Easy Guide To Get Your First Everyday Carry Knife

So, you are tired of trying to solve problems around the house equipped only with a screwdriver, duct tape, some string, and whatever piece of cutlery you happen to have handy. While these are real-life savers in many situations, nothing beats a good knife when the time comes to get a job done.

Knives have been vital tools for most of human history. Many people imagine that its sharp nature makes them a threat. However, knives are not as effective as weapons as, say, a long stick. The usefulness of knives far outweighs both the real and imagined risks of carrying one. In fact, in many situations, not having a reliable cutting tool handy can be actually very dangerous.

Fortunately, a lot of people do understand the need for a knife. However, most do not carry them daily because they don't know what to look for when buying one. There are just too many options out there and most are sold as if they were the only knife you will ever need.

That's why we are going to offer a simple guide for getting your first everyday carry knife and can immediately take advantage of our excellent EDC Knives For Sale.

What is an EDC Knife?
An everyday carry knife is a small folding pocket knife designed to reliably perform routine tasks efficiently. Now, the nature of these tasks can differ wildly depending on our environment or personal lifestyles. That explains the huge variety of EDC knives out there. However, there can be certain common features every EDC knife should have in order to be considered reliable and convenient.

Convenience
Knives come in many sizes and shapes. There are big heavy fixed blade survival knives that might look imposing but are quite inconvenient to carry around. They also have a tendency to stick out in a suit or present a danger if you plan to keep them in your pocket.

On the other hand, there are small keychain knives that might look handy enough for regular use, but often fail under heavy load. The primary goal of an EDC knife is to provide a reliable everyday utility tool, therefore you need a medium-sized folding blade with an acceptable weight that you feel comfortable within your pocket.
 
I´m not gonna enter the “folding vs fixed” discussion because that would really bring the bats down from the rafters. Let's just say that the best EDC knives are easy to use under any circumstances and can be easily carried around or kept in a pocket\purse\bag etc. This alone will tip the scales in favor of folding knives, especially if it's your first knife.

Your knife needs to have a reliable folding mechanism. There are several deployment and folding mechanisms that work smoothly and look cool. But you generally want few moving parts in an EDC knife. Remember that the main goal here is to have a reliable, low-maintenance, high-performance knife.

Generally, look for a fast manual deployment knife with a liner or frame lock. It bears reminding that these features do not make them better per se. There are incredibly well-made assisted deployment knives that are a must for very specific situations, but right now we are looking for a precision tool you can trust no matter how much you abuse it for years to come.

Material
Remember that the sharper your knife, the less you cry. You need a high-quality knife that lasts longer, keeps its sharpness and does not rust easily. All quality blades are made of steel because it is a hard, durable material that retains its sharpness and is generally resistant to corrosion. However, there are many types of steel and each offers different properties. So, which steel should I choose?

In general, stay away from vague terms like "surgical steel". These are made to sound fancy and tend to offer subpar results. Instead, pay attention to how the maker describes the steel. Serious manufacturers will list the exact name of the steel they use in their blades This gives you an idea of their intended use, their hardness, and general upkeep.

Many excellent EDC knives are made of 8Cr13MoV steel. Its name refers to the content of steel, carbon, and chrome in them. 8Cr13MoV knives offer solid sharpness, edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance for an affordable price. Other steels like 420HC and 1095 also offer great properties and are easy to maintain without being prone to chipping when sharpening, giving you a lot of leeway when learning how to take care of your tool.

Of course, other materials offer increased performance depending on the circumstances. Hardened alloys are excellent as they offer enhanced sharpness retention and rigidity. However, you need to know what you are doing and have the appropriate tools when sharpening them or you risk chipping your piece.

Blade Length
There are many factors to take into account here. Blade length determines portability and overall weight. Having a blade that is too long and unwieldy might look cool, but it will generally be a pain to carry in your pockets and you will probably end up leaving it at home after a while.

If your blade is too short, on the other hand, it might not offer you enough cutting edge to carry out routine tasks efficiently. Usually, you will want a blade that is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches long. That will provide enough cutting surface for most tasks, and still feel comfortable enough in your hands. Remember to check your local knife laws for length restrictions.

Knife Handle
Ergonomics is extremely important when choosing an EDC knife if you really intend to use it every day. I recommend going for a handle that allows you to have all your fingers around the handle when you're using it. Also, make sure the handle does not have weird shapes or sharp angles as they can become a “hot spot” that can dig into your hand whenever you try to cut heavy materials with it.

Style
Let's face it. Knives are sexy. We often find ourselves staring at a piece just because it looks incredible. However, the reasons you need an EDC knife should determine the style. Try getting a knife you don't mind covering in grime or tape residue, and definitely stay away from knives that look designed by a Middle-Earth dwarf.

Those are some general but solid guidelines for finding your first every day carry knife. Of course, there are endless features to explore when choosing knives for different purposes, but we hope this guide will help you choose a dependable first blade and entice you to keep exploring the world of knives. If you want to know more, check out our EDC Knives For Sale, or contact our knife experts today.