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If you enjoy the great outdoors and participating in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, fishing, trekking, climbing, hunting, and more, then one piece of equipment that could be a life-saver is a high-quality pocket knife. Most pocket knives are very portable, durable, reliable, and versatile. American-made pocket knives are constructed from durable materials that include scratch- and corrosion-resistant blades, along with extremely comfortable handles. The best pocket knives are built to withstand heavy usage, and they are extremely convenient, allowing you to easily travel with them in your pocket or backpack on overnight trips.
Whether you are looking for great value, durability, portability, or versatility, we took a look at the best American-made pocket knives currently on the market. Read on to see which product is the best fit for your next outdoor trip.
Kershaw Knockout Olive Black Pocket Knife
Case Amber Bone Pocket Knife
Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife
Benchmade Bugout Drop-Point Blade Knife
Case XX WR Pocket Knife
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Signature Folding Knife
Zero Tolerance Pocket Knife
Benchmade Griptilian 551 Knife
Related: The best EDC knives worth relying on
Why should you trust us
Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I have spent plenty of time outdoors on long hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, trekking, climbing, or fishing trips. Trust me when I say, owning a high-quality pocket knife can be an extremely useful accessory for a safe, reliable outdoor experience. The best pocket knives are very portable, durable, versatile, and convenient to use in a variety of different situations and conditions. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and have written a number of other outdoor lifestyle products and camping equipment articles, including camping towels, hiking water filters, walking sticks, insulated coffee mugs, and more.
Types of American-made pocket knives
There are three main types of pocket knives. Each type of pocket knife offers its own unique set of features and advantages. Depending on your individual preferences, where you will be using your pocket knife, and the type of activities you will be participating in, you may require a different type to best fit your needs. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all of the different types of pocket knives before making a decision on your final purchase.
Camper
The camper pocket knife is also known as the multitool pocket knife. This type of pocket knife is well equipped with a number of different tools, including screwdrivers, can/bottle openers, scissors, pliers, nail files, toothpicks, tweezers, and more. This is by far the most versatile type of pocket knife, especially if you plan on using your pocket knife for several different purposes. Camper pocket knives are available in a number of different shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and price points. If you do decide to purchase a camper knife, make sure that the blade is strong enough and durable enough to fit your individual preferences.
Canoe
The canoe pocket knife is named after its canoe shape when it is closed. This type of pocket knife includes two blades of different shapes or sizes. The blades collapse on opposite ends, but on the same side of the knife handle. It typically carries both a pen blade and a drop point blade. The pen blade features a thin narrow blade, while the drop point blade has a straight spine until the very tip of the blade. Canoe pocket knives are generally safe to use, and they can safely fit in your pocket for everyday use or for use while on outdoor trips.
Pen
Pen pocket knives are one of the oldest types of knives. This type of pocket knife was named after the type of pen that needs to be dipped into a container of ink, typically a quill pen. The pen knife includes a thin, narrow blade with a sleek tip that closely resembled the famous ink and quill combination pen. This type of pocket knife is extremely comfortable, but it can be slightly larger than some of the other types of pocket knives. It is available to purchase in a variety of different price options, depending on the construction quality and design.
What to consider when buying American-made pocket knives
For this article, we extensively researched and tested a wide variety of different types and brands of American-made pocket knives. These included camper, canoe, and pen pocket knives of all brands, models, and styles. The pocket knives were all tested for reliability, durability, portability, and versatility. They were all tested in a number of different situations, locations, and in a variety of different conditions.
The results of this thorough research and testing can be found throughout this article. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types, brands, and features of each type of pocket knife before making a final purchase to best fit your needs for your next outdoor trip.
The advantages of owning an American-made pocket knife
There are several key advantages to purchasing and using a pocket knife for your next outdoor adventure. The most obvious benefit is that it can be used in a variety of everyday situations, as well as a number of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, trekking, climbing, hunting, and more. Most pocket knives are extremely portable, durable, reliable, and designed for use in a variety of different conditions and situations. American-made pocket knives are available in a variety of different styles, models, designs, and brands, and some models are even designed to hold up in all types of conditions and extreme weather.
Most pocket knives are very lightweight, user-friendly, and versatile, able to be used in a variety of situations, activities, or different settings. Pocket knives make a great option for a reliable, safe outdoor experience, allowing you to have a versatile tool on hand when needed.
- One of the most obvious benefits of a pocket knife is that it is an extremely convenient tool. Pocket knives are extremely portable tools to carry with you on camping or hiking trips for use at a moment’s notice.
- Another key benefit to pocket knives is that they are extremely versatile. Some pocket knives include multiple blades or several different tools. They can be used for a variety of outdoor activities, cutting items, as well as handling and preparing food.
- First aid/protection pocket knives can also come in handy for various first aid and protective uses. Pocket knives can be used to cut off clothes, remove splinters, and can be a life-saver in a variety of situations.
Pricing ranges for American-made pocket knives
- Under $50: Pocket knives in this price range are available at an excellent value. Make sure to thoroughly read the reviews before making a purchase to ensure that the knife is strong enough and durable enough to withstand the outdoor activities where you plan on using it.
- $50-$100: This is the most common price range for American-made pocket knives. These pocket knives are typically very reliable, and they are available to purchase in a variety of types, models, and sizes. You can typically find a fairly high-quality pocket knife in this price range.
- Over $100: American-made pocket knives in this price range are priced at a premium. Products in this price range are typically of the highest quality, featuring multiple tools, blades, and they are made from the most durable materials. The blades of these knives are usually scratch- and corrosion-resistant, built to withstand extensive use.
How we chose our top picks
When reviewing new outdoor products, we much prefer to go the hands-on route, but sometimes a lack of resources may prevent us from trying out the outdoor equipment in person. To make sure we don’t let you down, we take the time to thoroughly research and review other professionals who have hands-on experience with the equipment, combing through extensive reviews on Amazon, professional publications, outdoor enthusiast blogs, and more to bring you the best information available. For this review, we found the information at Hi Consumption, All American Reviews, American Gear Guide, Blade Reviews, and Home Stratosphere to be extremely helpful when shopping for the best American-made pocket knives for your next outdoor trip.