What makes a pocket knife truly great at everything? In Episode 676, Bob DeMarco builds a list of 10 great \"do everything\" pocket knives, and the ground rules are strict.

The knife has to handle everyday cutting tasks without a second thought.
It has to be a credible self-defense option with solid ergonomics and the right blade geometry.
And it has to be something you would be glad you had if a short hike turned into an unplanned overnight in the woods.

None of the usual suspects made the list. No Griptilian, no Bugout, no PM2, no Military 1, and no Buck 110. Just 10 knives that Bob says deserve more credit in this category.

The 10 are the Spyderco Stretch 2XL, Cold Steel Karve, Microtech SOCOM Elite Ram-Lok, Ritter Hogue RSK Mk1, Manganas Steel Aurelia, Artisan Kami, Civivi Sentinel Strike 2, Kansept Deadite, Off-Grid Knives Stinger XL, and the North Mountain Blade BBMN. Bob walks through each one, covering blade geometry, handle ergonomics, lock strength, steel choice, and exactly why each knife earns a spot on the list.

Before the main segment, Bob runs through a pocket check featuring the Spyderco Military 2 in CruCarta, the Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Bison fixed EDC, the SOG SEAL Pup, and the Cold Steel Natchez Bowie.

He also shows off a generous box of fixed blades sent in by his friend Craig, known as Fishbag during Thursday Night Knives, including a Green River 4215, an Ontario Old Hickory 7026, a Cold Steel Leatherneck, an Ontario pilot knife, and a Case USMC fighting utility knife.

Knife Life News covers a GiantMouse Kickstarter collaboration with Jackass star Chris Pontius, a new modular EDC from Work Sharp called the Madrone, and expanded offerings from Pennsylvania maker Kestrel Knives.

The First Tool segment tells the story of the Gerber Mark II, a knife designed in 1966 by retired Army Captain Bud Holzman, drawing on the ancient Roman Mainz Gladius and the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger used by British commandos. It earned its name in Vietnam, appeared in The Road Warrior and Alien, and became one of the most recognizable combat knives of the 20th century.

Bob also shares the curious story of early canted-blade versions being returned by buyers who thought they were bent, making those originals among the most collectible today.

Whether you have a short list of go-to EDC folders or you are still building it, this episode gives you ten names worth considering and a clear set of reasons why each one belongs there.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/676.

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