EDC Knives
EDC (everyday carry) refers to gear that you have on you every day. For example: wallet, phone, keys, and knives. An EDC knife typically has the characteristics of being small, lightweight, and sharp. From CRKT to Chris Reeve, you'll find the best EDC knife for you here.
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About EDC Knives
Best EDC Knives
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writers Andrew Hamilton and Logan Rainey on 11/18/2019

Are you interested in picking up a new EDC (everyday carry) knife? If you’re sick and tired of opening boxes with your keys, desperately need an upgrade, or just have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, we’ve got all the best EDC knives from brands like Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, and more!
In addition to an overview of the specs and details of each knife, we will feature a review of each knife left by one of our beloved customers.
1. Benchmade Bugout

The Bugout is a staff favorite here at Blade HQ. It doesn’t matter what type of business you get into with your knife. No knife has ever combined such a lightweight package with excellent ergos and premium blade steel. Equally at home in the great outdoors or the office, the Bugout supports a non-threatening, tool-like styling perfect for any EDC loadout. The Bugout takes the cake for the best EDC knife. Check out our comprehensive Bugout Review to see what makes it so great.
- 7.46" Overall Length
- CPM-S30V Drop Point Blade
- Polymer Handle
- 1.85 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Jake C. says...
"I work at a retail store where opening boxes, cutting zip-ties, and other general knife tasks are a common occurrence. After roughly a month of carrying this knife as an EDC, I can say it's the best small knife I've had. The lockup is solid, as should be expected with the Axis-lock. The S30V blade comes out of the box razor sharp. The deep carry clip is a nice touch..."
2. CRKT Pilar

The Jesper Voxnaes designed CRKT Pilar takes inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s sailboat, Pilar. This knife is small in form, but big in utility. A large and ergonomic finger choil provides the perfect grip. Thanks, Jesper! Check out our CRKT Pilar Review for a closer look at this knife.
- 5.90" Overall Length
- 8Cr13MoV Sheepsfoot Blade
- Stainless Steel Handle
- 4.20 oz. Weight
- Made in China

Craig B. says...
“This is my EDC knife. I love the Pilar! This knife feels like it was made for me. Great ergonomics fit my hand perfectly. Great blade shape and built like a tank makes this the perfect knife for my EDC. Great build quality, perfect blade centering and zero blade play. I highly recommend this knife.”
3. Spyderco Paramilitary 2

The Paramilitary 2 is arguably the most well-known and lauded EDC knife produced by Spyderco. Slicey at the tip and with enough blade to get any EDC job done with ease, the PM2 is a classic everyday carry workhorse worthy of a spot in any collection. If you need a more in-depth dive to the PM2, check out our full Paramilitary 2 Review.
- 8.28" Overall Length
- Clip Point CPM-S30V Blade
- G-10 Handle
- 3.75 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Cody F. says...
“Best EDC hands down. The reason I love the Paramilitary 2 is because it has a slim profile while clipped in my pocket, holds an edge well, and blade length is just right for my needs. Before I placed my order, I thought it might be too big, but when I got it I was happy to feel that it was a perfect fit for both my hand and pocket. This knife has been my EDC for the past three months and I don't see any other knife replacing it anytime soon. If you're the fence about getting this one, just buy it already!”
4. Benchmade 940

If you’re looking to take a deep dive into the Osborne 940, look no further than the 940 comprehensive review. With a sterling reputation for bombproof durability and Goldilocks, ‘just right’ sizing, the Osborne 940 is one of the best in any EDC load-out.
- 7.87" Overall Length
- CPM-S30V Reverse Tanto Blade
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Handle
- 2.90 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

John H. says...
"Classic for a reason. This knife is the perfect combination of materials, aesthetics, and practicality. Sturdy enough for hard use, slim and light enough for an EDC, and pretty enough for a gentleman's folder. This knife covers all of the bases.”
5. Zero Tolerance 0450

The ZT 0450 shines as an absolutely undeniable value proposition. A made in USA, titanium frame lock knife with premium CPM-S35VN blade steel under $200? Hard to believe it’s real, to be honest. And let’s not fail to mention it’s a design from the always exciting and inspired Dmitry Sinkevich. Check out our comprehensive ZT 0450 Review to see what makes it so great.
- 7.375" Overall Length
- CPM-S35VN Drop Point Blade
- Carbon Fiber Handle
- 2.45 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Eric H. says...
“Perfection? As far as I know, this is the perfect EDC knife. I haven't had the chance to carry and use all of them, but I can't imagine one doing what I need to do better. Action is smooth, lockup great, terrific ergos, looks great, holds a good edge, and I'm confident the warranty would be great if I ever need to use it. Overall, just a great knife.”
6. Kershaw Launch 4

If grabbing a great knife on a tight budget is your priority, the Kershaw Injection is one of the best EDC knives out there. This knife is slim and grippy with its G-10 handle scales. The blade steel sharpens easily, and resists rust well. For more on this knife, check out our Launch 4 review.
- 5.10" Overall Length
- CPM-154 Spear Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle
- 1.98 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Ariel F. says...
“Love this knife. Super clean lines and fun to carry. The small blade packs a punch. It is smaller than I anticipated.. but a good addition to my collection. I am happy with it.”
7. Boker Kompakt

New for 2019, the Blade HQ exclusive Jesper Voxnaes designed Boker Kompakt is a push-button auto with great looks and awesome feel. Its ergonomic handle gives the user excellent control while cutting or slicing. This Cali legal auto is a great addition to any everyday carry setup.
- 5.25" Overall Length
- AUS-8 Drop Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle
- 2.11 oz. Weight
- Made in China

William C. says...
“Wonderful pocket auto. I found the pocket clip to stiff to be useful. Otherwise it has has a properly sized handle which encourages using it often.”
Conclusion

EDC Knife Meaning
Simply defined, an EDC is the selection of items you keep on your person throughout everyday life. It's fun to select items carefully that represent your personal taste and aesthetic. Explore the question, what does EDC mean to you?
So now you've got all our recommendations, but Blade HQ has got way more knives than just the 7 featured here. Give our wares a browse, and find the perfect piece for yourself. Once you've got your EDC knife situation dialed in, leave a review of your knife! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for all your knife updates.
How To Choose An EDC Knife?
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 07/20/2020

For some of us carrying a knife is about as second nature as breathing or eating. Our knives are tools and offer loads of utility during our daily activities. If you take things a step further, our knives say a lot about us as individuals and are in some ways an extension of our personality. The intricacy of some knives speaks to many of us while some of us prefer simple knives with clean design.
Whichever way you slice it, the knife you carry every day can tell others lots about you. In this article, we break down some of the things to look for when choosing an everyday carry (EDC) knife. We’ll look at materials, build quality, and style, and take a look at what a couple other Blade HQ employees are carrying everyday. Let’s go!

Where to Begin?

With so many options for pocket knives and fixed blades, you may be asking yourself, “Where do I begin?!” Don’t worry! We are here to help. Choosing an everyday carry knife starts with addressing what you’re going to be using it for. Are you working in an office where a big knife may come across as excessive? Or do you work in construction where a small knife simply won’t cut it? Start by evaluating the things you do every day and what things you find yourself doing that you wish you had a knife for.
From here it should be easier to choose a knife. The things you plan on using your knife for will generally dictate its size. The other part of that is your own personal preference and how a knife feels in your hand. For some of us, smaller knives are perfect but for others something more substantial feels right.
Materials

For a knife you plan on carrying every day, the right materials can make all the difference. Chances are you are someone who uses their stuff. Your knives are well loved, and you pride yourself in having a knife that shows character. Yes, an everyday carry knife can be inexpensive and made from average materials, but knives made from higher-quality materials tend to last longer and wear better.
Some of this comes down to personal preference and, again, what you plan on using the knife for, but generally the better the materials a knife is made from, the longer it will last. Here at Blade HQ we look for materials like titanium, G-10, carbon fiber, micarta and reinforced polymers for our handles, and blade steels ranging from VG-10 to M390. There’s no set rule for what makes up the best EDC knife, as you need to go based off what makes the most sense for you.

That aside, if you are looking to find a solid knife to accompany the other things you put in your pocket, find the knife with the best quality materials you can afford. Some of our favorite ‘bang for your buck’ edc knives are the Benchmade Bugout, the Spyderco Para 3 and the Esee Izula because they are made with high-quality materials and come at a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
Build Quality

The next thing to consider when choosing an everyday carry knife is the build quality. We won’t name names, but some knives simply don’t stack up against others. They are made on a much larger scale in places where quality control isn’t as consistent, and they lack things that are important for the longevity of the knife. That being said, some inexpensive knives are incredible. They have amazing tolerances and come with some awesome components like ball-bearings and upgraded blade steels.
One of our favorite everyday carry knives is the Civivi Elementum. Its build quality is amazing considering it’s priced around $50. It has a smooth action thanks to phosphor-bronze ball-bearing washers and ultra-tight tolerances. We have been impressed with its size and overall feel. If you’re looking for a safe choice for everyday carry, check out the Civivi Elementum.
Style

The last thing to consider when choosing a knife, as funny as it may sound, is the style of the knife. It’s likely that you have your own personal style and look. It’s likely that your knife will follow suit and match your look. How you dress can influence the knife you choose. If you find yourself wearing nice slacks, a knife with a pocket clip may wear out your pocket and you would be better off to choose an in-pocket knife. If you’re the kind of guy who wears more fitted clothing, a big knife with a beefy grip may be harder to carry in pocket (and may get some uncomfortable glances). Choosing a knife based on what you wear is a real thing. If it’s uncomfortable to have a certain kind of knife in your pocket, you may want to choose another knife.
For most of us here at Blade HQ, we choose our everyday carry knife based on what we wear and how we carry our knives. I tend to wear black a lot. Most of my EDC gear is also black. Several of the knives I rotate in my pocket are all black to match my watch, phone and wallet. I like the subtlety of black and I feel like it helps to keep my knife low-key and less noticeable.
Conclusion

Choosing an Everyday Carry knife is a little less scientific than choosing other kinds of knives knives (Check out our guides on How to Choose a Tactical Fixed Blade and How to Choose a Tactical Folding Knife). The knife you carry everyday is an extension of your personality. It shows people what you are about and should be something you find useful and enjoyable. What an everyday carry knife is made of and how it’s constructed plays a huge part in which one to choose, but it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and what you use your knives for. Check out our collection of EDC knives by clicking the button below.
Employee EDC
Here at Blade HQ we love knives. Most of us always carry at least one knife on our person. Check out these sweet EDC knives from some of us here at Blade HQ!
George's EDC

Cold Steel AD-10
We had the chance to talk to George, one of our product copywriters, about one of his EDC favorites. Here's what he hade to say about this awesome knife:
"I chose the Cold Steel AD-10 as my go-to knife, and since I got it, all of my other knives have taken a back seat to it. When I pick a knife, function is at the forefront of my mind, and the AD-10 is incredibly functional. It's built on the Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock, which is incredibly strong (as far as I'm aware the strongest there is), and as a plus is totally ambidextrous. I like the S35VN blade, it holds a great edge and is very tough, but it's easy to get a razor edge back on it. I love the handle most. It's contoured design makes it the most comfortable folder I own. The knife is heavy, but the weight has never bothered me; on the contrary, the heft makes me feel more confident that the tool won't let me down. I clip the knife into my pocket every single day. I tried it without the pocket clip for a while, but I went back to the clip. It's easier to get to the knife that way."
Learn more about the Cold Steel AD-10 HERE.
Sean's EDC

The James Brand The Elko
There's no doubt The James Brand Elko is a cool and classy little blade. Its sleek design and simple construction make it a perfect everyday companion.
Our in-house graphic designer, Sean, is a man of simple tastes. He's known for whipping out the Elko whenever we do pocket checks and is often teased for only ever carrying the small keychain knife. For Sean the Elko is perfect. It's subtle, utilitarian and has the cool factor he looks for in a knife. He often uses it for opening packages and other small tasks. It's an amazing knife for opening packets of oatmeal and removing tags from tan t-shirts, things Sean does often. Learn more about The Elko HERE!
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Now that we've broken down How to Choose an EDC Knife, it's time to take a look at what some of us are carrying here at Blade HQ. In this video Zac and Jamie make their rounds at the office to see what's in our pockets. Check it out!
Best EDC Fixed Blade Knives
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 02/19/2020

Recently we’ve had a lot of questions about everyday carry fixed blades and what to look for when choosing one. Fixed blade knives have a look, feel and performance that can be hard to find with folding knives. EDC fixed blade knives tend to be small, compact and easy to use. They are more subtle to carry than a large fixed blade, but more noticeable than a pocket knife. We look at performance, ease of carry, and price point to compile a list of the best EDC fixed blade.
Plus, at the end of each breakdown, find a review from one of our wonderful customers.
1. Gerber Ghostrike

Starting off our list of best EDC fixed blade knives is the Gerber Ghostrike. This fixed blade knife is both lightweight and slim, making it the ultimate everyday carry fixed blade. Plus, it’s great for those who live in tactical mode or those of us who just love the subtlety of black. This knife features a durable 420HC Stainless Steel Blade with a rubber coated skeletonized handle. Ghostrike comes standard with a low-profile polymer sheath, designed to be carried on back or hip with ease. Also included is a neoprene ankle wrap for a more concealed carry.
- 3.25" 420HC Drop Point Blade
- Rubberized Handle
- 3.61 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Eduardo S. says…
"This is possibly one of the best products Gerber has produced. The knife is strong, lightweight and thin, it's very comfortable to carry no matter which carry option you choose you forget you have it on. The sheath is maybe the best sheath on any fixed blade I've seen, horizontal and vertical without an additional Tech-Lok system and the blade can go in any way."
2. GiantMouse GMF1

The GiantMouse GMF1 Fixed Blade knife is modeled after the popular Biblio and features a lot of the same great ergonomics. This knife’s skeletonized fixed blade design makes it an incredibly lightweight, sturdy fixed blade knife. It slices with ease and makes quick work of most cutting tasks. The GMF1 comes with a sexy leather sheath that fits well in pocket or on a belt. If you’re looking for that “WOW!” factor, do yourself a favor and buy a GiantMouse GMF1.
- 2.60" N690 Drop Point Blade
- Skeletonized Handle
- 1.90 oz. Weight
- Made in Italy

Nathan D. says…
“I'm kicking myself for not picking one of these up sooner than I did. It's definitely a small, skeletonized, 3-finger fixed blade so it won't be perfect for everyone. BUT, it is absolutely perfect for me. The blade is a useful shape and has as slicey a flat grind as you could get on a thick 5mm stock. The jimping is perfectly placed and feels great on the rounded surfaces. The addition of a short lanyard can be easily added if you want an easier grip or removal from the sheath. And the sheath itself is a thing of beauty. I suppose, most importantly, it's just great to use. It's so good in my opinion that I'm toying with the idea of getting a 2nd *just in case* something happens to this one.”
3. Ferrum Forge Lackey

The Lackey from Ferrum Forge is an amazing fixed blade knife thanks to its slim profile and purpose-built design. The knife features a slender drop point blade for precise cutting and slicing. Lackey’s G-10 handle scales and thumb jimping provide incredible grip during use. It comes standard with a black kydex sheath that can be set up for scout or drop carry. This little knife is small but mighty. It provides the right balance of looks, performance and subtlety that all great EDC fixed blade knives have in common.
- 2.67" CPM-S30V Drop Point Blade
- G-10 Handle Scales
- 3.52 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Stranton N. says…
"This little knife is a beast. I would dare say it's the perfect dimensions for every day carry. It's light, but not too light. It has just enough blade, and it isn't overly flashy or too traditional. If you're looking for a smaller EDC fixed blade, this is perfect. And the G10 feels and looks great. Comes super sharp out of the box!”
4. Bradford Guardian3

The Bradford Guardian3 is a compact fixed blade designed to handle the workload that might typically fall upon a heavy-duty everyday folder while allowing for easier carry throughout the day. AEB-L Steel is the steel of choice for this Bradford fixed blade knife as it is double tempered and cryo-treated for exceptional blade quality and performance. 3D Micarta scales make the Guardian 3 grippy and comfortable during even toughest of cutting tasks. The Bradford Guardian3 includes a premium leather sheath with a belt-carry loop and plastic blade insert.
- 3.50" AEB-L Spear Point Blade
- 3D Micarta Handle Scales
- 3.40 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Ricardo A. says…
"Amazing AMERICAN Made knife. Feels like a part of your hand, and sits in your belt without you noticing it’s their. Amazing knife; can’t recommend it more.”
5. Benchmade Hidden Canyon

If you haven’t noticed already, most of the knives on this list are fairly small. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon follows suit with its short blade and ergonomic construction. Premium CPM-S30V blade steel and Dymondwood® handle scales help this EDC fixed blade knife perform beyond expectations. The Hidden Canyon fixed blade comes standard with a sturdy pressure-fitted leather sheath great for scout carry.
- 2.67" CPM-S30V Drop Point Blade
- Dymondwood® or G-10 Handle Scales
- 3.41 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Ryan S. says…
“I only have a few fixed blade knives under 3", but this is by far my go-to for light task. holds a great edge, not too hard to sharpen, and feels awesome in your hand. Very light and small knife you can belt or neck carry, and almost forget it's there.”
6. TOPS Bull Trout

The TOPS Bull Trout is a compact EDC fixed blade designed by fishermen, for a fisherman. Its unique design makes it a great knife for fishing and almost everything else. The knife features a large finger choil and a stout blade with a large belly for more comfortable and efficient cutting and slicing. Bull Trout’s contoured burlap micarta handle scales give it the look and feel you have come to love. If you need more info check out this in-depth Bull Trout Review or browse this knife and other great TOPS fixed blade knives.
- 2.75" 154CM Drop Point Blade
- Burlap Micarta Handle Scales
- 3.01 oz. Weight
- Made in USA

Ian D. says…
“Just a great 'lil fixed blade. I have used it to clean fish, baton tinder, break down boxes, and it just keeps going. The ergos rock, and it fits perfectly in my hand. I want to invest in a horizontal sheath, and that will be the icing on the cake.”
7. CRKT Minimalist

The Alan Folts designed CRKT Minimalist series of knives combines the utility of larger fixed blade knives with the convenience of a small knife. They are ergonomically designed to be comfortable in hand, easy to use, and efficient while cutting. These knives live up to their namesake as they are everything you need in a knife and nothing you don’t. The Minimalist comes in several different styles and blade shapes so no matter your taste or need, there’s bound to be one for you.
- 2.125" 5Cr15MoV Drop Point Blade
- Aluminum Handle Scales
- 1.60 oz. Weight
- Made in China

Sean M. says…
“This little guy is awesome! It's been in my EDC for the last 6 months and I love it. I carry it horizontal on my belt and I forget it's there at times. Even for a little guy, because of the handle design and lanyard, you can get a great grip on it."
Conclusion

Fixed blade knives come in all shapes and sizes. Some are built to take a beating and others work as a reliable companion for whatever gets thrown your way. Either way, a fixed blade knife is one of those tools that just performs. If you haven’t considered carrying a fixed blade knife every day, there are a lot of reasons why you should. They are easy to carry, simple to maintain and built to last. They may not be the most discreet option, but they don’t have to be.
Blade HQ is one of the top dealers of EDC fixed blade's in the world. This list of best EDC fixed blade knives offers just a taste of what small fixed blade knives are available. Chances are you will pick one (or all) of these knives up and be amazed. But, on the off chance none of them are to your liking, we have hundreds more to choose from. Check out our full selection of EDC fixed blade knives by clicking the button below!
Once you've found the perfect EDC fixed blade leave a review! For any of you who need an EDC knife, but aren't settled on a fixed blade, check out some of these other EDC picks. Plus, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for all your future knife-related updates. If you're still looking for an EDC knife, but not convinced you want a fixed blade, check out the these other EDC picks.
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TLDR? In this episode of Knife Banter, Mitchell and Zac run through some of our favorite EDC fixed blade knives. Check it out to see how they compare and what they look like in hand. Plus, see which ones made the list above.