What is a pocket knife?

A pocket knife is simply a knife with a blade that folds out or “opens” from the handle, where it is housed when not in use. The idea being that it will easily fit in the pocket for everyday carry. Generally, a pocket knife is either assisted opening or manual opening.

What is an assisted opening knife?

These knives are opened by the user employing either the “flipper”, which is a lever on the back spine of the knife or a “thumb stud”, which is a small stud on the blade. This action starts the deployment of the blade and a mechanism like a spring or ball-bearing finishes opening the blade and then it locks into place.

What is a trapper pocket knife?

This is a style of manual opening pocket knife that has two blades, which fold out from the handle. Traditionally, there is a spey blade and a clip blade, each having a nail nick so that they can be deployed with just an upward pull on the blade.

What is an OTF knife?

When you see a knife listed as an OTF, it stands for “out-the-front” and means that it is a knife with a blade that extends straight from the handle. An OTF pocket knife can be opened with a manual slide, with assisted opening, with an automatic mechanism or by using gravity.

How do I choose a pocket knife?

A good, quality folding pocket knife should be a tool that you can take for granted because it will be able to perform whenever and wherever you need it. Choose one that will perform the specific tasks that come up for you in your everyday life. For example, if you’re in emergency services, a rescue knife with an integrated seatbelt cutter and glass breaker would be perfect for you.

POCKET KNIVES

We offer one of the largest selections of high-quality pocket knives on the market! We carry a variety of spring-loaded blades, including OTF, Stiletto, Tactical, Utility, and Damascus, so you are sure to find something that meets your needs! Whether you are looking for a knife for yourself or want to give the perfect gift, we have something for everyone. Be sure to browse our selection and find the perfect pocket knife today!

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From traditional styles to an expansive variety of contemporary designs, BUDK.com is your destination for the highest quality and largest selection of Pocket Knives at the lowest prices. Our large selection of pocket knives include automatic and assisted opening pocket knives, tactical models, tanto styles, stiletto knives and multi-tools, as well. No matter what the application or occasion, BUDK.com has the pocket knife that you desire, from the most trusted brands, with a value that is unrivaled and a quality that is unmatched. You will find automatics from Viper-Tec, manuals from Timber Wolf, collectibles from Kissing Crane and rescue knives from Black Legion. New Pocket Knives are added on an almost daily basis, so you’re sure to find one that you absolutely can’t live without!

POCKET KNIFE FAQS

What is a pocket knife?
A pocket knife is simply a knife with a blade that folds out or “opens” from the handle, where it is housed when not in use. The idea being that it will easily fit in the pocket for everyday carry. Generally, a pocket knife is either assisted opening or manual opening.
What is an assisted opening knife?
These knives are opened by the user employing either the “flipper”, which is a lever on the back spine of the knife or a “thumb stud”, which is a small stud on the blade. This action starts the deployment of the blade and a mechanism like a spring or ball-bearing finishes opening the blade and then it locks into place.
What is a trapper pocket knife?
This is a style of manual opening pocket knife that has two blades, which fold out from the handle. Traditionally, there is a spey blade and a clip blade, each having a nail nick so that they can be deployed with just an upward pull on the blade.
What is an OTF knife?
When you see a knife listed as an OTF, it stands for “out-the-front” and means that it is a knife with a blade that extends straight from the handle. An OTF pocket knife can be opened with a manual slide, with assisted opening, with an automatic mechanism or by using gravity.
How do I choose a pocket knife?
A good, quality folding pocket knife should be a tool that you can take for granted because it will be able to perform whenever and wherever you need it. Choose one that will perform the specific tasks that come up for you in your everyday life. For example, if you’re in emergency services, a rescue knife with an integrated seatbelt cutter and glass breaker would be perfect for you.

Top Customer Reviews

Isaac

I keep it oily with Machine gun grease, but, it's practical and quite handy. I like how it has the safefty switch and it is slip-resistant. I live in a rough city, travel a lot and now got a handy knife should I ever need it. Great job, BuDK. ---customer for life!!
Review of: Schrade Extreme First Generation OTF Assisted Opening Pocket Knife
Wendy

Amazing and beautiful pocket knife! Works for a great gift for someone who likes pocket knives.
Review of: Timber Wolf Gentleman’s Lockback Pocket Knife
Eric

Easily worth the $24.00 price tag after you pay for the shipping charges. That said, the blade epitomizes the high end precision quality & craftsmanship of knife brands such as Sog, Gerber and Kershaw. I will gladly recommend this blade to any of my friends and family members.
Review of: Scorching Sands Clip Point Pocket Knife
Ryne

Like other reviewers, I wish this knife had a 'real' on/off switch rather than just twisting the end of light to turn it on. I have not had the knife long, but already the light has come on while in my pocket. To keep the light from coming on, you have to unscrew the head of the light so it is in danger of just working it's way off and getting lost. As for the knife, it is good sized for my hand (I take a medium glove) and the blade is very sharp. For this price, I bought several to put in the vehicles and one for my pocket.
Review of: Special Force Pocket Knife With LED Flashlight
Angela

This knife I ordered few years ago and still to this day is sharp sturdy and the engraving is beautiful a great knife. Thanks BudK!!
Review of: Smith & Wesson Black Ops Blue Tanto Tactical Pocket Knife