Sometimes the best knife is the one that lives in your truck’s center console.
If you spend enough time adventuring out of your vehicle, you’ll eventually squirrel away a lot of tools in your vehicle for the “just in case” moments. I keep a couple of lighters, a headlamp, and recovery equipment in my truck for just those occasions. And while I carry a pocket knife just about everywhere, I always keep one knife at arm’s reach in my truck.
From the mundane (cutting a tag off a piece of new gear) to the extreme (breaking a window or slashing a seatbelt after an accident), a knife has more possible uses than I can count. But when it comes to picking a knife for your console or glove box, there are a few factors to consider.
The first, for me, is price. I would tend toward cheaper knives for this job, because let’s face it, cars get broken into all the time. Next, I look for a versatile knife that can handle everything from batoning wood to mechanical tasks like scraping battery terminals. And of course, it should handle those alfresco lunches, removing insulation when doing quick wiring fixes on the road, or opening a package the easy way.
These are some of my top choices for a glove box knife.
Editor’s note: Laws about carrying a knife in your vehicle vary dramatically from state to state and even town to town. Be sure to research the laws where you intend to travel if you have a knife in your car or truck to avoid breaking the law.
The Best Knives for Your Car
Mora Companion
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/Mora-Companion-e1702418318502.jpg)
The Mora Companion is on more best-of lists than probably any other knife on the market. That’s because it’s cheap, functional, and time-tested. Basically, it’s really hard to find a better knife for about $15.
The Mora Companion has a high carbon steel clip-point satin-finished blade. Its rubber handle is grippy and easy to use however you want to hold it. Fitted with a polymer sheath, it’s secure and safe when stowed. The 4-inch blade is about ideal for darned near any job.
Check Price at AmazonGerber Zilch Pocket Knife
![Gerber Zilch Pocket Knife](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/01/Gerber-Zilch-Pocket-Knife-e1702418459484.png)
Coast DX330
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/Coast-DX330-e1702418486137.jpg)
Gerber Hinderer CLS
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/Gerber-Hinderer-CLS-700x467.jpg)
Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/Leatherman-Wingman-Multitool-700x467.jpg)
Leatherman FREE K2 Pocket Knife
![Leatherman FREE K2 Pocket Knife](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/01/Leatherman-FREE-K2-Pocket-Knife.png)