The Traditional Pocket Knife

Pocket knives are in general a useful item to carry. From a very high level we can divide pocket knives into two types; the traditional pocket knife and the modern or tactical pocket knife (although we can also quickly break pocket knives into slip joint, lock back, liner lock, frame lock, etc. too). This review will focus on the traditional slip joint pocket knife.

Our favorite traditional pocket knife is made by Canal Street Cutlery. While I'm partial to the Half Moon Trapper (shown in the pictures), Canal Street Cutlery makes a few models that are good for Every Day Carry.

 

The pocket knife shown in the picture is about 3-3/4 inches closed and about 7 inches open. The blade 3-1/4 inches long and made of  14-4 CrMo Stainless Steel. This model has a handle made of  Panama White Linen and Resin and has silver nickel bolsters. Each knife has a serial number. Canal Street Cutlery generally uses a nail nick on the blade for opening. This is a traditional slip joint pocket knife.

 

 

These knives are extremely well made and are also Made in the USA. They are hand polished and and finished. The models I have carried fit well in the pockets of shorts, jeans, and dress pants without wearing holes in the pants. There are no sharp corners for catching on pocket material either. The knife is light weight, which is important when considering that this is carried every day.

 

The cost of these knives fit into most budgets (this model is less than $100), and considering the quality and craftsmanship, is an excellent deal. by doing a little research, these knives can generally be found with discounts available.

 

I highly recommend Canal Street Cutlery's knives for Every Day Carry. I'm looking forward to seeing the new model by Canal Street Cutlery: Lil' Pete. It is a two blade trapper with a wharncliffe built on the Half Moon Trapper profile.

 

If you plan on carrying a pocket knife, I recommend that you learn to sharpen it. This Canal Street knife has remained sharp for almost a year and has been used for opening letters; cutting fruit, vegetables, and meat; whittling; and cutting tape. Without going into detail at this point, there are a number of sharpening systems available for assisting a beginner with sharpening.

 

 

-Matt