Pocket knives are small folding knives that fit in a pocket and have multiple blades and features. They are useful for various situations and have been refined over centuries. They can be simple or multifunctional, but should still fit comfortably in a pocket. They make great gifts for outdoor enthusiasts or those in certain professions.
A pocketknife is a knife with a folding blade that is designed to be small enough to fit in a pocket. Many companies make pocket knives with multiple blades, ensuring their products are versatile. A good pocket knife can be an extremely useful tool in a wide variety of situations and are common equipment for campers, farmers, and emergency services personnel, among others. The Swiss Army Knife is probably the best known brand of pocket knife, with a distinctive square cross logo.
Pocket knives have been popular items for quite some time, with various refinements to the design introduced over the centuries. The quill knife, for example, was carried by gentlemen in the 19th century for the purpose of sharpening the quills of feathers, while larger blades were carried by ranchers and explorers in the American West for various purposes. By 1900 the locking blade had been introduced, making pocket knives much safer as the blades did not snap shut under pressure, and manufacturers began adding useful features to their pocket knives.
A very simple pocket knife may have only one blade, which is typically straight and long so that it can be used for a variety of functions. Optional additional blades might include things like an awl for piercing materials like leather, a hooked blade with a smooth outer edge and a sharp inner edge, or corkscrews for opening wine. Pocket knives also have things like tweezers, toothpicks, small scissors, screwdrivers, and so on.
With the multitude of options, it can be difficult to strike the balance between a pocket knife and a multifunctional tool. Ideally, a pocketknife should fit easily in someone’s pocket, without obviously bulking up. However, many companies make knives that are so loaded with options that they’re no longer practical for the pocket, although they can be carried in lightweight tool kits or worn on the belt.
Some people like to give pocket knives as gifts, especially to people who are embarking on journeys or new chapters in their lives. Others may pass down these blades as heirlooms, since many makers produce very sturdy and solid pocket knives that can be used for multiple generations. A pocket knife is definitely a gift to consider for a recent college graduate, someone planning a big outdoor expedition, or someone going into a field like emergency services, agriculture, or forestry.
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