EDC Wednesday: Choosing an EDC Knife

For me, a good EDC begins with a knife. 

Why do I think that?

For starters, it can be a useful tool for everyday tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope or string, and even preparing food (which is what I use my knife for 90% of the time). It can also be a crucial tool in emergency situations like car accidents, camping trips, or other outdoor activities.

In addition to its practical uses, an EDC knife can also provide a sense of security and preparedness. Knowing that you have a reliable tool (which is same basic tool humans have been carrying for centuries) with you can give you peace of mind in potentially dangerous or unpredictable situations.

When selecting a good EDC knife, there are a few important factors to consider. 

First, because a knife is a tool the blade is the most important part of any knife. This means blade steel is an important thing to consider. Stainless steel and carbon steel are both durable options, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion, while carbon steel tends to hold a sharper edge for longer. In these two board categories there are different steels that range in price, hardness, and edge retention.

The shape of the blade will also depend on what you plan to use the knife for. A drop point or clip point blade may be better for everyday tasks, while a tanto or serrated blade may be more useful in emergencies. There are also the sheepsfoot that provides a good work blade that is non-threatening because it lacks is point.

The handle is another important factor to consider. G10 and Micarta are both lightweight, durable materials that provide a good grip, but other materials like wood, reinforced nylon, or carbon fiber may also be suitable depending on personal preference.

When it comes to size, a knife that is between 2.5 and 4 inches in length is generally a good choice for an EDC knife. Anything larger may be uncomfortable to carry, while anything smaller may not be as useful in a variety of situations. I think the sweet spot for a good EDC knife is 3 inches long. A 3 inch blade is long enough to do most tasks, but it is also small enough to be legal in most areas .

With folding knives you also have to consider locking mechanism. Most traditional pocket knives are slip joints with no locking mechanism. There are lock backs that have a button on the back to push to release the lock. A frame lock using part of the frame of the knife to snap into place locking the blade and a liner lock, which is the same idea but uses the liner inside the frame rather than the frame itself. There are a number of number with other locking mechanism, the cool one right now is the button lock, that helps the blade to stay in place and not fold onto your fingers.

Not only do you want the knife to lock in place when you are using it, there is also the opening mechanism to consider. There is the traditional nail nick which is found on many old pocket knives but also required two hands to open. Most folding knives today are able to be opened one handed. There are thumb studs, flipper tabs, blade holes, and spring assisted opening.

 
Lastly, a pocket clip can be a useful feature on an EDC knife, allowing you to clip the knife onto your pocket or waistband for easy access.

In terms of quality, it's important to choose a knife from a reputable manufacturer that has a good reputation for producing high-quality knives. A good knife may be more expensive, but it will be worth the investment in the long run.

Some examples of popular EDC knives include the Spyderco Delica, the Benchmade Mini Griptilian, CRKT Pilar, Civivi Elementum, Ontario Rat 1, and Kizer Dukes. These knives all have durable blades, comfortable handles, and pocket clips for easy carry.

There are a lot of things to consider when making the choice about an EDC knife. My suggestion is to do two things. First, watch some review videos. There are many different knife review channels, and so you can find reviews, most of the time more than one review, on any knife that you are considering. Second, buy “budget” and learn what you like in a knife. Most “budget” knife companies offer good quality, so by buying a cheaper knife you are able get an idea of  what you would use a knife for and what features you would like in a knife.

Carrying an EDC knife can provide a sense of security and preparedness in a variety of situations. When selecting a good EDC knife, consider the blade material, shape, and length, as well as the handle material, size, locking mechanism, and pocket clip. Remember to choose a knife from a reputable manufacturer with a good reputation for producing high-quality knives. With the right knife, you'll be ready to handle whatever life throws your way.