3 Knives Everyone Should Own

Knife people are fun to be around. We've noticed that those having the most fun tend to dabble in more than one type of knife, and that observation prompted us to put together a list of three knives that everyone should own.

1. You need a knife to carry every day. Not so long ago, no American would be caught without a knife -- men, certainly, but women also would carry small penknives.

In the wake of 9-11, fewer people seemed to be carrying knives every day. We've seen that trend turn around some, but we still see contractors stripping wire with their teeth and dock-jockeys opening cartons with car keys.

That's just silly.

One of the most useful EDC (everyday carry) knives is a locking folder. This style of knife is produced in a variety of sizes and designs, but whether it's plain or fancy, large or small, a folding knife with a locking blade gets high marks for versatility. What's more, many can make the transition from weekend to workday and back without breaking a sweat.

2. You need a go-to knife. Everyone should have a "desert island" knife -- a fixed-blade knife that won't whine no matter how hard you work it.

This is a knife that you don't mind "knocking the pretty off" and pushing it to its limits, the blade you'd reach for in a worst-case scenario.

We're not suggesting a monstrous action-hero blade with saw, gut-hook and compass. We're simply talking about the one knife you'd have if you could have only one knife.

For you, that might indeed be a big Bowie or a purpose-built survival knife. If you're a hunter, you might choose a skinner or a bird-and-trout. A woodsman probably would pick a versatile bushcraft blade. It's entirely up to you.

3. You need a knife "just because." Forget about practical and geeky stuff like steels and grinds, balance and ergonomics. There's an emotional component to knives, and sometimes we're attracted to a blade just because.

It's irrational, and that's ok. Maybe we're smitten by the shape of a blade or gobsmacked by the handle material. No matter -- we fall in love.

Most of the time, we fall head-over-heels for custom knives -- unique, handcrafted examples of the 'maker's art. There's nothing as beautiful -- or as tough -- as a handmade knife.

So get yourself one special knife -- just because.