In my younger days, every man carried a pocket knife. If a guy had his pants on he had his wallet, his keys, and of course his pocket knife. The first time I asked a man if he had his pocket knife and he did not answer, "I've got my pants on don't I?", I wasn't sure what to think. Some people stopped carrying them because, unfortunately, knives have obtained a stigma that makes them somewhat socially unacceptable. When you pull out your knife to open a box or something, people gasp and back away like you've just pulled a weapon on them. Crap people, your great grandfather probably carried a gun like you carry a cell phone and the country was much more polite then. Makes you wonder why doesn't it.

Well, I guess I am somewhat old fashion when it comes to knives. To me, carrying a pocket knife is right up there with shaking a man's hand. It is also like a right of passage from boyhood to manhood. Being allowed to carry your pocket knife is a sign of a boy becoming something more than just a boy. The only time I don't have a knife with me is when I know I am going somewhere they might want to confiscate it like at a concert for instance. When this happens, it goes in the glove box of my truck right next to my Leatherman multi-tool which is a variation of the swiss army pocket knife.

Okay, enough about the emotional reasons to carry a pocket knife, let's discuss some practical reasons I carry a pocket knife.  Knives are the ultimate pocket tool.  The earliest known pocket knives date to at least the early iron age.  They have been issued to our soldiers throughout American history and I bet are carried by every law enforcement officer and firefighter in the country.  While a pocket knife can be used for many practical tasks, some of which I will touch on shortly, I really carry my knife for safety reasons.  If I find myself in a situation where I need to cut something to escape some calamity, I always have a knife within arm's length.  The most obvious of these situations, an automobile accident in which the seat belt will not release for some reason.  In a case such as this, there would be no one thing more valuable to have then your trusty pocket knife.  Other reasons to carry a knife and some things I do with mine.

• Open a box
• Cut string or twine
• Cut grass trimmer line
• Open those new-fangled plastic packages that would otherwise require dynamite to open
• Cut tags off new items
• Open a letter
• Sharpen a carpenter's pencil
• Cut the stuck pant leg out of a bicycle chain
• Eat an apple.  There's something real cool about slicing off a piece of apple, holding it between your thumb and the knife and shoving it in your pie hole.  If you are going to use it for an eating utensil, make sure you keep it clean.  I clean and lubricate mine with mineral oil.
• I guess you could use it for a weapon if necessary.  I would probably get it taken away from me and end up on the wrong side of the knife.  Personally, when it comes to weapons, I subscribe to the theory that you never want to bring a knife to a gun fight. 
  

Those are just some of the things you can do with a pocket knife. I'm sure you can come up with dozens of others. But, let's talk a little about the some of the different kinds of knives and which ones you should carry. There are several different types of pocket knives such as pen knives which is a small pocket knife, whittlers, stockman, trappers and a host of others. I think the kind of pocket knife a person carries is a personal choice and no one can tell you the type you should carry. Truly, the only factor that sways me is a firm belief of mine. The best pocket knife to carry is one passed down from your father or your grandfather. Outside of that, find the size and shape that fits and feels good in your hand. You are the one using it, so make the choice your own.

As I said above, I think you should choose the knife you are going to carry. However, I do want to make a few points I think you would be wise to consider. A folding pocket knife with no positive locking mechanism are downright dangerous. Even experienced woodsmen are regularly injured by non-locking folding knives. It is not uncommon in these instances for the cut to go all the way down to the bone. Thus, choose a knife 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. This lock improves safety by preventing accidental blade closure while cutting. Other knives use a sliding spring to keep them open. This spring will allow the blade to close if enough back pressure is applied to the blade.

Consider how you will open your pocket knife. Traditional knives were opened using nail-nicks, or slots where you insert your fingernail to pull the blade out of the handle. This is kind of cumbersome as it takes both hands to open the knife. One innovation developed to remedy this is the assisted opening pocket knife. These knives have a thumb-stud, a small stud on the blade that allows for one-handed opening. A much needed addition in my mind.

Also consider a pocket knife with a clip. I like the clip because it allows you to carry the knife more comfortably without adding bulk to your pocket. Clips are usually metal and similar to the clips found on pens except thicker. Clips allow the knife to be easily accessible, while keeping it lint-free and unscathed by other pocket items such as coins.

Finally, I would just like to add.  Though a pocket knife is meant to be rough and tough, many people consider them a thing of beauty.  Many knives are remarkable in their looks and I suppose this is why so many wind up in collections.  Whether you're a sportsman, a collector, needing a gift, or you're looking for a pocket knife to carry, this is no place to skimp.  Choose the best knife you can afford.  One that is good quality and has a positive locking mechanism.  If you follow those guidelines, you will have a pocket knife that is safe and provides you with many years of usefulness and pleasure.