This is one of my all time favorite videos. If I had a dollar for every time Ive watched it I could afford any knife I want! Lol! This video introduced me to the whole bushcraft community. Thank you Blackie !

Thank you for demystifying the different types of blades and what they are for. They have always been an object of my curiosity, and I’ve always wondered why there was so much difference between them. And thank you for the history behind these knives. It was very fascinating to listen to.

Loved the trip down memory lane, when I was 8 my father brought me a brand new boy Scott knife, An the next morning the two of us an my granddaddy went to the yellow River for a day of shooting an fishing, I lost that knife, I was heart broken, I am 59 now an still regret that loss, my father gave me another boy scout knife about a year before he passed, an jokingly said make sure not to lose this one! Its a safe queen now! Thanks love what you do sir!

Damn...nice video. There's a lot of guys making knife videos, that should be watching this video.

So this was the video that got me into collecting slip joints, and introduced me to the best budget brand, Rough Ryder. A few years later, got a nice collection and I have Blackie to thank. Always carried a knife, but to hear him talk about stockmans and trappers, I had never really heard anyone talk about specific patterns like that, and it peaked my interest. I remember having the old carbon steel imperial and colonial budget knives when I was a kid in the 80s, and it was specifically the imperial Barlow, that was my first knife and the very first knife I bought years later when I discovered the vintage knife world on eBay. All the Queens, Camillus, kabars, shrades, later…still love those cheap cool rough Ryders, they’re fun to collect and carry. Thanks for all the info and inspiration Mr Thomas.

Love the history you shared and the detailed explanations of each evolution in folding blades. Thanks for posting

Hmm, well the three blade stockman is what I've been thinking about from reading old stories. I'll have to look into the Trapper as a backup. I have an old English Military Marlin Spike knife, WW1 OR 2. I bought the Woodsman knife from Dan's Depot to test out and ended up with an old Old Hickory 11" from the local auction, not sure what I'm going to do with it. I did get The Guardian Machete that's only roughed in basically as they changed up materials and had some old stock laying around. That leaves me in needing some type of afordable sharpening system for beginners. 3 cheap multi tools, 2 boy scout style pocket knives. Some fillet knives though a couple aren't very flexible. Though I feel like I need to get some other knife(ves) I like to fish but never thaught filleting. Never taught hunting or butchering though I have a butcher field set. I go camping, gold panning, berry picking. Looking to get into useful wood carving as I ended up with a large chisel set and a small chisel/carving set, and a cheap spoon/bowl carving set. A Granfors Bruk axe, a Plum axe and hatchet, a double bit blade, a Collins hatchet, a really old axe or hatchet head while out metal detecting, rusty but in good shape surprisingly, an old never used 21" wood bucksaw plus a larger one, there different size bow saws. One 21" has a tensioner hook that's a tad bigger than the hole on the current blades. Not sure what to do about that. A Med. & Lg ALICE pack, a pack with those wire attachment rods, another pack, and an open box return never used Teton Sports Explorer 4000 with the rain cover still in it that has a defective zipper on the back of the lid flap. I was thinking of using it for my metal detecting equipment but my large Garrett gold pan won't fit in it. The fun part is figuring how to set them up, and which ones, for SHTF, bushcrafting/carving, 72hr, get home, prospecting/rockhounding, homesteading, you name it packs. Granted I have a degenerative spine problem and poor circulation from varicose veins, but who wants to just sit around. I'd like to try something new. The tools need sharpening and restoring as well as some unidentifiable old timey equipment.

Thank you Mr Thomas, I guess back in the 90s I was a handyman, I used the leather-man about everyday. They were top quality $ 80.00 at Lowe’s . Tuff heavy duty case. Nice. And I never knew what would come up on a job that I needed it for something. I carry it on my belt for over 12 years. Well it is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your experience and your advice about the knife choices 😊

Thanks Blackie! You're a wealth of knowledge!

One of your best videos.Thanks!

Very informative and I totally agree with your choice, too many folk have forgot what they actually use a knife for. My father has a single bladed pen knife that's he's used over seventy years and he processed game and fish from rabbits, hares and brown trout. Thanks for sharing. All the best from Scotland. Garry

Good detailed history of pocket knives, especially on the ''traditional'' knives i.e. Trapper, Stockman etc. I should point out that the Swiss Army Knife was not originally conceived as a camping knife but, as the name indicates, a soldier's knife. The first configuration in 1891 had a blade, a reamer (for punching holes in leather, out of which soldiers' web equipment and belts were made), a flathead screwdriver which was needed for adjusting and stripping the rifle issued at the time, and a can opener which had a curved sharp prong, and a blunt prong with a lip on the end. Bottle openers weren't included, since the bottletop we now know did not exist at that time. These were criteria in the Swiss Army tender at the time, and Karl Elsener - now called Victorinox but the CEO is still an Elsener - was the first to get the contract. What you show is an officer's knife, hence it has ''officier suisse'' on the tang. The first incarnation of this was made in 1897 and had 2 blades, can opener, screwdriver, a reamer and corkscrew which were on the back, and this has evolved into what most people now recognise as an SAK. The Soldier knife too has evolved, since 2008 the Swiss Army issue a larger model with a locking blade and a saw, and a Phillips screwdriver on the back. The version on issue for the longest, from 1961 to 2008, is similar to what would be called a Scout's knife, having a blade, awl, bottle opener and can opener, all on the same side, and aluminium scales. The version of this with an added wood saw - the Farmer - is very good for light bushcraft chores.

A solid lesson for bushcrafters, preppers, and DIYers. Nicely done.

Excellent thorough explanation! This is a perfect vid to answer those questions people new to the outdoors always ask!

Priceless information ! This video is the best on knife's on the TUBE ! Nobody has ever put such detail on this subject,at least from what I have seen ! My granddad had a drawer full of knife's and he always said they each had there own purpose ! This video remind's of the day when he explained each and ever use of them ! Of course I had forgot most of it until I stumbled into this video ! He passed away back in 85 and I don't have a clue whatever happened to them ! SAD ! Thank's for posting !!!

that is the most informative video on the subject I've seen.. cheers

This is a fantastically informative video. Thank you so much!

Excellent! You have provided me with a lot of insights concerning pocket knives. I will be watching this video again and again.

Glad someone still remembers what knives are for. Good common sense explanation of form and function with no B.S. Also glad to see your old 50's vintage pocket knives. These are the knives I grew up using as my hand me down inheritance and the standard I judge all other knives by.

Thank you. Love your informative vids.

Yep I always have carried a pocket knife last 45 year I carry a moose style case clip and Spey blade I like the chrome vanadium metal let me rephrase that I have carried a moose pattern that long before I carried a 3 blade stockman but always had more than one pocket knife now I probably got 50 to 60 pocket knifes yes I got a sickness when it comes to knifes and guns lol

Great video!! My first knife was a Chinese copy of a swiss army knife, my second a swiss knife. Then I moved to clip knives, a buck 110, traditional slipjoints, multitools and now right back to swiss army knives. The thin blades just cut so much better!! My Schrade 34OT stockman is at a custom knife maker to be refurbished/upgraded. I cannot wait to put it back in my pocket!!

Great explanation of the history and real world applications. It’s good to learn and share this information when showing off your traditional knife collection.

Always learn a ton from your videos. Thanks a million!

Thank you! Finally someone offers a no bullshit, educated and experienced informative video about pocket knives. The honesty and candor about the true uses of a KNIFE you speak of here is rare on KZfaq amongst keyboard woodsmen.

This is the best video for those who's never known about pocket knives like me. Thank you very much !

Awesome video. Very informative. Your knowledge of knives is very impressive. Thank you

Very interesting video. For just an hour, I was supposed to pick me out a pocketknife with 2 or more blades, but I was unable to decide. Here I got the information I needed. I have now decided on a Stockman 4 blade knife. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Awesome video. I have used a stockman for years. Probably the best performing knife I have.

2012 seems like a longtime ago… this series remains one some of the best educational knife content on KZfaq. Anyone who has an interest in pocket knives should review this series by Mr. Thomas.

I can agree on the leatherman Era. I used to carry just a knife but with modern society and equipment+household and kids chores I normally carry just a lestherman that can do just about everything now. I hunt myself, but unlike the older days when u could hunt almost any day of the week if u saw a deer not many people hunt now and if u do its only a short season so we don't need a good skinning/hunting knife these days. So I see why leatherman has taken over.

Great history! Well done!

Interesting video Blackie, thanks for taking the time. Like the stockman and the hunter versions myself and also tend to follow along the lines of GW Sears methodology of a small folder for small jobs, a large fixed for bigger jobs and a chopping tool of a hatchet. not double bit although I have never found to be wanting for anything more. Thanks!

I have a Kamp-King on my key ring, a knife blade, awl, can opener, and bottle opener. They were made by many makers . I like this style better than the Swiss Army knife. I carry others too. But now I know what those other knifes blades are used for and will be looking for a good woodsman to add to my kit. Thank you for this great video, I learned a lot.

Excellent video. It's great to see someone giving good detailed info on the classic styles of pocket knives, as opposed to all the modern tactical folders, which I find have very little practical use in the woods. I'm a fan of the classical style knives and find them incredibly useful.

This is the most enjoyable and educational video I have ever seen on youtube and Thank You for it !!!!!!

Blackie, I enjoyed the video as usual. One aspect of bushcraft is being able to use what you find. I think this is what a multi tool is good for. You can cut and work with wire from an old fence. You can file and work with steel you find. You can take something you find apart to get to the part that will help you. You can turn an old can into a hobo stove. Well, you get the idea. One other tool I recommend are ignition pliers. They are tiny pliers that are very useful.

Sorry I caught this 4 years late, but the best vid on the history and application of the folding knife ! Thanks, Lee , Indianapolis

I love your videos. I find them informative and entertaining. Thanks for doing them.

I have always carried a pocket knife. Most of the time it has been a Case trapper. Enjoying some of your old videos

Just found your site and started viewing your videos. This one on knife blades was extremely informative. Hope there are more like it.

blacky great review, I been carrying a knife before my teens. I love this small old timers that I keep in my deck and survival machete small pocket that I have in my car. I carry at least 3 different knife on a daily bases. My philosophy is better to have a extra knife than none...

This was great very educational. Thx

Very good information and interesting to know the history of the pocket knife, good job Blackie!

Another nice video. I do carry either a 3.5" liner lock or a 4" lock back, and a multi-tool for EDC... but I also carry either a Victorianox Field Master or a medium 3 blade stockman (or both) if I'm dressed up or in some work situations, where a bigger knife won't work or isn't allowed. All my Altoid tins have a small 3 blade stockman or a small 2 blade trapper.

The older I get I like to carry a stockman pattern knife. I carry a old boker and a buck creek solingen stockman also carry a old electricians knife with a spear point blade with Deleon handles. Nice simple knives

Your absolutely right. Stockman is what we’ve always used for squirrels & rabbit. We’ve skinned countless numbers or deer & hogs with a Case 54 pattern trappers. When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s seemed like almost everyone carried a stockman. The Case 6347 & 6375 stockmans and 54 pattern trapper are my favorites. Living in S.E Louisiana and S.E Mississippi with honey island swamp in between, we’ve spent most of our lives fishing and hunting. These knives have served us extremely well. Thanks for your videos, they are very informative!!

Learned a lot from that. Nice & clear too. Many thanks

I couldn't imagine toting a leatherman everyday (unless I found it that useful) I am a mechanic so at work I have plenty of "other tools" BUT if I was stranded a leatherman would practically be like having your own private industrial revolution compared to a knife only. However I have never been too keen on the multi-tool blades.

It's about time to hear someone who knows what they are talking about... Great video and knowledgeable ole timer...

Loved the video.

Say Heah Blackie, We're going out soon and I'm taking my H.I. M-43 Khukuri, my belt knife is a Bokor Magnum Series Vox Collection 2011 Knife, for my delicate work I'm using a Vintage Myerchin Pocket Knife both my belt knife and pocket knife that I carry it in a pouch. and both are made in the 440c. But it's a modified Warrencliff with a nice curved belly for working wood, the blade licks and it's a robust knife and it's sharp. the whole set of tools match perfectly and I can work wood with the Myerchin like a small fix blade it's pretty strong and usually used by Mariners, but I use the Marlin Spike for untangling paracoard especially around camp. Can wait, That's why I'm surfing the Tube.

More pocket knife videos..Love this content.

Great video. Thank you Sir!

Great background. I have quite a few old and new pocket knives. I carry one every day but I do switch them out depending on what I am going to do that day

Thanks for the history / useful information. Ken

Excellent vid I'm glad u did this my grampa always carried the trapper carbon steel man that thing was sharp

Fantastic introduction to pocket knives! I haven't seen anything remotely close to this in quality. Very good job, sir. I feel fortunate to have found you. I love pocket knives and have had my fare share of them, both high cost and cheap. I will continue to collect and carry them. I've always looked for rugged, hard working knives, preferably traditional pieces such as stockman and gentleman knife styles. I don't mind "modern" pocket knives, but it's hard to beat old fashioned performance. -Evan

Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

Great video mate, good detail on the explanation of each of those

man your video is the best about knives and bushcraft

Anyone else still carry an old timer?

Thanks Blackie, for a very informative video. I carry my stockman or my trapper in the 21/2" range but I never knew what stockman, spey, or pen knife meant.

Hi glad to see another vid from you the old tools were the best but they took skill and know how to use nowadays we seem to need a tool for each job the oldtimers could put us modern softies to shame keep up the good work and thanks again for another great vid

Love the video and I'm sure a lot of people learned a lot about the different blade shapes and uses and history. my EDC is a multi-tool, and a Case XX trapper. Between the two I can take care of pretty much any task I need to. Keep up the great work and the wonderful videos. Happy Holidays.

Hey Blackie, love the video, I don't know if you go to Crestview much, but sir if you do you have to check out Crestview Wholesale. Believe me it will be worth the ride. Now I am speaking back around 2015 but they have one impressive collection of Case knives. If you ever hit it up let me know. Also if you go through Florala down hwy 85 south to Hwy 90, go west an in less than two miles its on the north side of the road. Fantastic selection. Thank you for your shows,

great video man fantastic

my fav line ever 'there's not many screws on trees' ...lol

As I recall, when I was a boy in Rhode Island, any folding pocket knife was called a jack knife, regardless of the number of blades and gizmos. Nowadays, I carry a two-blade Barlow, as do my son, his wife, and their three daughters. I'm not a big fan of the Swiss Army knife with all its bells and whistles, although it's handy in a fishing tackle box. Thank you for this very informative presentation.

Great stories Blackie, enjoyed that very much

Excellent video!!!

Hello,good video with great info,thank you for your time in making it, Donald

Very informative. Thank you.

A wealth of knowledge. Now I know why I like my Trappers.

Very informative, I lucked out, I got a 3 blade Silver Sword Pocket Knife by Camillus, high carbon 0170-6C, suspected to be Cold Steel's proprietary CarbonV, its my EDC pocket knife, Thanx for explaining what the different blades are used for.

As always, an awesome and informative video. Your knowledge and (more importantly) ability to transmit that knowledge always surprises me. While watching this video, I thought for a second that I should write in you as president when I vote next week, but I figured that if you were elected, you'd find a way to sneak off into the woods instead. Then again, it might be better if the people in D.C. would do that once in a while. Thanks, and take care.

That was a great tutorial cheers

great video and information thanks

Thanks for the suggestion, I will give it a shot next time I get myself an Elk. Cheers!

Great Video.

My grandfather was from Norway, he used a helle knife very similar to a mora for all the tasks you just mentioned. One type of knife for everything, I use to watch him and be in awe of how proficient he was with that knife. Like it was his own finger lol rip grandpa

thank you. I just learned a lot from you.

Great job. Fantastic video, covered a lot of ground in a few minutes. I have pocket knives that cost a couple hundred, I have case knives. I’m really enjoying the Rough Rider knives. Just as you said cost, quality, and because of the cost I can buy several for different jobs. Have you lost a knife? I have and hate the idea of loosing an expensive knife. This is a video I need to share with someone who can’t see a knife outside of the tactical options. He’s really missing out on just how useful the slipjoint knife is. Thank you for sharing.

Excellent video, I love the history and the education about getting a knife that meets your needs. Also, if you could get a microphone and attach it to your lapel that would work great. Keep up the series.

Great job on the presentation

Say Heah Blackie, I have Case, and I have new and vintage pocket knives, When I broke my leg, I watched that program Knife Corner where they sell Frost and sometime you can get a decent knife, I got a nice Trapper German made Buffalo Horn handle, Others with Ram Horn handle, but most bone, some are actually nice looking and even with semi precious stone handle and pearl handles, but all the stainless are around 56-58 HC, Then I have vintage Westerns, Scrades, Ka-Bar's all U.S. made. I even got and it's becoming one of my Fav's it's a canoe pattern 3blade Wilkinson Sword INOX Slipjoint Pocket Knife made in Sheffield, England. But the one I carry most, I carry it in a leather pouch so I don't lose it as easy, and I lost my share of pocket knives is my Camillus Silver Sword #836, It's made in the Silver Sword TM Stainless and it holds an edge like there's no mannyanna, Good review, Even though I watched it 2 -14's already, I still enjoy it.

Good vid. While I'm a Leatherman Wave man myself (and the Wave is the only model I want) I understand where you're coming from in regards to the pocket knife. I have cleaned squirrel, fish and gutted deer with the Wave. The one big difference I've seen between the traditional folder and the multitool is sand and grit. I've never had issues with a normal pocketknife in the field with grit, but I have with my Wave. Don't get me wrong, I won't leave home without it, but that is one drawback.

its getting harder to find a good single blade slip joint in styles I like. I never was a fan of multiblade pocket knives. Favorite patters are the canoe, trapper and the copperhead however, it's difficult to find either one in a single blade.

@thenrylee..you are cirrect i am doing a a follow up video to expand on a few points i raised in this video...i wil show close ups of blade styles then..thanks for the comment safe journeys

Thanks like your videos.

Nice review of the options in pocket knives. Been carrying a knife forever. Often what I could afford at the time. Had a few Schrade's and Case's in the early 70's, but lost them All carbon steel back in the day. Decided I would get a holster/sheath when I bougt a Schrade SS stockman and haven't lost one since.-sometimes I wish I had lost them. Dislike that 7CR17MoV, "it's 440A modified which contains more elements vanadium, the benefits of Vanadium (V) • Increases strength, wear resistance, and increases toughness the recommended hardness about 55/57 HRC." Doesn't get sharp or stay sharp like the old carbon steel knives that could also carve wood something started to do around 73. Don't try to whittle dry hardwood with a SAK! Later he getting back into woodcarving I researched whittling knives and found a bladesmith (Golden Fingers in Alabama) who was modifying knives with good steel to be whittlers. Very knowledgeable and talented-wish he was still around. I picked up a Henckel's Congress in the mid 90's. One of my favorite knives for carving besides my fixed blade knives. Picked up a new Henckel's Congress and started modifying it for my needs! By 2010 I found the Queen Cutlery blades and the Warncliffe blades have proven quite nice for carving, however to sharpen you need to use diamond or ceramic stones. You've given me more to think about especially regarding the trapper and Barlow. Now to find them in carbon stee! Recently I started carrying my ld 1940's Schrade Walden 3-blade Carpenter (from the 40's-50's) with a spear point, an awl, and a file scraperr/reamer, and screwdriver. Quite useful early multitool!

Awesome video. Very informative.

for large game processing you cant beat a butcher knife that is razor sharp..it was made for the job..thanks for the comment..safe journeys

Don’t you worry about bears wolves and cougars. I’m in England so all we have are badgers foxes squirrels rabbits. 😊

For a high quality knife under $20, you can't beat the swiss army tinker. I carry one and rotate out occasionally with my old boy scout knife

My favorite pocket knife is a single-bladed lockback whose blade is heavy enough to let me snap it open, one-handed. Only downside I've found has been the trouble of holding decent edge as its materials reflect the $15 price tag. Love to find the same thing but with better materials. BTW: Great Video!

sorry for the delay..had work..family sickness..ect...i promise i will be back on board real soon..safe journeys

good video keep it up buddy

Hey Mate Ive got over 100 knives of all sorts, I think they are all a work of art in there own right, however in the field or at home I have found in one pocket I will have my Victorinox super tinker and the other my rough rider stockman. It seems after years of carrying those 2 pocket knives seem to do almost everything I need done.

I can't afford expensive pocket knives so old timer barlow is my choice and rough rider or imperial 👍🐾🦊🇬🇧