Since unexpectedly is not a word you want to associate with your knife, a better bet is a medium (2 ¾-inch-to-four-inch) blade. Anything less than 2 ¾ inches is considered a small knife, which, if it’s a folder, typically won’t have a locking mechanism and can therefore fold in on itself unexpectedly if used for a heavy task. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference, but “for everyday carry,” says Ramey, “a folder is fine.” Beyond that, they’re generally categorized by blade (length, shape, and material), locking mechanism (if it is what’s called a “folder”), and handle. There are two basic kinds of pocketknives: folders and fixed blades, with folders being more commonly associated with the classic pocketknife and fixed blades more often used for heavy-duty stuff in the field. Also, before you carry any kind of blade around, be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. The Michigan YouTuber known as Prepper Potpourri likes her pocketknife for everyday tasks such as “opening Amazon packages, removing clothing tags, and slicing an apple at work” as well as in a “ survival situation where you have to cut cordage, make tinder for a fire, or even use it for self-defense.” It’s a good addition to your preparedness kit, says Stephanie Fox of the American Red Cross, as long as you follow the safety instructions and keep it away from children. “It tends to be a personal preference,” says John Ramey of the prepper site The Prepared, but many people find that a knife is easier to use when it’s not part of a bulky tool. While you can do a lot with a multi-tool, there are good reasons, in both emergency and everyday settings, to have a dedicated pocketknife.

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Pocket knives