Best EDC Knife: Your ABCs of Every Day Carry Knives

Have you ever gone hunting and it reached a point where you needed to cut a thread, rope, or even a bandage? Okay, if you have, then you agree that not having a knife while out hunting is a big fail. To avoid getting into such a scenario, you require the best EDC knife that is easy to carry.

The ways to use an EDC knife can range from opening a cardboard box to cutting up kindling for a fire with your children. But, the knife world has exponentially grown over the last two decades, and there are hundreds of knife makers, making it difficult for buyers to know which brand is worth their money. It can be hard for seasoned knife enthusiasts to navigate, so let’s try to clear these muddy waters and help you out.

You need to know what to look for and what choices you have, and that is exactly what you will learn in this article.You will first see which features you should keep an eye on before making the final choice, and then you can read the reviews of the best models on the market. But before we get to those parts, take a look at the table to see which models are the best on the market and what are their main features.

Our Top Picks

Things to Consider Before Buying

Each state will have some lawful regulation for carrying a knife. Some states have stricter laws than others. It may be a wise idea to take a look at those before purchasing. Most states seem fonder upon folding blades, rather than a fixed-blade knife. After confirming that, these are some of the factors to consider in your purchase process

Blade Shape and Length

There is no right or wrong blade length, you just need to find the right blade length for you. Most blades are between two and six inches. A small knife is all about control, and a large blade is for more reach. Three and four-inch blades fall right in the middle, making them a great compromise.

The shape of the blade determines its functionality. For example, a spear point whose blade and the spine meet symmetrically in the middle of the knife is good for pushing since it has a strong tip. Other shapes which make an EDC knife suited for different purposes include clip point, drop point, sheep foot blade, trailing point blade, and the Tanto blade.

Opening Mechanism

EDC knives have various opening mechanisms with some being fully automatic. You just require to press a button, and the knife flips open. These kinds of knives are subject to strict rules and are not the best for a carry around knife due to that.

The most common opening mechanisms in EDC knives are Spider hole -where you stick part of your thumb in the hole and flip the knife open. Another option is the thumb discs and studs – these allow you to open the knife by holding it in your hand and using your thumb to press the stud on the spine in a flipping design.

Handle Material

The handle of your knife should offer a firm grip on the hand, and you don’t want a knife that will keep slipping your hand if you are wet or sweating. Among the best blade materials suited for this are the Zytel and the carbon fiber. They are rugged and the fact that they contain plastic, makes them hold in hand well.

Other people might prefer metal blades or those made from reinforced fiberglass. Irrespective of the choice you make, ensure that you put durability into consideration. A knife without a blade will almost be useless.

Blade Treatment or Finish

EDC knife blades are hardly supplied to the market without treatments or finish. These are meant to add life to the blade by protecting it from corrosion. They also add aesthetic value to the knife. There are a variety of treatments and finishes available and the one to choose depends on preference.

For example, etching involves dipping the knife blade in an acid and allowing it to sit for some time until it starts to get corroded. Another option is a protective paint cover, it is extraordinary and does not wear away with use. Other finishes available are blackwash and stonewash.

Portability

The whole idea behind the EDC knives is to be able to carry it easily, however, bearing in mind that some people who may require the knives are car campers. Then, portability can be a wide topic. However, some general features make an EDC knife portable.

Some knives have shorter handles, and other have a pocket clip. Lanyard holes also help if you need to hang your knife on the wall of your tent or on to attach it to your bag for easy accessibility.

Best products on Today’s Market

Given the diversity of EDC knives and the varying options available for consideration before making the final purchase, picking the right one is not a simple matter. That is the main reason we have a prospective list that will narrow down your search to a handful of viable options. These include the following.

Benchmade Reverse Tanto Knife

Price: Approx. $180

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.4 inches, overall length – 7.87 inches

Weight: 2.9 ounces

Handle material: Anodized aluminum

Blade material: Stainless steel

Specific features: Tanto blade, lightweight, folding blade, stainless steel, durable

Best use: Daily tasks

The Benchmade Reverse Tanto Knife was created more than a decade ago, and it is still one of the best sellers. Benchmade ensures their entire products pass a tough quality control standard. This knife comes with a tanto blade, with a thickness of 0.114 inches. When opened, the knife is 7.87 inches long, but it is 4.47 inches long when closed. The knife carries easily and you will barely notice it.

As for the material of the blade, the S30V steel is the material Benchmade chose for the 940, one of the best materials for an EDC knife. It holds the edge well and is easy to sharpen. When you want to open the knife, Benchmade’s Axis locking mechanism is easy to open with one hand, while still keeping the blade closed tightly.

The one downside to the 940 is the high price tag, but, considering the quality and durability, it is easy to understand why it is priced so high. Its design is slim and stylish even though this can be a serious weapon.

Related: While having a good EDC knife is good, it can be stressful if it is not sharpened. There are many sharpeners on the market, but the Smith’s PP1 Multifunction Sharpener is among the best in the market. It has three sharpening angles. It easily fits in the pocket and even has a lanyard hole for easy carry around.

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Spyderco Delica 4 Plain Edge Knife

Price: Approx. $60

Dimensions: Blade length – 2.875 inches, overall length – 7.125 inches

Weight: 2.5 ounces

Handle material: Fiberglass reinforced nylon

Blade material: Stainless steel

Specific features: VG-10 Steel, drop point blade, thumb hole, lightweight, sharpens easily, comes in a variety of colors

Best use: Hunting

Next up in our search is the Spyderco Delica 4 Plain Edge Knife, made from VG-10 steel. It comes with a nice choice of materials because it is highly resistant to rust and sharpens nicely. One thing to be aware of is VG-10 steel is known to be brittle.

The Delica 4 has a full, flat-grind drop point blade; you won’t have any trouble slicing things like cardboard or plastics.Like all Spyderco blades, the Delica has their trademark thumb hole. When closed, it measures only 4.25 inches. Combined with the 2.5 ounces, the Delica is a great choice for a lightweight EDC knife. The one downside is the Delica is the VG-10 steel doesn’t hold an edge as well as other materials.

Since it does sharpen well, it is a problem that you can fix with ease. Overall, the Delica makes a solid choice for an EDC knife. It is crafted nicely, sharpens easily, and is lightweight enough to carry with no issues.

Related: If you bought the knife to mostly use it while out for hunting, then, arrows are some of the items you must have, especially if you are a bow hunter. The Antsir Outdoors Carbon Arrows are among the best in the market.They are made from a mix of fiber and carbon, which makes them lightweight and hard to break.

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Benchmade Drop-Point Knife

Price: Approx $150

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.25 inches, overall length – 7.42 inches

Weight: 2.1 ounces

Handle material: G10 Micarta

Blade material: 154-CM stainless steel

Specific features: Locking mechanism, G-10 handle, spear point blade, lightweight, 154-CM Steel

Best use: Camping and hiking

All Benchmade knives are made with their Axis locking mechanism. For the Benchmade Drop-Point Knife, it is one of the most important features because it is a straight body knife.

The 531 is crafted for hard labor and you can apply leverage to the blade with ease. The G-10 handles have a herringbone pattern, giving the user a solid gripping surface even in the rain. Furthermore, it has a spear point blade with a high flat grind. And, it is very thin, 0.09 inches, which makes slicing anything a breeze.

However, since it is a spear point, you will find it is great at piercing. Benchmade crafted the blade with 154-CM steel. While it isn’t S30V, it is still stain resistant, wear resistant, and hardened to 58-60. There isn’t much to complain about there.

Overall, the knife is enjoyable to use and the craftsmanship is outstanding. The only downside might be the higher price, but you get a knife made to last.

Related: Assuming that you will use your knife for outdoor adventures, we can also assume that you require a tent. You can consider the Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent. It has a large door and a hooded top for ventilation. It is easy to set up and take down.

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Spyderco Manix 2 Plain Edge Knife

Price: Approx. $85

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.375 inches, overall length – 8.00 inches

Weight: 5 ounces

Handle material: G-10

Blade material: CTS BD1 stainless steel

Specific features: S30V steel, locking system, folding knife, durable, one-hand open, budget friendly

Best use: Camping

When comparing EDC knives, one of the first things you’ll notice is the weight of the Spyderco Manix 2 Plain Edge Knife. It is nearly double some of the other knives. While it may not be one of the lightest on the market, it is one of the most durable.

The knife is made of S30V steel with a full flat ground blade, and this type of steel is one of the best choices for a knife, and you will be able to slice and dice with ease.

The knife has a locking system referred to as a ball lock that is held in place with a polymer resin. You don’t have to worry about blade play. It is solidly locked in place. You can unlock the blade with one hand, but it is best to try it a few times because it is spring loaded. The knife is tough as nails and will stand up to abuse as your EDC.

Related: Among some of the essential items for outdorsmen, are the carabiners. They have a variety of use and you can use them to hang your knife from the belt. A set of four Live Infinitely Lightweight Carabiner Clips costs approximately $15.

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Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Plain Edge Knife

Price: Approx. $125

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.44 inches, overall length – 8.28 inches

Weight: 3.75 ounces

Handle material: G-10

Blade material: CPM S30V steel

Specific features: G-10 handles, made in the USA, S30V steel, lightweight, durable

Best use: Hunting, camping, everyday use

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Plain Edge Knife comes as a knife that is convenient to carry and has an easy access in a tip-down carry design. This model is undoubtedly one of the best choices on the market because of its ability to offer outstanding performance. The Paramilitary 2 is an updated model, featuring a new handle and 4-way pocket clip.

They made quite a few improvements with the Paramilitary 2, including a different lock. It features a back-mounted liner lock which is a safer user because it increases security. The knife is made in the USA with high-quality CPM S30V steel, with the blade being 3.44 inches long, and with an overall length of 8.28 inches.

The Paramilitary is an excellent choice for an EDC knife, with good ergonomics, well-balanced, high-quality steel, and durability. The handle is ergonomically designed with enough jimping to prevent your hand from sliding forward. It is covered with scales from G-10 and they are embedded tightly to the handle which gives the knife a hard grip.

Related: Since this is an everyday carry knife, it fits well in your daily work. It is a good option for hunters given even its Camo color. On top of the knife, you might also require a nice sighting device to get clear sights of the field. The Halo XRT62-7 Rangefinder enables you to make precise decisions.

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Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Knife

Price: Approx. $90

Dimensions: Blade length – 4 inches, overall length – 9.3 inches

Weight: 5.3 ounces

Handle material: G-10

Blade material: CTS XHP alloy

Specific features: AUS 8 steel, G-10 handle, locking system, budget friendly

Best use: Everyday use

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Knife is at the top of many EDC lists and for many good reasons. It is one of the best tactical folding knives because of its durability and ability to perform a large range of tasks.You can select the knife’s blade from three options: tanto point, spear point, and a clip point made from AUS 8 stainless steel.

All blades have a black, Teflon coating that will resist rust and glare. It also provides lubrication for cutting, while the handle has the Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad locking system, and laminated scales for an excellent grip during your tasks.

Their Tri-Ad lock works flawlessly and will hold your blade in place. There is no blade play.The Recon 1 is a budget-friendly EDC knife, with high quality, designed for frequent use. It is loved so much that you have to be careful of fakes.

Related: If you are a regular camper, you definitely require this EDC knife, but, another thing you might consider buying even if it is to replace the one you already have, is a sleeping bag.The Black Pine Grizzly 2-Person Sleeping Bag has superior insulation and comfort features, to keep you warm all night.

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Buck Knives SpitFire Folding Knife

Price: Approx. $40

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.25 inches, overall length – 7 inches

Weight: 3.2 ounces

Handle material: Aluminum alloy

Blade material: Stainless steel

Specific features: Drop point blade, 420HC steel, sharp, open hand open, lightweight

Best use: General work and light tasks

The Buck SpitFire Folding Knife is made for everyday carrying, with a drop point blade. The blade is made of 420HC stainless steel. We love the finish on this knife, and it is highly resistant to rust.

When you receive the knife, it is insanely sharp out of the box. 420HC holds an edge very well and will sharpen with ease.

The handle is made of aluminum and has a thumb stud to help with one hand opening. You can open the knife with one hand, which is a convenient feature. However, the locking mechanism does allow for some blade play. It is lightweight and super sharp. The Spitfire is an excellent slicing EDC knife.

The knife is easily portable given its weight and also from the fact that it has a pocket clip, so you definitely won’t lose your knife. Its blade retention is super and won’t open while in the pocket. The lower part of the blade, as well as the handle, has some jimping to give your knife a good hand grip.

Related: If you do not like the spitfire every day carry knife due to one reason or the other, there is another great option which is the Buck Knives Solo Folding Pocket Knife. It has a 3 in closed length and its handle is made from G-10. It is durable and covered by a lifetime warranty.

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Al Mar MS2KB Mini SERE 2000 Folding Knife

Price: Approx. $230

Dimensions: Blade length – 3 inches, overall length – 7 inches

Weight: 3.5 ounces

Handle material: G-10

Blade material: VG-10 stainless steel

Specific features: VG-10 steel, lightweight, sharp blade, durable, G-10 handle

Best use: Hunting, camping, heavy duty use

The MS2KB Mini Sere 2000 is intended for an Army’s survival and escape program. Many military members pick this as their EDC knife. However, the Mini SERE is a smaller version of the original, allowing it to be carried with ease.

Just because it is smaller, doesn’t mean it isn’t just as good as the original. The blade is 3 inches and made of VG-10 steel, giving it strength and ease of sharpening. Right out of the box, the Al Mar Mini has a super, sharp blade.

The chances of breaking the tip are slim. You deploy the blade with a pair of thumb studs. The handle is a scalded G-10 with steel liners for a good grip. It only weighs 3.5 oz, making it a great, lightweight option.

Its portability features which make it a great carry around knife are the lanyard holes and the pocket clips. The clips are made of stainless steel and the lanyard holes can be used together with an appropriate Carabiner to attach it to your bag or belt.

Related: The Sere 2000 is a knife made using military standards, no matter what you expose it to, it will remain sturdy and strong. This makes it a favorite for hunters. As such based on a hunting collections, a related item can be the Swhacker Set 3-100 Grain Broadheads. These are hardened with high steel, carbon and they cost approximately $25.

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Zero Tolerance Flipper Titanium Blackwash Knife

Price: Approx. $170

Dimensions: Blade length – 3.5 inches, overall length – 8.2 inches

Weight: 5.8 ounces

Handle Material: Titanium

Blade material: Elmax stainless steel

Specific features: Made in USA, titanium, frame lock, one-hand open

Best use: Hunting

As soon as you pick up the Zero Tolerance Flipper Titanium Blackwash Knife, you will notice how solid it feels in your hand. You can feel confident that this blade will last you for years to come and that you will be using it without a problem.

The frame of the 0801 is made of titanium, and the cool looking black wash finish, is giving it a worn look, as if you have had it and used it for years.Furthermore, it has an integrated pocket clip, a built-in flipper for one-handed deployment, and a frame lock with a hardened steel lock bar that will keep the blade in place.

However, the Flipper knife is heavier than most EDC knives, but that isn’t really a downside, especially since having a bit heavier knife in your hand gives you a better balance when using it.

All in all, this cool looking knife has a nice price, considering the quality and the design, and would make a nice addition to your outdoor gear.

Related: If you bought the knife for use while hunting, one is not always enough, especially in the wild where backups are a necessity. You can consider the Workpro Hunting Survival Set that has a hawk, a knife and an axe. It is highly affordable at about $30.

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Wrap up

We have reached the end of our article. After going through an intensive text, it is our best wish that you got the information you were looking for. Buying an everyday carry knife can be hectic bearing in mind the extensive features, you have to consider before making a purchase. Not forgetting there are still fake ones in the market.

We have considered a majority of the features to put in perspective when making a purchase and selected some of the ideal EDC knives. For example, the zero tolerance titanium knife is made from all metal and this gives it a unique look as well as excellent durability.

We believe you will be able to select an excellent knife based on how you want to use the knife. However, overall consider the blade and handle material, the ease of sharpening also plays a key role in the selection process.

We hope this review was helpful. What is your favorite EDC knife? Have you found it in the list? Let us know in the comments section below.