Pocket knife

Pocket knife

Pocket knife - Time was not long ago where nearly every kid in school had a pocket knife. Not only that, they knew how to take care of one and how to use it responsibly. How times have changed! Nowadays carrying a pocket knife to school will get you hauled off to jail!

Still, many responsible adults are looking to buy their first pocket knife. They've learned that having a pocket knife handy just makes their life easier. But how do you decided on which one to buy? Is the $10 knife just as good as the $75 knife?

Here are a few tips to help you decide. First off, decide what you'll need one for. If you'll be cutting tags off clothes, opening packages, trimming your fingernails or other small jobs, then a smaller knife with one or two blades will work fine for you.

If however, you plan on using your knife as part of your job, let's say you're an Electrician or Plumber, then you'll want a larger, multi bladed pocket knife. Multi-tools may be fine, but they can't take the place of a good pocket knife.

The most popular blade styles are Clip, Spey and Sheepsfoot. A knife with all three of these blades will handle nearly any job you can throw at it. If the blade you choose will be used for work, then I'd suggest getting a medium to large knife. If this is the type of knife you need, look at what is called in the industry as a "Stockman" knife. They come with all three of these blades and are very user friendly.

Price does matter when choosing a blade. Obviously, you get what you pay for in a knife. Many of the traditional manufacturers have sold out to foreign companies and what was once good quality knives are now nothing more than cheap imports using inexpensive steel in the knife.

One exception to this rule is Case knives. I prefer these over all others simply because they are still made in the U.S.A. and the quality shows through in the end product. These knives come razor sharp right out of the package and Case has one of the best warranties in the business.

They use surgical stainless steel on their blades. Not only that, but they hold an edge really well. Not all stainless steel is created equal, so make sure whichever knife you choose has good quality steel. Following these tips should help you learn how to choose your first pocket knife and it should last you years!