Today there are so many brands, grades and types of knives it is just about impossible to keep up with. But through all the new makes and types there are a few that stand out. When you here names like Gerber, Kershaw, Buck, SOG and many others you know you are getting a quality knife.

I know there are many times I didn't want to use my quality Gerber knife to scrape a gasket off a car motor. That's when I pulled out my Maxam brand knife. Maxam is a less expensive knife that I could afford to break or loose. There are many other reasons to have a cheap knife. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a Christmas gift for the guys at work or my son. When my son is ready, I will get him a Kershaw, SOG or Gerber knife.

Basically knives are broken down into 3 categories.

Folding, Lock back or Pocket Knives ? These babies are like jewelry to a woman. They are functional, fashionable and beautiful. They come in Old Fashion styles and High Tech styles. There is always a story behind a good pocket knife. The two kinds are locking and non locking. The non-locking are mostly referred to as pocket knives. The locking knives are also referred to as Folding. If you're going to use the knife for work, you want a Folding Lock Back. If you want to clean your nails, cut an ad out of the newspaper, or just show off a thing of beauty, you want a pocketknife.

Multi Tool ? This includes the Swiss Army knife by Victoranox. This is the most popular knife going. They are tough precision knives that no one can resist. The blades are hard and keep an edge. Gerber, SOG and Leatherman are what the worker uses. These high quality Multi-Tools eliminate a box full of tools and can do about anything. Just remember?Don't by a man a cheap multi-tool. He won't use it.

Fixed Blade Knives ? These are the tough ones. Real men own at least one fixed Blade knife. These knives require a sheath/scabbard to protect the user. They are usually longer than folding knives. Fixed Blade knives will have stag handles or designs embossed on them. Many collector knives are fixed Blade. Tactical knives are fixed blade because a policeman or thug would carry it in the boot where It's open and ready to use.

Today the fixed blade knife is popular for a rescue work. Medics, Policemen and Firemen and rescue personnel use these for quick response.

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