The 7 Different Types of Pocket Knives [Pocketknife Guide And Uses]

There are a thousand ways a pocketknife can make your life easier. From opening up boxes to peeling an apple, a pocket knife readies you to face the world. Their versatility is unmatched.

Pocket Knives have been a man’s companion for a long time. There is archaeological evidence of a pocketknife believed to be from 600 BC. The knife discovery happened in Austria. 

A pocket knife is fantastic for two reasons, portability and the ability to get the job done. Talking of portability, pocket knives come in sizes as small as an inch. That’s a knife the size of a nail cutter! And they sure open letters, cut threads, and tons more. So, what types of pocketknives are there to choose from? Read on.

What’s a Pocket Knife

Technically, a pocket knife should be big enough to get the job done and small enough to fit in a standard pocket perfectly. But how small should a pocket knife be?

Many knives enthusiasts agree the maximum length of a pocket knife is 3 inches. The reasoning is that the pocketknife should easily be foldable and unfolded with one hand, and easily concealable. Anything past 3″ is a real weapon and illegal in most states to carry around. Furthermore, how comfortable is a 6″ blade in your pocket?

Read also: Best Steel for Knives

Pocket knives are a versatile and convenient tool to have on hand for a variety of tasks. From opening boxes to preparing food, there is a pocket knife out there to suit your needs. Here are some different types of pocket knives to consider:

Types of Pocketknives

Pocket knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of tasks. They are an essential tool for any outdoorsman, and can often be kept in your pocket for easy access.

The most common types of pocket knives are:

  • Multi-blade knife.
  • Single-Blade Knife.
  • Tactical Knife.
  • Lockback Knife.
  • Swiss Army Knife.
  • Gentleman’s Knife.
  • Credit Card folding knives.

Each type of pocket knife is designed for a specific purpose and can be used in a variety of ways.

Multi-blade pocket knives are great for everyday tasks such as opening boxes and packages, while single-blade pocket knives are ideal for camping and hunting. Tactical pocket knives are perfect for self-defense, while Lockback pocket knives are great for general use.

Swiss Army knives are classic pocket knives and are perfect for a variety of tasks. Gentleman’s pocket knives are perfect for everyday carry and can be used to open letters or other items.

Credit card folding knives provide a slim profile that fits in your wallet or pocket, while butterfly folding knives offer an ultra-compact design that is perfect for carrying around.

When it comes to pocket knives, the types are numerous. Besides, they have been with humans for more than 2000 years. Below is a classification of knives based on commonly shared features:

Multi-Blade Pocket Knives

multi blade pocket knives

Multi-Blade Pocket Knives are a great choice for those who want a versatile knife for everyday use. They come with multiple blades, which can be used for different tasks.

For example, one blade may be used for cutting, while another might be used for opening cans or boxes. They are usually smaller and lighter than single-blade pocket knives, making them easy to carry and store.

Some models even have a built-in corkscrew and a selection of other tools. This makes them ideal for camping trips or outdoor activities, where you may need multiple tools to get the job done.

Single Blade Pocket Knives

single blade pocket knives

Single-blade pocket knives are a great choice for anyone looking for a basic, straightforward pocket knife. These knives typically feature one blade, either straight or serrated, and are often made with durable stainless steel material.

The handles are usually small, lightweight, and easy to grip. Single-blade pocket knives are perfect for everyday use in the kitchen, out in the garden, or even on the job site. They’re also great for camping and hiking trips, as their size makes them easy to carry in a pocket or pack.

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile pocket knife, then a single blade is a perfect choice.

Tactical Pocket Knives

tactical pocket knives

Tactical pocket knives are made with a specific purpose in mind: self-defense. These knives have an aggressive look and feel, with a strong blade that can be opened quickly and easily.

They are usually constructed with a double-edged blade, which makes them even more effective for self-defense. Many tactical pocket knives also feature a locking mechanism that prevents the blade from closing unexpectedly. Some are even designed with serrated edges for added cutting power.

No matter the type of knife, it’s important to always use caution when handling a tactical pocket knife to avoid injury.

Lockback Pocket Knives

lockback pocket knives

Lockback pocket knives are a good choice for those looking for a secure and reliable pocket knife. The Lockback design helps to ensure that the blade stays in place while the knife is in use, making it a great option for any outdoor activity.

Lockback pocket knives are usually single-bladed and range in size from small keychain-style knives to larger folding blades. The Lockback design makes it easy to open and close the knife without having to worry about the blade slipping out of place. They also tend to be lightweight, making them great for carrying in your pocket.

Swiss Army Knives

swiss army knives

If you’re looking for the most versatile pocket knife out there, then you should definitely consider getting a Swiss Army Knife.

These knives are made of high-quality materials and feature a variety of functions, such as a bottle opener, screwdriver, and scissors. They are also very lightweight, so they can easily fit in your pocket or purse.

Swiss Army Knives come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for something for everyday use or an emergency tool, a Swiss Army Knife is a great option.

Gentleman’s Pocket Knives

gentleman’s pocket knives

Gentleman’s pocket knives are known for their sleek and sophisticated look. They are typically made with a single blade, making them ideal for everyday use. These knives are usually made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or titanium and feature attractive handles like wood, bone, or ivory.

Gentleman’s pocket knives are a perfect choice for those looking to make a statement or be stylish. They are also great for gifting, as they can be engraved with a special message or design. With their impressive look and practical design, gentleman’s pocket knives are a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

Credit Card Folding Knives

Credit Card Folding Knives

Credit card folding knives are a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact pocket knife. These knives are designed to fit in your wallet, just like a credit card! They come with a few blades, usually two or three, and the entire knife folds up into a small, thin package that you can take with you everywhere.

They are perfect for everyday tasks like opening packages or cutting string. Plus, they’re super affordable and easy to carry. So the next time you need a pocket knife, consider a credit card folding knife – it might just be the perfect choice for you!

Butterfly Folding Knives

butterfly folding knives

Butterfly folding knives, also known as balisongs, are a type of pocket knife with two handles counter-rotating around a pivot point. The blades are typically held in place by a spring latch, and when opened the handles swing in opposite directions.

These knives are popular for their fast action and smooth operation, and in some cases can be used to perform tricks and stunts.

The most common type of butterfly folding knife is the traditional style, which features a single blade and two handles.

There are also more modern varieties that include multiple blades, as well as other variations such as the butterfly trainer which has a blunt blade and is designed for use in practicing tricks and stunts with the knife without risk of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many different types of pocket knives are there?

There are two types of blades on a pocket knife, Serrated and smooth.

What are the different names for pocket knives?

Swiss Army knife.
flick knife.
penknife.
pocketknife.
switchblade.

What are the 3 common designs of pocketknives?

There are three common pocketknife designs: the pen knife, the jackknife, and the multi-purpose knife.

What are the 3 most common knives used?

There are only three knives that are crucial in a kitchen: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.

Conclusion

Whether you are indoors or outdoors, a pocket knife comes in handy for all your cutting needs. They are portable and equal to the task. Furthermore, history shows they have been a man’s close companion for thousands of years.

Options are endless when it comes to pocket knife types. Go for the blade that fits your needs and matches your taste. Nonetheless, having a collection of different types sorts your different needs very well. For instance, while going out for heavy work, a tactical folding knife serves you best, while a camper knife extends your options when venturing into the jungle.

It’s time to let your nails rest, let a pocketknife take on the job.

Still interested in other knife types? Then check these:

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