What features do you look for in an everyday carry (EDC) knife?

2017-11-17T18:09:58-05:00

I'm thinking about buying my father-in-law a pocket knife of some sort for Christmas, but I'm not sure what exactly to get. I currently carry a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 556 (blade just under 3", non-serrated, folding knife). I actually bought the mini version by mistake but for my purposes it ended up working better. What features do you all look for when buying an EDC knife? Do you prefer something with a smaller blade or something bigger? Fixed or folding blade? Serrated or non-serrated? Any particular brands and/or models you prefer? He's a pilot so he can't carry it while he works, but he spends his down time working on his farm, where I imagine it would get put to good use.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 17 at 2017 6:27 PM

2017-11-17T18:27:34-05:00

For every day carry, I prefer something that is easily concealable. I've got a folding serrated talon that I can easily palm in a few fingers. I don't have any particular brands I prefer. I just like something sharp that I can hide in case I need it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 17 at 2017 7:16 PM

2017-11-17T19:16:44-05:00

I prefer an Auto opener so my EDC knife is a Beanchmade AFO II . Drop point partial serrated edge.
Auto openers are legal in Texas where I live but I also have a Benchmade ARCANE in the same configuration, drop point, partial serrated edge for when local laws do not allow an auto

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Nov 17 at 2017 7:23 PM

2017-11-17T19:23:02-05:00

I typically have three knives on me: A multi-tool; a small three-blade pen knife; and a Swiss Army knife with my vehicle keys. The multi-tool is my general use knife, and the pen knife has high carbon blades that I use when cutting in small/tight areas, when I need a *really* sharp blade, or a sharp, razor-tipped point. The Swiss Army knife is mainly a backup and so that I always have one knife on me when I'm out & about... but mainly the tweezers are what I use on it.

Long story short, even though I have two main knives that cover most of my purposes I prefer high carbon blades because I can get them much sharper and they hold an edge far better than stainless. I also prefer small- to medium-sized folding pocket knives, even more so with 2+ blades so I have a backup until I can re-sharpen the main blade if it dulls.

As for brands I used to favor Schrade or Buck, but it seems the quality of even those aren't what they used to be.

You might ask him what he prefers for a utility-type knife, there are many different types and about as many individual preferences.

I haven't used one, but one with a bit of interesting history that caught my eye is available from the CMP and the scales are made from old, broken M1 Garand rifle stocks: http://estore.thecmp.org/Catalog/Item/548

Civilian Marksmanship Program eStore

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 17 at 2017 7:43 PM

2017-11-17T19:43:29-05:00

SOG Aegis or Benchmade Griptilian both plain blade. Also Leather multi tool

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 17 at 2017 9:15 PM

2017-11-17T21:15:28-05:00

Depends on what your father-in-law does with his knife.

I tend to shy away from "new fangled" high technology like folding blades :)
The following are my opinions and combined with about $10 will get you a decent sandwich and fries at the local bar.

_Nothing made in China. The steel is crap
_Light use - German blades tend to be more flexible and retain an edge better, but will snap if abused
_Moderate Use - English Blades stiff and tough, but you need to be good at sharpening or know someone who is; once you screw the edge, it's tough to get it back.
_Japanese blades are best but I have never found a satisfactory profile for a general purpose small knife.
_Heavy use - get a hatchet or machete
_Multi-blade folding knifes try please everyone and succeed in disappointing everyone. Plus they're hell to clean after a messy job.
_If you are hell-bent on a folding knife, get one with a Marlin Spike, a grossly under-valued tool
_I don't know anyone who uses the serrations on a pocket knife after the first month.

If your father-in-law:
_lives where the winter is cold, get a wood handle. All Metal folding knives and many plastic/resin handles suck the heat out of your hand.
_Cuts a lot of wet stuff (gutting fish, skinning varmints, etc.) get a 2&1/4 to 3&1/2 fixed drop blade with a wide profile and moderate spine point with a pronounced heel and guarded heel to the blade (prevents cut fingers)
_Uses the point for every thing, when he shouldn't, and doesn't do much slicing, get a tanto profile.
_Uses the point carefully, and needs a good slicing blade, get a drop point profile.
_Uses the blade to do a lot of light piercing, some slicing get a clip point profile.
_Uses the blade for bar fights get a spear point profile.
_Uses the blade belly for cutting (not slicing), but never uses the point get a sheep's foot profile.

My personal carry all the time is a Sheffield Drop Point with a 2&1/4 inch blade that has a 1&1/4 deep face on a Home made 4&3/4 ash handle with a thumb press blade guard.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Nov 17 at 2017 11:33 PM

2017-11-17T23:33:27-05:00

I'm partial to smaller knives because they're easier to control. Tanto blade, half serrated. I also have a little boot knife, but it's more for sentiment than actual usefulness.

Oh, and a rainbow folding mermaid knife. It's pretty and I make no apologies for it.

Response by SSG Shawn Ireland made Nov 27 at 2017 2:21 AM

2017-11-27T02:21:54-05:00

One should have a few on their person within reach in any position.A boot knife of at least 4”, is a important blade. It is just long enough to reach vital organs at little effort. There are many brands and steel used. You want something that keeps a edge and doesn’t take long to resharpen. I prefer a Gerber boot. Then an auto blade is a fantastic weapon as just the sound of it opening can cause hesitation. I am a knife collector and would say that SOG has just the right knife for this. It’s a pocket clip with partial serration. Then there are many other main blades to have that any fool who sees it would be wise to turn and run as long as they didn’t come to a knife fight with a gun. I have a few ideas on this. I like the blade that most have seen Paul Hogan carry on Crocodile Dundee! You would be amazed how easy it is to wear on your back as on the movie and with just a light shirt it is not noticeable. Another is the Cold Steel Tanto blade that is just about 22inches. It is a serious knife and will do any job you need. This to makes a great cross back carry blade! Then if you just want to be left alone a large Good steal Bowie worn on the belt will definitely make others think twice before deciding to mess with you. Important thing is to keep every knife sharp at all times! A dull blade will end up cutting you in the process of use in most cases. Then to give you another can’t go wrong knife is a Bowie Puma! There are many to choose from, so check them out and see what feels comfortable to you. If you are able to carry an auto their are many out there but a lot of them have locks that can slip down and in an emergency prevent you from opening them. So do your homework. I would suggest a Parana brand as they have a fantastic blade and the spring is crisp. Again you need to do your homework. Lastly if you want a knife to end things fast then you want the knife that carries a co2 cartridge in the handle and has a small opening to allow you to thrust it in and push the button and fill your intended target with a deadly load of gas into their body which if placed properly will end things before they start. I have many others that are a good mix, but this list should point you in the right direction.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 7 at 2017 8:04 AM

2017-12-07T08:04:25-05:00

Best EDC for the money is hands down the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife. If you want to spend a bit more go with the Benchmade - Mini Griptilian. They both do good work and no reason to drop a ton of money in an EDC when these are available ( I tend to lose mine).

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 7 at 2017 9:36 AM

2017-12-07T09:36:05-05:00

I love the CRKT knifes, well made, well designed, assorted blade types, and lengths.