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Ask HN: What is your favorite pocket knife?
I need a new knife and I wanted your recommendations on them.
- headcanon 9y agoI swear by the Leatherman Skeletool - super durable, less features than a wave but much handier. From a product design perspective I have not seen its equal - I'm always finding new uses for it. Its my everyday carry, I feel naked without it most of the time.
- Hextinium 9y agoI honestly forget I have my skeletool on me 99% of the time because it fits in my pocket so well. The blade is so robust I have just had to resharpen it 3 times over my 2 years of admittedly light use. It doesn't have much on it but admittedly you should probably get another tool for anything that isn't a knife or pliers from a multi tool.
- mlwarren 9y agoLeatherman Squirt. I used to carry a small pocket knife but realized the squirt was smaller than it and had a lot more functions.
- mvid 9y agoWhen I'm outdoors or on my motorcycle, I carry a Leatherman Titanium. For general carry or "self defense"* I carry a Benchmade 710 * It's unlikely one is trained enough in knife fighting to defend oneself. Even most military aren't trained enough for a knife to increase their safety in a physical altercation.
- nickfromseattle 9y ago100% depends on what you are using it for. Want something fun to keep your hands busy? Check out butterfly knife trainers: https://hobanco.com/collections/practice-butterfly-balisong-knife-trainer https://hobanco.com/collections/practice-butterfly-balisong-... Want something more serious? Check out benchmade: https://www.bladehq.com/cat--All-Benchmade--62 https://www.bladehq.com/cat--All-Benchmade--62 Want something high quality and cheap? Check out Kershaw: https://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/ https://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/
- hermanradtke 9y agoThe Ken Onion “speedsafe” knives from Kershaw are pretty nice.
- dundercoder 9y agoLeatherman Wingman. I bought it especially because it has a tool designed for opening that awful plastic clamshell packaging.
- gesman 9y agoSpyderco Caly 3.5 Carbon Fiber. The reason is - the blade is 3-layer steel - where the middle is: ZDP-189 - notably the hardest steel your can buy in pocket knife for the price. It's hard and non exactly stainless and is brittle due to hardness and hence - 2 layers of stainless steel on each side. I don't like it's shape - but i like the quality.
- mc32 9y agoWhat about the Sebenza[1]? Although, at those prices, are you going to use the knife much? Might as well just get a regular Buck or Mercator. But to each their own. [1]With option for lefthandedness, however that works.
- gesman 9y agoS35VN :( I'm perfectionist Hence this: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RSRYOHZDP/rockstead-ryo-h-zdp-japanese-folding-knife-zdp-189-mirror-finish-blade-black-titanium-handles https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RSRYOHZDP/rockstead-ryo-h-z...
- quietriot 9y agoI carry daily the Kershaw 1660PUR Leek Folding Knife (Purple) with SpeedSafe. I originally purchased one for my wife after extended research for her uses and hand size but liked it so much myself I purchased another to keep on me. I really like the very sharp point for detail work, efficient size, and the fact that it opens easily with one hand. It can be locked closed for keeping at the ready safely in a purse, for transport, or if walking about in NYC. It's just a bit small for my hands but this is a known and accepted trade-off. I can be agile with it despite the fact I wish it reached a bit farther towards my pinky grip when in my hand. I carry in my back right pocket. The knife an its vibrant color sticks out of my pocket just a small amount. I'm considering changing to either of the following wooden handle 'gentleman' knives: Benchmade - North Fork 15031 Knife, Drop-Point with Stabilized Wooden Handle Boker Plus 01BO734 Urban Trapper 3 1/2 in. Blade If you end up going with either of these let me know how they feel!
- mythrwy 9y agoOld Timer series. Something like Old Timer workmate. Affordable and quality and easy to sharpen. Stay away from stainless steel IMOP. Harder to sharpen, hard to get as sharp. When I was a kid a lot of old guys had these knives. Something like this https://www.knivesplus.com/oldtimerlumberjacksc-858otb.html https://www.knivesplus.com/oldtimerlumberjacksc-858otb.html. They would open the blades and stick them in a potato for a few days which would turn the metal black and prevent further oxidation (downside of not choosing stainless). The flat blade (shortest on one in link) would be kept literally razor sharp and used only when real sharpness was needed. The somewhat rounded blade much less sharp (for rough utility usage, maybe cutting a cable or the like) and the long blade moderately sharp for general usage. This is the general type of sharpener they used. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/lansky-1-x-3-double-sided-pocket-sharpening-stone#repChildCatid=32455 https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/lansky-1-x-3-double-sided-p... First they would use the grit side, then steel the "sharp" blade with the steel side, then strap it on the leather case. The sharp blade was sharp enough when it would shave hair on your arm like a razor. These were guys that actually used pocket knives a lot. And it was a common brand/system among them.
- mythrwy 9y agoIt actually says "stainless steel" for that knife link. Not sure if composition has changed or it's an error (because others from that site do say "stainless steel blades"). I do know that the blades of that brand would rust and rapidly when I was young (if not potato treated), they were not stainless steel. Not a metallurgist, don't really know the difference but having had a lot of pocket knives the ones that didn't rust were very had to get razor sharp.
- jimmywanger 9y agoI like my Chris Reeve Sebenza. Spendy, but works like a champ. https://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza-21.html https://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza-21.html Honestly, the favorite pocket knife is whatever I have on me at the time. I have one of these which is TSA approved and it does ok for opening boxes and packages and stuff. https://www.amazon.com/Boker-09BO310-Access-Prying-Steel/dp/B004OKCGGI https://www.amazon.com/Boker-09BO310-Access-Prying-Steel/dp/... I do a lot of flying. If I got a nice pocket knife I really liked and then got it confiscated, I'd be really sad. That little prybar rides on my keychain constantly and I don't have to think about it. It's not sharp as a knife, but does most of what I need to do with it day to day.
- japhyr 9y agoI used to carry a leatherman wave, but that was so big and bulky. I downsized to a leatherman juice, but even that got annoying to carry after a while. Now I carry a Gerber Dime. I hardly know it's there, but when I need a knife or a pair of pliers it's almost always enough. If it's not enough, then I'm fine to go find something bigger. https://www.gerbergear.com/Multi-Tools/Butterfly-Opening/Dime-Black_30-000469 https://www.gerbergear.com/Multi-Tools/Butterfly-Opening/Dim...
- sillysaurus3 9y agoSmaller is way better. I carry a tiny red cross knife with foldup scissors, as well as a Gerber. I've pulled out the Gerber twice, and only to point out how I never pull out the Gerber anymore because tiny knife is all that's needed. Should probably stop bringing it... Those scissors on the Gerber suck, but you don't know how badly they suck until getting a knife that has good, sharp ones. The scissors were somehow sharper than the knife, with sharp points, and it turned out perfect for almost every situation. But yeah, it's satisfying to have pliers just in case. I think I used them once to get a piece of metal unstuck.
- sudouser 9y agogerber dime has to be the Worst I've had,and I've had a ton.
- punchclockhero 9y agoI'm split on getting a Dime or one of the SOG batons (q1 and q2 are available near me) for a small edc multitool. The batons have less features, but there's something irresistibly cool about them. https://www.sogknives.com/baton https://www.sogknives.com/baton
- shesto 9y agothis sog is soo good,they make excelent stuff
- hxtk 9y agoI always carry the RSK Mk1, which is Doug Ritter's take on the Benchmade Griptilian. I picked it because I like drop point blade geometry, it's heavy-duty enough to chop with in a pinch, like all high quality pocket knives it holds an edge very well, and it's at the upper limit of how big a knife can be without being uncomfortable or inconvenient to carry in my waistband.
- wmeredith 9y agoI’ve every-day-carried a number of expensive knives of various sizes over the years. I eventually landed on the tiny and cheap Swiss Army Classic SD. I am a knowledge worker who mostly sits at a desk during the week. It easily serves for everything that I need a knife to do and then some with its tweezers, scissors, toothpick, and nail file. It’s very small and light. It’s also cheap enough that I don’t really care if I lose one to carelessness or a security checkpoint. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YVB2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_u7BuAb60YTD47 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YVB2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_u... When I’m camping, I carry a Leatherman multitool.
- davidgould 9y agoI second the Victorinox, but prefer the Climber as the smallest model that has both corkscrew and scissors and screwdriver. Very handy at parties where there is wine but no one has brought a corkscrew! The blade is ok, but a bit flimsy and does not lock, so light duty only. The overall look is innocuous or even dorky rather than tactical. Which suits my needs since I prefer to attend parties and avoid knife fights. That said I would love it if there was a clone or similar knife with the main blade in an abrasion resistant steel like VG-10. Cutting open packages will dull a knife surprisingly quickly. https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Climber-Pocket-Knife/dp/B00DMXFFHK https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Climber-Pocket-Knife...
- linkula6 9y agoCold Steel Code 4. It has a titanium handle, so it's super light and smooth - you almost don't feel it in your pocket, it's super-comfortable to wear. I carry it as an EDC knife for 5 months now, and it's the best knife I have owned so far.
- K0balt 9y agoLeatherman wave, hands down. Unlike most multitools, the wave is nicely pocketable with fully practical tools. I use tools several times a day, sometimes all day... The wave eliminates 90 percent of the runs to the toolbox. Also, lifetime guaranteed.
- Chickenosaurus 9y agoI carry an Opinel everyday. They are great for the following reasons: - Traditional french knife with a rich history - Cheap (from $ 8) - Mechanically very simple - Lockable - Many sizes available - Stainless steel and carbon steel available (I prefer carbon because I like the patina) - They can't be opened with one hand which would make it illegal to carry them publicly in Germany The biggest disadvantage is the untreated wood handle. It can swell up if it gets wet which makes the knife harder to open and close. Some people deep fry the knife to make the wood water resistant.
- bananicorn 9y agoDon't you have any problems with the locking mechanism being a bit flimsy? I agree it's a great knife, especially for the price, but the lock rattles around, even when I put it in place very forcefully... May just be my knife though.
- itbeho 9y agoVictorinox Farmer - just the tools I need without the heft of a multitool. A close second is the Victorinox Lumberjack. If I remember correctly it is/was the smallest SAK with a saw, which I use for all kinds of things.
- aalhour 9y agoHow do guys sharpen your day to day carry?
- pkalinowski 9y agoVictorinox Tourist. Always attached to keyring. I have never felt a need for a pocket knife until I got this one as a gift. Now I use it all the time at home, car, travels etc.
- miguelrochefort 9y ago- Leatherman Squirt PS4 - Victorinox Bantam Alox - Leatherman Wave I initially bought the Leatherman Wave. It basically replaced my toolbox. I would carry it every day using the pocket clip. After a few months, I started to notice how bulky and overkill it was for everyday carry. I started carrying it in my backpack (which eventually got stolen from my car). I then purchased the Victorinox Bantam Alox. It's minimalistic, extremely thin and light. The blade is large and comfortable, and the combo tool (flat screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, wire stripper, bottle opener, can opener) is very useful. It's so thin I eventually lost it. I finally got the Leatherman Squirt PS4. It's tiny, yet has lots of features (blade, scissors, file, pliers, flat screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, bottle opener, wire cutters, sewing pin mod). I carry it every day in my pants coin pocket. The only downside is the blade, which is not as big and comfortable as the others (which I used for cooking, crafting, wood prepping, etc).
- dodgyb 9y agoThe quality of the steel is the most important consideration when choosing a knife. See: http://knifeinformer.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/ http://knifeinformer.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/ Victorinox knives provide the best performance for the price: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Army_knife#Design_and_materials https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Army_knife#Design_and_ma...
- m3kw9 9y agoMilwaukee fastback 2. Its a box cutter but it flips in and out so quickly, it’s amazing to use. And to carry extra blades if it breaks. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/utility-knives/48-22-1902 https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/utility-knives/48-2...
- 5555624 9y agoIt all depends on what I am doing. Lately, my everyday carry has been a Benchmade H&K 14440SB. It's small and cheap enough that I don't worry about losing it. Prior to that, I usually carried a Benchmade 943 Osborne. Right now, it sits on my desk, in my home office, so it gets used. (I have a couple of Benchmades that don't get much use.) My Kabar Rigging Knife is my only knife with a leather case; so, if I working outside and don't want a knife in my pocket, I might carry it.
- HAL9OOO 9y agoThe Benchmade Bugout is ONLY 1.85 oz, super easy to carry in your pocket without compromising blade size. Great for backpacking too. https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Bugout-AXIS-Lock-Knife--74149 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Bugout-AXIS-Lock-Kni...
- halfbrown 9y agoI'd say the best pocket tool/knife I've used is the Leatherman Sidekick. I've got a handful of different Leatherman multi-tools (Charge, Wave, Wingman, etc.), but for my money, the Sidekick is best one for every day usage. It combines useful features, reasonable price, and a lightweight package that just can't be beat: https://www.leatherman.com/sidekick-9.html https://www.leatherman.com/sidekick-9.html The Sidekick retails for around $50, but it's well worth the money. So much so that I've bought a few over the years for friends and relatives. If I were to recommend "just" a knife for everyday carry, it would be the Spyderco Tenacious G10. Both the Leatherman and Spyderco can be found on Amazon.
- gk1 9y agohttp://www.benchmade.com/ http://www.benchmade.com/
- Something1234 9y agoMy friend loves benchmade, but they are out of my price range by a lot. I'm also leaning towards something more like a swiss army knife.
- gk1 9y agoIf you sign up on their website and check the box that asks if you're a public servant (military/police/etc), you'll automatically get 30% off online orders.
- Something1234 9y agoDoes it count if I'm a student worker at a state university?
- gk1 9y agoThey don't verify.
- ateesdalejr 9y agoIs that ethical?
- aisofteng 9y agoNo.
- convolvatron 9y agospyderco endura straight edge with the stainless handle. weighty, robust, very easy single hand open. lasts for .. forever. every few months clean out the cavity behind the lock to get the snick back. I replace the clip screws with socket head #2-56s
- Clubber 9y agoCase peanut. Nice old timer's knife.
- chrisbennet 9y agoFor me, a knife is just a tool, like scissors. The most used/useful knife I own is this tiny folding pocket knife. https://www.crkt.com/shop/everyday-carry-knives/delilah-s-p-e-c-k.html https://www.crkt.com/shop/everyday-carry-knives/delilah-s-p-... It is undersized for hunting or boating but for actual day to day use it really excels. I use it mostly for opening boxes and occasionally trimming bits off 3D printed parts. I used to carry it in my watch pocket but now it lives in my laptop bag.
- jrrrr 9y agogerber paraframe mini
- diegoprzl 9y agoIn my briefcase I always carry a Leatherman Wave. For personal defense I like the Spyderco Matriarch 2.
- Arcsech 9y agoI’ve been using the Victorinox Cybertool 32 for... about 6 years now. I don’t a lot of use for the extras in most multitools (who needs a metal file or a saw on a daily basis), but pliers, scissors, and a multi-tip screwdriver (including a glasses screwdriver) is super handy.
- mr3martinis 9y agoOpinel