Frequently Asked Questions About Everyday Carry Knives

If you are just diving into the world of EDC, you may have a bunch of questions about what knife to buy, what brand is good, and (of course) what does all the jargon mean. I am going to do a run-down on some of the common EDC knife questions here.

So, if you are someone who likes to be a person of action and prepared for any situation, the first place to start is with a good knife. EDC stands for Everyday Carry, hence an EDC knife is a knife you carry with you everyday, all the time. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s answer some other common EDC knife questions.

What is an EDC knife?

Any knife can be an EDC knife, but traditionally a knife that falls into this category is one that you can take with you everywhere you go. It needs to be small enough to fit in your pocket but big enough to handle whatever task you might need it for. An EDC knife is a small, lightweight knife that can be carried on a daily basis. They are typically used for tasks such as opening boxes, cutting cords, or slicing fruit.

Spyderco Dragon Fly & Kershaw Bareknuckle

What is the point of EDC knives?

EDC knives are designed to be your go-to knife for everyday tasks. They are small and lightweight so you can carry them with you everywhere you go, and they are durable enough to handle anything you might need them for.

You never know when you might need a knife. From opening packages to helping in a survival situation, having a pocket knife on hand can be indispensable. Read The Guide On Making An EDC Kit Here

CRKT Pilar

Why do you need an EDC Knife?

Everyone should carry a pocket knife or EDC knife at all times, not necessarily for self-defense, though that could also be a good reason to carry one. Many daily tasks require an EDC knife such as opening your Amazon boxes, cutting string, prying out splinters, opening gifts and plastic packages, and the list goes on. Remember this: carrying a small folding knife is 100 times more convenient than carrying around a pair of scissors. Think of all the things most people do with a pair of scissors besides cutting paper? Wouldn’t a knife make more sense most of the time?

Read The Guide On The Best Budget EDC Knives

EDC knives are designed for everyday carry, meaning that they are easy to transport and can be used for a variety of tasks. While EDC knives can be used for everything from opening boxes to self-defense, they are most commonly used for simple tasks like cutting rope or opening a letter. EDC knives typically have a blade length of 3-4 inches and a folding design that makes them easy to carry in a pocket or purse.

CRKT BUKU & Kershaw Folder

What are the benefits of carrying an EDC knife?

There are many benefits to carrying an EDC knife, including the fact that they’re always there when you need them. An EDC knife is always within reach, so you’ll never be caught off guard by a loose thread or a pesky piece of tape. EDC knives are great for all sorts of tasks from opening boxes to cutting rope, and an EDC knife can handle all sorts of common tasks. Some are even great for self-defense. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, any knife is better than no knife. Some EDC knives even come with features like serrated blades or puncturing tips that can make them more effective in a self-defense situation.

Kershaw Skyline

What are the different types of EDC knives?

The most common type of EDC knife is a folding knife. These knives have a blade that folds into the handle, making them more compact and easy to carry. Fixed blade knives are another option, but they are typically larger and heavier so they are not as convenient to carry around on a daily basis.

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What size knife is best for EDC?

The best EDC knife is the one that fits your needs the best. As the old saying goes, “The best knife is the one you have with you.” With a little forethought, you can make sure you at least have a good one with you.  This is where you need to check local knife laws. The size EDC knife you carry will be dictated by what is permitted in not only your state but your county also. Aside from the legal end of things, a good EDC blade length is 2.5″ to 3.5″.

Your specific requirements will really depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some people prefer a smaller knife for everyday carrying, while others prefer a larger knife for self-defense or utility purposes. Many EDC’ers also subscribe to the “bigger is not always better” philosophy when it comes to EDC knives. A large knife can be cumbersome and difficult to carry discreetly. It can also be more difficult to deploy quickly in an emergency situation.

How do I choose the best EDC knife for me?

The best EDC knife is the one that fits your needs and lifestyle the best. Consider how you will be using the knife and what features are most important to you. You want to think about how a knife opens, how it feels in your hand, and what size it is (particularly with respect to local knife laws). The biggest thing here is to use the knife and make sure you like how it performs and feels under pressure in your hand. Nothing is worse than thinking you have a great knife only to find out it hurts your hand or fingers when using it in the field.

What is the difference between a pocket knife and an EDC knife?

An EDC knife is any knife that you carry with you on a daily basis for general use. A pocket knife is a type of EDC knife, but not all EDC knives are pocket knives. Some people prefer to carry their EDC knives in a sheath on their belt or in a pouch, while others just keep them in their pocket.

Cold Steel SR1 & Esse 3

Can you EDC a fixed blade?

You can definitely carry a fixed blade as your daily EDC knife, but I have personally found it not as convenient compared to a folding knife that has a clip or fits in your pocket. If I was working around the house, or on a farm, or in an outdoor job, a fixed blade might make more sense. But in an office or retail environment, a folding knife would be less visible and draw less attention.

Spyderco TenaciousRead The Review Here

What is the number one EDC knife?

Based on sales data and anecdotal information a Spyderco Tenacious may seem like the world’s most popular EDC knife. However, this question is more complicated because of the vast price difference in EDC knives. So while the Spyderco Tenacious may be a popular option around $50, the two titans of the EDC world (vying for the top spot) are the Benchmade 940 and Spyderco PM2. This also changes as the public’s tastes change for pocket knives. The Buck 110 has also been an EDC staple for many years. The Benchmade Bugout and Spyderco Para3 are the most recent champions of being the number one EDC knife. But again, while these may take the top spots based on sales data, remember that the best knife for you may have different specifications. These end up in the top spots because they are a good fit for a wide variety of customers. Read The Spyderco Para3 review Here

Spyderco Stretch & Victorinox Pioneer – Review Here

Can you use an EDC knife for self-defense?

While any knife can potentially be used for self-defense, EDC knives are not designed or built for that purpose. The vast majority of EDC knives have a blade length that falls well below the legal limit for what is considered a weapon in most jurisdictions. Additionally, the blades on most EDC knives are too thin and fragile to withstand the rigors of combat. Of course, you can kill somebody with almost any knife, and even a small 3″-4″ blade in your hand can be a deterrent to a would-be attacker. Once you get up into the 5″-8″ blade range, you tend to be more into the self-defense spectrum.

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Like many of these answers, your personal experience will dictate your belief. A Spyderco Yojimbo only has a 3.125″ blade, yet is considered one of the most popular folding self-defense/fighting knives around. Same goes for a Spyderco Matriarch or Cold Steel Black Talon, both of which have wicked curved and serrated blades meant for ripping and slashing.

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What is the difference between a “tactical knife” and an “everyday carry knife?”

A “tactical knife” is generally going to be a larger, more heavy duty knife meant for hard use in potentially dangerous situations. An everyday carry knife is just that – a knife you can carry with you every day for general-purpose cutting tasks. A tactical knife might have a thicker blade, serrations, and a more robust handle construction while an EDC knife will oftentimes be slimmer, lighter weight, and have a smoother blade edge meant for more delicate work. Read Lightweight Knives For Backpacking Here

Benchmade Griptilian w/ Applied Weapons Tech Scales

What should I look for in an EDC knife?

The most important thing to look for when choosing an EDC knife is the quality of construction and blade material. These two items also will dictate the price of a knife. More premium steels and steel mixtures will add to the price but will also increase cutting ability, edge retention, and blade strength. Better-constructed knives will have a more premium feel to them; it will be noticeable. Trust me, a cheap knife doesn’t feel good in your hand under pressure. This is not to say an inexpensive knife can’t be a winner; there are a ton of sub-$50 knives that will knock your socks off. Cheap and inexpensive are two totally different things.

The handle is the next item on the list. Again, there are many different materials used in knife construction these days. Everything from wood, to plastic, to exotic materials like carbon fiber, and even metals are used. The important thing here is that the handle needs to fit your hand well and provide a comfortable grip that won’t slip when wet. Some handles are textured and some have finger grooves which can add to the comfort factor….or cause issues depending on how your hand is shaped. You really need to hold a knife in your hand before you purchase it to see if the handle will work for you.

You will also want to think about blade deployment methods. How does the blade deploy from the handle? Does it use a thumb stud that you slide open? Does it have some type of spring assist? Or, is the knife considered a “flipper” where it has high-end washers that allow the knife to open with a flick or pull of the blade? Note, not all opening styles are legal in all states; be sure to check your local knife laws. My personal taste has changed over the years. I used to only buy spring assisted pocket knives. However, the more and more I use knives, I have found that I really prefer a manual, easy-to-open blade with one-hand operation. Most folding knives have a blade that locks into place when opened, making them safe and reliable to use.

Finch Devils Finger & Victorinox Alox Cadet – Review Here

What EDC knife should I buy?

Again, a hard question that needs some details, but I always recommend the Spyderco Delica4 as a great, all-around EDC knife. The Delica4 has better than average blade steel, a robust locking blade, one-hand deployment, and comes in a myriad of colors. 

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But obviously there are many other choices. Here is a quick list of my top EDC knife choices at various price points.

  • Under $20 – Dozier D2
  • Under $50 – Cold Steel Voyager
  • Under $75  – Kershaw Blur
  • Under $100 – Spyderco Delica4
  • Under $150 – Spyderco Para3 Lightweight
  • Under $200 – Giant Mouse ACE Biblio

If you’re not sure which knife is right for you, or if you’re just starting to build your everyday carry set, check out my in depth guide on how to pick an EDC knife. I also have a great list of best budget EDC knives here.

How much should I spend on an EDC knife?

It’s always tough when people want to know how much to spend on anything, but in the world of EDC knives a good price is $75. This is the sweet spot of getting a decent knife with better-than-average blade steel. I recommended a few above and any of those will serve you well.

Benchmade Bugout

Can you trust YouTube EDC knife reviews?

Surprisingly, yes. Most knife manufactures are so big that they don’t need to send their products out to reviewers. This means that the YouTube guys are a little more impartial in their testing and reviews. There are of course some exceptions to this, and it’s easy to see YouTube channels hawking lousy knives. There have been several times where I picked up a knife that got a good review and then wondered if I even live in the same universe as the YouTube review. But, since most of the reviewers spend their own money to get products, they are more inclined to be honest in their opinion, or if the knife is really horrible just not even review it.

Benchmade 940

What does EDC mean in pocket knives?

In relation to pocket knives, EDC means a knife you carry everyday, all day, all the time. That means that these are the knives you should be carrying with you every day, because they’re versatile and can handle a variety of tasks. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your pocket knife all that much. But for those in the know, EDC knives are a big deal. While that might seem a bit excessive to some, for others it’s simply a way of life. After all, you never know when you might need a knife, so it makes sense to always have one on hand. Plus, there’s something to be said for the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re prepared for anything. So whether you’re an EDC diehard or just someone who likes to be prepared, pocket knives are an important part of life.

Spyderco PM2 with a Lynch Clip

Hopefully, this EDC knife FAQ has helped answer some of your questions about everyday carry knives. For some people, a pocket knife is just a tool for occasional use. But for many people, a pocket knife is an essential part of everyday carry. It’s always there when you need it, whether you’re opening a package or dealing with a loose thread. And while an EDC knife can come in handy in all sorts of situations, it’s also a great way to make sure that you’re always prepared for anything that life throws your way.

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