Proper
Pocket Knives

If there was ever a season to be carrying a pocket knife, this is it. There are all sorts of situations that you'll get into during the next few months that you'll be able to MacGyver your way out of when you're carrying a trusty blade. Whether you're cleaning a fish, cutting some rope or simply opening a few bottles of beer at an outdoor music fest, a proper pocket knife is an essential piece of your every day carry these days. From SOG's minimalist blade shaped like a credit card and Kaufman Mercantile's key chain version to more traditional options by Victorinox and Case, there's a knife to suit any guy's style.

Keep your blade in good condition by sharpening it when it gets dull. There are a handful of ways to do this, but The Art of Manliness offers a simple method to sharpening your knife that's good for beginners, and best of all, it works.