| Just as man has evolved throughout time, so too | | | | search and rescue operations. One of the most |
| have our tools. From the time of the cavemen | | | | noteworthy stories in recent history is that of a |
| tools have been an essential part of man's | | | | back country hiker in the Utah canyon lands who |
| survival. One of the first and most widely-used | | | | used his pocket knife to amputate his own arm |
| tools created by man is the knife. The evolution | | | | after being pinned by a dislodged boulder for |
| of the knife has been a remarkable one; from | | | | several days having no hope of rescue. Whether |
| early man's chipped piece of obsidian to the | | | | it be for first aid, convenience, or just to prepare |
| modern hardened stainless steel knives we have | | | | your dinner there are few tools that are more |
| today, there is truly a knife for every job. The | | | | essential in the outdoors than your pocket knife. |
| pocket knife however, may sit atop the ranks as | | | | Choosing the right knife to fit your needs is as |
| the most useful and convenient form of knife | | | | important as having one with you. When choosing |
| available. | | | | the right knife to carry there are many things to |
| The pocket knives we know today are a result | | | | consider. First you should consider what activity |
| of many years of evolution. For many centuries | | | | you will be participating in and what features will |
| knives were carried by way of a sheath attached | | | | be important in a knife. If you are backpacking |
| to a belt or some kind of harness on the outside | | | | you may want to look for light weight materials |
| of the clothing. This was for several reasons. | | | | such as titanium that will keep your pack light |
| Obviously no one would want to stick a | | | | weight. If you are going to be fishing you may |
| sharpened piece of steel down the inside of their | | | | want to look for a knife with a gut hook or a |
| pant leg without some protection. With the invent | | | | multi-tool with pliers. Just make sure that the |
| of the pocket, a common feature of modern | | | | features of the knife are tailored towards your |
| pants, and advancements in materials technology | | | | needs. Next consider which materials best suit |
| the pocket knife was born. The first folding | | | | you. There are many types of blade materials |
| pocket knives were fashioned out of iron with | | | | available and each has it's own strengths and |
| handles of bone. They were large and heavy and | | | | weaknesses. If you are going whitewater rafting |
| ever since man has been slowly but surely | | | | you may want something that withstands |
| improving the materials and manufacturing to | | | | corrosion. Some materials are easier to sharpen |
| produce a pocket knife that is now smaller, | | | | but may not hold an edge as long. There are |
| stronger, and lighter weight. Today pocket knives | | | | many resources available that will help you |
| have blades made from many different kinds of | | | | determine which blade is right for you. Handle |
| steel, handles made of bone, wood, plastics, | | | | material is another important factor. Wood is a |
| aluminum, or composite materials, and a myriad | | | | good choice aesthetically as it is beautiful and is |
| of different locks and assisted opening devices. | | | | easily gripped in a wet hand but may not be as |
| The designs range from bright colors and themes | | | | long lasting and durable as some of the composite |
| to camo prints with black blades. There are | | | | materials available. There are also may different |
| numerous different shapes and styles specialized | | | | styles of locking and assisted opening mechanisms |
| to fit each outdoorsman's chosen sport. | | | | to choose from. The key is to consider what you |
| Regardless of your choice of outdoor activities | | | | will be using your pocket knife for and choose |
| the right pocket knife is an essential item for your | | | | your features accordingly. |
| tool set. What good is a fishing pole without a | | | | The evolution of pocket knives has resulted in the |
| knife to clean your catch. The same goes for a | | | | wide selection available today. There are pocket |
| hunting rifle, compound bow, or game trap. | | | | knives specialized for any conceivable use, in any |
| Backpackers, climbers, and campers alike will all | | | | color, and from a wide array of manufacturers. |
| share stories of how their pocket knives have | | | | Regardless of the activity, if you are in the |
| helped them out of sticky situations while in the | | | | outdoors, it is essential that you carry a |
| back country. Rescue workers and servicemen | | | | dependable pocket knife. Any outdoorsman will tell |
| also regularly carry pocket knives to assist in | | | | you, it could save your life. |