What is a pocket knife?
Pocket knives are knives that fit conventional manner into the pocket and having at least one folding blade. In addition, over time, some brands or models have established themselves as synonymous names, which are sometimes a global name.
- Swiss army knife: The Swiss knife is an ever so popular form of a pocket knife and has been established over decades. At the end of the 19th century, as a multifunctional knife for the Swiss army, as well as for the disassembly and maintenance of rifles, the “Swiss Army Knife” is known all over the world today. From 1978 it was even in a place with Victorinox to equip the space shuttle. The classic version of the Swiss Knife features a razor opener, screwdriver and awl as additional tools. Later it was introduced as an officer’s knife, whose name Swiss officer and sports knife has been protected by law since 1897 and offers a second, smaller blade and a corkscrew. The company Wenger, also a renowned manufacturer from Switzerland, was acquired by Victorinox in 2005 and has not been manufacturing or selling any knives since 2013.
- Opinel: Also known worldwide and an absolute classic, 1890 founded folding knives from the French company Opinel. Opinel knives are simple, robust and inexpensive. In the standard versions, they are reduced to four to five components, which still doesn’t detract from their popularity as a simple, uncomplicated pocket knife.
- Multitools: Included under the terminology “pocket knife” are so-called multitools. Although these usually fit into your trouser pocket, the blade is not in the foreground, as is the case with a pocket knife, but usually a pair of pliers. Therefore, multitools are tools rather than mere knives. So, what’s the difference? The following points help to differentiate: While a pocket knife has a blade and tools in one grip, a multitool generally has two grips for operating the pliers.
Why Steel?
The reason is simple: Steel is a highly versatile material, the qualities of which are perfectly suited for making many different kinds of knives for various uses. Though there are some exceptions, e.g. ceramic knives, most knives today are made out of steel. There are obviously different demands for hunting knives, kitchen knives, fixed-blade knives, Swiss army knives and high-quality outdoor pocket knives, respectively. However, by using diverse manufacturing processes and methods, steel is able to satisfy all varying demands.
Cutting and Sharpening
What most knives have in common is that they are primarily used for cutting (obviously), and should remain sharp for as long as possible. A blades’ strength and hardness influence how easy it is to sharpen, and is also a good indicator of a knife’s overall quality. The manufacturing technique plays an important role in shaping the blade’s strength, as does the hardness of the steel used. Steel hardness is commonly measured with the Rockwell test, named after its American inventor.
Broken down into simple terms, the Rockwell test (called HRC) determines the indentation hardness of the steel in question by measuring how deeply a diamond cone can penetrate it. Below are a few example values:
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- Nirosta stainless steel 53 HRC
- American knife steel 57-59 HRC
- High-quality Japanese knife steel 63 HRC
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Cutting ability
A knife’s sharpness is essentially its ability to cut through a given material.
There are two methods with which a knife’s cutting ability is tested:
- leather-splitting: An old method which measures how deeply a blade penetrates into leather when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied
- paper cutting: A more precise method during which paper is cut, also with a predetermined amount of force
A blade for cutting (as opposed to stabbing) like those found on pocket knives should have a hardness of around 58-65 HRC. Lower hardness values mean the blade is too soft, higher values mean it is too brittle. Careful: Hardness does not equal strength. An extremely hard blade may cut certain materials better but is also more brittle and prone to breaking under pressure. A versatile outdoor survival knife will most likely be used for many things besides cutting (e.g. as a lever), and should not be too hard for this reason. The longer the knife’s blade is, the more flexible it needs to be.
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Corrosion-resistance
Corrosion-resistanceCorrosion-resistance is another important aspect of knives that should not be overlooked. Though good knives or multi-tools should never be placed in the dishwasher, kitchen knives may. This is made possible by using specialized alloys.
Chrome-molybdenum steel is one of the most commonly used steel alloys when it comes to dishwasher-proofing. Molybdenum is added to prevent corrosion during the washing process, while chrome keeps the steel from rusting. The alloy is also not especially expensive and is widely used for making highly corrosion-resistant knives and knife blades.
The downside to this alloy is that it softer than pure steel, with a somewhat rougher grain.
Steel alloys with a high steel content are a good compromise and can often be found in high-grade knife blades since they provide corrosion resistance without diminishing hardness too significantly.
Pattern Welded Knife Blades
Knives with pattern-welded blades, also known as folded steel or “Damascus steel” blades, are highly popular due to their unique look and purportedly superior strength and flexibility.
Pattern welded steel is made by welding at least two different types of steel together and folding them repeatedly to create anywhere from a few dozen to more than a thousand layers. The finished steel products vary depending on the blacksmith’s skill and the types of steel used, but in theory, this type of blade retains its sharpness better and is more flexible and stronger than steel blades forged from a single piece.
Regardless, the main reason for the popularity of pattern-welded steel knives is the unique patterns that arise due to varying carbon content of the different layers and become visible when the blades are polished or etched.
During the industrial revolution, it became possible to produce high-quality pure steel types with the desired qualities, largely relegating pattern-welded steel to a decorative function.
In conclusion, one can say that modem blades made of a single steel type or steel alloys can often match or even surpass pattern-welded steel in certain aspects while costing less – making them the go-to option for all kinds of knives for outdoor use.
Which functions does a pocket knife offer?
The central feature of each pocket knife is the blade in various designs for almost any purpose: large (standard) and/or small, straight or serrated (e.g. for ropes), curved, lockable (practical protection against accidental collapse, usually all Opinel, otherwise model-dependent), slightly bent and so on. If you ignore the blade, there is an almost infinite selection of tools right down to the fold-out USB stick, especially for Swiss knives.
A Swiss knife’s classic features
- Knife
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
Extra functions are often very handy to have
- Screwdriver: in different sizes, often with integrated groove for wire bending
- Scissors
- Saw: The Victorinox version is very effective and stays sharp for a long time
- Awl: Available in two versions with a sharp and a smooth edge
- Small Pliers for fine work, but no comparison to a good multitool
- File: Not only for fingernails, but there are also very good metal files
One-hand knives, children’s knives & others: special shapes
In addition to the classic pocket knives, there are some special forms. These knives have been developed in terms of form and functionality for specific applications. For example for:
- Climbing, canoeing/kayaking & canyoning: One-hand operable folding knives, so-called one-hand knives, with serrated edge to cap ropes, usually with an extra-large mounting ring through which a carabiner fits, so it is always within reach (keyword rescue knife!).
- Mushroom Finder (Mushroom Knife): Knife with curved blade and cleaning brush e.g. from Opinel
- Filleting: a pocket knife with a long, thin, flexible blade, especially for anglers
- Manicure & Pedicure: compact pocket knife for travel luggage, with a knife, nail file, small scissors and nail clippers – very practical!
- Children: Important for children’s knives is a rounded tip to minimize the risk of injury, e.g. from Opinel.
Does a pocket knife need sharpening?
Yes, to enjoy the pocket knife for as long as possible, remember to file or grind it regularly. A blunt knife increases the risk of injury considerably by uncontrolled slipping. Get off to a good start, for example, the finely graded grindstones and guide rails for the right angle from Lansky to grind the pocket knife itself.
How do I care for my pocket knife?
Even if the knife is made of stainless steel, it does not hurt to clean it regularly or to oil it. Of course, this applies all the more to contact with sticky or corrosive substances (fruit acid!). Unbeatable is the universal oil from the company Ballistol – more commonly known as gun oil.
Summary: Which pocket knife works best for me?
- If you are looking for a multifunctional pocket knife, the Swiss knives from Victorinox will usually have a model with exactly the features you are looking for in a compact and high-quality form.
- For purists who only need a light blade, Opinel is just right.
- If it has to be fancier and a tad more elaborate, then look at a Nieto.
- Searching for something special and unique? Look no further than a damask blade.
- Climbers, canoeists and other outdoor athletes will find one-handed knives from Petzl an ideal companion that can be clipped onto a carabiner, e.g. to cut ropes.
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