Pocket Knife

A pocket knife is one of those things you don’t realise you need until you do. For generations, it’s also been a rite of passage—a symbol of self-reliance.

The one pocket knife we think you should own is the MKM Terzuola Clap Liner Lock Knife.

Designed in collaboration with legendary knifemaker Bob Terzuola, the Clap is a modern EDC knife that balances precision, durability, and refined design. It features a 76 mm drop point blade made from Böhler M390 steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. With a hardness rating of 58–60 HRC, this is a blade that holds up under regular use and stays sharp longer than most.

The handle comes in several versions—including carbon fiber, G10, Micarta, olive wood and santos wood options—with or without titanium bolsters. For purely practical reasons, our pick is the green canvas Micarta with titanium bolsters: it’s comfortable in hand and ages well with use, while the titanium adds structure and strength. We also love the look of the olive wood version.

The knife uses stainless steel liners, a titanium backspacer, and a reversible tip-up titanium pocket clip for ambidextrous carry. Deployment is fast and smooth, thanks to the ball bearing pivot. It offers multiple ways to open: a removable flipper tab, dual fullers, and two-handed operation—ideal if you’re in a region with knife restrictions.

Closed, it measures 108 mm (4.25”). Open, it’s 184 mm (7.24”). It weighs 119 g (4.20 oz).

The fit and finish are top-tier, and the ergonomics are dialed in. The MKM Clap feels like a knife made by people who know what they’re doing—because it is.

Bob Terzuola has been making custom folding knives since 1982, including for CIA operatives. MKM (Maniago Knife Makers) is a consortium of Italian knife manufacturers based in Maniago, a town with a centuries-old tradition of blade-making. MKM knives are produced by makers like Fox, LionSteel, Mercury, and Viper, and distributed globally by Mikita.

Also Consider

It’s hard to talk about just one pocket knife without mentioning the Chris Reeve Sebenza 31. First released in 1987, the Sebenza has long been considered by enthusiasts as the benchmark for folding knives. The latest version is available in two sizes—a small model with a 2.99-inch blade and a large one with a 3.61-inch blade—and offers a premium build: a CPM S35VN drop-point blade, titanium handle, and options for wood or micarta inlays. It also comes with a pocket clip and a signature knotted lanyard. The Sebenza 31 is an exceptional knife, though a costly one.