Learn Knives
The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Pocket Knives
Once upon a time, we made a giant Knife Poster that packed pretty much everything we know about pocket knives into one place. It was awesome, but we realized not everyone has the wall space for a massive poster. So, we figured it was only right to throw all that knowledge right here on the internet as a free beginner's guide to understanding knives.
Whether you’re trying to figure out what kind of steel you have or you just want to know why your knife won't open smoothly, we’ve got you covered. Pick a topic below and binge, amigo. This is going to be fun.
POCKET KNIFE ANATOMY
Ever looked at your knife and wondered what all those tiny parts are actually called? We break down pocket knife anatomy from tip to butt. Learn the difference between the spine, the choil, and the liners so you can talk about knives like an absolute pro.
POCKET KNIFE MAINTENANCE
A dull, rusty knife is a sad knife. If you want your favorite blade to last a lifetime, you need to know the basics of pocket knife maintenance. Check out our tips on cleaning, oiling, and sharpening your knife so it stays smooth and ready for action.
EVERY KNIFE BLADE SHAPE EXPLAINED
From drop points to sheepsfoot blades, there are tons of different blade shapes out there, and each one has a specific job it does best. We walk you through the most common shapes so you can choose the perfect blade for your daily carry.
Pocket Knife Materials
What’s your knife actually made of? The stuff used for the handles and the steel can totally change how a knife feels and performs. Dive into pocket knife materials to learn all about G10, Micarta, titanium, and the crazy world of knife steels.
Opening Mechanisms
How your knife deploys is a huge part of the fidget factor. Whether you love the classic thumb stud, a snappy flipper tab, or a simple nail nick, we share the different opening mechanisms that make folding knives so satisfying to use.
Knife Patterns
Knives have a rich history, and many traditional styles have specific names based on their shape and layout. Explore traditional knife patterns like the trapper, stockman, and barlow to see how modern pocket knives evolved into what they are today.
Lock Types
Nobody wants a sharp blade closing on their fingers. That’s where lock types come into play. We take a look at how liner locks, frame locks, button locks, and crossbar locks keep your blade securely open when you’re putting it to work.
Blade Grinds
The way a blade is ground determines how well it slices, chops, or holds an edge. From hollow grinds to flat grinds, we break down the details on blade grinds so you can understand the geometry behind a truly wicked edge.