Which pocket knife to choose and what to look out for?
A pocket knife is a multifunctional tool that accompanies people in various areas of life. It is used not only in situations related to outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, but also during the daily work of many people. It is the pocket knife that should be one of the basic elements of an EDC (Everyday Carry) kit, as it is useful in emergency situations.
In this guide we will discuss what features a good pocket knife should have and what functions it should be equipped with.
How do you choose a good pocket knife?
When buying a pocket knife, bear in mind a few important points to avoid disappointment and be sure that this tool, will serve you for a long time. It is worth specifying what you will be using it for, as this has a big impact on the final choice. Manufacturers offer both all-purpose models and models for different applications, such as DIY, sailing, hiking, cycling or rescue.
For lovers of minimalist solutions, a great choice would be a pocket knife Victorinox Classic SD, which weighs just 21 grams thanks to the facings made of modern Celidor plastic. This small pocket knife, made of reliable stainless steel, surprises with its extensive equipment despite its compact size. It is equipped with functions such as: fixed blade, scissors, file, screwdriver, tweezers and toothpick.
The Classic model is also available in the Alox version (with aluminium cladding) and comes in many colour options. Thanks to the practical ring, it can be easily attached to your keys. It is a tool that will always be at hand, whether you are at home, in the office or on the move.
Also noteworthy is the lightweight and compact pocket knife Victorinox Huntsman distinguished by its extensive set of functions. It will come in handy both when doing chores around the house and in the garden, on a camping trip, under a tent, during a bicycle trip or a mountain hike.
It features tools such as: small and large blade, can opener, corkscrew, skewer, hook, scissors and wood saw. In addition, its handle conceals a toothpick and tweezers.
Also worth recommending is the pocket knife Victorinox Camper - reliable and handy for weekend trips out of town or home DIY. It is equipped with many tools such as: large and small blade, can opener, small flat screwdriver, corkscrew and stripping tool. All this is enclosed in a compact casing measuring 91 x 18 x 27 mm, making it extremely handy and functional.
If you are planning to buy a pocket knife for a younger person, it is recommended to choose a model with a length of 84 or 91 mm. These models, despite their smaller size, feature a wide range of functions. A suitable choice would be the pocketknives from the My First series, which are suitable for use by the youngest because of their rounded blade.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for pocket knife for an adult, especially for the outdoor, camping or DIY enthusiast, then consider larger pocket knives with a locking blade at least 110mm long.
When choosing a pocket knife, pay attention to the quality of its workmanship and the type of materials used. The best pocket knives are made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion, damage and scratches. This type of material also ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability of the tool. The elasticity of steel often varies depending on the function of a particular device, e.g. the main blade will be made of steel with a different elasticity than a corkscrew. The durability and functionality of a pocket knife is also affected by the material used for the linings. These can be made of metal, non-slip plastic or wood.
A pocket knife is often used in demanding situations and subjected to a lot of wear and tear - it comes into contact with water, sand or low temperatures. This is why it is important to invest in high-quality equipment that can withstand these demands and last for many years.
Pocket knife - description of tools and functions
One of the undoubted advantages of pocket knives is their multifunctionality. Thanks to the large number of tools they have, pocket knives can be used to perform a variety of tasks. Below are examples of the tools and their functions:
| Tool | Application |
|---|---|
| Large blade | This is an essential component of any pocket knife. It comes in handy both in the field and during minor home repairs. It can be used for a variety of activities, such as planing in wood, opening parcels and cutting food. |
| Small blade | It is useful for use in hard-to-reach areas. Examples of applications include cutting thin ropes, repairing small objects or opening letters. |
| Can opener | The opener in a pocket knife has many uses. For example, its bevelled end can be used as a flat screwdriver, which is particularly useful for making simple repairs. In addition, the curved piece at the base of the opener can be used to remove insulation from thin cables. |
| Toothpick | It is used to remove food residues that are between the teeth. In addition, it can be used to clean electronic devices that have small openings that are difficult to reach with other tools. The toothpick can also be used as a measuring cup, enabling you to measure the same distance with precision. |
| Large flathead screwdriver | Used for screwing or unscrewing screws and bolts that have a single and longitudinal notch on the head. |
| Insulation stripper | It is used to safely remove insulation lagging from various types of cable. |
| Shylock | Using the sharp tip of the awl, holes can be drilled in a variety of materials, such as belt, wood or fabric. The sharpened edge of the awl can be used for scraping, but in this case it is a better choice to use an awl instead of a knife to avoid dulling the blade. |
| Tweezers | It can be used for the precise removal of small foreign bodies such as splinters or ticks, as well as for extracting objects from hard-to-reach places. |
| Wood saw | Due to its small size, the saw in the pocket knife is best suited for less demanding tasks. It can be used for cutting thin branches or for carving wood. |
| Scissors | Useful for cutting materials such as rope, fabric or dressings. |
Useful accessories for pocket knives
A pocket knife is a practical tool that comes in handy when camping in nature, camping, hiking in the mountains, but also in an emergency situation (e.g. blackout). However, in order to use its full potential, it is worth getting additional accessories to make it an even more practical tool. In addition some accessories will provide protection for our tool or improve its performance.
1. Pendant - allows the pocket knife to be carried conveniently, as it can be clipped to a belt, backpack or bag.
2. Carabiner - allows the pocket knife to be clipped to a belt or backpack during hiking or other outdoor activities, preventing accidental loss of the tool.
3. Stainless steel pin - is used to clean the closures and snaps of a pocket knife, removing dirt from hard-to-reach places.
4. Sharpener - enables the smooth and serrated blades of a pocket knife to be sharpened quickly and efficiently.
5. Penknife case - provides safe and convenient storage and transport of the tool, protecting it from moisture, water and mud. It can be attached to the belt, thanks to the loop on the back of the case.
Pocket knife range at Militaria.pl
Militaria.pl offers multifunctional pocket knives for military enthusiasts and civilian users. We have a wide selection of Victorinox military pocketknives, including popular models such as: Spartan, Sportsman, Huntsman, Classic, Rucksack and Camper. The selected models are equipped with more than 80 different tools and more than 100 functions. Our shop's assortment includes not only a wide selection of Victorinox pocket knives, but also models from other renowned manufacturers, such as Boker, Mil-Tec or Mikov.
We also offer specialised pocket knives for various professional groups, for example, for paramedics. They are equipped with tools that are indispensable in emergency situations, such as a belt cutter or a glass breaking tool. We have also added gardening pocket knives to our range, which are lightweight, robust and equipped with a straight stainless steel blade. They will prove useful for pruning branches or cutting flowers, as well as for work in the garden or on the allotment.
In our range you will find small and compact models as well as larger, more advanced models equipped with many tools and functions.
