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Best pocket knives with clips

best pocket knives with clips

A pocket knife is a handy tool to have on hand for a variety of tasks, whether it be for everyday use or outdoor activities. One of the most convenient features of a pocket knife is a clip, which allows for easy and secure storage in a pocket or bag. A pocket knife with a clip is useful because it is easily accessible, making it a perfect tool for everyday carry, or EDC.

There are several types of pocket knives with clips available on the market. The most common types include  folding knives,  fixed-blade knives, and multi-tools. Folding knives have a blade that can be folded into the handle for safe storage, while fixed-blade knives have a permanently attached blade. Multi-tools, on the other hand, have multiple tools integrated into the handle, including a knife, pliers, and screwdrivers. Each type of pocket knife has its own unique set of features and benefits, making it important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.

Features to Consider

When it comes to choosing them, there are several important features to consider. In this article, we will discuss five key features to look for: 

  • blade material and edge retention 
  • handle material and grip 
  • locking mechanism, 
  • size and weight, 
  • clip position and carry options.

best pocket knives with clips

Blade Material and Edge Retention

The blade of your knife is one of the most important parts, and the material it is made from can greatly affect its performance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is known for its resistance to rust and corrosion, while high-carbon steel holds a sharper edge for longer periods of time. Damascus steel is a unique type of steel that is known for its durability and unique patterns on the blade. It’s important to consider the edge retention of the knife, which refers to how long the edge stays sharp. A knife with good edge retention will save you the hassle of having to sharpen it frequently.

Handle Material and Grip

The handle of a pocket knife is also an important feature to consider. Common materials include wood, plastic, and metal. Wood handles are known for their traditional look and feel, while plastic handles are lightweight and durable. Metal handles are sturdy and long-lasting, but they can be heavy. When it comes to the grip, a good one will ensure that the knife is comfortable to hold and easy to control.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism of a pocket knife is what keeps the blade in place when it is open. Common  types of locking mechanisms  include liner lock, back lock, and frame lock. A liner lock is a type of lock that is located inside the handle and is easy to release with one hand. A back lock is a type of lock that is located on the back of the handle and is known for its strength and durability. A frame lock is a type of lock that is located on the frame of the knife and is known for its smooth operation.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the knife affect how easy it is to carry and how comfortable it is to use. A larger knife may be more difficult to carry, but it will also be more versatile. A smaller knife will be more convenient to carry, but it may not have as many features. The weight of the knife should be kept in mind whenever purchasing one because a heavy knife may be uncomfortable to carry for long periods.

Clip Position and Carry Options

The clip of a pocket knife is an important feature that allows for easy and secure storage in a pocket or bag. The position of the clip is also important to consider, as it will affect how the knife sits in your pocket. A clip that is located on the top of the handle will sit higher in your pocket, while a clip that is located on the bottom of the handle will sit lower. It’s also important to consider the carry options, a tip-up carry allows easy access to the knife but a tip-down carry is more secure.

Top Picks for Pocket Knives with Clips

There is a wide variety of options available on the market when it comes to these kinds of knives so in this article, we will take a look at eight popular pocket knives with clips and discuss their description, features, pros, cons, and recommended uses.

pocket knives

Benchmade Griptilian

The Benchmade Griptilian is a folding knife with a 3.45-inch blade made from high-quality stainless steel. The handle is made from glass-filled nylon, making it lightweight and durable. The knife also features Benchmen’s patented AXIS lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The clip is reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • High-quality stainless-steel blade
  • Lightweight and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening and closing
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The price is on the higher side

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Outdoor activities

benchmade griptilian knife

Gerber Paraframe

The Gerber Paraframe is a folding knife with a 3-inch blade made from high-carbon stainless steel. The handle is made from aluminum, making it lightweight and sturdy. The knife also features a frame-lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • High-carbon stainless steel blade
  • Lightweight and sturdy handle
  • Easy one-handed opening and closing
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The blade may not hold an edge as well as some other options

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Light-duty outdoor activities

gerber paraframe knife

SOG Flash II

The SOG Flash II is a folding knife with a 3.5-inch blade made from AUS-8 stainless steel. The handle is made from glass-reinforced nylon, making it lightweight and durable. The knife also features SOG’s patented piston lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • AUS-8 stainless steel blade
  • Lightweight and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening and closing
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The lock may not be as secure as some other options

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Light-duty outdoor activities

sog flash II knife

Spyderco Dragonfly

The Spyderco Dragonfly is a folding knife with a 2.25-inch blade made from VG-MAX steel. The handle is made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon, making it lightweight and durable. The knife also features Spyderco’s patented back lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • VG-MAX steel blade
  • Lightweight and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening and closing
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The lock may not be as secure as some other options
  • The blade is smaller than some other options

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Light-duty outdoor activities
  • Precision cutting tasks

spyderco dragonfly knife

Kershaw Leek

The Kershaw Leek is a folding knife with a 3-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel. The handle is made from 410 stainless steel, making it sturdy and durable. The knife also features Kershaw’s patented Speed Safe assisted opening mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening of the blade. The clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • Sandvik 14C28N steel blade
  • Sturdy and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The lock may not be as secure as some other options
  • The handle may be heavy for some users

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Outdoor activities
  • Light-duty cutting tasks

kershaw leek knife

CRKT Pilar

The CRKT Pilar is a compact folding knife with a 2.4-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel. The handle is made from stainless steel, making it sturdy and durable. The knife also features CRKT’s patented frame lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • 8Cr13MoV steel blade
  • Sturdy and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening and closing
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The lock may not be as secure as some other options
  • The blade is smaller than some other options

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Light-duty outdoor activities
  • Precision cutting tasks

crkt pilar knife

Kershaw Blur

The Kershaw Blur is a folding knife with a 3.4-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel. The handle is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. The knife also features a thumb stud for easy one-handed opening and a secure liner lock. Just like the other knives, the clip is also reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • Sandvik 14C28N steel blade
  • Lightweight and durable handle
  • Easy one-handed opening
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The handle may be slippery for some users
  • The lock may not be as secure as some other options

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Outdoor activities
  • Light-duty cutting tasks

kershaw blur knife

Cold Steel Tuff Lite

The Cold Steel Tuff Lite is a folding knife with a 2.5-inch blade made from AUS-8A stainless steel. The handle is made from Griv-Ex, making it lightweight and durable. The knife also features Cold Steel’s patented Tri-Ad lock, which is known for its strength and security. The clip is reversible, allowing for both left and right-handed carry.

Pros:

  • AUS-8A stainless steel blade
  • Lightweight and durable handle
  • Strong and secure lock
  • Reversible clip

Cons:

  • The blade may not hold an edge as well as some other options
  • The handle may be slippery for some users

cold steel tuff lite knife

Recommended uses:

  • Everyday carry
  • Outdoor activities
  • Light-duty cutting tasks

When choosing a pocket knife with a clip, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Each of the knives discussed in this article has its own unique set of features, pros, and cons, and is well-suited to different types of use.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Pocket Knife with a Clip?

1. Keep it clean 

 Regularly clean the blade and handle of your knife with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

2. Lubricate the moving parts  

Lubricate the moving parts of your knife, such as the hinge and the lock, with a small amount of oil to keep them working smoothly.

3. Store it properly 

Store your knife in a dry place away from moisture and extreme temperatures to prevent rust and damage.

4. Sharpen the blade  

Keep the blade sharp by regularly honing it with a honing rod or sending it to a professional for sharpening.

5. Inspect it regularly 

Regularly inspect your knife for any signs of wear or damage and have it repaired or replaced as needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q1. What are the best materials for a pocket knife blade?

A. Common materials used for pocket knife blades include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and  Damascus steel.  But the most durable material is the high-carbon steel, although a better option could be Damascus steel, the  high carbon steel  still comes out on top, as it’s the more affordable option.

Q2. What is the best type of locking mechanism for a pocket knife?

A. Although there are three types of locking mechanisms, the best one is usually the liner lock, because it is affordable and does an excellent job of opening the knife and locking it in place. The way it does that is by pushing the back of the knife upwards with a pivot.

Q3. What is the best size and weight for a pocket knife with a clip?

A. The size and weight of a pocket knife are a matter of personal preference. A larger knife may be more difficult to carry, but it will also be more versatile as it will help you cut down stuff faster and will make it quicker, however a smaller knife will take time to do the same thing and might not be convenient for survival situations or intense outdoor activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pocket knives with clips are a versatile and convenient tool, which are perfect for everyday carry or outdoor activities. When choosing them, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. 

Furthermore, once you buy one, it’s important to maintain and care for it properly to ensure that it lasts for a long time. With the right care and maintenance, your knife will be a reliable and useful tool for many years to come.

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