How to choose a pocket knife that lasts

Start with what you'll cut

Boxes, fruit and zip ties want a 2–3.5" blade with a plain edge. Rope and webbing like a few serrations. Camp work — feathering sticks, cutting cord — is happier with 3.5" or more, or with a fixed blade.

Pick a lock you trust

A liner lock is a spring of steel inside the handle that snaps behind the blade when it opens. Push it aside with your thumb to close. It's simple, strong and easy to clean.

On our spring assisted knives we add a safety lock button. It keeps the blade shut when the knife rides in a pocket.

Steel and hardness

Most of our blades are 440C at 58–60 HRC: a good balance of edge and toughness, and very rust resistant. D2, in our premium line, holds an edge longer and asks for a little more care against moisture.

Assisted, manual or bearing?

Spring assist finishes the opening for you once you start it. A bearing pivot makes a manual folder feel almost effortless. A plain thumb stud gives you full control and the fewest moving parts.

Size and the rules

Blades under 3 inches with no spring are treated as everyday tools in most U.S. states. Always check the local rules where you live and travel — cities and parks can differ.