You don’t have to be a collector to appreciate a pocket knife. They’re far more universal than the title, with its slight edge of pretension, implies. Once the realization hits that knives aid in many of the tasks encountered in daily life — opening packages, preparing food, modifying a pair of jeans — they become tools and transmute from scary to essential.
There’s no shortage of great knife-related gifts. From a high-quality first blade they’ll actually use, to a premium upgrade that’ll round out any collection (plus everything necessary for proper storage and maintenance), these are the year’s best.
Deejo Customizeable Knives
Price: $80+
From: deejo.com
Give the gift of personalization this holiday season with Deejo’s fully customizable pocketknives. With thousands of combinations to choose from including illustrations, colors and wood finishes, these one-of-a-kind accessories can be handed down for generations as family heirlooms. The minimal weight and slender design make carrying the knives effortless. Plus, they’re shipped within 48 hours from Deejo’s factory in France, so upgrading a loved one’s everyday carry is quick and easy.
1. Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242
Price: $5
From: amazon.com
Unlike sealants that make a permanent seal, Blue Loctite creates one that’s easily broken the next time a screw or part needs replacing.
2. KPL Knife Oil
Price: $14
From: amazon.com
One of the essential steps of knife maintenance is making sure its moving parts are well oiled. Skip potentially harmful lubricants and get something made specifically for blades.
3. Microfiber Cloths
Price: $14 (20 pack)
From: amazon.com
An essential for basic knife maintenance, these are affordable and come in large quantities so you can distribute amongst all the EDC fans on your list.
4. CRKT Twist and Fix Torx and Hex Multi-tool
Price: $21
From: amazon.com
CRKT employed an innovative spinning design to create a multi-tool that’s perfect for swapping a pocket clip from one side to another or opening a blade for a bit of maintenance.
5. Knife Aid
Price: $49+
From: knifeaid.com
For the low-effort knife-wielder on your list, Knife Aid will take in blades, give them a professional sprucing-up and send them back sharp as a tack. Its service is easy to use, and works for everything from pocket knives to chef’s blades.
Gear Patrol Magazine Subscription
Price: $39
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Gear Patrol Magazine is a deep dive into product culture. Inside each issue, you’ll find seasonal buying guides, rich maker profiles and long-form dispatches from the front lines of product design. Get four print magazines — delivered quarterly — with an annual subscription.
6. WESN TI Microblade
Price: $50
From: store.gearpatrol.com
At just over two inches in length closed, the Microblade can fit onto a keychain without adding bulk to your pocket. But perhaps even better, it’s only $50, making it a great affordable first knife for anyone on your list.
7. Work Sharp Angle Set Knife Sharpener
Price: $50
From: amazon.com
You don’t need a belt sander or elaborate contraption to maintain a pro-quality edge on the knives that you use most.
8. Red Clouds Collective Coffin Tool Roll
Price: $75
From: redcloudscollective.com
With individual sleeves for knives and tools of various sizes and a zippered pouch for small essentials, this waxed canvas tool roll is built to protect a modest collection.
9. Victorinox Outdoor Master
Price: $120+
From: amazon.com
The Outdoor Master doesn’t have tweezers built into its handle, but the first fixed blade from the maker of the original Swiss Army Knife it’s fully capable of handling all the tasks you’d want from a utility-driven knife.
10. Leatherman Free P2
Price: $120
From: amazon.com
With one-handed opening capabilities (thanks, magnets!), Leatherman’s most significant update to its plier-centric multi-tool in years turned out to be a vast improvement over the original. It’s something that any DIYer will appreciate tucked into their stocking.
11. The James Brand Carter
Price: $139
From: thejamesbrand.com
The James Brand’s newest pocket knife is also its most affordable in a line of premium, full-sized folders. The Carter doesn’t skimp on materials, though; it has a VG-10 blade and sculpted G10 or Micarta handles.
12. Chris Reeve Sebenza 31
Price: $450+
From: chrisreeve.com
All knife users have a grail blade. With a fresh update for 2019, the highly lauded Sebenza is better than ever, sure to impress even lifelong collectors.
SOG Twitch II
Price: $69
From: store.gearpatrol.com
From its patented pass-through lock bar design to the assisted opening technology, the SOG Twitch II is the next generation of the classic lock-back design. Invented by Spencer Frazer, the Twitch II is a 21st century lock back featuring modern construction and technology on the simple, but time-tested lock-back folder.
26 Terms Every Knife-Lover Should Know
The vocabulary used to describe a pocket knife may not be as complex as that which speaks to mechanical watches or automobiles, but if you want to sound like an expert, there are a few that you should commit to memory. Read the Story
