Subscribe / Back Issues
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Your everyday carry (EDC) is a personal choice. But, if you haven’t considered a pocket knife, the question is, why not?
When you leave the house, which pocket essentials do you reach for first? Your smartphone, wallet, and keys are must-haves. Other essential tools may include a pocket knife and a flashlight. If you don’t already carry a knife, we highly suggest doing so. It may not seem like it, but you’d be surprised at just how much use you get out of a knife throughout the day.
Why Put It In Your Pocket?
This ageless tool serves a variety of purposes and you’ll use it more times a day than you probably realize. From opening freshly delivered packages to slicing up fruit on your break time, the pocket knife comes in handy for too many daily uses to list.
In emergency situations, a knife can even save your life. It can break glass to rescue someone stuck in a crashed vehicle. You can deploy it as a defensive weapon. A knife is an indispensable tool to have with you.
So Many Questions …
Pocket knives come in so many variations, you may find shopping for one intimidating if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Where do you start your search for your EDC knife?
We recommend considering your intended practical use, desired size, and your budget. What does your daily routine look like? Do you spend most of the day in the office, or are you usually out in the field all day? How much do you carry in your EDC setup? How do you dress? Do you tend to keep things simple and carry only what fits in your pockets? Or do you prepare for all eventualities and haul a bag around with you? What’s your budget? What tasks would you need a knife for? Addressing these questions realistically will give you a better idea of what kind of knife you want to carry.
You should also think about the way a pocket knife feels when held. Does it feel comfortable and secure? Can you deploy its blade and control it easily? Your knife should be balanced and controllable — easy to open and close, if you’re considering a folding or automatic knife. Also, don’t underestimate looks. It should fit your sense of style as you’ll carry and use it daily.
EDC Pocket Knife Buyer’s Guide
This collection is purposefully varied in terms of style, purpose, and budget. We think you’ll find one you’d like to carry daily.
Morakniv Eldris Knife
Type: Fixed Blade
Overall Length: 5.6 in.
Blade Length: 2.3 in.
Weight: 2.8 oz.
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Synthetic
MSRP: $30
IndustrialRev.com
Gerber Vertebrae
Type: Fixed Blade
Overall Length: 6.4 in.
Blade Length: 2.4 in.
Weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade Material: 7Cr17MoV
Handle Material: Textured Rubber
MSRP: $31
GerberGear.com
Kershaw Antic
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 5.5 in.
Overall Length Closed: 3.75 in.
Blade Length: 1.75 in.
Weight: 3.1 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
Handle Material: Stainless steel, blue PVD coating
MSRP: $33
Kershaw.KaiUSALtd.com
Benchmade Boost
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 8.26 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.83 in.
Blade Length: 3.43 in.
Weight: 4.49 oz.
Blade Material: CPM-3V
Handle Material: Versaflex
MSRP: $190
Benchmade.com
Kershaw Faultline
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 7 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4 in.
Blade Length: 3 in.
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV, black-oxide coating
Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon, rubber insert
MSRP: $46
Kershaw.KaiUSALtd.com
Outdoor Edge RazorLite EDC
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 8 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.5 in.
Blade Length: 3.5 in.
Weight: 2.8 oz.
Blade Material: Japanese 420J2 Stainless
Handle Material: Grivory with TPR inserts
MSRP: $42
OutdoorEdge.com
Kershaw DuoJet
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 7.75 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.5 in.
Blade Length: 3.25 in.
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV, titanium carbo-nitride coating
Handle Material: Stainless steel, titanium carbo-nitride coating, dual carbon fiber inlays front
MSRP: $52
Kershaw.KaiUSALtd.com
CRKT Prequel
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 6.56 in.
Overall Length Closed: 3.87 in.
Blade Length: 2.72 in.
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr14MoV
Handle Material: Glass-Reinforced Nylon
MSRP: $70
CRKT.com
Ruger LCK
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 7.5 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4 in.
Blade Length: 3.33 in.
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr13M0V Steel
Handle Material: Glass-Reinforced Nylon
MSRP: $28
Ruger.com/Micros/CRKT
Spyderco Lil’ Native
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 5.92 in.
Overall Length Closed: 3.47 in.
Blade Length: 2.45 in.
Weight: 2.5 oz.
Blade Material: CPM S30V
Handle Material: G10
MSRP: $180
Spyderco.com
TOPS Knives Backup
Type: Fixed Blade
Overall Length: 5 in.
Blade Length: 2.38 in.
Weight: 1.6 oz.
Blade Material: 1095 RC 56-58
Handle Material: 1095 RC 56-58
MSRP: $75
TopsKnives.com
Gerber Obsidian
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 7.06 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.13 in.
Blade Length: 3 in.
Weight: 4.6 oz.
Blade Material: 440
Handle Material: Glass-Reinforced Nylon
MSRP: $43
GerberGear.com
Benchmade Tactical Triage
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 8.33 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.85 in.
Blade Length: 3.48 in.
Weight: 5.28 oz.
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: G10
MSRP: $235
Benchmade.com
Spyderco Endela
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 8.1 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.69 in.
Blade Length: 3.41 in.
Weight: 3.1 oz.
Blade Material: VG-10
Handle Material: FRN
MSRP: $123
Spyderco.com
Zero Tolerance 0460TI
Type: Folder
Overall Length Open: 7.5 in.
Overall Length Closed: 4.4 in.
Blade Length: 3.25 in.
Weight: 2.9 oz.
Blade Material: CPM 20CV
Handle Material: Titanium
MSRP: $220
ZT.KaiUSALtd.com
QUESTION: Do you prefer a fixed blade or a folder for your EDC pocket knife? Let us know in the comments below or email us at editor@knivesillustrated.com and tell us why.
