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Which Knife is Right? – How to Integrate a Blade Into Your EDC
Which Knife is Right? – How to Integrate a Blade Into Your EDC
If you're looking to integrate a knife into your everyday carry, look no further than this guide to the different types of EDC knives.
Daniel Rockburn | January 16, 2023
Knives. They’re an essential part of many people’s everyday carry (EDC), but are they essential for you? In this guide to incorporating a blade into your carry, we’re cutting it up about all sorts of knives, and reasons to (or
not
to) carry them.
If you’re a complete novice when it comes to knives, this guide will help you to decide what may be right the type of blade for you to integrate into your EDC, and why. If you’re already a blade boss, then we hope this piece at least puts you onto some great makers of knives that you can use to inform your next purchase.
Why Carry a Blade?
Image via WESN
Millions of people carry a knife with them every day and for good reason, they’re incredibly useful. For thousands of years, humanity has relied on these implements to serve basic cutting needs, among other uses.
There are countless ways you can use a knife at home, at work, or out in the wild. Outdoorsy types know the value of a good blade while on the trail or while camping. You can cut wood for fires into kindling, cut and prepare meals/food, debone/clean fish and game, cut ropes/cords to length, etc. You probably shouldn’t be alone in nature without a knife.
But whilst knives are essential in the wild, they are also desirable at home, at work, in the office, etc. You may not need to fend off an aggressive squirrel in these more domestic settings, but you can still make use of a knife for tasks likes opening parcels and boxes, sharpening pencils, cutting cable ties, and all manner of DIY tasks that require a blade.
There’s also the aspect of self-defense that can’t be ignored. While this is the last reason you should ever need to use a knife, one of the reasons people carry knives is to defend themselves from attackers actively trying to harm them.
Whether or not you need a knife is ultimately up to you, but we’re guessing that for most people there are far fewer reasons you don’t need one, than reasons that you do – there are 101 uses for a knife you can simply throw into your pocket, clip to your pocket opening, or attach to your belt.
Different Types of Knives Suitable for Everyday Carry
Let’s compare and contrast the different styles of knives commonly used for everyday carry so you can better determine which knives (if any) can seamlessly enter your own.
Some styles are clearly easier than others to start to carry, but you should most importantly consider the function(s) you want or need your knife to perform, even if that means carrying around a machete on your belt. In all seriousness, most knives are easy to carry, and sometimes it may just come down to what style you’re most attracted to.
image via Knafs
Whilst we will be focussing on drop point blades in this guide, it’s worth noting that there are many types of knife blades, as illustrated perfectly by Knafs, above.
Folder/Folding Blade
Image via Opinel USA
Folding blades and pocket knives are perhaps the easiest way to incorporate a blade into your EDC. Most compact to medium-sized folding blades can be slotted into or clipped onto your pants/jacket pocket if they feature a clip.
Pros:
Discreet and unobtrusive – Throw a folder knife into your pocket and you could almost forget it’s there, especially if it’s slim and low profile. Carrying a folder is easy.
Reliable – Quality folder blades are durable and don’t dull as quickly, thanks to their folding design that protects the edge whilst stowed.
Cons:
Must be opened – Some folders make it easy to unfold their blade with quick-release buttons or spring action release, but most of them require their user to physically open them. This doesn’t take much time or effort to do, but it’s worth mentioning, especially if you have any mobility issues with your hands or fingers.
Fixed Blade
Image via Reddit
Fixed blades can’t be folded or stored in your pocket without a sheath/cover, so most of the time, fixed blades are attached to a belt. If you’re looking for a bigger/longer blade to carry, fixed blades are for you.
Pros:
Extremely reliable and long-lasting – A fixed blade does not depend on any mechanism to extend, it doesn’t fold into itself, and there are no extra parts to worry about breaking down over time. Invest in a decent blade, keep it sharpened, and it will last forever.
Can be easily accessible – Fixed blades, especially when attached to the hip via a knife sheath, can be easily and quickly accessed and stored away for their next use.
Stronger – Without any mechanisms for folding or switching, fixed blades are more robust and stronger, therefore more suitable for certain tasks.
Cons:
Obtrusive and visible – They’re attached to your side, which can be slightly obtrusive to your movement or comfort on a daily basis. Also, they’re visible to others, so they’re not as discrete a carry as other blades and therefore not suitable for something like an office environment.
Out The Front (OTF)
Image via Northwest Knives
Out The Front (OTF) knives are typically small to medium in size, and as a result, can easily be carried in or clipped on a pocket. Their blade is stored internally and usually features an automatic/manual knife release or slider to reveal the blade, which makes this a relatively safe blade to carry.
Pros:
Discreet and unobtrusive – OTF knives are typically small and slim and therefore easy to carry. There are many options with a keyring hole, and that can easily slip into your pocket.
Easy to access – Simply use the trigger to slide the blade out of its body and back.
Cons:
Can break – Lots of OTF knives are built to last, but they do rely on a mechanism to extend from their housing, and machinery is prone to breaking down over time. If you go this route, we recommend buying a quality blade that holds up over time and asking the manufacturer how to best care for the mechanism.
Swiss Army Knife/Multi-Tool
Image via Etsy
Swiss Army knives and Multi-Tools are a really smart carry if you need more than just a knife on hand. The Swiss Army Knife feature can feature an array of many tools in a small package, including a knife, screwdriver, bottle opener, tweezers, scissors, and even a toothpick. Swiss Army knives come in a variety of styles and colorways and can also be personalized with names, initials, etc. making them a great gift for a budding EDC collector.
Some multi-tools can feature even more functionality than a Swiss army knife, with multiple blades, pliers, scissors, and other handy tools you might never really use, but they’re still nice to have in one complete package. There are a ton of variations on the Swiss Army knife and Multi-Tool, so if you’re looking for multiple uses out of a single item, we recommend considering the many custom options that are available out there. You’re likely to find a combination that works for your personal needs.
Most Swiss Army knives and multi-tools come with a key ring to attach to your set of keys, or a clip to attach to your pants/belt, making them incredibly easy to carry in a variety of ways.
Pros:
Versatile – Swiss Army Knives are practically synonymous with the term versatile and multi-functional. Multi-Tools are much the same – if there’s more than one use for the tool, it’s versatile.
Reliable – People continue to turn to Swiss Army Knives/Multi-Tools because they’re built to last and have stood up to the test of time.
Cons:
Not typically blade-focused – Swiss Army Knives and Multi-Tools are focused on providing multiple uses in one package. And while that doesn’t mean its blade component will be mediocre, it does mean it might not feature the best-dedicated blade to use.
Keychain Knife
WESN x Momotaro Microblade via WESN
Knives carried on a keychain are among the easiest-to-carry options on this list. The smaller, the easier, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on functionality. You can find all sorts of styles of blades that are small and incorporate key ring attachments into their design.
Pros:
Convenient and Unobtrusive – They’re small, live on your key ring, and can be carried anywhere without getting in the way.
Cons:
Small Blade – Size doesn’t always matter when it comes to blades, but for some jobs, it does. Having a small blade can be useful in a lot of instances, but if you need the function of a big blade for a big job, consider upgrading.
Box Cutter
Image via Gerber
Originally intended for cutting open boxes and packaging, box cutters have come a long way, they really don’t have to be boring, bulky, or disposable. There is a bunch of interesting knives out there in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles that incorporate classic box-cutter replaceable blades.
Pros:
Replaceable blade – Box Cutters are designed in a way that the blade can be replaced. Simply head to a hardware store or grab some widely available replacement blades online.
Reliable – When properly cared for, box cutters feature a sharp blade, and cut open almost any everyday materials you can throw at it – card, tape, bubble wrap, all of that kind of stuff, and way more.
Cons:
Limited functionality – Box Cutters feature a double-sided blade held into place with screws or a locking mechanism, and while you can cut a lot of things with a box cutter, the blades dull quickly and can’t easily be used for many sizable tasks.
Arguably wasteful – Unless you have the knowledge and access to re-sharpen box cutter blades, you’ll be (safely) tossing each of these blades into recycling.
What Knife is Right for You?
Image via Outdoor Life
The most important consideration you should make when it comes to what blade to carry is what functions you need/want it to perform. Does your lifestyle require a knife? Do you live or work in an environment where you need quick access to a blade or a box cutter? If you simply like the idea of carrying a knife, consider carrying a small to a medium-sized folding knife, or perhaps a Swiss Army Knife.
If you’re the type of person who is liable to lose things or you’re worried you might lose a small item like a knife, consider carrying a knife with a clip that will stay secure on your pocket opening. Keychain knives are also going to be secure, as will fixed blades attached to your belt.
An extremely important consideration is the legality of carrying knives in your region. Every region has its own laws and regulations regarding carrying knives (from the type of knife to the length of the blade, etc.) So read into your local laws and legislation before spending the dough on a new knife. The UK is particularly stringent.
Whether you’re a total beginner to the world of knives, or you’re an outdoorsy enthusiast, we hope you’ll find something to learn from our following knife-wielding archetypes:
The Rugged Rider
You’re someone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors every day. Perhaps you do a fairly manual job or hobby on a daily basis, camp and hike shitloads. Sounds like you probably need a few different knives, broski.
This might be the most wide-ranging of knife enthusiasts. You find purpose in every kind of knife, from small Multi-Tools, to big ol’ fixed blades.
We recommend
Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter Knife
Benchmade offers high-quality, American-made knives you’ll want to hold onto forever, no matter the style, with the 162 Bushcrafter Knife being a really nice option for a steel drop-point fixed blade.
The 162 Bushcrafter features a 4.4″ blade, plenty of length to slice up food at the campsite or to break down small pieces of wood into kindling. The handle is made of G10 fiberglass with holes to attach the knife to a lanyard or cord, and the whole package comes with a leather sheath to easily secure the blade to your belt.
Available for $300 from Benchmade.
Microtech Socom Alpha
Microtech‘s Socom Alpha Fixed Blade Knife isn’t just for the SEALS out there. This high-quality knife is for anyone who wants a fixed utility blade that’s going to perform and last for a lifetime.
The 5.45″ blade is made of stonewashed steel and sat within a carbon fiber-finished Kydex handle, coming with a matching carbon fiber-finished Kydex sheath to lash onto your belt and protect the blade when it’s not in use.
Available for $310 from Knife Center.
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool is a 21-tool small-package powerhouse with everything you could need in more under one nylon sheath including two blades, a can opener, two screwdrivers, a saw blade, pliers, and much more.
Available for $79.95 from SOG.
The Scout Knife by Helle
Helle ‘Girl / Pike’ The Scout Knife
If you’re looking for a simple yet beautiful fixed blade to carry on and off the trail, consider The Scout Knife from Norwegian brand Helle. It’s pretty enough that you might hesitate to use it, but rest assured, it wants to be used as much as any other knife you carry.
The Scout Knife is a medium-length steel blade with a wooden handle, accented with red, that comes complete with a lovely embossed brown leather sheath.
Available for $60 from Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co.
The Desk Jockey
You don’t really need a knife as you sit at desk a lot of the time, but you appreciate their beauty and functionality. You’d also like a blade to add to your EDC for things like opening parcels, letters, and maybe cutting off some wild rosemary whilst walking the dog. You need something low profile, kinda chill, with a sheath that matches your fits, or no sheath whatsoever to keep things minimal. You could also do with having something on you for DIY.
For the Desk Jockey, consider picking up a nice and classy folder that you can throw in your pocket or on your keyring and forget about, or something to set in your leather tray at home for whenever you need to slice open a parcel from Amazon.
We recommend:
WESN Microblade
The WESN Microblade is low-key coolest knife on this list. As its name implies, it’s a small knife, but that doesn’t mean it lacks utility. On the contrary, you’ll be grabbing the Microblade time and again when a cutting implement is needed, plus it’s beautifully designed.
The Microblade comes in a variety of finishes, all of which feature a quick-release steel 1.5″ blade, a clip for secure attachment to your jeans, and a lanyard/keyring hole.
Available for $75 from WESN.
Banshu Hamono Folding Knife
This beautiful piece of Japanese design and craftsmanship is the Banshu Hamono Extra Large Folding Knife. It’s a low-profile folder that features a stainless steel blade, brass handle, and lanyard/keyring hole. Perfect for slicing open letters or packages, it’s right at home in the catch-all, or on the desktop among your other nicely designed Japanese wares.
Available for $100 from Manready Mercantile.
Craighill Rook Knife
Craighill‘s Rook Knife is a sleek minimally-designed folder that strips away all the unneeded details from your blade carry. It’s a perfect pocket knife for those who don’t want any bells and whistles, just something high quality, handsome, and ready to be put to task.
Available for $130 from Manready Mercantile.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
You really can’t go wrong with the iconic Victorinox Swiss Army knife. It might be the most bang for your buck out of any knife out there. It’s incredibly well-designed, packed full of useful tools, and available in a number of styles and configurations to choose from. It’s also got a rich history to boot.
Available for $50 from Victorinox.
The All-Rounder
You may not be in need of a knife every day, but you’re a bit more active and outdoors than the Desk Jockey – you camp/hike whenever you can. You’re always tinkering around with things at home or in the shed, and you like to be a man of utility. You need a good reliable blade that’s fit for any task, without looking like you’re going to try and take on a Grizzly
We recommend:
Castillo Knives The Torre Knife
The Torre Knife from Castillo Knives is a classic-looking piece of kit. With a heritage-style olive wood design aside, that 3″ blade is going to come in handy whether you need to shave some birch bark on a camping trip or simply slice open an apple at the Farmer’s Market.
It comes with a leather pocket sheath if you want to protect your cotton pocket bags on your pants, but you can also throw it on a. key ring thanks to the hold on the handle.
Available for $119 at Manready Mercantile.
WESN – The Allman
Potentially WESN‘s most versatile carry, it’s engineered to be the right size, shape, and balance for most uses. It’s got 2.8″ blade that can take on most regular knife-requiring tasks and a robust titanium handle.
Like most of WESN’s collection, it’s available in a variety of handle finishings and comes with a clip and lanyard hole to make your carry easier.
Available for $175 from WESN.
Benchmade 317 Weekender Knife
The Benchmade 317 Weekender Knife truly does suit the moonlighting knife collector, probably because it’s all you need out of a knife, and nothing more. Extremely high quality, classic good looks, and functional-as-hell utility. What more could you ask for? A toothpick? The point on this thing is probably sharp enough to serve that purpose, too. Although we’re not recommending you try that one at home.
Available for $275 from Benchmade.
Makers of EDC Blades
Who else makes good EDC blades? Too many makers, to be honest. But, where possible and when it suits your lifestyle, try to support a smaller maker that also aligns with your ethics. Here’s but a taste of the many big and small brands out there that haven’t already featured in this guide, some of which you might have heard of:
Blue Ridge Knives is an online blade retailer that stocks over 750 brands, so is well worth checking out.
A Word on Knife Sheaths
Knife sheaths are an important consideration in the knife purchasing and carrying process. We don’t recommend carrying fixed blades, or non-folding blades without one, but you should consider incorporating one into your kit even if the knife is protected by its body. Knife sheaths make carrying a blade all the more convenient, as they (usually) relocate the blade to your belt, instead of the inside of your pocket bags.
Wearing a knife in a sheath on your belt, besides being a low key flex, makes accessing a knife quick and easy. In terms of defense, it’s ideal, but it’s also great if you need to quickly and easily cut something and you can’t be troubled to wrestle your fist inside your slim tapered raw denim jeans.
Typically, sheaths are crafted from leather (reinforced with rivets or stitching to prevent slicing through the leather with your new sharp blade), which means they’re a durable and rugged piece of kit that will blend seamlessly into your mostly New Americana-inspired fits. The leather will age with you, develop a patina from sweat, oils, and exposure to sun. Repeated rubbing and pulling a knife in and out of a sheath means you’ll develop some nice scratches throughout the surface of the leather grain. An investment into a knife and proper-fitting sheath can pay off with time in terms of patina potential.
Son of a Sailor Natural Snake Stamped Leather Sheath with Opinel Knife
Opinel‘s great No.08 folder paired with a beautifully made embossed leather sheath is an instant headstart into your burgeoning EDC collection. Even for those with a mountain of knives at home can find something to appreciate in this kit, making this a nice gift for the knife enthusiast and knife newbie alike.
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