# Why Every Man Should Carry a Pocket Knife *By James Hills — Updated September 2026* Written by: [James Hills](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) Last Updated: 27 September 2026 Top BlogHits: 6366Reading time: 05:34 There are a lot of things that every man should have in his arsenal, and a pocket knife is definitely one of them. A good pocket knife can come in handy for all sorts of situations, from opening packages to defending yourself against an attacker. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of carrying a pocket knife and why every man should consider doing so! ## Knives Are Man's Ultimate "Do Everything" Tool From the time a caveman first realized that he could chip pieces of a rock off and make something super sharp, man has had a love affair with knives. A knife is the ultimate tool because it can be used for so many things. It can be used as a weapon, of course, but it can also be used for hunting and gathering food, preparing shelter, and any number of other tasks. ### Things We Loved About Virgin Voyages That You Won't Find On Other Cruises Here are some of the things we loved about sailing on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/c2AxwQo3WrNrlGYRmiBJJw.1458) ### How to Plan a Vegas Bachelor Party (and not piss off the bride) Tips and advice on how to plan the perfect Las Vegas Bachelor Party, without pissing off the bride to be. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/c2AxwQo3WrNrlGYRmiBJJw.1043) ### Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Explained for First-Time Cruisers First-time cruiser connectivity made simple: ship Wi-Fi versus cellular day passes, which cruise lines include internet, security considerations for banking, and practical strategies to match your usage without overspending. 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ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/c2AxwQo3WrNrlGYRmiBJJw.1483) Promoted by FlowAds While man has been carrying sharp tools with him since ancient times, and certainly, the Romans, as well as others, had small utility knives, the idea of a true pocket knife that all men could afford is a more recent phenomenon and came about during the Industrial Revolution. Before that time, most knives were much too large and bulky to be carried around except for those hanging from a utility belt. But with the advent of new technology and materials, it became possible to create smaller, more portable, high-quality, affordable knives that could easily be carried in a pocket. Since then, the pocket knife has come a long way and hundreds of different types and styles are now available on the market. No matter what your needs or preferences are, there is sure to be a pocket knife out there that is perfect for you! So why should every man carry a pocket knife? Here are just a few reasons: ### A Good Pocket Knife Is Incredibly Versatile A pocket knife is an incredibly versatile tool that every man should carry with him. Whether you are opening a package or cutting some rope, a pocket knife will always come in handy. Many pocket knives even come with additional features such as a corkscrew or a flashlight, which makes them even more useful! Many pocket knives even come as folding pocket knives or with additional features such as a corkscrew or a flashlight, which makes them even more useful! #### For Self-Defense In addition to being incredibly versatile, pocket knives can also be used for self-defense. If you are ever attacked, a pocket knife can give you the upper hand and help you escape from a dangerous situation. #### Opening Packages One of the most common uses for a pocket knife is opening packages. If you receive a package that is sealed with tape, a pocket knife can be used to quickly and easily open it. #### Cutting Rope and Twine Another common use for a pocket knife is cutting rope and twine. If you need to tie something down or cut something loose, a pocket knife will make quick work of it. #### Preparing Food A pocket knife can also be used to prepare food. If you are out camping or hiking, a pocket knife can be used to skin an animal or chop vegetables. #### Carving Wood In addition to being useful for preparing food, a pocket knife can also be used for carving wood. If you need to make a quick repair or want to carve something interesting, a pocket knife is the perfect tool. #### Do-Anything Utility Tool As you can see, a pocket knife is an incredibly versatile tool that every man should carry with him. Whether you need to open a package, cut some rope, or defend yourself against an attacker, a pocket knife will always come in handy. So next time you leave the house, make sure you have your trusty pocket knife by your side! ## Popular Styles Of Pocket Knives Now that we've gone over the benefits of carrying a pocket knife, let's take a look at some of the most popular styles. ### Multi-Tool Pocket Knives aka Swiss Army Knife One of the most popular types of pocket knives is the multi-tool pocket knife. These knives come with a variety of different features and tools, such as a corkscrew, screwdriver, or can opener. Multi-tool pocket knives are incredibly versatile and are perfect for those who like to be prepared for anything! ### Tactical Pocket Knives Another popular type of pocket knife is the tactical pocket knife. Tactical pocket knives are designed for self-defense and come with features such as serrated blades and glass breakers. If you are looking for a pocket knife that can be used for self-defense, a tactical pocket knife is a perfect choice. ### Keychain Pocket Knives One of the most convenient types of pocket knives is the keychain pocket knife. As the name suggests, these knives attach to your keychain, so you always have them with you. Keychain pocket knives are small and lightweight, making them perfect for everyday carry. ### Classic Utility Pocket Knife These classic utility pocket knives will typically be larger than the keychain knives discussed above and can be used as a utility knife for everything from opening packages to whittling on a piece of wood. The key here is that the blade folds back into the handle so that that it can easily fit safety in your pocket. ## How To Choose The Right Pocket Knife For You Now that you know the benefits of carrying a pocket knife and some of the most popular styles, it's time to choose the right one for you. The first thing you need to consider is what you will be using your pocket knife for. If you only need it for opening packages or cutting rope, a basic model will suffice. However, if you are looking for a pocket knife that can be used for self-defense or carving wood, you will need to choose a more robust model. Next, you need to decide what size of pocket knife you want. Pocket knives come in a variety of sizes, from small keychain models to large tactical knives. Choose a size that is comfortable for you to carry and use. Finally, you need to decide what features you want your pocket knife to have. Multi-tool pocket knives are a great option for those who like to be prepared for anything, while tactical knives are perfect for self-defense. Keychain pocket knives are a convenient option for everyday carry. With so many different types and styles of pocket knives available, it's easy to find the perfect one for you. So next time you leave the house, make sure you have your trusty pocket knife by your side! **Hey James Hills wants you to share this!**   --- [Follow me on Facebook (opens in new window)](https://facebook.com/mantripping)[Follow me on X (opens in new window)](https://twitter.com/mantripping)[Follow me on Instagram (opens in new window)](https://instagram.com/mantripping)[Follow me on LinkedIn (opens in new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshills2/)[PLG_FIELDS_OCHFOLLOWME_ARIA_NOTSUPPORTED](https://www.mantripping.com)   Written by: [James Hills](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) #MenWhoBlog MemberBlog MasterThought Leader James' passion for exploration and sense of duty to his community extends beyond himself. This means he is dedicated to providing a positive role model for other men and especially younger guys that need support so that they can thrive and be future positive contributors to society. This includes sharing wisdom, ideas, tips, and advice on subjects that all men should be familiar with, including: family travel, men's health, relationships, DIY advice for home and yard, car care, food, drinks, and technology. Additionally, he's a travel advisor and a leading men's travel influencer who has been featured in media ranging from New York Times to the Chicago Tribune, and LA Times. He's also been cited by LA Weekly "Top Travel Bloggers To Watch 2023" and featured by Muck Rack: "Top 10 Outdoor Journalists for 2022". He and his wife Heather live in St Joseph, Michigan - across the lake from Chicago. ### Cruises and Resorts Thinking about a cruise or all-inclusive resort vacation? We can help you plan your dream getaway ... 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