When we think of traditional knives, we usually think of contemporary and vintage slide joints that our great grandfather might have used, right? In fact, the period covers a wide range of fixed, folding, lockable, and non-lockable modern traditional pocket knives from all over the world.
The more you bear a pocket knife, the more necessity of it you would find. It can be used in everything from opening shipping containers to fishing small items out of floorboards.
Many everyday knives are available today. Case in point: A simple Amazon search for the phrase returns more than 4,000 results. Do not worry. We have narrowed down the list of proven, recognizable, and reliable best traditional pocket knives.
Best Traditional Pocket Knives
In this review section, you will find all the specifications of these selected pocket knives. It must help you to choose the most suitable knife.
1. Old Timer Traditional Pocket Knives | 24OT | 6 inch
The Old Timer traditional pocket knives are almost the most established folding pocket knife or multi-tool of all time and legendary all over the world. For some children, this was the first knife they had. You may also like the multi-tool character of this folding knife, which makes it particularly versatile.
If you’re a practical person or love the rugged exterior, this is a must-have in your bag. It lies precisely in the hand with a high-quality grip. It weighs only about 120 grams with a 6-inch size, 1.18-inch width, and 1.02-inch top, making it suitable for most palms considering it only comes in one size.
Most Liking Features
Being this knife bigger means the blades sink deeper, making it much harder to cut yourself to be secure.
Probable Drawbacks
All the knives are not very sharp. It’s like they flattened them and forgot to sharpen them.
Key Features
- Multi-tool traditional pocket knife
- Blades sink deeper so that secure
- Particularly versatile and highly durable
- High-quality grip
2. Imperial Traditional Pocket Knives | IMP16S | 5.9 inch
The lightweight Imperial traditional Barlow knife has stainless steel liners and bolsters that have a decent fit and finish. It is so small that it is relatively easy to hold. If you are expecting a very compact traditional knife, you can go for the Imperial IMP16S without a second thought.
This model of Imperial knife has 3Cr13MoV blades, all with a satin finish. First, a two and ½ inch clip point blade with two and quarter-inch cutting length. The next, a one and ¾ inch Sheepsfoot blade. And last, a one and five-inch spade blade.
Most Liking Features
Compared to the other price range this knife is great at its price. Opening and closing the blades is a bit easier.
Probable Drawbacks
Warranty of lifetime is useless. The customer must pay return shipping plus an extra dollar to send the knife back to them.
Key Features
- Lightweight; just 1.13 Ounces
- Stainless steel liners and bolsters
- Has 3Cr13MoV carbon blades
- Variety size in blades
3. Old Timer Traditional Pocket Knives | 34OTB | 5.6 inch
There is no doubt that the Old Timer 34OTB genuine bone is one of the most influential traditional knives. Its classic structure and design make it a truly amazing little knife. The Minuteman consists of three mirror polished 440C high carbon stainless steel blades with slip-joint construction.
The distinctive shapes of the blades are great for various tasks and especially the clip point blade is a fantastic tool for removing splinters. Many of us are concerned about the security of traditional knives however although the blades do not lock, the spring tension resists closing and keeps the blades securely closed.
Most Liking Features
9cr18MoV high carbon chromium-bearing metal is corrosion resistant. It is a metal known for retaining its sharp edge and exhibiting precision corrosion resistance.
Probable Drawbacks
Handle scales are thicker and rarely finished. The edges of the scales are sharp and uneven.
Key Features
- Classic structure and design
- Consists of three stainless steel blades
- Variety size in blades
- Made in China
4. Uncle Henry Traditional Pocket Knives | 23Uh | 6.12 inch
The most standard folding multitool or pocket knife of all time, the legendary Uncle Henry scout knives are the best traditional pocket knives all over the world. This is a lovely little vintage scout/camping knife. The finish on the blade and hardware is fantastic and fit for a variety of purposes.
This knife has a GREAT locking and latching mechanism very similar to knives made in China. The spine will not be damaged if you turn two blades in half at the same time, as would happen with other common knives.
Most Liking Features
The construction of the knife seems stable and of adequate quality for the price factor. Very useful for older people.
Probable Drawbacks
Younger boys have faced difficulty in opening the blades of the knives.
Key Features
- Made in China
- Fit for a variety of purpose
- GREAT locking and latching mechanism
- Has 7cr17mov high carbon blades
5. Old Timer Traditional Pocket Knives | 125OT | 9.3 inch
This traditional Old Timer often seen in many of our grandparents’ pockets, this slip joint knife features a flat, satin-finished, corrosion-resistant metal clip-point blade. The grip elements consist of textured Delrin flakes over brass inlays, heat-treated springs, polished nickel silver bolsters, and brass rivet construction.
This knife has a sturdy 4.5-inch clip-point blade that can unfold from the handle with the help of a nail nick. Although the knife uses a slip joint to prevent it from opening, it can reliably stand up to any daily mission you encounter around the house. You can check out our picks for Bunka Knife as well.
Most Liking Features
Large handle that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Great knife for this price range.
Probable Drawbacks
The knife got dull here and needs more effort to sharpen.
Key Features
- Flat, satin-finished, corrosion-resistant blade
- The long 4.5-inch clip-point blade
- Made in the USA
- 8 Ounces weight knife
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. How much time do these knives stay sharp?
Like any knife, it depends on how often you use it and what you’re cutting. You can turn it off in less than a day of heavy use. With normal use, it does an excellent job of staying sharp.
2. Are the blades of the knives made mostly of carbon steel?
The blades are made from stainless metal including 7cr17mov, 3Cr13MoV, and 9Cr18MoV metal which contain 85-95% carbon, so it is technically a high carbon metal.
3. What about the sharpness of the blade of these knives?
The knife is sharper and can keep its sharpness for long age. It does not need to be resharpened soon from the beginning of its use. Once it becomes blunt, you can also sharpen it quite easily.
4. What is the preparable angle of a pocket knife’s blades sharpened to?
There is no constant angle as each person uniquely uses their pocket knife. However, go towards 30° if you use it carefully and don’t think about touching the edge from time to time. For heavier duty and extremely carefree use, set an edge closer to 40°.
5. What is the law of carrying a pocket knife?
Knife laws are often problematic and arbitrary. Check with your nearest jurisdiction to make sure the type of knife you prefer is legal in your area.
Final Words
The sorted pocket knives in this listing have all been tried, tested, and proven. Picking up one of these will make an exceptional addition to your range or the ideal springboard to becoming a knife addiction, I mean hobby.
Think of your knife as a tool – choose the knives that are great for the job and they will be the best traditional pocket knives for you.