Handmade Pocket Knives

The pocket knife is the most universal tool ever devised, present in every culture and every century. Louis Martin's pocket knives honor that tradition: compact, precisely made, and beautiful enough to become heirlooms. Whether you need a practical daily carry tool or a lasting gift, our pocket knives deliver hand-crafted quality at every price point.

Characteristics & Construction

These notes describe pocket knives in general. Lot pieces are picked from stock, so features such as blade length, handle material and construction vary piece to piece.

1. 1

   Empty your pockets

   Remove loose debris — lint, coins, keys — from your pocket before re-pocketing your knife. Abrasive grit in the pocket environment accelerates wear on the handle finish and blade.

2. 2

   Wipe daily

   A quick daily wipe with a soft cloth removes fingerprints, oils, and moisture that cause long-term degradation on handles and blade steel.

3. 3

   Oil the pivot monthly

   A single drop of light knife oil on the pivot monthly keeps the action smooth. Wipe excess immediately — over-lubrication attracts pocket lint that gums up the mechanism.

4. 4

   Touch up the edge

   Pocket knives used daily benefit from a quick strop (5–10 strokes per side on a loaded leather strop) weekly to maintain a working edge without shortening blade life.

5. 5

   Clean the bolsters

   Metal bolsters on pocket knives accumulate oxidation where they meet the handle material. Use a soft brass brush and metal polish annually to keep bolsters bright.