Ever since I was 10 years old, I’ve carried a pocket knife as an essential tool. Both my father and grandfather always had a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) on them, and that’s where I got my start. Growing up watching MacGyver only reinforced the idea that a pocket knife was just part of being prepared.
This has always been a personal thing for me. I’m not a collector chasing rare models, I’ve just owned and carried different knives over time as my needs and preferences have changed.
These days, I’ve realized that I prefer a locking knife that I can open and close easily with one hand. I tend to gravitate toward smaller, simpler knives that aren’t intimidating to non-knife people, but can still handle the tasks I throw at them. I like a vintage aesthetic, but appreciate modern materials and tech.
Here’s my progression, so far:
- SAK Tinker (Inox 1.4110)
- CRKT K.I.S.S. (3Cr13)
- Kershaw Ken Onion Blur (440A)
- SAK Super Tinker (Inox 1.4110)
- Spyderco Ladybug 3 (ZDP-189)
- Enrique Peña X Series Apache Flipper (M390)
- Leatherman Skeletool CX (154CM)
- Civivi Baby Banter 2 (Nitro-V)
- Knafs Lander 3 Clip Point (S35VN) with a titanium Lynch Northwest pocket clip
At this point I’ve settled on a personal “sweet spot”: under 3 inches, under 3 ounces. Lightweight matters. I might eventually break this list down one by one, detailing what I liked, what I didn’t, and why I moved on.
I do miss having a bottle opener sometimes, but it’s more a matter of convenience than necessity. For that, I keep a titanium The James Brand Halifax clipped inside my one-bag travel pack (a Minaal Carry-On 2.0), and a titanium KeyShark by Crankee Monkey lives on my car key fob.
I used to carry a flashlight too, but eventually decided I don’t want that much gear in my pockets. My phone’s light has always been enough.
I’ve come to appreciate crossbar locks. They’re not only strong and easy to use, but they can make it safer when loaning a knife to someone that is unfamiliar with pocket knives: Knives You DO Hand to People! | Can Non-Knife People Open And Close Pocket Knives?