Types of Pocket Knives

Pocket knives have been around for a long time and there are a lot of different types to choose from. Different knives fit the needs or the style of different consumers so that there is truly something for everyone. Pocket knives are basically knives that can be folded and in some cases locked or twisted, so that they will easily fit in the pocket for easy and convenient access.

Types

  • Barlow Knife - Of all of the pocket knives this one stands out because it has a long bolster, an oval handle and two blades. It has been suggested that this knife is named after its inventor, although it is not clear which Barlow invented this knife.
  • Canoe - This knife was named for its shape that is much like that of a Native America canoe. This type of knife generally has two blades with spear points.
  • Congress - The congress knife is known for a convex front, as well as a straight or shallow concave back. The congress type knife usually features four blades.
  • Elephants Toenail - These pocket knives are often mistaken for a sunfish knife. What is different about this type of knife is that it is tapered on one end, which gives it the elephant toenail shape. These knives usually have two wide blades.
  • Peanut - A peanut knife is a very small knife, which is why it is known as a peanut. It usually has one or two blades.
  • Penknife - These pocket knives were first made to sharpen quill pens but continue to be in use even though quill pens are not. The reason that they are still in use is that they allow for very detailed cutting actions. These pocket knives usually have one or two blades and because they are rather slender they are not easily seen through clothing.
  • Sodbuster - This is a very simple pocket knife that features a very simple handle, it has no bolster and usually only carries one blade.
  • Stockman - A stockman has a clip, a sheep’s foot and a spey blade. These pocket knives are usually mid-sized with a straight handle, although there are sowbelly options available.
  • Sunfish - A sunfish pocket knife has a large design with a straight handle and two bolsters. The blades usually measure less than three inches but the blades are quite wide.
  • Trapper - These pocket knives are large with a clip and a spey blade and are generally considered unremarkable though reliable.
  • Whittler - The Whittler is a larger knife but it is not unlike the pen knife, though it has three blades.

As you can see, there are many different types of pocket knives for you to choose from. Each person needs to choose the type of pocket knife that they want based on the size and their need. With so many to choose from, there is truly a pocket knife for every person and every occasion.