A Knife for Every Pocket

Originally created by first century a is one of the most important and basic tools for any hunter, trapper, fisherman or camper

-  Ron Peach

Pocketknives are often the first tool any youngster dreaming of becoming a woodsman acquires - despite the objections of a worried mom. With it, no piece of wood, from furniture legs to school desks, was safe from being whittled upon.

That small folding knife became a must in our accouterments. But is there such a thing as a single pocketknife that fits every need? Probably not. And if you're like me, you have many, each focused on a particular activity.

Like many of you, my first pocket knife was a gift from my dad. It was his old work knife, with one broken blade, another so worn from sharpening there wasn't much left. Since then, I've owned dozens. They've carried the names Buck, Schrade, Old Timer, and Gerber. Some were nameless. Some were gifts, others I bought. Some I found. And I've certainly lost my share, too. But that first one, however imperfect, will always be special.

So, what makes a pocketknife, the right one? That depends on its use.

I keep a different knife in each of my tackle boxes. Most have no specific use, because there's also a fillet knife in those tackle boxes. I just need something sharp and handy.

In my trout tacklebox, however, I needed something a bit more specific.

The box is small, carrying an assortment of spinners, jigs, flies and a few jars of dough-baits, but no fillet knife. I need a small knife with a good point that can clean a trout or an occasional crappie.

Hunting situations bring more definite requirements. Whether hunting deer, turkeys or waterfowl, I have a backpack dedicated to these hunts, each with a different pocketknife.