Do people question you about carrying a pocket knife, or do you want to encourage someone on why they are important? This article may be a good reference for you. Thank you to Oscar Taylor for his efforts in sharing this information.
Why Should I Carry a Pocket Knife [Pros and Cons]
Did you know the essential pocket knife has existed for over 2,000 years? However, it became even more common around the 1700s because of the British Industrial Revolution.
That’s right. Humans have been carrying around this tool for over two millenniums. Should you carry a pocket knife as well?
Key Takeaways
- A pocket knife is beneficial to various activities, including everyday tasks like opening a package.
- Pocket knives can be crucial or life-saving in an emergency situation.
- Even though pocket knives have a few disadvantages, the benefits of having one are more, making it a valuable and essential tool.
Why Should I Carry a Pocket Knife?
There are many reasons you should always have a pocket knife with you. Here is a look at some of them.
Outdoor Sports
Are you an outdoor person? Apocket knife is almost a requirement if you hunt or fish.
As a hunter, you would use it for field dressing, and fishermen often need a sharp tool to cut fishing lines or remove hooks. So many other outdoor activities, such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and horseback riding, are activities where a knife will become handy.
Food Preparation
While a pocket knife isn’t exactly made for preparing food, it can be helpful when you don’t have access to a kitchen knife. You can use this tool to cut food and share it with friends. It’s excellent for cutting apples and other convenient foods.
Use for Everyday Tasks
Every day, you encounter obstacles you need to solve with the right tools. A pocket knife is one of those tools. You can use it to perform tasks like opening packages, creating shapes out of objects, and cutting items. Many jobs or vocations could not be completed without a reliable pocket knife.
Being Prepared
Because you never know what situation you will encounter, a pocket knife is an excellent tool to have to be prepared, not only in your pocket but in your car, backpack, or other gear.
For Arts and Crafts
A pocket knife is a great tool for arts and crafts. Some people have perfected the art of whittling wood using pocket knives. The most common and simple items you can carve include a flower, owl, whistle, and walking stick.
Used to Start a Fire
This may sound weird. After all, who needs to start a fire with a knife in the age of lighters and matches?But guess what! You might need a pocket knife for this.
If you’re camping or in the woods, you can use it to cut small twigs and branches. You can also cut away the wet part of the wood with the knife if all you can find is damp wood. And if you have the skills, you can use it to create a spark and start a fire.
Pocket Knife Benefits
Whether you’re a hiker, hunter, camper, or just going about your daily business, there are many benefits to having a pocket knife handy.
Use in Emergency Situations
Pocket knives are valuable tools in emergencies. For example, if you’re stranded, you can use it to fix things, chop wood, or easily prepare food.
Always ensure your pocket knife is in excellent condition and sharp, keeping it ready to handle any situation. Even when you encounter a risky situation, the pocket knife will give you an edge to survive. You can use it to cut bandages or clothing, seatbelts, or break a window.
Cutting Edge
Your pocket knife is a knife. You can be sure it’ll come in handy when you need it to cut various things, including wood, wires, paper, and cardboard. Because sharp knives can make precise cuts, they can also cut ropes and leashes.
Many people tend to underestimate pocket knives, which can lead to accidents. Be careful when using this tool to open packages or mail. You should have quality knives as they can withstand great pressure and cut through different types of materials. Be sure to take proper care of it by keeping it clean and sharp.
Use It as a Tool
There are many types of pocket knives, giving you amazing options to consider. Some pocket knives are multi-blade so that you can use various blades or tools for multiple tasks.
Single-bladed knives are useful for many ordinary tasks like cutting rope, untying a tight knot, cutting through zip ties, or prying out batteries.
Pocket Knife Disadvantages
There are a couple of disadvantages to a pocket knife. Like most tools, it can be damaged, especially if not used properly. Folding knives may wear and not hold back properly. Always inspect your knife and any tool to make sure it is in good working condition.
Is it Weird to Carry a Pocket Knife?
Carrying a pocket knife isn’t strange or weird, and it is quite common. In fact, it is frequently referred to as a “common pocket knife.” As you’ve seen with the examples above, this handy tool can help you in many situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth carrying a pocket knife?
Yes! Carrying a pocket knife is worth it because of its many uses. It’s a small, easily accessible, lightweight, and durable tool.
Is it okay to walk around with a pocket knife?
It’s okay to carry a pocket knife. You won’t get into trouble. However, you may be prohibited from entering certain areas, such as schools and government offices, with a pocket knife. Some states have laws restricting the type of pocket knife or length of blade that you can carry and whether or not it is concealed in your pocket, so check AKTI’s State Knife Laws to ensure you’re legal.
Oscar Taylor is the owner of BarrettRifles.com. He has been an avid outdoorsman all his life. He’s hunted and fished most of the Eastern United States for nearly three decades. During his tenure as a hunter, he has hunted almost every North American game animal with either a rifle or a bow and has always done it with a knife (or two) close at hand.
