What’s one of the most critical pieces of gear for your everyday carry setup?
(Hint: it’s not always a gun.)
A good knife is a great addition to any EDC kit. Aside from self-defense benefits, they’re pretty handy tools for everyday use. I bet you reach for your knife more than any other EDC item except your phone.
But which one should you pick? We rounded up some of our favorites based personal experience to help you decide on the very best EDC lives for you.
Let’s slice and dice!
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys. State and local knife laws vary, so do your research before buying or carrying a knife.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Features
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Best for Light Duty
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Best Value
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Best Large Folding Knife
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Best Budget
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Best High-End
Table of Contents
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EDC Knife Comparison Chart
| Blade Length | Blade Steel | Blade Edge | Handle Material | Overall Length | Weight | Price | |
| Spyderco Delica 4 | 2.9″ | VG-10 | Combination | FRN | 7.11″ | 2.6 oz | $94 |
| Kershaw Leek | 3″ | 14C28N | Plain | Stainless steel | 7″ | 3 oz | $47 |
| Spyderco Tenacious | 3.39″ | 8Cr13MoV | Plain | G10 | 7.76″ | 4.1 oz | $53 |
| Benchmade Mini Griptillian | 2.91″ | S30V | Plain | Grivory | 6.78″ | 2.8 oz | $150 |
| Cold Steel Recon 1 | 4″ | S35VN | Plain | G10 | 9.37″ | 5.2 oz | $106 |
| Kershaw Cryo | 2.75″ | 8Cr13MoV | Plain | Stainless steel | 6.5″ | 4.1 oz | $39 |
| Benchmade North Fork | 2.97″ | S30V | Plain | Stabilized maple | 6.87″ | 3.8 oz | $230 |
How We Tested the Best EDC Knives
The entire Pew Pew Tactical team contributed to this post with hands-on time with the knives recommended — that means carrying them regularly and actually using them.
During testing, we evaluated the knife’s ability to cut, ease of use and maintenance, as well as its ability to fit into an EDC setup. Finally, we compared all this to the price to assess value.
Not every knife on this list is right for everyone, but we’ve included some of the most popular brands and models that work for us.
Best EDC Knives
1. Spyderco Delica 4 – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Comfortable compact grip
- Excellent ergonomics
- Easy to sharpen
Cons
- Short blade, especially with the combination edge
Specs
- Blade length: 2.9″
- Blade material: VG-10
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Combination
- Handle Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Opening action: Manual, thumb hole
- Lock type: Lockback
- Overall length: 7.11″
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Country of Origin: Japan
The Spyderco Delica 4 is a smaller knife, and its 2.9-inch blade is perfect for states with silly 3-inch rules. Despite the relatively short blade, I find that the Delica 4’s grip actually fills my hand well.
It’s a little thin, but it’s a compact knife, so you make concessions. The grip is made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon, a super-tough polymer composite.
The Delica 4 chewed through just about everything I tossed at it. I did give it a quick run through a sharpener, and it shined up really nicely. It features VG-10 steel, which is more common in kitchen knives.
This steel is corrosion-resistant, easy to sharpen, and gets nice and sharp without much effort (except for the serrated portion). Although it didn’t seem to hold that razor’s edge for long, sharpening it was easy enough.
Overall, the Delica 4 is a handy, lightweight little knife. It feels great in the hand the upward swooping thumb rest is great for carving motions.
It’s state-compliant, lightweight, and tough as nails. The combination blade might not be ideal for some jobs, but it’s versatile enough that you’ll want to carry it, well, every day.
2. Benchmade Mini Griptilian – Best Features
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super sharp
- Easy to open/close
- Positive lock up
Cons
- Short blade
Specs
- Blade length: 2.91″
- Blade material: CPM S30V
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Grivory
- Opening action: Manual, thumb stud
- Lock type: Crossbar lock
- Overall length: 6.78″
- Weight: 2.56 oz
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
The Mini Griptilian puts the pocket in pocket knife. This small knife cuts above its size. When slicing through cardboard, the knife would actually get away from me and cut deeper than I intended.
The blade is extremely sharp and never seems to lose that sharp edge. Older Griptilians used 154 CM steel, while newer ones get S30V. Benchmade also offers a sheepsfoot blade.
The Mini Griptilian uses a simple thumb stud to flick the blade open.
You can also pull the sliding lock release and flip your wrist; the blade comes flying out. Close the knife the same way. One-handed operation is easy.
The lock has zero give to it, and the blade doesn’t budge forward, rearward, left, or right.
There are metal textured portions (jimping) on the back of the grip and the spine of the blade for controlling the knife with the thumb or index finger, depending on your grip.
This is a smaller knife than I typically prefer, but I can’t deny it’s a well-built, well-thought-out, and intuitive knife.
What’s your take on the Griptilian? Rate it below!
3. Kershaw Leek – Best for Light Duty
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Looks non-threatening
- Easy to sharpen
Cons
- Dulls relatively quickly
- Poor thumb rest texture
- Untextured grip
Specs
- Blade length: 3″
- Blade material: 14C28N
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Stainless steel
- Opening action: Assisted
- Lock type: Frame lock
- Overall length: 7″
- Weight: 3 oz
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
The Kershaw Leek sports a blade made from Sandvik 14C28N knife steel, which is commonly used with high-end chef’s knives.
The well-rounded Swedish steel is hard, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sharpen. This is the kind of knife you sharpen maybe once a week or right before a lot of slicing. It didn’t take much before I started plowing more than cutting.
This knife is super small and easy to carry. Although my extra-large mitts are a little big for the streamlined stainless steel handle, I was still charmed by this knife. I love the all-metal look.
The grip is not textured, so this isn’t a knife designed for super hard work. It’s perfect for normal chores, though.
It’s non-threatening and well-suited if your dress is more professional. At only 3 ounces, it’s at home in the pocket or the purse.
The blade dulls pretty fast, but remember that this is a light-duty knife. If you just want a simple blade with a splash of style, this is it.
4. Spyderco Tenacious – Best Value
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Long cutting edge
- Easy to sharpen
- Extremely durable
- Nicely textured grip
Cons
- Hard to get the blade razor sharp
Specs
- Blade length: 3.39″
- Blade material: 8Cr13MoV
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: G10
- Opening action: Manual, thumb hole
- Lock type: Liner lock
- Overall length: 7.76″
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Country of Origin: China
The Spyderco Tenacious packs a 3.39-inch blade made of 8CR13MoV stainless steel. As you already know, this steel is tough, easy to sharpen, and holds an edge well.
The Tenacious weighs only 4.1 ounces and has an overall length of 7.76 inches. It features Spyderco’s thumb-hole opening device and is available with a straight blade or serrated blade.
It’s a Spyderco, so of course it’s a great knife. The Tenacious is one of the more compact Spydercos, but it doesn’t hold anything back. It feels great in my hands, and the G10 material is nicely textured.
Like every Spyderco, it has a stylish appearance. The blade design allows for a long cutting edge that is efficient for the blade’s length.
The thumb rest on the rear of the blade curves upwards. This design really allows you to take control of the blade for fine cutting tasks.
Slicing and dicing is easy, and it cuts through thick materials well with nothing more than a gentle rocking motion.
The blade chews through cardboard, cloth, rope, and more without much challenge. Overall, the handle and blade design work well together, and it’s comfortable even after cutting for long periods of time.
Spyderco builds knives in several countries, and this one comes to us from China. That keeps costs down, and makes it more affordable to put a Spyderco in your pocket.
5. Cold Steel Recon 1 – Best Large Folding Knife
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Well built
- Nice sized grip
- Massive blade
Cons
- Hard to sharpen
Specs
- Blade length: 4″
- Blade material: CPM S35VN
- Blade style: Spear point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: G10
- Opening action: Manual, thumb stud
- Lock type: Lockback
- Overall length: 9.37″
- Weight: 5.06 oz
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
In a crowd of solid EDC knives, the Cold Steel Recon 1 stands out due to its (relatively) massive size. You might need to have giant pockets.
This is a tactical folding knife and isn’t for everyone. However, the massive grip fits my big hands perfectly. The handle is contoured for the ergonomics, and the G10 material is lightweight and textured for a good grip.
What I was really disappointed in was the fact that Cold Steel didn’t seem to sharpen the blade very well prior to shipping it out. I took it through a cardboard test, and it absolutely failed.
I knew Cold Steel was better than this, so I took the blade to a diamond sharpener. It took forever to really get this thing sharp, but once it was sharpened, it went through the cardboard without too much issue.
The blade is made from CPM S35VN, which offers additional toughness over the already great CPM S30V. It also has a flat spine that is nice for striking ferro rods to start fires with.
6. Kershaw Cryo – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Great looking
- Compact
Cons
- Heavy for its size
- Pocket clip screws tear my pants
Specs
- Blade length: 2.75″
- Blade material: 8Cr13MoV
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Stainless steel
- Opening action: Spring-assisted flipper
- Lock type: Frame lock
- Overall length: 6.5″
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Country of Origin: China
The Kershaw Cryo is proof that you can get a solid EDC knife without breaking the bank. If you want to keep costs down or add an affordable knock around knife to your collection, give this one a look.
The Cryo has a 2.75-inch blade and an overall length of 6.5 inches. The blade has a spring-assisted flipper that’s easy to reach with either hand, and it opens nicely.
The 8CR13MoV steel is tough, holds an edge well, and is corrosion-resistant, but it doesn’t get razor-sharp.
I kind of feel like the Cryo is a confused knife. It’s short, but heavy and wide (thanks to the metal handle). I don’t mind a heavy knife, but I really don’t care for the super short grip on the Cryo.
A stainless handle and offset screws and bolts give it good looks.
The pocket clip leaves some room for improvement. The screws aren’t flush so they catch and tear at the outside of my pockets. It’s especially tough with my work pants.
The entire knife looks sleek, but it’s my least favorite knife on the list. This is another knife that plows more than cuts through harder materials. For the money, though, it gets the job done.
7. Benchmade North Fork – Best High-End
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super light, fast manual action
- Beautiful stabilized maple handle
- Grippy jumping along the spine
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Blade length: 2.97″
- Blade material: CPM S30V
- Blade style: Drop point
- Blade edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Stabilized maple
- Opening action: Manual, thumb stud
- Lock type: Crossbar lock
- Overall length: 6.87″
- Weight: 3.8 oz
- Country of Origin: U.S.A.
The Benchmade North Fork is significantly more expensive than our other picks, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a higher-end EDC knife.
Benchmade pitches the North Fork as a folding hunting knife, but that also makes it one hell of an EDC knife.
The S30V blade is razor-sharp out of the box, and offers a nice balance of steel properties. Blood is surprisingly hard on metal, so if this knife is good enough for field-dressing a game animal, it’ll take your daily routine in stride.
It flicks open quickly thanks to a smooth action and ambidextrous thumb studs, and the AXIS crossbar lock keeps the blade super secure while it’s open.
The stabilized maple handle looks like a million bucks and it’s more durable than untreated wood. You don’t have to mess with maintenance, but giving it some mineral oil or beeswax every now and then won’t hurt and gives the wood some deep, rich color.
Yes, it’s expensive, but the North Fork is tough enough to be your knock around blade and classy enough to add some style to more formal outfits. It really is everyday-worthy.
How to Pick the Best EDC Knife
Choosing only one knife is like only shooting one caliber, drinking one type of beer, or watching only one TV show. You’re inevitably going to end up with a collection.
Here are some things to consider every time you shop for a new knife.
Plain vs. Serrated Edge
The debate over serrated and plain edges is going to be a battle fought utill the end of time. It’s a personal preference, and there are disadvantages and advantages to both.
Plain edges are easy to sharpen and consistent from end to end. They’re great for making smooth cuts and deep slices. They tend to be poor at sawing through rougher materials.
Serrated knives (think of a bread knife) are the exact opposite. Opening a package, for example would be a nuisance with a serrated edge because the teeth get caught up in finer materials. Cutting through something coarse and fibrous, like rope or small pieces of wood, is much easier with a serrated edge.
Serrated edges are very tricky to sharpen, and most people either never bother or take their knife to a professional. Never tried sharpening a knife? Get all the info in our How to Sharpen a Knife tutorial!
Generally, a partially serrated blade is going to be more versatile than either alternative. The downside is you’re always working with one half the blade or the other, never the whole thing.
Knife Steel
Knife steel could be an article (or several articles) unto itself.
Basically, steel is a generic term for a mixture of metals. Steel manufacturers create different blends for different purposes, and knife manufacturers pick what’s best for a given product.
You’ll hear terms like corrosion resistance, edge retention, hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. I’d throw price into that list, too. When you improve a steel in one category, you typically sacrifice another.
For example, knives with excellent edge retention are typically difficult to sharpen. It goes the other way, too. Kitchen knives are generally super easy to get razor sharp, but you might have to give the edge attention every time you use it.
That’s one of the reasons we own so many knives!
Country of Origin
Who made your knife? Like a lot of products these days, that’s complicated.
We’ve used great knives from all over the world, so it’s good to keep an open mind. Having a personal preference is fine, but so is collecting knives from as many countries as possible!
Knife manufacturers don’t create their own steel, grow their own trees for wood, or produce their own synthetic handle materials. Those all come from suppliers.
Just focusing on blades, you’ll see knife steel that came from China, Japan, Sweden, the U.S., and other countries if you look around enough.
Brand name doesn’t mean everything, but in the knife world, it’s pretty important. If a knife maker doesn’t tell you what steel they used, that’s probably a red flag.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Heading up this article is Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike. Travis spent a lifetime shooting and hunting before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. Travis is also an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry instructor in the state of Florida.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Man, I had some fun testing these pocket EDC knives.
I learned quite a bit about knives, steel, and what goes into designing the best EDC knives — I bet you did, too!
Nobody owns just one knife, so let your journey start here. Tell us what else you discover along the way, and it just might make an appearance on this list!
What’s your go-to EDC knife? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for fixed blades, check out our 4 Best Survival Knives, then complete your EDC kit with one of the Best EDC Flashlights!
Latest Updates
- May 2025: Removed the Gerber Highbrow Compact, Kershaw Zing, and Opinel #8. Added the Benchmade North Fork. Added a comparison chart and updated supporting content.
- May 2024: Added data detailing how we tested the EDC knives on this list, also added supplemental data to each product with more information, and changed the organization of this article.
69 Leave a Reply
I honestly don’t get all these knives with thin slabs of metal, nylon, or fiberglass as handles. I’ve never found them comfortable to use. It may be too big for you to consider EDC but I’d take my Buck 110 over them any day
I think a lot of people have gotten away from using a nail notch to open their folders. But you have a great knife on your hands, Brian. The Buck 110 is a legend.
Letterman Skeletool…
You should mention country of manufacture in the pro and con. I base all of my knife purchases on being made in the USA.
My edc
> mini ak-47 cold steel
> mini covert gerber
> blue otter tops
not necessarily all at the same time
Hey Travis. I really like my CRKT knives. They really stand behind their products. I had one of their folding knives and the pocket clip got sprung on it. I reached out to them and they allowed me to choose a new knife because the part for my old one was un available. They credited the price of the old one for a new one. Then they sent me two knives! What do you think of their product line? Thanks, VW
A lot of Chinese knives there.
Nothing made in china, USA is finer
I prefer the stainless Opinel. It uses 12C27N, which is the same steel used by the Mora fixed blades. It sharpens to razor-sharp very easily and keeps its edge for a decent amount of time. It makes a great "picnic knife" light duty outdoors stuff, and will handle normal EDC tasks with no problem.
I switched to a fixed blade for EDC and never looked back. Something similar to the ESEE-3.
"What’s your go-to EDC knife?"
CRKT M16®-10KZ Tanto
I have others for dodgy neighborhoods, but they're fixed blades: a Ka-bar standard with the leather handle (super sharp!), a Cold Steel Tanto, and a couple of one-off private makes.
Correction:
CRKT M16-14SF Tanto
Kershaw Chive
CRKT First Strike
KA-BAR 5" standard, leather handle
KA-BAR Skinner
Cold Steel Tanto
and some other private makes.
I am 72 years old and feel naked without a knife! When I was in school every boy was almost expected to carry a pocket knife. I have dozens of knives from fixed blade to lock blade to traditional 3 blade folding knives. For EDC (going to town, work in an office, etc) I prefer the old time 3 blade Buck folder in a medium size (Old Timer and Case were tpo brands when I was a boy). You can hide it easier and it will handle 99% of the jobs you might need it for in every day life. If camping, hunting, and other more strenuous jobs I add a lock blade folder or sometimes a fixed blade scabbard knife. Occasionally I may have all three! A very good 3 blade Buck will cost under $20 if you shop around!
Just gotta say that if these prices were from JULY 23, then either you are not doing your due diligence, or all prices have skyrocketed in a remarkable sort amount of time. Other than that a good rundown on some good knives.
I prefer the Benchmade Bugout over the Griptilian. One of my all time favorite EDC carry blades is the SOG-TAC AU Compact in tanto shape with serrations. It's got a solid chassis, can easily be deployed and stowed with one hand, and the pocket clip is one of the best I've used. I obviously also go slightly bougie with my Microtech Ultratech II in apocalyptic with full serration. I do not open boxes with that one, though.
OK-Just a couple of things. My formative years were on a ranch. A knife was something that was always close at hand - a folder in your pocket or a fixed blade on your belt. Or both. I was quite happy with my Boy Scout knife and a sheath knife that belonged to my dad.(I don't remember the brand, but my younger brother has it now. Most likely a K-bar) Didn't know much of anything about steels, but did learn how to use a whetstone. As life progressed my parents moved to a city out on the coast - and drug me along. No cowboys there! Life was different, to be sure. I still had a knife in my pocket most of the time, but they didn't care for it when I came in to school with a sheath knife on my belt. After a short stint at college, I went to work at an Aerospace company - started to learn about steels! Then life was interrupted by a little fracas in S.E. Asia. My "fieldcraft" from the ranch served me well, as did the K-Bar my dad gave to me before I deployed. He had carried it in WW2. That was my first combat experience. I have gone on to participate in combat in eight more countries. I have carried a vast variety of knives and used them in a vast variety of situations. Some not so pleasant, but here I am, 70 plus years old, with at least a couple hundred knives. I have my favorites, to be sure. I have off the shelf and custom "combat" knives - some of them are not black, so I guess they are not "tactical". There are hunters & skinners & bird knives & a variety of folders and yes, my Boy Scout knife! I have cut LOTs of material, but have found that one of the most brutal and terrible things you can do to a knife is cut cardboard with it! That is why they make box cutters and utility knives!
It just makes me cringe every time it is mentioned, but then, it IS a good torture test!
(oh, btw - those cuts across the spine of the blade are called "jimping" - guess it's easier to say! But you knew that, right?)As I sit here at the computer, there is a Kershaw auto opener clipped to my pocket and a SOG Kukri on a magnet within arms reach. Oh - and half a dozen or so "fighting knives" in the desk drawer by my elbow. I am not paranoid - I don't have to be, I'm just ready.
I do woodcarving. Read that is nuts about sharp tools. The edge on a knife is a compromise.
First the chosen angle of the edge. A shallow angle will be sharper but will not hold the edge as long. A courser stone will produce a saw like edge. The microscopic teeth will seem sharp but will quickly dull as the points break off. A truly sharp edge that will last is produced by a series of stones. A course one to remove steel going finer and finer ending with a strop. We all have knives where the steel is so poor, they are impossible to put a good edge on them.
Thnx for the solid article.
I'd like to see you do a review on the best high-end tactical folders on the market (Ernie Emerson Super Karambit for me) and your best review of autos (Microtech Combat Truodon & Exocets for me).
Speaking of Ernie's permitted redux of the LaGriffe, how about a neck knife top 10?
(Emerson has teamed with Kershaw on lower-end production that makes him more accessible and skyrockets Kershaw's street cred.)
On the cheap side Cold Steel's Urban Skinner is a goodie, but, no LaGriffe.
We'll talk survival knives next.
Tom Brown Tracker 2!!!
Excellent at everything, Perfect at nothing.
(THE HUNTED.
Tommy Lee Jones and Bennie Del Toro. Remake of First Blood in '05. Awsome knife crazies movie.)
A EDC selection without discussion of the multi tools is uhm, incomplete. Leatherman Supertool for the win! (Yes, I have field dressed deer with mine and used the saw to go through a deer's pelvic bone....
Your Cold Steel knife wasn't as sharp as it should've been, because Cold Steel / Special Projects isn't Cold Steel anymore. They were purchased by GSM Outdoors several years ago. They also don't appear to stand behind the product like Cold Steel did.
I've had great luck with Kershaw. Especially the quick open blade design - it's a one hand wonder. Don't know when this article was written, but the Amazon prices were about twice as what's posted in this article. I don't need or want to spend a fortune on a knife because I use and lose them daily (used daily, lose about every 3 - 6 months) - so I'm realistic and frugal. Hey, it's life, and it happens.
No love for the Buck 110?
You need to spend 100+ for a knife. Stay away from Kershaw and cold steel when it comes to EDC.
We'll have to disagree with the 8cr13mov steel. It's terrible stuff that needs sharpened constantly even if only cutting tape to open boxes. I even put a 25° angle per side on them in disgust and they still fold like napkins. About six months ago I threw my 3 daily beater knives with Chinese 8cr13mov in the garbage because for every cut you make you know that will be another stroke on the stones in a couple days. You could literally feel those knives getting duller with each cut. Terrible Chinese stuff.
14c28n has been astronomically better for a EDC beater knife.
These days you can get knives in s30v and s35vn for under $100 and nitro-v blades for not much more than $60. There is no need to subject yourself to the frustration and edge failure of Chinese steel just to save 20 dollars.
My EDC is a Ka Bar 1213 (which is a 1211 with a kydex holster). I use the Ka Bar attachment system for horizontal carry on my belt, across my back. Sometimes it snags a little getting into my vehicle, but I love the knife so much IDC. All I can say is thank God for Constitutional Carry states.
Good choices. I carried a Delica 4 with that same blade for 18 months in Afghanistan, and never regretted the choice. I lost that one, gave the second one to a nice host in Thailand, and carry the third one on a daily basis when I'm wearing shorts.
My preferred EDC in jeans is the Kershaw Leek - I have several of them, but the best is the one that you did not mention - it has carbon fiber scales and the steel is brushed CPM-154. The model is 1660CF. With the carbon fiber it is lighter, and with the CPM-154 it holds an edge better. A wonderful knife, highly recommended.
A great article and a good selection of knives. I fully intend to pick up at least a couple of them. After all, one can never have too many knives. I've never been a big fan of partially serrated blades, but last week my lawnmower sucked up several feet of nylon rope in the tall grass and I had to cut it out with a knife. Thank the gods I had one with a partially serrated blade. It made short work of cutting that rope out, so my opinion has definitely changed.
Buck Knives make a very good product from hunting to an EDC. Hand crafted and American made. I have several in my collection and I have never been disappointed in the product or company.
Two important things you left out about the Opinel. 1) Jacques Pepin uses it to pick mushrooms - talk about cool factor x 10. 2) It floats. I'm surprised you missed that one.
Right my opinal got lost in the bottom of my sump pump for quite some time and after cleaning and disinfecting it is still very functional no damage
So, you talk over and over about sharpening once or twice a week... What kind of sharpening system are you using? I use a stone and it's a process. Not something I want to do once or twice a week, more like every six months. Am I doing something wrong?
I EDC a Buck 102 in a pouch sheath on my belt tucked into my back pocket. Perfect in so many ways
Hands down best EDC in my book has been in my pocket since 1993, Remington R-1 upland pocket knife. The clip blade gets and stays sharp, the choke tool is a great prybar and it's screwdriver tip works in blade and Phillips head screws, but the handiest is the slender gut hook. Besides performing it's normal job well,, I can't count how many strings, wires, etc got pulled thru or under openings with this thing. The Delrin stag handle are fairly slip-resistant and give this fine tool a refined look in the field or in my suit pocket.
Surprised no SOG’s on the list ...my EDC is. Flash Tanto and my wife’s is a Twitch 2 ....both great blades and not serrated ....not a fan of serrated blades .
I’m a Rancher/Horseman, I carry a Gerber instant assist it’s the most practical knife I’ve ever used, handy one hand operation very handy for any type of work or play less then $50 can’t beat it
I have found a really nice Gerber Covert Spring Assisted knife, model 22-41966, that has Applegate-Fairbairn signature on the blade, that I use for my EDC. Gerber-Tools.com for $51.33 on sale, normally $78. It has a spring metal clip o one side that will allow it to sit at the top of your favorite draw pocket. Has a button slide on the other side that allows you to unlock the 3.75 inch blade for flip out extension where it automatically locks. The slide allows you to unlock the extended blade for closing. This is a fighting knife with serrations on one side, half way from hilt to point. Easy to conceal, draw, extend and use. It has a very sturdy construction that fits comfortably in my hand. Balance point is about 1/3 from center of knife on handle.
Nice suggestions, personally, I carry several in my rotation, the Benchmade Mel Pardue 531, and two Protech knives, my Godson and Whiskers magic.
I go with Buck knives all the way. Any problem I have had over the years (my fault) I send in knife and they send back a new one or my old one with a full spa treatment. Great company, great warranty. And good performance from the blades.
I personally prefer Case knives. They're not cheap, but they're sharp enough to shave with, durable as hell, made in the U.S., and guaranteed for life. Workdays, it's my large Stockman that has a blade for every task. Other days, it's my Kickstart Trapper. It's spring assisted and can be deployed in a hurry with one hand.
I've kept Spyderco Ladybug on my keychain for over a decade..can't imagine life without one.
"Choosing only one knife is like only shooting one caliber"
Sensible?
"drinking one type of beer"
Too many?
"or watching only one tv show."
People still watch TV?
Kershaw select fire. Cheap ish takes abuse and always need a screw driver and can carry multiple bits.......Perfection.
I bounce back and forth but overall my Delica four is by far my favorite. I have several high dollar benchmark and Bucks but I’m comfortable using my spyderco in tough situations. It’s thin with fluid motion, I prefer the combination blade since I cut strapping frequently but the lockup, overall feel is wonderful. I have many SOG, Kershaw, Crkt and sanrenmu but for a day to day use, it can’t be beat
At this point in time I am carrying a 3.5 inch Gerber. I am planning on getting a Kershaw of the same length, like I used to carry. TSA took it away.
Been carrying a knife since I was six I believe. Dad said I was old enough and had the responsibility.
If I have my knife, pen, matches and a handkerchief I am well dressed.
I personally have the SOG Mini Trident. It has a partially serrated blade, holds an edge, and is easily maintained with a Smith's sharpener that has coarse, fine, and serrated tool built in.
This is the best EDC knife I’ve ever owned, and has been in my pocket every day for nearly the last five years. It’s a Benchmade 531, but REI has an exclusive model with a CPM-S30V blade. Not cheap but it’s amazing the steel doesn’t hold a razor edge, but it holds a workable edge almost indefinitely - great for a used and abused kind of blade. It also is the perfect size - you won’t intimidate people when you pull it out, but it’s still big enough for most tasks. Streamlined and extremely light. I don’t even notice it in my pocket unless I reach for it and realize it’s not there. It’s not assisted opening, but I have loosened all the screws enough that I can swing it open or closed with a gentle fling of my wrist.
This is my third EDC Benchmade by the way. The first one I lost at work many years ago (although it was eventually returned) and I bought the same one as a replacement. Still have both. I eventually switched to the REI 531 because it was smaller and less intimidating.
Agreed on the 531, mine sees heavy EDC rotation in my pocket
My hands down favorite EDC knife is the Benchmade Contego. The CPM M4 blade is very hard, and not easy to sharpen. But once you get an edge on it, you can relax because you aren't going to have to do it again anytime soon unless you decide to field dress a Buick. The scales are aggressively textured with a carbide glass breaker opposite the blade. It's a heavy duty knife and some complain about the weight. I don't find it to be excessive, especially considering the nice flat profile of the knife. I think it's mostly a matter of getting used to it. I've always carried heavy knives so it wasn't an adjustment. The Contego isn't cheap but if you don't mind parting with the coin, you'll be hard pressed to find a better knife.
Don’t forget the Kershaw Launch 1. I bought mine on day one and it has been used every day for years and still works perfect, and under a $100. Just remember it is a push button auto opener.
My favorite EDC Knife is currently the Smith and Wesson Extreme Ops. Half serrated and half straight blade. Also has a window break and a seatbelt cutter which isnt the knife blade itself. I've used both of them quite a bit as a law enforcement officer. I've also gone through many knives and for whatever reason this one is lasting the longest even compared to my benchmarks. I haven't had any issues with it.
I'm surprised nothing from SOG made the list, I have a Trident that I've had in my pocket for 5 years, the only issue is the safety lock which I remedied by removing and I've never had it open when I didn't want it to open
My personal fav EDC is the Boker Klashnikov. Easily $40 online. Fast sleek and durable. My daily other than my classic buck hunter.
Kershaw Atmos. It's even better than last year's Fraxion. Better essential carry properties: similar sub-2oz weight, superior deep carry clip design, no extraneous studs to scratch items in your pocket. Better handling: Outstanding well-balanced Dmitry Sinkevich design, lightning quick assisted opening action, positive grip lines. And it's also only about $30.
UPDATE: The Kershaw Atmos is now at the top of the list, essentially for the same reasons as the Fraxion, but with a more practical drop point blade and a better deep carry pocket clip. Another contender is the CRKT LCK knife, also quite light, with a very narrow profile that makes it great for carrying in my back pocket next to my wallet.
I'll take my ZT 350ts knife over any that were listed
Folders will fail, wear out and break. Do yourself a favor and get a fixed blade with full tang. I have had several thats on this list and they will not hold up to actual use day in and day out.
Here are some I like, that won't break you, and have done me very well!
CRKT M16-03S
KATSU Handmade D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Bamboo Style Japanese Razor Pocket Folding Knife with Pocket Clip
Uncle Henry Schrade Special Edition Bruin
Schrade Old Timer 96OT Bearhead 2-Blade Trapper Knife
Gerber Gator 650 Lockblade
Gerber Profile Fixed Blade Knife, Drop Point [22-41795]
Kershaw 1660OL Ken Onion Leek Olive Drab
Kizer Cutlery Ki5414A1 V3 Magnum Vigor Flipper 3.89" S35VN Stonewashed Tanto Blade, OD Green G10 Handles
Case Knives #22546 (6318 SS) Medium Stockman
benchmade is a crock, way over priced!
As someone who has kept a Benchmade in my pocket almost every day for the past decade, I cannot disagree more.
Their warranty is awesome, and on par with Protech and Magtech.
You get what you pay for. My Benchmades are awesome.
I also disagree, having used and carried dozens of brands and models for decades, I've settled on the benchmade 535 bugout and 533 mini-bugout for EDC. I don't consider ~$130 on Amazon very expensive for a very high quality knife, and an excellent design and size for EDC. Just take a look at it, you've got nothing to lose.
KERSHAW FRAXION
1. It's lighter (1.8 oz) than any knife on your list.
2. The carbon fiber panels have a slight texture for improved gripping and control, especially when wet, vastly superior to the Zing and Leek.
3. It features Kershaw's awesome adjustable tension assisted opening mechanism, of which which you are already apparently a fan.
4. There's no thumb stud to scratch your pinky when you reach into your pocket while carrying the clipped knife there.
5. It's really inexpensive (only $29.00 when you get it on sale at Big 5)
I have been a big fan of Kershaw for a long time.
My EDC is the Kershaw Blur (Ken Onion design) made from 1670S30V. It falls in the sweet spot of under $100.
The bade is incredible. I have had this thing for years and the blade is in great condition. The black rubberized grip is fantastic.
Yup, there's so many good knives out there!
When you say ambi "flipper", I assume you meant thumb studs.
A flipper is different than a thumb stud. It's a protrusion at the rear of the blade that, when the knife is closed, sticks out through the middle of the handle. To open the blade, you press down and slightly back on the "flipper" and the knife "flips" open.
By default, flippers are ambi since it's in the center of the handle. It doesn't matter which hand you're holding the knife with when you want to open it.
Yes, I'm familiar with the terms, just never seen a flipper described as "ambi"..
It's in the center, so calling it ambidextrous is redundant.
A knife is an item that your life may depend on do yourself a favor and find a quality one that you feel that you have not made any Compromises on.
The first time you buy one. If your are inexperienced go to a good knife shop and talk to the person behind the counter most likely they can give you advice and answer questions you did not even think of to begin with. Yes they will have THEIR personal favorites and will probably try to oversell you if they are lacking in morals but all in all most are not and will help you find the perfect knife for your budget and needs.
Benchmade knives are not cheap. But with that being said they are the highest quality knives I feel you can buy. They also carry a lifetime warranty. I personally carry a McHeneryand Williams 4” model. Thay are insane sharp from the factory and hold an edge very well I only need to give her a quick honing once every 4 to 6 weeks to keep it in top shape. It will literally skin and bone a deer without the edge needing to be touched. At work at Home Depot I have to cut a lot of cardboard and she goes through it like butter both the grain and through the ribs. They are also extremely fast openers with very little pressure being needed to use the thumb stud.
Benchmade came up with a new style of lock system is a little bit different but once you get used to it which will be extremely quick I feel they are the most effective and safest system ever built You can find them at many different price points including under $100 and if you’re on a budget save up a little bit And buy a knife that’ll last you the rest of your life and that will not be disappointed with.