What Is an EDC Knife? An Comprehensive Overview
An EDC (Everyday Carry) knife is a small, portable knife that is designed to be carried with you wherever you go. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, slicing, chopping, and even self-defense.
EDC knives are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, hunters, and anyone who needs a reliable cutting tool on a daily basis.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what an EDC knife is, what sets it apart from other knives, and why it’s a must-have for anyone who wants to be prepared for anything.
An EDC knife is a compact, folding/fixed knife that is designed to be carried in your pocket, on your belt, or in your backpack. It’s typically smaller than a standard knife, with a blade length of around 2-4 inches. This makes it easy to carry with you at all times, without taking up too much space or adding too much weight.
What sets an EDC knife apart from other regular knives is its versatility. It’s designed to be used for a variety of tasks, from opening packages to preparing food to cutting rope or fabric.
It’s also an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, who may need to cut branches, clear a trail, or start a fire while on a camping trip.
The Basics of an EDC Knife
EDC Knife vs. Fixed Blade Knife
As the name suggests, a fixed-blade knife has a blade that is permanently attached to the handle. It’s typically larger and more robust than an EDC knife and is designed for heavy-duty tasks, such as hunting, camping, or survival situations.
While a fixed-blade knife may be more versatile than an EDC knife, it’s also much larger and more difficult to carry with you on a daily basis.
An EDC knife, on the other hand, is small enough to carry in your pocket or on your belt and is designed to be used for everyday tasks. It’s why we address these types of blades as EDC knives.
Do you Really Need an EDC Knife?
The short answer is a big “YES.” Why you ask?
Well, carrying a pocket knife or an EDC knife at all times is recommended for everyone, not just for self-defense purposes, although it could be a valid reason to carry one. Various daily tasks necessitate the use of an EDC knife, such as opening Amazon packages, cutting string, removing splinters, unwrapping gifts, and plastic packages, and so on.
To be more specific, here are just a few of the benefits of carrying an EDC knife:
Convenience: An EDC knife is small enough to carry with you at all times, without taking up too much space or adding too much weight.
Safety: An EDC knife typically has a locking mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when it’s open. It makes things safer and reduces the risk of the blade accidentally closing on your fingers.
Self-defense: While an EDC knife should never be your primary self-defense weapon, it can be a useful equipment for dangerous situations. You can use the blade of an EDC knife to create distance between you and an attacker or to defend yourself if necessary.
Outdoor Activities: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, an EDC knife could be your go-to tool. Whether it’s about camping, hiking, or fishing, an EDC knife is all you need to cut ropes, prepare food, or even start a fire.
Different types of EDC Knife
EDC knives come in different types and sizes. You can categorize these knives into three
sections –
- Folding,
- Fixed blade, and
- Multitool knives
For starters, let’s discuss each category with examples:
Folding Knives
As stated before, a folding knife has a specific blade mechanism that folds into the handle from a pivot point where the handle and the blade connect. Folding knives are the most common types among EDC knives.
They come in various styles and types, including single-blade and multi-blade knives, as well as knives with smooth or serrated blades. Folding knives are a popular choice due to their compact size and versatility in performing various daily tasks.
There are different types of the folding knife from which –
- Slip joint Knife
- Frame Lock Knife, and
- Tactical folding
knives are the most popular.
Fixed Blade Knives
As the name suggests, a fixed-blade knife can’t tuck the blade into the handle. So, unlike a folding knife, you need to make sure about the blade is protected at all
times with a fixed-blade knife. Fixed blade knives are available in various types and are categorized based on their intended use, including –
- combat knives,
- hunting knives,
- dive knives,
- boot knives,
- survival knives, and more.
There are several fixed-blade knife types, like drop point, Tanto, or skinner knife. All these knives have different attributes and functionality. To ensure you select the ideal blade for your needs, it’s crucial to determine the intended purpose of the fixed-blade knife.
Multi-Tool Knives
Multi-tool knives are among the most versatile pocket knives you can carry with you wherever you go. What sets them apart from other types of knives is that they not only feature a blade, but also other useful tools that you may require in your daily life.
The most commonly found multi-tool EDC knives usually include a reamer, screwdriver, knife blade, bottle opener, and wire stripper. However, there are also multi-tool knives available that feature additional tools such as tweezers, scissors, nail files, and even magnifying glasses. Among multi-tool knife types –
- Swiss army knife
- Leatherman, and
- Gerber dimes are the most popular ones.
In other words, these EDC knives are perfect for those who like to stay prepared but don’t want to carry multiple items.
Things to Look for in an EDC Knife
Blade Length: The blade length is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an EDC knife. It should be long enough to perform the task at hand while being short enough to remain legal in your state. The optimum blade length would be 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Opening and Locking Mechanism: An EDC knife should have a reliable and smooth opening mechanism, and the locking mechanism should keep the blade securely in place. Common mechanisms include thumb studs, thumb holes, spring-assisted, flipper tabs, axis locks, and safety locks.
Extra Functionality: Some EDC knives feature extra functionalities like bottle openers, screwdrivers, or saws. Consider your needs and choose a knife that provides added functionality.
Weight: The weight of the EDC knife should be comfortable enough to carry around all day without causing fatigue. EDC knives weighing up to 75 grams is the one you should look for.
Durability: If you want a product to last a long time, it must be durable. Therefore, when it comes to EDC knives, they should be designed to endure daily wear and tear. You should seek out brands recognized for producing long-lasting knives, as well as materials such as D2, S30V, AUS-8A, and Damascus steel, which are all high-quality steel options worth considering.
EDC knives – Popular Brands and Price
Some popular EDC knife brands in the market include Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, and CRKT. The price range varies depending on the brand and features, but you can find an excellent EDC knife for a reasonable price. The price range could stay between $20 to $200 or higher depending on the architecture, design, material, etc. Overall, choosing an EDC knife that fits your needs and preferences will ensure that you have a reliable tool at your disposal when you need it.
FAQs
Is an EDC knife legal to carry?
The laws regarding carrying a knife vary from state to state and country to country. It’s important to check your local laws to ensure that carrying an EDC knife is legal where you live.
What is the best type of blade for an EDC knife?
The best type of blade for an EDC knife depends on your personal preferences and the tasks you will be using it for. Some popular blade types include straight edge, serrated, and partially serrated.
How do I care for my EDC knife?
To ensure that your EDC knife stays in top condition, it’s important to clean and oil it regularly. You should also sharpen the blade as needed to maintain its cutting ability.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve now got a clear idea about the question “what’s an EDC knife” and other factors around it. EDC knives can be a valuable tool for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected situations. Whether you choose a folding knife, a fixed-blade knife, or a multi-tool knife, it’s important to select one that meets your needs in terms of size, weight, and functionality. With so many options available from popular brands at various price points, there’s an EDC knife out there for everyone. So, go ahead and add one to your everyday carry items, and stay ready for whatever life throws your way!
