Michael Satterfield
Growing up in a rural community and as an Eagle Scout carrying a pocket knife has been something I have done since I was around 11 years old. But as generations of young men grow up without those experiences the habit of carrying a pocket knife has started to fall by the wayside. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to carry a massive, springloaded, tactical knife… well at least not every day, but there are a lot of good reasons to get into the habit of carrying at least a small pocket knife as part of your everyday carry.
It’s a knife, so use it like one:
Opening packages, cutting of a random thread from your shirt, emergency roadside repairs, cutting someone free from a seat belt in a crashed vehicle. These are just a few things you can do with a pocket knife and all instances in which I have used my pocket knife. Like all tools, a good knife is worth investing in and maintenance is required to keep it sharp, clean, and ready to use.
It can be an heirloom:
I have several pocket knives, some that originally belonged to my Great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Uncle, a good pocket knife can be passed down for generations, with each generation adding their own adventures to its story.
They can be good investments:
Like anything pocket knives, especially vintage ones can be a good investment. Some versions of the classic 1920’s Remington UMC Boy Scout pocket knife can fetch more than $450, while early Case & Sons pocket knives can bring tens of thousands depending on their rarity and condition. You might just find a rare pocket knife at your next estate sale or antique store.
As an accessory:
My daily pocket knife when I am causal is a Victorinox Swiss Army Hunter Pro Alox in red with the paracord pendant which adds a pop of color to your pocket and makes accessing the knife easy. At $99 it is a great value and a nice size knife for everyday use and a very nice high-quality piece of design, you can carry with you. If I am dressing up a bit more I generally go with my Great Grandfather’s compact Mother of Pearl pen knife. Another favorite is my fully customized Deejo knife I designed with a carbon fiber case and personalized blade etching.
Carrying a pocket knife offers a lot of benefits, but be sure to check your local laws before you carry a pocket knife and remember you can’t take them with you when you travel or have to go into government buildings.
Spot-on article! Michael Satterfield nails why every guy should carry a pocket knife: everyday utility (packages, threads, roadside fixes, even seat-belt rescues), heirloom vibes passed down generations, potential investment value in vintage pieces, and that subtle style boost without going full tactical. Love the personal touch—carrying since age 11 as an Eagle Scout, with family knives from great-grandpa onward. Recs like the Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox and custom Deejo are solid picks. Practical, nostalgic, and timeless—check local laws and get one in your pocket! Thanks for the reminder, Gentleman Racer!