have been popular since their introduction in the 19th century and continue to be popular tools today.

Types of Pocket Knives

Pocket knives come in many different styles and designs. Some are traditional, while others are made to be less bulky, more tactical, or just different enough to entice a new market. Here we'll go over the seven most common types of these knives:


1. Folding Knives 

Folding knives are cool pocket knives that usually reflect the traditional styling from their grandfather's original designs. They require a little bit of extra maintenance and can be worn around your wrist if necessary.

2. Fixed Blade Knives 

These are extremely durable blades that often have some titanium alloy for additional durability as well as an integrated clip for quick access. Fixed blade knives have a leather sheath which ensures the knife will retain its shape when not in use.

3. Bowie Knives 


This style of knife is often cut down to accommodate the trend of being more tactical and less bulky. You can easily clip the knife to your belt or tuck it into your pocket. The blade of a bowie knife can be made out of stainless steel and sometimes will even feature a serrated edge for maximum impact.

4. Serrated Knives 

These are blades that can feature a serrated edge on one side or both sides. Some will be fully serrated while others may have a sawing ability. They are a great choice for those who love pruning their plants or need to cut things frequently on a job site like lumberjacks and landscapers.

5. Small Knives 

Just like their name suggests, these are specialized knives that are meant to be carried around in your pocket. Most will come with a cylindrical shape while others may have special features like a finger hole. One of the best examples is the belt buckle knife which is an extraordinary small hidden knife.

6. Utility Knives


These pocket knives feature additional tools that can help you accomplish other tasks around the house or on a job site. They can have screwdriver attachments or even an extendable blade to make cutting larger things easier.

7. Multi-Tool Knives 

Multi-tools will often include most of the tools needed to perform many different tasks all in one place. These are great for any outside activities that require some extra hands or any hobbyists who love woodworking or gardening.

Features of Pocket Knives

This knife is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast if they care about their health and the outdoors. It can be used for many things such as opening cans, cutting cords or rope, creating makeshift shelters, and even as self defense knives. 

Not only are they versatile tools that can fit in any bag but also because of their size, this knife is easy to conceal on your person. Plus, you never know when you’ll need them so here are five major advantages of owning one! 

  • Sharp Blades 

Pocket knives have sharp blades that are thin enough to cut the skin without causing any damage. With the added convenience of a blade lock, you can make a quick job of self-defense!

  • Solid Build

These knives are typically very solid so even if you’re in the middle of nowhere with nothing but your pocket knife, you’ll be able to make use of it as a tomahawk axe or screwdriver.

  • Versatility

Owning this knife gives you the peace of mind that when you need something done, there will never be a suitable tool nearby, and with your trusty knife by your side, there is no work too big or small!

  • Concealable 

These knives are small enough to fit in your pocket or even purse for a quick getaway.

  • Easy to Use and Clean

Due to the large variety of styles and designs, it is very easy to find one that fits perfectly with your lifestyle!

Anyway, I’ve never been one for a big knife, but I have always carried a smaller knife in my pocket with me. The knife I’m referring to is not so much the variety of folding knives available, but more the fact that it's kept on you all the time. A pocket tool just might save your life someday and if it doesn't, then you will have something nice about yourself.

Drawbacks of Pocket Knives

Pocket knives come in many forms and sizes, but they're all extremely useful and convenient to carry on your person. These knives are easy to use while operating while distracted. However, this is not necessarily a good or bad thing — it just depends on how you use the knife. Now take a look at a few disadvantages of these knives:

  • Unsafe at Times

If you don’t use your pocket tool regularly, it can rust and become very dangerous to handle. There are many kinds of pocket knives that are not easy to handle and they may cause injury if you try cutting something with them carelessly.

  • Escape

A small and concealed knife will be extremely difficult to hold onto when trying to escape in the event of an emergency situation. The preferred method for escaping danger is not by fighting, but by running away, so you need to be able to get away quickly and easily!

  • Lose Control 

With how small a pocket tool is, there’s a high risk of losing control of the blade if you don’t take into account its size.

  • No Room for Improvement

This knife is never going to be your primary weapon or a go-to tool for anything, so it’s important that you don’t invest too much in your pocket knife as a primary tool. If you wanna get something more reliable, then check out our list of best knives!

  • Potential to be Used Against You

A disadvantage of carrying a pocket knife could also be that it has the potential to be somewhat dangerous when used without knowledge of its intended purpose. This knife can cut anything, including skin, so if you have it in a threatening situation most people do not think it through to that extent.

Pocket Knives are the Best EDC Tools

Knives are an inventive, utilitarian tool that has been adopted by people as a simple yet reliable way to cut through objects. From food prep to woodworking and beyond, a knife's success is largely dependent not only on the blade itself but also on the handle and the sharpener. 

Although many knives are created with more specific purposes in mind, pocket knives have become increasingly popular among those who want an easy-to-use and compact tool. As you might expect, different people have different styles of these knives that suit their needs best. The classic pocket tool is a toned-down version of the multi-tool, similar in appearance to the Swiss army knife. 

The primary use for this style of knife is personal protection. This kind of tool usually features a small blade that can handle most daily cutting and chopping tasks. However, they're also designed with scalpel-like precision to be useful in other fields, such as law enforcement, the workplace, or school settings. 

The blade itself is typically a capable non-serrated piece of steel that can cut almost anything--even string. The handle is usually made of wood, which adds class and durability to the knife, and the pocket clip allows you to carry it in your pocket or hold it with your fingers. These qualities make the classic pocket tool perfect for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, and use during survivalist bouts.