Pocketknives to Fit Your Mission

Here at Tread, we know that swapping out your pocketknives every so often, especially when you have a particular task in mind, is definitely a prudent move. We know because we do it ourselves. As well rounded as a knife may be, not all knives can fill every role you need them for. If you know you’re headed out to the wilderness on an extended hike or maybe a longer overloading trip, you may opt for a stronger, thicker-bladed knife. If you’re working in the office, a smaller, discrete folder may be in order. Here we’ll take a look at a wide variety of pocketknives so you can find the best one to fit your needs—whether that’s for everyday use or for the adventure you’re going on. Each one is very capable, but only your mission will dictate which one you should choose.

Leatherman FREE K2

Closed Length: 4.5 in.
Open Length: 8 in.
Blade Length: 3.3 in.
Blade Material: 420HC stainless
Handle Material: Synthetic
Weight: 4.9 oz.
MSRP: $80
leatherman.com

Kershaw Barricade Pocketknives

Closed Length: 5 in.
Open Length: 8.5 in.
Blade Length: 3.5 in.
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon
Weight: 4.5 oz.
MSRP: $46
kershaw.kaiusa.com

Zero Tolerance 0308 KVT  G10 Coyote

Closed Length: 5.2 in.
Open Length: 8.9 in
Blade Length: 3.75 in.
Blade Material: CPM 20CV
Handle Material: G10 front/Ti back
Weight: 6.9 oz.
MSRP: $375
zt.kaiusa.com

Spyderco Bombshell Pocketknives

Closed Length: 4.03 in.
Open Length: 7 in.
Blade Length: 2.98 in.
Blade Material: CPM 20CV
Handle Material: G10
Weight: 4.5 oz.
MSRP: $400
spyderco.com

CRKT Parascale

Closed Length: 4.68 in.
Open Length: 7.88 in.
Blade Length: 3.19 in.
Blade Material: D2
Handle Material: Glass-reinforced nylon
Weight: 5 oz.
MSRP: $130
crkt.com

Editor’s Note: A version of this pocketknives article first appeared in the September/October 2020 print issue of Tread Magazine.