WINNER
Marbles Outdoor Knives has a long history of innovation and invention stemming back to the late 1800’s. Founded by Webster L. Marble, who had an eye for practicality and usefulness, Marbles pocket knives are part of the Marble Arms family whose offerings over the years have encompassed quality hunting knives, compasses, pocket axes, and iron gun sights.
Originally founded and still based in Gladstone, Michigan, Marbles is as committed as ever to produce functional products that combine modern technology with traditional designs. Their products have enjoyed extensive use in both the US and British militaries although they continue to provide high-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts.
In this review, we’ll take a look at some of the best pocket knives that Marbles has to offer. Each of these knives brings a unique combination of features and high performance, giving you a Marbles pocket knife that you’ll be proud to use and pass onto to the next generation.
Our Pick: Marbles Pocket Knife G.I. Utility Knife
The G.I. Utility Knife is a reproduction of the WWII military utility knife issued to US soldiers. As such, this Marbles pocket knife is built to be durable and fulfill multiple functions.
It is entirely constructed of 440A stainless steel, a high carbon steel known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. It includes a spear point blade, leather punch, can opener, and bottle opener with a flathead screwdriver. It also has a stainless steel lanyard bail.
The blade measures 2 5/8 inches long, is 1/16 of an inch thick, and is 5/8 of an inch wide. Closed length is 3 5/8 inches so it really won’t take up much room in your pocket. That sturdy all-steel construction, however, gives it a comfortable weight that makes it feel more secure in your hand and won’t leave you worrying that it will fall out of your pocket.
The sides of the handle have a diamond texturization and are stamped “US” at the center.
When considering the quality of this pocket knife and the price, you really can’t argue with picking up one or two. This is a great little knife to carry on you, throw in the glove box, or to add to your camping gear. This is also the perfect first knife to give to your child as it’s tough enough to withstand the excited abuse your kid will put it through, whether for carving spears, fashioning arrows, or learning to skin rabbits. And it’s also easy to replace should they lose it.
Wildlife Scrimshaw Series Pocket Chopper
While the intricate scrimshaw design on the bone handle of this Marbles pocket knife is reason alone to give it due consideration, the unique combination of pocket knife with a mini-axe is sure to make this knife a big hit as a gift.
Each of the pocket knives in the Marbles scrimshaw series features a unique North American wildlife scene and has a combination of bone and stag antler with nickel silver bolsters. The satin finish on the blades makes this a real conversation piece and eye candy. This particular addition to the Scrimshaw Series features a scene with two wolves.
This Scrimshaw Series – Pocket Chopper pocket knife measures 5 inches when closed and bows out slightly along the outer edge. This makes it wider at the heel, which is dropped, and gives it a more contoured shape that better fits your hand. The mini-axe is 4 inches long, has a cutting edge of 1 ½ inches, and an overall thickness of 1/8 of an inch. The clipped blade is a good 3 7/8 inches long, ¾ of an inch at the widest point, and 1/16 of an inch thick. The blade also has an extra-long finger nail groove for easier deployment.
This is a really unique pocket knife that will serve you well as your everyday carry, especially if you’re the kind of person to enjoy the novelty and extra functionality of having a mini-axe in your pocket.
Wildlife Scrimshaw Series Granddaddy Barlow
The Granddaddy Barlow is another fine addition to the Marbles Scrimshaw Series, which pays tribute to the unique art form of scrimshaw as practiced by 19th century whalers. This art form is typically done on the bones of sperm whales and features intricate scrollwork and sailing scenes. The Marbles Scrimshaw Series features similar level of intricacy, depicting wildlife native to North America and set in stag bone with antler accents. The Granddaddy Barlow features a scene depicting two raccoons.
This Marbles pocket knife is a Barlow style, with a long bolster and elongated oval handle. This particular Barlow features one blade, a clipped point with a cutting edge of about 3 inches. The blade is made of stainless steel and has a fingernail groove along the spine to help with opening it.
Closed, this scrimshaw pocket knife measures 5 inches long —a comfortable size that fits in your hand well without being too bulky in your pocket. Overall, this knife weighs about 8 ounces, thanks to the inherent lightness of the bone and antler handle scales. Brass pins contrast nicely with nickel silver bolster and accent the coloring of the scrimshaw design.
Each of the Marbles pocket knives in the Scrimshaw Series comes packaged in a commemorative cardboard box with velveteen fitted insert to hold the knife safely in place.
Etched Damascus Series Trapper Pocket Knife
This trapper style folding pocket knife is part of the Etched Damascus series of Marbles pocket knives. It’s a jackknife with two blades hinged at one end of the handle. The handle is 4 1/8 inches long and each blade offers a good 3+ inches of cutting edge. And because it is a trapper style folding knife, this Marbles pocket knife features a clipped point blade, with a strong point suitable for any fine task or general utility knife needs. The spey blade features a rounder belly and dulled point that makes it a better choice for skinning small game.
Most skinning knives are just not appropriate when you find yourself standing over a rabbit or squirrel, so a pocket knife like this really comes in handy. Not only will you be able to make those initial cuts more smoothly, but you won’t have to worry about accidently punching holes through that thin hide as you might with, say, a standard pocket knife blade. While it may not make a bit of difference to many people, if you depend on hunt for subsistence, then a trapper pocket knife can be very useful.
The handle is comprised of stag bone scales with pinched nickel bolsters, brass pins, and nickel liners. The bone scales have a great aged look to them and have been shaped to resemble antler rather than bone. There is a small silver nickel plaque on the side of the handle with a monogrammed “M.” This knife has the feel of a treasured vintage knife and is sure to become a favorite.
It must be noted that this is etched Damascus, which differs from genuine Damascus in that the distinctive pattern is not a result of the folded layers of metal. Rather, the unique pattern is the result of acid etching. Then again, this does not imply that this pocket knife is of a lesser quality knife (because it isn’t as Marbles has a strong reputation of using only quality stainless steel). We just want to point the difference that exists here.
Final Thoughts on Marbles Pocket Knives 2024
Marbles pocket knives are well known for their commitment in producing highly functional and durable knives to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. Each of the knives that we reviewed above is testament to that dedication and a perfect example that a high quality knife that you’ll treasure for years to come doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Any of these knives has the chance to become an heirloom suitable for passing on to the next generation.
While I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite among these, I particularly love the strong balance that can be found in the Scrimshaw Series between functionality and art. Plus, that Pocket Chopper is all sorts of fun and likely to become a present for my survivalism obsessed 9-year-old and 10-year-old sons.
Sources and Official Brand Websites
- Marbles Knives, Official Brand Website.
- History of the Knife, Knife Crimes.
- Why I Carry a Knife (Almost) Everywhere, Gizmodo.
- Leather Sheaths vs Kydex Sheaths: The Good and Bad, Hedgehog Leatherworks.