5 Exceptional Pocket Knives With Ratings Over 80
In the realm of everyday carry tools, few items possess the versatility and utility of pocket knives. These compact yet powerful instruments have remained a steadfast companion for outdoor enthusiasts, avid campers, and individuals seeking a reliable cutting solution on the go. In this exploration of functionality and quality, we delve into a curated selection of five exceptional pocket knives that have garnered ratings over 80, highlighting their durability, design, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking for a dependable tool to have at your side, these pocket knives are poised to exceed expectations and prove their worthiness in various situations.
1. Spyderco Military S110V
Introduced in the early 1990s by Sal Glesser, the Spyderco Military stands as a testament to exceptional Pocket Knives, designed to serve military personnel. Since its inception, this knife has gained immense popularity, quickly ascending to become a flagship choice. Over the years, an impressive array of variations and limited editions have emerged, showcasing diverse steels and handle materials for enthusiasts. The blade materials have spanned from ATS-34 in the 1990s to CPM S30V in the early 2000s, and now the highly sought-after CPM S110V, which we’re focusing on in this review.
Handle materials have also seen a range of options, from G10 to Titanium to Carbon Fiber. With its substantial 4″ blade, the Military boasts a generous handle size that provides excellent leverage, optimizing the knife’s remarkable geometry. Throughout its evolution, performance has remained the hallmark of the Military and, by extension, Spyderco as a whole. This timeless and iconic design rests comfortably in the pocket, offering both utility and lightweight portability for those in search of exceptional Pocket Knives.
2. Buck Marksman
The Buck Marksman, designated internally as Model 830, represents a remarkable departure from the traditional offerings of the Buck Knives brand. This innovative, streamlined, and forward-thinking design serves as an exceptionally engaging Pocket Knives for everyday carry, provided you familiarize yourself with its optimal usage.
While the Buck name has long been associated with classics like the Model 110 back-lock hunting knife, the Marksman couldn’t be more distinct from that iconic staple within the folding knife realm.
Developed in collaboration with the innovative design duo Grant & Gavin Hawk, who have introduced numerous captivating designs through various manufacturers, the Marksman showcases their ingenuity. You might recall their work such as the Kershaw E.T. with its blade-pivoting multi-piece handle, the R.A.M., and the recently unveiled Induction with the Hawk-Lock toggle switch. Notably, they contributed to Zero Tolerance with the dirt-resistant 0500 M.U.D.D. and the automatic 0650. Their creative influence also extended to the (now discontinued) Ti-Lock in partnership with Chris Reeve, which ingeniously integrated the locking mechanism into the back of the blade rather than the handle. Their design footprint spans across CRKT, Boker, Mantis, and Camillus as well.
However, the standout feature of the Marksman is its lock, aptly named the SLS (Solid Lock System, if you can believe it). This brilliant adaptation of a bar-lock mechanism sets it apart. Later, we’ll delve deeper into the intricacies of this lock, as it possesses several distinctive qualities that contribute to the captivating nature of the Marksman, making it an appealing choice for consistent and practical use in your daily routine as one of the exceptional Pocket Knives.
3. ZT 0640
The ZT 0640 has sparked some debates as a No Tolerance offering, primarily when considering its visual aspects. However, I believe this often overshadows the model’s greater value within No Resistance’s lineup. For me, it signifies a return to the brand’s roots, which, in previous years, had focused heavily on crafting visually striking blades that often leaned towards being artistic creations rather than utilitarian tools. While there have been exceptions, such as the now-discontinued 0909 and 0804CF, No Resistance has recently diverted towards collaborations with custom manufacturers and luxury novelties, rather than the rugged and hard-use blades they were initially known for.
But is this a bad thing? The market’s interests have shifted from thickness and spine-whacking tests (thankfully), now leaning heavily into producing the smoothest, most seamless bearing pivot flippers possible. While it’s a positive shift towards knives that genuinely excel at cutting, some of ZT’s recent creations have left me perplexed. The 0022 boasts a stylish appearance until you realize it extends to a whopping 4.8″ when opened. The 0609 features a hollow pivot requiring a specialized tool for adjustment—a far cry from the original 0200/0300 that utilized a standard 3/8″ hex nut. Where are the blades that live up to the brand’s motto, “HAPPILY OVERBUILT IN THE USA”? Where are the robust, no-nonsense, dependable knives that you could bet your life on?
In my opinion, they’ve made a comeback, and I confidently state this as I carry the new Zero Tolerance 0640 in my pocket. I’m genuinely pleased; this marks the second KAI product in a row that has swiftly won me over. There are a few points to consider, but the essence is this: ZT continues to manufacture top-tier, straightforward, and substantial Pocket Knives right here in the United States—tools you can truly rely on and utilize with confidence.
4. Spyderco Gayle Bradley
Are you growing weary of sequels? Well, Spyderco certainly isn’t. It appears that scarcely a week passes without them introducing a CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) iteration of a blade, a sprint run, an exclusive model for dealers, or even just a different hue of an existing knife. This relentless pace often leaves some of their finest creations behind in the production process.
However, a stroke of luck has come our way as they’ve recently resumed production of the Gayle Bradley 2, a model that didn’t suffer discontinuation, unlike many of their other exceptional Pocket Knives, but was rather absent from their lineup for a considerable period. And now, with its exquisite blade, carbon fiber handle scales, and the hallmark quality stemming from the Taichung factory, we all have the opportunity to obtain the remarkable GB2 once again. Yet, was the anticipation justified? Was it worth forgoing the 49th Paramilitary 2? The latest Spyderco Shaman sprint run? Or the uniquely designed Pochi? Let’s delve into this matter.
5. Civivi Elementum
I have a strong affinity for budget-friendly folders around the $50 mark. Wondering why? Well, for that price, you can secure a well-crafted blade that’s not only built to withstand the test of time but also brings a sense of joy to your everyday life. It’s not so expensive that you’d cringe at the thought of actually using it. Losing it, chipping the tip, or lending it to a colleague who mistakes it for a screwdriver won’t send your monthly budget into a tailspin. In my view, $50 hits the sweet spot for a budget-friendly Everyday Carry (EDC) Pocket Knives—and I say this as someone who often carries knives that cost several times that amount. A particular blade that’s recently garnered significant attention as the reigning champ in the budget realm is the Civivi Elementum.
Civivi serves as the budget-conscious offshoot of WE Knives, applying the same elevated standards of construction, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to more affordable blades, albeit with simpler materials. The Elementum, a prime example of this approach, boasts a whopping 22 different configurations (as of the time of writing), spanning two blade steels, a plethora of handle materials, and a spectrum of colors. Our test model came with the standard satin-finished D2 blade and blue G10 scales, positioning it as the most economical variation of the Elementum lineup. This variant ranges from the $50 retail price of this model to around $90 for a version sporting carbon fiber and Damascus steel.
Conclusion
In the world of pocket knives, where form meets function in a compact package, the journey to find exceptional tools with ratings over 80 has led us to a remarkable array of options. From rugged outdoor expeditions to everyday tasks, these knives have demonstrated their ability to rise above the rest, combining craftsmanship, innovation, and performance. As you consider the diverse range of choices presented here, remember that the true value of a pocket knife lies not just in its numerical rating, but in how it seamlessly integrates into your life, proving itself as a reliable companion time and again. Whether you’re a dedicated outdoors enthusiast, a hobbyist, or simply someone who values a versatile tool, the world of pocket knives offers an inspiring collection of instruments that are ready to tackle any cutting challenge while standing the test of time.
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