If you stumble on one that is great in 100-150 range let me know. It is one of my top picks of all time. My Kershaw was only 65 new and it has far surpassed my Benchmades or Emerson knives. A few other things to consider when buying an EDC knife (or any knife, I suppose): Weight. If you want a suggestion for a nice assisted opener in the $100 range the Zero Tolerance 0350 comes to mind – that is a really solid knife. Man that is a knife I have wanted to own for a while now, and agree, it’s got some nice improvements over the regular Griptilian and it’s long overdue for a full review. It has the same scales, axis lock, etc. Here’s a shot of my DF2, purchased with my own funds back in 2011: Frankly, for most people who are using their EDC knife to open mail, break down boxes, and do a little food preparation, the Dragonfly 2 is going to be plenty of knife. Personally, when evaluating a pocket clip I look for slim and discreet pocket clips. I mostly use my EDC knives for opening mail, cutting fruit and other light “food prep” type tasks, and opening up boxes containing other knives. According to most EDC knife experts including myself, there are 6 criteria you should look for when purchasing and EDC knife. My pleasure Peter! Killed me dropping $200 for the ZT 562. There are dual thumb studs to appeal to both lefties and righties, and there’s also a lanyard hole for easy portability but there’s also a pocket clip if you prefer. It’s a take on the classic Swayback pattern. Just a beautiful knife. The 154CM blade is excellent. There is also a limited lifetime warranty included, which allows you to deal with any unforeseen issues immediately, and as for carrying, the discreet deep pocket clip means you go wherever you please and always be ready to be the hero, or just open a tin of beans when you make it back to camp (we’ll not tell anyone you forgot the tin opener). These are just some basic considerations for finding the best EDC knife. It is always risky to get too close to him. The Swindle is an example of this. My true edu for the last 4 or 5 years has been a Kershaw junkyard dog composite. Here’s another dark horse for best EDC for around $100. Enter the Sage 5. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so if you encounter any defects, you should be able to sort those out easily enough. The standar… Everybody who I know who has ever bought one has absolutely loved it! It has the appropriate length with a 3-inch blade and an adequate weight of four ounces. It’s an ingenious “less is more” design, and is an excellent way to get a blade open. I think the 3.5″ and XM-24 are too large for most people to EDC. These are some of the best practical daily carry knives you can buy. One can get into some of the Hinderers for the same price or less than the CRK knives that you listed. Carry this for a week, and you’ll throw all your other Kershaws into a box in your garage. I look at the hardware used to hold the knife together. At that point, you have to ask your friend. Dan, LIGHT AND DURABLE - This Native 5 handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. The overall knife feels wonderfully dialed in. I’m always interested in exploring new high value edc options so I’ll have to make some time for this one. I have used it for cutting wires, as a screwdriver, a pry bar and even as a hammer, and to this day it still performs. I filmed this video as a supplement to this page on my website on the best EDC knives. The smooth gliding system delivers satisfying operation, so if you’re still on the fence about whether everyday carry knives are for you, this could be the thing to finally convince you. Have you taken a look at the benchmade mini pika now that they updated it again and shifted it to the HD line? Thanks for the suggestion – I haven’t reviewed a Benchmade in a while so maybe it’s a good one to pick up for review. My opponent is most likely going to try the same thing. Your email address will not be published. In those days, I would go hunting birds in Mexico with guys using engraved silver over and under shotguns. If you haven’t reviewed it yet you definitely should check it out. I like all 3 of those opening mechanisms. I just wanted to quickly explain myself regarding a knife for self-defense. Its 440c steel blade is corrosion resistant, therefore offering a lot of utility both in indoor and outdoor activities. The Shirogorov is a work of art. Kershaw Atmos. It is lightweight, hence Like the BM Rift, it has no jimping but very comfortable handle. The ones I like the most, or want to have as reference blades for future reviews. It’s a little more robust then something like an Urban Trapper or Benchmade Bugout, but it also weighs a little more. Thanks for the article. Thickness. Required fields are marked *. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut. First is the Kershaw ” Leek”, which I love for a number of reasons. I live in the inner city and only carry a small knife (delica, crkt drifter, cold steel tuff lite, spyderco cat). Anyway, great job on list and website. Full flat grind with a satin finished flat grind. Knife enthusiasts have become connoisseurs of flippers. Nice, glassy smooth action, tight lockup, and bright blue anodized accents make this one “pop”. I got into collecting knives again a couple years ago. I feel confident in it’s assisted opening, it’s comfort in use/access, and also a great knife for all the general little jobs I use it for. We did some research, some reviews, and made a top 5 list of the best EDC pocket knife of 2020. We'll uncover the best edc knives on the market today The Benchmade 940 Osborne is the true definition of an EDC knife. Our guide to the best machetes features more amazing blades you might like, so check them out. I keep coming back to them, even after owning them for years and years, and after reviewing knives that cost hundreds of dollars. I have not done a review on the Ritter Grip yet. Our Best EDC Knife guide will help you make that tough decision, which EDC folding knife should I buy? I prefer serration for most EDC cutting tasks, but some prefer non-serrated blades, especially for opening bubble plastic packaging. I asked the guide to explain why I was using a cheapie. After all, it’s 2018 and we live in a world of convenience. A little grip is fine, but I don’t need my knife handle to resemble a cheese grater. These uber expensive production knives are cool, but I don’t really recommend them for EDC for most people. I put “Ultra” in quotes because this category starts at $200 plus, and it’s very easy for some folks to collect and “carry” $2,000 custom knives. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced outdoorsman or someone new to EDC culture, you’ll be able to find the perfect EDC knife to have on you at all times if you need to feel safer, more badass or a mixture of the two. I really have never been good with a thumbstud, and as I weaken (myasthgenia gravis, and age) I more and more prefer assisted opening with a flipper. Smooth is too just slippery for me. Meanwhile I really do appreciate your time and the suggestions, so I’ll keep looking. I use them both daily in my career as a Auto Tech, mostly the Benchmade because of it’s serrated blade, but the Spyderco gets a fair amount of use also and its perfect foraelf defense. Thank you for stopping by. I realize that for many people the idea of carrying even a $50 knife is a little nuts, but it’s all relative once you get into the hobby…. I have not checked that one out yet. Carbon fiber and skeletonized handles really do make a big difference if you’re carrying the knife in a front pocket. My daily EDC knife varied depending on the day, what I need to get done, my mood, and whether I’m testing out a review knife. The handle is as durable as the blade is, while the pocket clip provides a convenient carry option, but we wouldn’t recommend keeping it in your back pocket. Clad in carbon fiber / G-10 handles, this is another thin, light, high performance knife. Sometimes I prefer a clip that rides a little higher in the pocket for a work knife I will be drawing from my pocket frequently. It’s also definitely a contender, like the Griptilian, for the best EDC knife ever to be built. He turned to the guys and said “He won’t miss it when the Federales take it from him. Consequently I own a least a hundred knives, and many multiples of that have been through my hands. And naturally, I break them that way. The BlackWash finish also hides scratches, which are bound to happen no matter how much you try to avoid them, and the secure locking system keeps the blade in place and prevent slippage when using it. Hopefully this at least points you in the right direction. For me, the EDC knife is abused often. The overall weight of the product 45.4 grams, which ensures it’s lightweight and easy to use. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Harnds Vanguard Compact EDC Folding Knife, Smith & Wesson M&P Ultra-Glide Folding Knife, Kershaw Blackwash Drop-Point Knife is an EDC knife. It is currently on sale for a great price, but I can’t find much info review wise…thanks! It was my general opinion. Thanks a lot. I can’t bring myself to seriously use some of the more expensive knives in my collection. Buy EDC Knives at BladeHQ | Buy EDC Knives at Amazon. These choices vary in size and price, so some may be too big or too small to fit your budget or style of EDC, but I think most will agree that there isn’t a bad knife in on this page. We’re sure we don’t need to explain why. Most notably the Hinderer XM series and the Shirogorov 95T. I have only heard good things about it, and I’m a huge Griptilian fan to begin with – so naturally I’m all about an upgraded blade shape with S30V. If you’re breaking down a lot of cardboard boxes, you will be amazed at how much easier the scalloped blades cut them. I can understand not everyone liking the steel (154CM), handle, lack of any jimping. Both should be added to the list. Thank you Hieu! Quite nice! I'm an independent knife and EDC gear reviewer. Smith & Wesson M&P Ultra-Glide Folding EDC Knife, 7 Spyderco is one of the best pocket knife brands today and the Spyderco Para Military 2 is a must have if you are looking for one of the best EDC folding knife there is. That said, I know some people will have an absolute desire for the “best” steel. If you are on a budget and need a quality Oh yes one last thing while I have a pretty good Collections of knives (Old and New) I have to Admit that I primarily carry a 28yr. Slim, no-nonsense design paired with high end materials and exceptional fit and finish. For EDC, I far prefer an assisted-opening blade. Classics like the Kershaw Blur and Spyderco Native 5. The knife is 6.78″ open and 3.87″ closed, it … Not the hardest steel, so edge will dull faster than a more expensive blade steel, but I still get plenty of work done in between sharpenings. Of the list perhaps a Spyderco Native or one of the USA Made Ken Onion designs would suit your purposes. What do you know about the REATE EVENT HORIZON? The finger guard will offer protection, too, so you shouldn’t have any accidents when learning how to use it. It boasts a liner lock for your safety and there is also a reversible two-position pocket clip that allows you to use it in both hands. In that space of time I have reviewed somewhere between 200-300 knives, and the list grows every year. I also own a few (don’t know why a few) Spyderco PM 2s. Kizer and Zero Tolerance make some of the consistently best higher end ($150-$300) titanium framelock flippers, and you can spend close to $1000 on a Shirogorov, but you don’t need to spend that kind of money to get a good flipper. These shapes tend to function well and won’t alarm people. SUPERIOR QUALITY - The VG-10 blade has a high-performance flat-grind and is available with a PlainEdge configuration. I also like a well constructed handle. These are simply great knives. Of course plenty of people will say that steel matters in picking out a pocket knife. That said, if you are new to the site and new to knives, these are what I think are among the very best EDC knives that I have reviewed. I personally am not a huge fan of assisted openers, but I do see the value, especially for people who may need to reply in their knives in a defensive / high stress scenario (eg, law enforcement, military). Of course Spyderco was the company to put this opening mechanism on the map, inventing it in the late 80s. The blade measures 3.42”, which is an average blade length that shouldn’t give you too much trouble and the attached pocket clip makes it easy to secure to your pants or inside your jacket for easy access should you need it in a hurry. This knife is super thin and light. I like the SS roller bearings and size most. If you are looking for a great EDC knife without breaking the bank, check out our list of the best EDC knives under 50 and our top tips for picking a stellar knife for your needs. Thanks for stopping by and for the comment. The Benchmade Mini Griptillian is one of the most customizable knives from Benchmade, and it’s lightweight and compact design makes for an excellent EDC knife. Still on the farm and working the best knife I ever owned. But I think for most people a $200-400 pocketknife will be considered a ultra high end carry. This may sound obvious, but size matters when selecting an EDC. The Ka-Bar Dozier Hunter 3 inch blade is and excellent edc knife.Its a lockback design with aus 8 steel , very light weight at 2oz and comes with tip up carry. Bad idea. Hmmmmmmm……. I think the BM 950 Rift is really underated. The handle is ergonomic, which provides comfort and is especially useful if you need to use it to whittle branches while camping or chop through miles of rope to save the damsel in distress tied to the train tracks. Some countries, states and municipalities pick the appropriate size for you, and have restrictions on blade length for a pocket knife. This section is for that tough $50-$100 price point. They made fun of my cheap, discontinued, and fully function plain vanilla shotgun purchased on close out. You will want to consider the tasks you will be using the knife for, as well as social considerations. Snappy action with a dialed in flipper on IKBS bearings, paired with a sturdy framelock. If you have a maximum you would like to spend on an everyday carry knife, feel free to take a look at my “Best Below 30”, “Best Many things can go wrong. The Dragonfly was one of Spyderco's original lightweight knives and helped to introduce the use of FRN handles. Additionally, it is a good value for a mid-price point knife. If you are new to steel I have devoted an entire section of the website to the subject. If I recall correctly the difference between chive, shallot, etc is mostly size. 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? I generally like the handle to be relatively thin so it rides in the pocket well. This is distinguished from size or weight. Hi there, Plus, it’s made in the USA. That is a shame because some of my all time favorite EDC pieces can be found in the $50-100 segment. I don’t own any assisted openers except a SOG Trident. It should provide you with a decent primer on knife steel. It has saved me time and money. Sorry for confusion. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/170295107/the-dpx-hest-f-urban-the-all-american-hard-use-poc/description. Despite the price, it’s still not too cheap that you’ll feel you’re getting scammed, and with 440C stainless steel, you can still feel confident completing most EDC tasks. It’s also fast to deploy, so you shouldn’t struggle in an emergency ever again. Have your feelings about some of the Hinderer models changed now that the prices are more in line with production or mid-tech knives? Super cool design. Your preferences may vary, but the ability to be easily opened with one hand is a necessity for me. This is a tough knife, built for hard use, with a 3.4 inch blade made from CPM-S30V steel. I’m a big guy (6ft4 270lbs). And, yes, I have had items stolen in the past as well. Despite this, it still has enough weight behind it to cut and slice through whatever you need. So far I’ acquired two new knives. Carried a knife on the farm as a ten year old and worked it hard every day. I would love to own a CRS or Stryder SNG but wouldn’t want to part with that much money. Here’s a shot of mine, used hard for many years: I like the lightweight plastic handled version of the Native 5, because it’s lightweight and easy to carry. Here’s mine, purchased in 2012 with my own funds, and a permanent fixture in my knife collection: If you are looking for a bigger, heartier knife than the small Dragonfly 2 and the Native 5, then the Paramilitary 2 is a great option. Maybe against an animal but never a human. I’ll spend a little time talking about each one. If I am working in the yard or helping a friend move, then I’ll spring for something larger like a Benchmade Griptilian or Spyderco Paramilitary 2. It’s a one-handed flipper with a 420HC steel blade, and this blade is treated with carbon and chromium to provide extra strength and fight corrosion. A longer, slimmer, firmer clip works best for thin materials. This is a crowded segment with a lot to choose from. If you want to cut to the front of the line and learn exactly what I think the very best EDC knife is, then I have 3 recommendations for you: the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight, and the Spyderco Dragonfly 2. As someone who has carried hundreds of different pocket knives, my goal is to help you find the ideal EDC knife for yourself – without having to own hundreds of pocket knives like I have (although it has been fun). It’s the only ZT that has interested me. Moving from extreme to another when discussing the price of everyday carry knives, the CRKT Crossbones EDC Folding Knife is our premium choice for experts or anyone who loves having the best of the best, regardless of whether they need it or not. Often people consider the “best” steel to be the one that holds its edge the longest. The satin blade finish ensures longevity, and this longevity goes further with the bead blast handle finish to deliver a product durable from top to bottom. If you want more of a full size knife, then the Native 5 is a great option. I wouldn’t want to get into a knife fight with even a much smaller guy. The Griptilian with patented Axis lock has won the hearts of knife enthusiasts since it’s original release several years back. This begs the question – what is the best size for EDC? Thanks again for the great suggestion. Tip up, tip down, right side, left side, deep carry, ultra deep carry – everyone has their preferences. Thanks again for the great questions. Be smart with it and use it like a knife. It is a “better knife” than the Endura 4. This is of course related to size, but distinct. I am pleased to see that these knives made your list, they are well worth the $ for what they give in return. Another hugely important consideration for selecting an EDC knife is how it carries in the pocket. I received a ravencrest ambassador two months ago and have cut boxes everyday with the factory edge so it might become my backup taking the place of my Mantis MK-2. For a fixed blade EDC, the CRKT Folts Minimalist is my top pick. Tom. Much better options. For a good USA made EDC I do have some suggestions here: http://bladereviews.com/usa-made-edc-knives/. It seems like manufacturers focus on the high end of the market, and the low end of the market, while the middle market gets ignored. Also note that the Top 10 EDC Knives list below is my “ultimate” list, where price is not an option. Hey, I'm Drew! Often this is referred to as the “deployment” mechanism of a folding knife, but it’s the way you get the blade open. It may struggle with more demanding tasks, though. There is a simple answer for that – I haven’t reviewed any! It occasionally becomes a screwdriver, reamer, pry bar, etc. Thumbstud. I like simple handles without a ton of jimping (serrations) and texture. These are all great knives and I’d be happy to have any one of them in my pocket. But if you want something stouter, then the Native 5 with G-10 handles and steel liners is a good choice. Our guide to the best wood axes features more quality cutting tools, so check them out. A slimmer knife is a lot more comfortable to carry, but at some point there’s a trade-off between portability and handling ergonomics. . Not yet at least. OK, with my reader’s digest “top picks” out of the way, I’ll now take a deeper dive into the best EDC knives based on price point. I work in a warehouse where I cut boxes and tape all day long which is brutal on an edge, but I do a lot of work around the house and work on cars so it also gets used for things it shouldn’t. It is being produced shortly and every aspect is USA made. The knife works well for tasks such as opening boxes, cutting food and opening food packets, etc. Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Signature Folding Knife with 2.28" VG-10 Steel Blade and High-Strength Black FRN Handle - PlainEdge - C28PBK2, dress version in fluted Carbon Fiber and S90V steel, Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Signature Folder Knife with 2.95" CPM S30V Steel Blade and Black FRN Handle - PlainEdge - C41PBK5, Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife with 3.42" CPM S30V Steel Blade and Durable G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C81GP2, BLUE RIDGE Knives Zancudo Black/Stonewash Framelock Folder, CRKT Swindle EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Gentleman Everyday Carry, Satin Blade, IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot, Liner Lock, Flat Handle, Tensioned Pocket Clip K240XXP. It comes with a fully flat ground CPM-S30V stainless steel blade. The Barrage is an excellent option. I prefer handle materials like carbon fiber and G10, although fiberglass reinforced plastic has its place. Specifically: are you going to use a pocket clip? We’ve selected the Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife as our best choice of the best EDC knives for several reasons. I may get close to reach out and stab/slash. I’ve seen the aftermath of several stabbings and it’s not pretty (intestines hanging out). Sure, you can spend more money, but this gets you good steel, time tested designs, and a value proposition that is tough to beat if you are looking for a solid tool knife. Of course the Kershaw Skyline is a classic USA made EDC as well. With Keith one hundred present. The lighter, the better. Titanium framelock flipper with bearings. The stainless steel frame lock is sturdy and secure. In fact, most of these picks are under $30. This is the best EDC knife I’ve ever owned, and has been in my pocket every day for nearly the last five years.