Nestled on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu and set against the dramatic background of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is home to a diverse range of adventures. This isn't surprising as the resort town’s stunning mountain ranges with their wide-capped peaks and other natural beauties like Lake Wakatipu offer an endless array of activities to indulge in. 

If you find yourself exploring Queenstown, it is ideal to ensure you are equipped for whatever comes your way. Although there are many handy tools that you would need depending on the activities you choose to explore, a pocket knife tops the list as an essential and reliable tool. In this article, we provide a list of the top five pocket knives to invest in while in Queenstown. 

5. The Kookaburra EDC Pocket Knife

Kookaburra are iconic birds and the Kookaburra EDC pocket knife is designed specifically to celebrate this special bird. This pocket knife is specially crafted to be as unique as its muse, embodying the bird’s jovial nature and distinctive appearance in its colorful palette and distinctive blade and handle design. 

The Kookaburra EDC pocket knife is made from light maple wood with turquoise resin in a clever combination that reflects the Kookaburra's vibrant plumage. Its blade is made from 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel that has a hardness of 58HRC, ensuring it can handle various cutting tasks at home or in the wild. Besides being designed for durability, the 87mm long blade is crafted in a design that would instantly remind anyone of the bird's beak. In addition, the clip material, hardware, blade grind, pivot assembly, opener, and lock type are all carefully chosen for their functionality and reliability.

The Kookaburra EDC pocket knife is a blend of stunning natural beauty, durability, and practicality. Whether you have a pile of packages waiting to be opened or a fishing line that needs cutting, this pocket knife is strong enough for tough jobs and sleek enough to handle with ease.

Blade Length: 87mm (3.42")
Overall Length: 206mm (8.11")
Folded Length: 118mm (4.64")
Blade Thickness: 2.5mm (.09")
Weight: 129g (4.55 oz)

Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel
Blade Type: Drop point razor
Scale Material: Light Maple wood with turquoise resin
Blade Hardness: 58HRC

Clip Material: CK1055 Spring Steel (Heat treated to 44 HRC)
Hardware: Brass Passivated screws & Clip
Blade Grind: Triple Bevel & finger grip slots
Blade Grind: 50/50
Pivot assembly: Caged Ceramic ball bearing washer
Opener: Top Flipper Tab
Lock Type: Liner Lock

4. The Glossy Black Cockatoo EDC Pocket Knife

If its name doesn't already give it away, the Glossy Black Cockatoo EDC pocket draws inspiration from the majestic Glossy Black Cockatoo bird. This is evident in the knife’s aesthetics from the red and black coloration of the handle that mimics the bird’s plume coloration to the blade shape that is reminiscent of a bird’s beak. 

The Glossy Black Cockatoo EDC pocket features a 95.8mm blade made from heat-treated 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel, known for its robustness and edge retention. This durable blade is 95.8mm long and folds neatly into a 110mm frame. In total, the knife despite its large blade weighs a light 115g, ensuring you can effortlessly carry this tool everywhere you go. 

Blade Length: 95.8mm (3.77")
Overall Length: 207.2mm (8.14")
Folded Length: 110mm (4.33")
Blade Thickness: 2.5mm (0.09")
Weight: 115g (4.05oz)

Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel
Blade Type: Drop Point
Scale Material: Black G10, Red Resin, Ebony wood
Blade Hardness: 58HRC

3. The Wedge Tailed Eagle EDC Pocket Knife

The Wedge Tailed Eagle EDC pocket knife is inspired by a striking raptor that commands respect and admiration. After all, this bird is known to have a length ranging from 85 to 106 cm and a wingspan of 185 to 230 cm. 

The Wedge Tailed Eagle EDC pocket knife features an 87mm blade with a thickness of 2.5mm. It stands at a total length of 118mm and a weight of 129g. The Wedge Tailed Eagle EDC pocket knife is as beautiful as its muse, featuring a similar brown and yellow color palette in a design that mimics the outline of a bird. This pocket knife is a true representation of nature’s beauty and utility. 

Blade Length: 87mm 

Overall Length: 206mm 

Folded Length: 118mm

Blade Thickness: 2.5mm 

Weight: 129g

2. The Magpie EDC Pocket Knife

The Magpie EDC pocket knife captures the essence of the Magpie bird and condenses it into an elegant and practical tool. This pocket knife is as adaptable and iconic as its namesake, offering a combination of beauty and strength so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. So, whether you are a pocket knife lover looking for an aesthetic addition to your collection or someone looking for a practical pocket knife that can be applied to any situation, the Magpie EDC pocket knife is the perfect match for you. 

The Magpie EDC pocket knife is a trusty tool with a handle crafted from dark ebony timber and white pearl resin, mimicking its muse color palette while offering a unique tactile sensation. Its blade is made from 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel honed to a sharp edge to help you effortlessly undertake various cutting tasks with ease. The knife’s handle is designed to be ergonomic to improve safety and comfort during handling. Hence, whether you are cutting through rope, prepping food, or tackling DIY projects, you can be rest assured that the Magpie knife is up to the task.

Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel

Blade Length: 87mm (3.4" inch)

Blade Grind: 50/50

Overall Length: 206mm (8.11" inch)

Folded Length: 118mm (4.64" inch)

Blade Thickness: 2.5mm (.09" inch)

Weight: 129g (4.55 oz)

1. The Galah EDC Pocket Knife

The Galah EDC pocket knife is described as an outdoor knife made for those who love camping, exploration, and for those who simply love beautiful and functional pocket knives. This gorgeous knife is made to mimic the Galah bird, from the flamboyant yet distinctive pink-and-grey coloration of the bird to its blade that closely resembles the shape of a bird’s beak. 

Don’t be fooled by the pink color of the Galah EDC pocket knife. Although its coloration is quite playful, the knife packs a punch when it comes to cutting tasks. The knife’s handle is made from durable grey and white G10 with pink resin, ensuring it is lightweight while also being durable. Its blade is made from 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel, a material renowned for its robustness and exceptional edge retention. Unlike pocket knives with blades made from softer metals, the Galah EDC pocket knife is built tough to resist wear, tear, and corrosion. 

Blade Length: 95.8mm (3.77")
Overall Length: 207.2mm (8.14")
Folded Length: 110mm (4.33")
Blade Thickness: 2.5mm (0.09")
Weight: 115g (4.05oz)

Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel
Blade Type: Drop Point
Scale Material: Grey and White G10 and pink resin 

Blade Hardness: 58HRC

Choosing The Best Pocket Knife In Queenstown

Queenstown's breathtaking landscapes and adventurous spirit make it essential for outdoor enthusiasts to have a reliable pocket knife at their side. Whether you choose the Galah EDC pocket knife or the Kookaburra EDC pocket knife, the top five knives featured in this article offer a blend of functionality, durability, and style, catering to a variety of needs—from everyday tasks to rugged outdoor activities.