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The 9 Most Unique Pocket Knives on the Market
Finding a great pocket knife is like looking for a needle in a stack of other needles. It’s seemingly impossible. Sure, there are a lot of folding knives out there, and plenty of them are well-made and of perfectly adequate quality. But at the end of the day, most of the knives on the market just look like… knives. There’s nothing special about them. They have no personality.
But some knives are different. If you can wade through all the average, uninspiring knives on the market, you’ll find some that are beautifully crafted, uniquely designed, and truly exceptional.
Luckily for you, we’ve gone through the trouble of doing all the searching for you. What we’ve found are some of the most unique pocket knives available today.
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1. My Deejo Creation
The ability to essentially design your own knife from the ground up makes My Deejo Creation quite possibly the most unique knife on the market. Every knife carrier’s needs and preferences are different, which makes this a perfect option for those who know exactly what they want. It’s also a perfect option if you don’t know what you want because you have a lot of options to browse through.
With My Deejo Creation, everything from the size and weight of the knife to the blade finish and handle material is up to you. Choose between a mirror, black titanium finish, along with numerous blade tattoo designs (or none at all).
Handle options include coralwood, ebony, composite and gold plating. Sizes range from a dainty 0.53oz (2.75” closed) to a more substantial 1.3 oz (4.3” closed).
2. Gerber Flatiron
The emergence of “pocket cleavers” as a style of pocket knives has been an interesting trend to watch in recent years. The Gerber Flatiron is one of the leaders in this unique knife subgenre. Boasting a stout, squared-off 3.6 inch stainless steel blade that folds neatly into a black machined aluminum handle, it’s a knife with a bold design and workmanlike functionality.
The Gerber Flatiron is not lightweight by any means. It tips the scales at almost 7 oz and measures 8.5” open. It rests comfortably in one’s palm and excels at heavy-duty cutting and slicing tasks like breaking down boxes and preparing meat for the grill. The blade has a handsome satin finish, and the overall design is an excellent melding of form and function.
3. Opinel No.8
Opinel’s folding pocket knives are about as basic as it gets. But these iconic knives are so perfect in their simplicity that their design hasn’t changed since the 1890s. There’s still no other knife quite like it. Opinel knives are also lightweight, budget-friendly, and sport well-honed blades made of super-hard carbon steel.
The Opinel No.8 is the most popular versatile model, but Opinel makes these knives in sizes ranging from No.6 up to No.12. The numbers roughly correspond to the length of the opened knife in inches – the No.8 measures 7.59” from point to pommel, and has a 3.28” blade – making it easy to choose the right knife for your needs. One thing to be aware of is that the hard steel blades are brittle and prone to breaking if you use them for prying or twisting.
4. Deejo Tattoo 37G
When it comes to choice, it’s hard to go past Deejo and their huge selection of knives. The French brand has been crafting a wide array of functional, customizable, and high-quality knives for over a decade for customers around the world.
There are several things that make Deejo’s Tattoo line of knives stand out. First and foremost is the custom “tattoo” design, which allows you to carry a knife that feels like an extension of your personality.
Deejo offers dozens of designs that can be laser-engraved onto the blade, which makes these knives as unique as the individuals who carry them. Deejo even offers a “Tattoo Your Deejo” kit if you prefer to engrave your own design onto the blade.
The Deejo Tattoo 37G is also a well-crafted and beautifully designed knife through and through. It weighs an ultralight 37 grams (about 1.3 oz) so it won’t weigh down your pocket or your pack. The blade is made of durable 420 stainless steel and comes razor-sharp right out of the box. It’s a trusty travel companion with a uniquely personal connection.
5. Boker Plus Subcom Knife
Boker makes some of the more interesting and eye-catching knives on the market, and the Boker Plus Subcom is one of the more intriguing additions to their lineup. While its small, stout profile might not be for everyone, it’s a good everyday carry folder that comes in handy when you need it.
The Boker Plus Subcom Knife is super lightweight at just 2.5 oz and its diminutive 1.8” partially-serrated clip point blade is sturdy and sharp, folding into a 2.6” handle with a black textured grip. It’s small enough to slip into your pocket, and you might forget it’s even there until you need it. The blade is made of strong AUS-8 stainless steel and comes razor sharp right out of the box.
6. Albatross Damascus Folding Knife
With its unique hand-forged blade, the Albatross Damascus Folding Knife is sure to turn some heads. The blade measures 2.6” and the knife opens to a length of 6” with a handle design that rests comfortably in hand. The knife also has a handy belt clip, and the linear locking function makes it safe to use and carry.
Rugged and dependable, the Albatross is popular among hunters, anglers, campers, and outdoorsmen of all kinds. The yellow sandalwood handle and striking Damascus blade with its unique curvature make this knife easy on the eyes too. One minor complaint is that the steel dulls easily, but it’s also quick and easy to sharpen.
7. SOG Cash Card
An interesting twist for EDC enthusiasts, the SOG Cash Card is essentially a knife and wallet all in one. Made of satin polished stainless steel, the knife handle boasts an oversized money clip just the right size for your cash and cards.
It’s a unique design that’s great for anybody looking to pare their pocket contents down to the bare essentials. Of course, none of this would matter if the knife itself wasn’t functional, but the SOG Cash Card has a sharp 2.75” drop-point blade, and the overall design is slim and practical.
It feels comfortable in one’s pocket and comes in handy for any of the countless situations in which a small blade might be needed. One small issue that some users have noted is that the clip is a little too tight for more than a few bills.
8. Petzl Spatha Knife
Made with mountaineers and alpine hikers in mind, the Petzl Spatha Knife is an innovative pocket folder that’s right at home in extreme outdoor situations. The hole in the knife allows it to be clipped to your pack or harness using a carabiner, and the textured wheel around it provides an easy one-handed opening, even when wearing gloves. The 4” blade is partly serrated for cutting ropes and cordage.
It weighs a lightweight 1.5 oz, which is a nice perk for backpackers and climbers who obsess over pack weight. Plus, the Petzl Spatha Knife is available in high visibility colors like bright yellow, making it nearly impossible to lose it in the wild. The stainless steel blade is extremely durable but may need frequent resharpening.
9. Higo No Kami 10 Pocket Knife
This beautiful, hand-forged Japanese pocket knife looks like it comes from another time. And in a way, it does. The knife harkens back to a traditional design created by a blacksmith in Japan during the 19th century, which included an innovative lever to aid in opening and closing the knife.
But with its 3” Wharncliffe blade and handsome brass handle, the Higo No Kami 10 Pocket Knife is much more than just a novelty throwback. It’s a versatile and functional pocket knife that’s perfect for everything from gardening to filleting fish.
Its carbon steel blade is easily honed to a keen edge, but be aware that this is a knife that requires some care. It will rust and corrode if you allow it to do so.
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