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Pocket Knives, Choosing the One For You…
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Pocket Knives, choosing the one for you
There are both emotional reasons to carry pocket knives and also practical reasons to carry a pocket knife. Pocket Knives are also commonly referred to as folding knives and lock back knives. Pocket knives can be used for many practical tasks, such as safety reasons, commonly carried by all law enforcement officers, soldiers, and fire fighters. Whatever the reason for carrying a pocket knife, this article was written to help you chose pocket knives wisely.
There are several different types of pocket knives such as pen knives, multi blade pocket knives, stockman pocket knives, trappers, multi tool pocket knives, and many others. I think the kind of pocket knife a person carries is a personal choice that each individual should choose that best fits both their personality and intention of use. Many people believe the best pocket knife to carry is one passed down from your father or your grandfather. Outside of that, find the shape and size pocket knives that fits best and feels good in your hands. Remember, you're the one using it so be sure it is comfortable for you!
I highly recommend choosing pocket knives that have a locking mechanism; pocket knives with no positive locking mechanism can be extremely dangerous. Even the most experienced woodsmen are regularly injured by non-locking pocket knives. In these cases, the cuts can go very deep and even to the bone causing a serious injury. That is why I recommend choosing pocket knives with a locking mechanism such as a twisting ring or catch that must be released in a distinct action before the knife can be folded or closed. This type of lock improves safety by preventing accidental blade closure while cutting and using the pocket knife. Other pocket knives use a sliding spring to keep them open. This type can allow the blade to close if enough back pressure is applied to the blade; I personally would stay away from this type.
Next you would want to consider how you will open your pocket knife. Traditional pocket knives were designed to open using "nail-nicks", or slots where you insert your fingernail to pull the blade out of the handle. This is kind of awkward as it takes both hands to open the pocket knife. Assisted opening pocket knives have improved the way pocket knives are opened. These knives have a thumb-stud on the blade that allows for one-handed opening. I really think this was a well needed improvement to the ever popular pocket knife.
Finally, when choosing a pocket knife consider pocket knives with a clip. Pocket knives with clips are great because it allows you to carry the knife more comfortably without the added bulk in your pocket. Clips are usually metal and similar to the clips found on pens except thicker. Pocket knives with clips allow the knife to be easily accessible. If you don't choose pocket knives with a clip then I would recommend a sheath. Sheaths are great was to protect your pocket knives and also can be attached to a belt or clipped to your side.
There are a few important factors when choosing pocket knives. I believe the most important factors to consider when choosing pocket knives are the fit to your hand(shape and size), safety(locking mechanism), ease of opening(consider assisted opening), accessibility(clip or sheath), and finally one that fits your personality(says something about you).
Article submitted Thursday, January 28, 2010 & read 418 times.
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