The folding pocket knife, which is useful in all EDC activities, is one of the convenient items to take with you when you go camping or climbing. In this article, we will introduce recommended products for folding knives, how to choose them, and how to care for them. Check out the best-selling products and make good use of them.
What is a folding knife?
Even if you’ve heard the word folding knife, many people may be vague about what kind of item it really is. First, I will introduce the basic definition of what a folding knife is.
What is a folding knife? ①: Foldable knife
If you bring your knife to the mountain or camping, you may accidentally get injured if you can’t fold it. The folding knife was created to protect you from injury.
Folding knives are defined as knives that are not dangerous to carry with the blade folded and placed in a camping or mountaineering backpack. Also, “folding” means “folding” in English.
Many folding knives can be used with one hand
When camping or climbing, it is often the case that you can only use one hand. It would be a hassle if you had to open the folding knife with both hands at that time.
Therefore, most products take into account that folding knives can only be used with one hand. Each manufacturer has finished the structure so that the blade can be pulled out with one touch and can be changed from the folded state to the open state without using both hands.
What is a folding knife? ②: Can be used for all purposes
When climbing a mountain or going camping, it is a good rule to keep your luggage as small as possible. Therefore, it is important to incorporate items that can be used for various purposes.
Cutting ropes, cutting branches, cutting ingredients, folding knives are also knives that can be used for various purposes.
Tips for choosing the best folding knife
With a wide variety of products from popular manufacturers, you may be wondering which folding knife is right for you. Here are some tips on how to choose a product that is useful in such cases. Compare the products of each manufacturer to find the folding knife that suits you best.
How to choose ①: Check the type of blade
The first thing to check is the type of folding knife blade. Even if the product looks the same, the functionality of the folding knife will change depending on the type of material used.
Typical material types are stainless steel and carbon steel, so be sure to compare them and choose the one that suits you best.
stainless
Stainless steel is generally said to be a type of material that does not easily rust. It is often used for kitchen knives, and its high durability that does not rust even if it gets wet is attractive.
Therefore, if you expect to use the folding knife frequently for cooking, stainless steel is recommended. It is easy to handle even for first-time users, and the price is relatively reasonable, so why not check out the stainless steel products first.
Carbon steel
The type of material I would like to recommend to advanced users is carbon steel. The sharpness is good and it is easy to cut regardless of the type of thing. It can be used for various purposes, so it is perfect for those who want to enjoy survival camps.
However, carbon steel is time-consuming to maintain. It is easier to rust than stainless steel, so it is important to sharpen it regularly. With proper care, it will come in handy as a folding knife that you can use for a long time.
How to choose (2): Decide whether to take multi-functionality or expertise
Comparing the products from each manufacturer, you can see that folding knife come in many shapes. The shape you choose depends on what you use it for, so be sure to think about that as well.
The basic form can be broadly divided into two types: specialized type and multifunctional type. Let’s check the difference between them.
Professional type specialized for one application
The specialized type is suitable for use in one application, such as those with a blade shape that makes it easy to cut ropes and those that incorporate blade materials suitable for cutting wood. Although the usage scene is limited, it is attractive that it exerts great power for specialized fields.
The specialized type is recommended for those who want to have a variety of folding knives depending on the application, such as for wood cutting and cooking. However, take into consideration that the more types you have, the more luggage you will have.
Multi-functional type that does not limit the application
The type that is easy to use for almighty without limiting the use such as cooking and cutting wood is recommended for beginners. One folding knife can handle all aspects.
In addition, many multi-functional types have not only knives but also openers, can openers, and scissors. If it is a type that can handle many roles, it is a nice point to be able to pack it compactly without increasing the luggage. Ideal for light camping and mountaineering.
How to choose ③: Check the sharpness
The quality of a folding knife depends on its sharpness. If it is not sharp, it is difficult to use it EDC, so please be particular about it. If you can try it at the store, talk to the staff.
If you buy a folding knife online, you can’t try it in advance, so it’s a good idea to compare reviews. Check the sharpness from the reviews of the people who actually use it, and choose a product with an easy-to-use blade.
How to choose ④: Easy to fold and lightweight is useful
It is important to choose a folding knife that is easy to fold and can be opened quickly when needed. For example, if it is a type that can be opened and closed quickly with one touch, even if you need a knife in a hurry, you can handle it without problems.
Lightweight is also an important factor in choosing a folding knife. Make sure that it is a lightweight type that does not feel a burden when you put it in your backpack. Without its lightweight, it would be difficult to take it to camp or mountaineering.
How to choose ⑤: Check the size and design
Make sure that the size is easy for you to hold. If the size fits your hand when you hold it, even first-time users can easily use it. Please be careful if the size is too large or too small as it may cause inconvenience during use.
Also, check not only the size but also the design. If you have a folding knife with a fashionable design, you will feel better just by holding it. Let’s stick to the appearance and find your favorite product.
10 Recommended Folding Knives
From here, we will introduce the best-selling products from popular standard manufacturers. Compare popular products and use them as a hint to find the right folding knife for you.
Recommended ①: Wlikn folding knife
It is a popular product that is easy to use for all purposes such as cooking, rope cutting, and can openers. Black dyeing and high temperature treatment increase the durability of the folding knife and also provide wear resistance.
A sharp sharpness is achieved by polishing the blade to about 3 mm. It is a thin size and lightweight type, so it is easy to carry.
With pocket clip
The grip part of the folding knife has a pocket clip, which makes it attractive to attach to your pocket or belt so that you can take it out immediately when you need it. There is also a dedicated storage case, which is useful for storage.
Recommended ②: Yahuhu EDC Folding Knife
The stylish and sophisticated design is attractive. When folded, it fits in the palm of your hand and is not bulky when placed in a backpack. A special case with a strap is attached, so it is also recommended to hang it on a backpack or belt and carry it.
Sharpness is improved by sanding
The surface of the stainless steel blade is sanded. It has a high sharpness due to careful processing. It is suitable for cutting ropes and wood, and will come in handy in many other situations. It is also corrosion-resistant and is perfect for those looking for a long-lasting folding knife.
Recommended ③: AUBEY small folding knife
AUBEY Small folding knife
A small folding knife specializing in portability. By incorporating the latest technology such as sanding processing into the stainless steel blade, it has a solid sharpness even in a small size.
Fashionable rosewood handle
Rosewood wood is used for the handle to give a fashionable impression. The more you use it, the more texture it has, and it is also attractive that you can enjoy aging. There is a lanyard hole at the end of the handle, and you can attach a strap to your liking.
Recommended ④: NedFoss folding knife
NedFoss folding knife
It has functions such as a seatbelt cutter and a glass breaker as well as a knife and is gaining popularity as a convenient product that plays three roles in one. It has a reputation for being useful not only for camping but also for hunting and mountain climbing.
Easy to hold with non-slip processing
Since the handle part is anti-slip processed, it is attractive that it fits firmly even if it gets wet with water or sweats on the hand. Equipped with a back clip, it can be attached to a belt or pocket for carrying.
Recommended ⑤: Opinel folding knife
Opinel folding knife
It is a brand product that is gaining popularity as a staple of folding knives. The point is to use high carbon steel, which has good sharpness and high hardness. The specifications are easy to sharpen and less burdensome to maintain.
The more you use it, the more you will become attached to it.
The appeal of carbon steel knives is that the texture gradually increases as you clean and polish them with a whetstone, and you can use them with attachment. In addition, the handle is made of beech wood, and the color becomes deeper as the years go by.
The stylish and fashionable design is also attractive. You can feel the commitment of a standard brand everywhere.
Recommended ⑥: Baoxu folding knife
Baoxu folding knife
The satin-polished stainless steel blade makes it a folding knife that can be used even in harsh survival scenes. The handle is made of aluminum and stainless steel to improve durability.
Lock function prevents injury
A lock is attached to the handle to prevent the blade from being accidentally folded during use. In addition, the design that gives you a sophisticated atmosphere creates a cool and fashionable feeling. It is perfect for those who want to be particular about not only functionality but also appearance.
Recommended ⑦: Black sword folding knife
Folding knife
A folding knife with an attractive profound feeling unique to a black sword. Since it has a lock function, it is a nice point to be able to prevent it from opening and closing without permission. With its smooth sharpness, it can be used in various scenes from cooking to cutting wood.
Easy-to-grip handle
By applying a curved design to the handle, it is easy to grip even with one hand. It has a reputation for not having to worry about slipping off your hands during use. Suitable for people of all levels, from beginners to advanced EDC enthusiasts.
Recommended ⑧: ROXON Multi Knife
ROXON multi-knife
With a removable clip, it is convenient to attach it to your backpack or belt and take it out immediately when you need it. It can be easily opened and closed with one hand, and when used, it can be locked firmly to fix the blade.
With scissors, the range of utilization expands
As it is a folding EDC knife with scissors, it is easy to use according to the usage scene. The scissors are full size and comfortable to use. The patented high technology makes it easy to use both knives and scissors.
Recommended ⑨: GERBER Swiss Army knife
GERBER Swiss Army knife
It is a folding knife of Gerber famous as a long-established American manufacturer. It also has functions other than knives such as the opener, corkscrew, can opener, scissors, foil cutter, which is useful in the EDC scene.
With a lanyard hole that is easy to carry
There is a lanyard hole on the handle, so you can arrange it to your likings, such as attaching a strap or key chain. It is also a nice point to fold it into a small size of 8.7 cm. It is a convenient item with many functions.
Recommended ⑩: NEDFOSS multi-tool knife
A folding knife with a total of 12 functions such as a Phillips and slotted screwdriver, a wrench, scissors, pliers, and wire cut. One can do many roles, so it’s perfect when you want to reduce your luggage as much as possible.
With storage case and carabiner
It comes with a carabiner that is easy to attach to a backpack or belt, making it extremely portable. It is also possible to store it in a special case. The stylish red and black coloring will make it stand out even if you put it in your backpack.
How to care for a folding knife
If you find your favorite folding knife, you want it to last as long as possible. This requires regular care of the folding knife. From here, I will introduce the recommended maintenance method.
Remove dirt from joints
Folding knives are more prone to dirt buildup at the joints than regular knives. After using the folding knife once, make sure it is clean. If dirt has accumulated, remove it with a toothbrush or the like.
Store in a dry place
If you store it in a humid place, it is easy to rust, which is also a point to keep in mind when cleaning the folding knife. Not only carbon steel but also rust-resistant stainless steel may rust if stored for a long time in a humid place.
As part of your care, choose a well-ventilated and dry place for storage. In addition, it is said that rust is less likely to occur if you do not put it in the case during storage.
Use a sharpener when the sharpness drops
If you continue to use it, the sharpness of the folding knife may decrease. In that case, sharpen it with a special sharpener or whetstone. Regular sharpening will restore the sharpness of the folding knife and make it easier to use.
Take advantage of folding knives!
It is important to keep in mind the points of selection for folding knives, which have a wide variety of products from popular brands. Find and take advantage of fashionable and functional folding knives.
Check here if you are interested in EDC knives!
There are various types of knives that can be used EDC other than folding knives. Check out the Shieldon blog articles to find your favorite EDC knife.
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