Buying an EDC Knife? Here’s the Only Quick Guide You Need

When browsing the internet and stores for the perfect knife for you, the process can be nothing short of stressful and even frustrating. There are numerous features, usages, materials, and other such points that you need to consider before you purchase any knife, but especially everyday carry knives.

That is why we have compiled a brief guide for purchasing EDC knives. At The Knife Connection, we are proud to connect all of our customers and knife enthusiasts with the best knives on the market. We are also proud of being able to properly guide them to purchase the best options for their particular needs and preferences.

Without further ado, let’s dive right into our guide for purchasing EDC Knives.

Consideration of Usage
Before you purchase any knife, you need to consider exactly what your intentions of usage are going to be. For example, will you be solely using it for hunting and cleaning game? Will you be using your new knife for only outdoor survival tasks, like starting a fire and/or splitting wood?

These usages are specifically for others knives, like hunting and bushcraft knives. However, if you are looking for something that is a compact and lightweight utility knife that can help you with nearly any and every task, then you will certainly be needing an EDC (everyday carry) knife.

The uses of these particular knives know nearly no bounds, as they are made to be versatile tools fire and foremost. You carry these around with you every day and use them to assist you with various tasks. Just some of the applications of EDC knives include:

●Making kindling
●Opening packages
●Opening bottles
●Gutting fish
●Stripping wire
●Cutting threads that are loose
●Preparing food
●Cutting paper

As you might imagine, this list is not at all comprehensive, as there are numerous usages for these types of knives. Now that you have a better idea of their usages, let’s take a look at the key features of these knives.

Key Features of Everyday Carry Knives
Knowing the features of everyday carry knives will greatly assist in understanding the knife that you’re about to add to your knife collection. There are several key features to these unique knives that you need to consider prior to purchase.

Folding and Fixed Blades
With these particular knives, you have the option to choose either a fixed or folding blade. Folding blades are ideal for those that want a knife they can seamlessly slip into their pocket and carry around all day. Fixed blades can provide a bit more rigidity and security.

Pocket Clip/Sheath
Whether you opt for a folding blade or a fixed one, you need to think about how you’re going to carry it. A pocket clip on a folding knife or a sheath for a fixed blade will allow for easy carrying and easy retrieval, if need be. Many pocket knives also feature reversible pocket clips, a bonus for righties and lefties.

Blade Length
While there is no universal “ideal” blade length, many EDC knives are on the smaller side, with blades from 2 to 4 inches in length. Anything shorter is more likely to not provide you with the usage capabilities you require. However, anything longer may add to the weight of your knife and prove to be less impractical for EDC - but this may vary according to your individual needs.

Blade Shape and Material
While the length is important, the blade’s shape also matters, as it would in any types of knife you would buy. Everyday carry knives can have nearly any type of blade (and you should choose wisely depending on what you intend on doing with it): drop point, clip point, sheepsfoot, spearpoint, wharncliffe, trailing point, drop point tanto, and tanto, among many others.

The blades of these knives are made of various materials, as all knives are. Be sure to choose something that is durable, long-lasting, and sharp (of course). Keep corrosion resistance in mind, especially if you’re going to use your knife roughly and in unforgiving environments. Remember also that edge retention may be attractive, but that the harder a steel is, the harder it will be to resharpen, especially in the field.

Handle Material

While the blade is exceptionally and undeniably important, you should also closely consider the handle material. You require something that is sturdy and has enough grip so you can use the knife with accuracy, efficiency, and confidence. This is so important that we even have a whole blog post on common knife handle materials!

However, it is worth noting that titanium is extremely popular for everyday carry knives, as they are well-known to be lightweight and sturdy. If your EDC knife is not going to receive routine TLC, opt for a corrosion resistant metal like this, or choose a synthetic like G10 or Micarta.

Lightweight and Compact
On that note, pay close attention to the weight and how compact your knife is. Everyday carry knives should do just as their name implies: be carried with you every day. Therefore, a lighter weight will make it easier to bring with you, as will its overall size.

Folding Blade Mechanisms: Opening and Locking
For those who prefer folding EDC knives, there are several opening and locking mechanisms to choose from. You should closely consider these because they add to the knife’s overall comfort and either do or don’t adhere to particular laws (more on that in a moment).

As for opening mechanisms, there are two-handed, one-handed, and spring-assisted opening mechanisms. The two-handed option requires you to hold the knife with one hand and open the blade with the other. One-handed mechanisms allow you to open your blade with just one hand by the assistance of a flipper, button, or opening hole.

A spring-assisted opening mechanism, however, enables rapid blade deployment, as it allows the user to open the blade swiftly with the help of a thumb stud.

Locking mechanisms also matter, as they provide an added level of safety and security, when the blade is open. There are a few types of these mechanisms available: frame lock, lock back and liner lock among the most popular.

Laws
One of the most important aspects of purchasing an EDC knife (or really any knife) is to check your local carry, ownership, and other laws first and foremost. You may even be banned from carrying a specific knife at all, depending on your state or other locality. Be sure to check these closely as to adbide by these specific laws and to hinder any sort of potential hassle from law enforcement.

Now that you know what to look for in purchasing EDC knives, browse our catalogue of high-quality and dependable knives. They are bound to adhere to any and all of your preferences! If you have any questions about our everyday carry knives or other knives, give us a call at (866)-336-2834. We can’t wait to hear from you!