Knowing what the Best EDC Knife Of 2019 is can give you a good idea of some of the great knives you can carry with you every day.
There is one thing most of us need and that is more time in nature. The mass culture society we are living in is obsessed with technology, fast-food restaurants, and polluted city areas. While living in a city does allow you to find a job with a better income, there are a number of cons to it.
The major disadvantage of living in a highly populated area is all the stress that you cope with on a daily basis. Whether it is work-related, paying bills, or dealing with traffic jams, that stress can eventually build up and cause a number of medical conditions. One of the best ways to cope with it is nature, which is an inexpensive form of entertainment where you can totally relax and recharge your batteries.
One of the best ways to relax in nature is to go camping. Why? Because it can be a solo or a social activity, and you don't need much more other than a proper tent, some change clothes, food, and water. And yes, a good pocket knife!
Investing in a proper knife goes a long way when it comes to your camping experience. As the market is huge, and there are a number of high-quality brands to choose from, making the right decision isn't always the easiest thing to do. That is why we decided to help you.
We did some research, scrolled through a few online selling services, and made a list of top 5 best EDC knife options. Followed up with a buyer’s guide and FAQ, this article should be a good enough source of information to make the decision an easy one. Without further ado, let’s take a look.
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Comparison Chart
Spyderco C122GBBKPS Tenacious Folding Knife 3.38″ Black Combo Blade G10 Handles
StatGear Pocket Samurai Linerlock Black
Utility Knife, Multi-tool Pocket Knife with Bottle Opener, Hex, Slotted and Phillips Screwdriver Bits
Kizer Knives Pocket Knife with Clip G10 Handles Material EDC Folding Knife Sheepdog V3488 (Blue)
CRKT M16-03S EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Satin Blade, Liner Lock, Aluminum Handle, 4-Position Pocket Clip
Best EDC Knife of 2019 Reviews
Spyderco Tenacious G-10 EDC Knife
If you are a knife enthusiast or you simply want to buy a high-quality item that will come in handy on your camping trip, you are in the right place.
The Spyderco Tenacious EDC knife is an affordable US-made product that has everything a proper pocket knife should. Durable and compact it will allow for years of heavy use.
Product Highlights
The Spyderco Tenacious brand is a well-known name when it comes to EDC knives. This fact allows us to put trust in this product right from the start. It is crafted in the US using high-quality materials.
While it does not include a lifetime warranty, you can be sure that this product will last you a long time.
Starting off with the blade, it is made out of stainless steel and has a wear-resistant coating that will allow it to endure under the harshest conditions.
Along with a strong blade, this knife includes a laminate handle that has built-in steel liners which allow for comfortable and weight-free handling.
The round hole at the bottom of the Spyderco blade allows for easy opening, while the 4-way pocket clips let you adapt and carry this knife the way you want – up the tip, down the tip, left hand, right hand. It is medium sized yet just the right dimensions for any camping purpose.
The blade stands at around 3.5 inches long. A high-quality knife, at an affordable price, this Spyderco Tenacious knife is something you shouldn’t miss out on if you enjoy collecting knives.
What's to like about the Spyderco Tenacious G-10 EDC Knife
There are a few good things about this product – still, the main highlight is the black coated stainless steel blade that has a sharp and precise blade adequate for cutting, striking, striping, and even self-defense.
Featuring a big round hole (that allows simple opening), it has the perfect design and makes this knife the perfect product for recreational use.
What's not to like about the Spyderco Tenacious G-10 EDC Knife
Like any other product, this one has a flaw or two as well. The main thing we are concerned about is that while the opening is quite easy there are certain problems when it comes to safe closing, especially after heavy use.
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StatGear Pocket Samurai Higonokami EDC Folding Knife
Maybe the best proof that a high price doesn’t need to mean high quality is this StatGear Samurai Pocket Knife – it is extremely affordable and packs immense power and convenience.
Attractive, compact, and precise, this product is something you should absolutely have by your side whether you are on a camping trip or are out hunting or fishing.
Product Highlights
Starting off with the attractive and modern design, this knife comes in a number of different colors ranging from black, gold, and purple, to red, blue, and grey. We are talking about a precise and durable knife that is going to last you a long time with proper use and care.
Why? Because it is made according to the Samurai standards and we all know that they were pretty serious when it comes to their blades.
The absolute highlight of this product is the tanto blade – it is rust-resistant and is extremely sharp so you should be pretty focused whatever you do with it. The main reason that it is compact and durable is the 440c stainless steel this blade is made of.
Precise and smooth, any heavy-duty work will be easy with this bad boy. This knife stays sharp for quite a while, and as it has an honest edge so re-sharpening doesn’t present a problem.
While it is smaller than the one we reviewed above, and the blade is only around 5cm, it is still adequate for cutting, slicing, and even Ferro rod striking. The grip is a non-slip one and is quite comfortable so you shouldn’t feel fatigued even after hours of using it.
It is versatile and can be attached to a keychain or put in an easy-to-reach pocket. Featuring a liner lock, it is safe to close, and easy to open. Overall, a fantastic product for a ridiculously low price.
What's to like about the StatGear Pocket Samurai
Apart from the fact that this knife has an incredible design, the best feature is the tanto blade which is so smooth and precise that it acts as a good competitor to the higher-priced EDC knives. Made out of 440c stainless steel and just the right size, it is everything you would expect from a high-quality blade.
What's not to like about the StatGear Pocket Samurai
The biggest problem with it is that it does not include a finger guard. This means that when using it you will have to be extra careful not to hurt yourself. Along with that, the keyring might not fit every keychain and that is an issue for people who were expecting a keychain knife.
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K1 Utility Knife Multi-Tool
If you are planning a camping trip and you are not sure what you might need, we recommend that you invest in this product.
While it has a primary purpose of acting as a pocket knife, it also includes a bottle opener, screwdriver bits, and even a ruler. It is a 16-in-1 product for the price of an average pocket knife.
Product Highlights
Starting off with what this product includes, we are talking about a multi-purpose tool that can be used as a pocket knife, bottle opener, pry bar, ruler, and a screwdriver.
It is small and compact and can fit in your pocket or be attached to a keychain. When you are on a camping trip and you don’t have a lot of space to bring different tools, this one will be a gamechanger.
One of the best things about the EDC blades is that they are replaceable and using this knife is completely safe as it includes a press lock feature. What you should know is that this knife is quite sharp (although it may not seem like it) and you should use it with extreme care.
It doesn’t have a pocket clip but can still be fit in your pocket. It is primarily made as a keychain tool and the whole multi-design is according to that idea.
The blade has a smooth opening and closing and works better than what you would expect from a multi-tool.
To be honest, it is the perfect gift for a friend or family member that enjoys nature-related activities such as camping, hiking, or even hunting.
What's to like about the K1 Utility Knife Multi-Tool
What is amazing about this product is that it includes a number of different tools, packing everything in one compact and convenient item. While it is not expected, the blade is sharp enough and will provide you with good service.
What's not to like about the K1 Utility Knife Multi-Tool
You can’t expect a perfect product taking into consideration the price you are getting it at. There are two major problems – firstly, it is not as sturdy as you may hope, and while you have a 1-year warranty, you shouldn’t expect that it lasts much over that.
Of course, if you don’t use it that often, this tool may last you quite a few years, but taking into consideration regular, heavy duty use, the warranty just covers its lifetime.
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KIZER Knives Pocket Knife with Clip
If you do have a somewhat higher budget and you want a good knife no matter the cost, we have something for you.
While it will not break your budget, it is more expensive than the three mentioned above, but that’s for a good reason.
A multipurpose knife that is adequate for fishing, hunting, and camping, this KIZER product is a great choice.
Product Highlights
KIZER is a well-known brand that has been in the knife manufacturing industry for quite some time. This knife comes in two different variations, with blue and black colors both being available at the same price.
One of the most important things about any knife is its length – this one stands at 15.66 cm with the blade itself being at around 6 cm long. It is considered a medium-size knife but has the perfect size to perform any heavy duty work whether it is slicing, cutting, or even self-defense.
What you want from a higher-priced knife is high-quality material, and in this case, that is what you get. The blade is made out of 154CM stainless steel and is sure to last you a long time with proper use and maintenance. It is sharp and you shouldn’t have trouble resharpening it every now and then.
On the other hand, the G10 handle is quite comfortable and you will not feel fatigued even after using it for a longer time. It comes with a pocket clip and can be effectively attached to your belt as well. Not to forget, it features a quick-draw system that is highlighted by the caged ceramic ball pivot.
What's to like about the KIZER Knives Pocket Knife
The biggest plus for the KIZER is the build quality, it just feels good in your hand. That plus the grip make for an excellent every day carry knife. It can be used in a wide variety of situations thanks to its large, strong blade, yet can slip into a pocket with ease.
What's not to like about the KIZER Knives Pocket Knife
Price aside the deep liner lock is frustrating, and the pocket clip is of a much lower quality than the rest of the knife which is a shame.
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CRKT M16-03S EDC Folding Pocket Knife
This knife is sitting at a mid-range price and is manufactured by the well-known CRKT brand. This alone should ensure you that the quality is excellent, and it is just the right knife if you respect a good sharp blade, and know the importance of flipper quickdraw opening.
Product Highlights
As we mentioned above, the company that manufactured this product is well-known and has been in the knife industry for quite a few decades. This product is an excellent example of how they combine reasonable price with great value.
It comes in four different variations – aluminum bead blast, stainless bead blast, nylon bead blast, and tan bead blast. Along with that, you can choose between the triple point serrated style and the plain edge style which has a more common design to it.
The thing that highlights this knife is the M16 ergonomic handle. Unique with bored holes in the grip, it is comfortable and will allow for safe and simple handling of this effective knife. Along with that, it comes with a Carson flipper opening and the automated liner safety. Both of these allow for quick draw and safe closing and ensure that using this product will be nothing but pure pleasure.
It includes Veff™ serrations which come in handy when it comes to rope cutting or Ferro rod striking. The blade is sharp and sits at 3.5 inches long. One of the most important things about this great product is the limited lifetime warranty – another sign of excellent customer service and the high quality that this brand offers.
What's to like about the CRKT M16-03S
While it has an attractive design, and the blade is precise and sharp, the thing we like the most is the M16 handle. After all – that is what this product got its name from. It is so comfortable that you will not feel any weight handling it, and very soon after, knife work will become your favorite part of the day.
What's not to like about the CRKT M16-03S
No matter how good this product might seem, there is always some con. It is not made out of AUS 8 steel which may be a surprise for people who were expecting only the best out of this high-quality knife.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
As you can see there are a number of affordable EDC knives that will fit your needs whether we are talking about camping, hunting, or fishing.
Still, there are factors you should consider to make sure that you are making the right decision.
Without further ado, let’s look at the most important points in buying an EDC knife.
Size and Weight
When it comes to the size of an EDC knife, it all depends on what you need it for. Our personal recommendation is that you shouldn’t go for a knife that is shorter than 15 cm and has a blade shorter than 5 cm.
On the other hand, an ideal length for an all-around knife is around 20 cm with the blade being 9-10 cm. As for the weight, the lighter the knife is the better – a good EDC knife will weight somewhere around 100-150 grams.
Blade Shape
The shape of the blade is one important factor to keep in mind when choosing your EDC knife. Some blades are designed for specific tasks while other are designed more for general duties.
If you want to know exactly what are the different blades on a pocket knife for then check out our post here for more details.
Edge Type
The most important feature when it comes to EDC knives is the edge as it does most of the work. Ideally, the edge should be smooth and made out of 440C or 158CM steel.
The black coating is recommended, and if it includes serrations that allow for better rope cutting, it is just another plus to an overall good edge.
Opening Mechanism
The main idea of buying a pocket knife is to have a convenient EDC tool that will be easy to handle.
Bearing this in mind, the opening mechanism is quite important, and in our opinion, the Carson flipper is the best there is. It allows quick drawing and is quite simple to do.
Closing Mechanism
On the other hand, closing is as important as the opening. The biggest concern is that the closing mechanism is not safe enough and that is why lock liners are a must.
There are a few closing mechanisms, but our favorite is the one that includes a frame lock – it keeps the blade in place, and there is no risk of it popping out without your action.
Grip Style and Material
All knives should be simple and easy to handle. The best material a pocket knife handle can be made of is the G10 composite – it allows for a non-slip grip and comfortable use.
Along with that, a laminate handle is great as well, as any weight that comes with knife work will be released due to the built-in steel liners.
How to sharpen your knife
Keeping your knife sharp and ready to work is important and requires a bit of skill and knowledge. If you need to know what is the best way to sharpen a pocket knife then check out our post here.
F.A.Q.
What is an EDC knife?
Before you can get into the process of choosing your knife, you need to know what an EDC knife is. EDC is the abbreviation for “everyday carry.”
It is a pocket knife that is great for any kind of outdoor use whether it is camping, hunting, or fishing. The main idea of the EDC knife is to be clipped to your pocket, keychain, or a belt, and be within reach at any given moment.
Why carry an EDC knife?
The purpose of an EDC knife is quite diverse and it all depends on what your intentions are when you are going out in nature. With a proper EDC knife, you will be able to perform numerous tasks including cutting, slicing, striking, stripping, and even self-defense.
What is a good steel for an EDC knife?
As you could see from the knife models we have listed above, the best material a knife can be made of is steel.
Still, not every steel is equal as some type is stronger than others. When it comes to an EDC knife we suggest that is made out of 440c stainless steel or 158CM steel.
How to fix a pocket knife that won’t close
One of the most important mechanisms in an EDC knife is the closing one. It is not uncommon that even the best EDC knife may have problems closing and that is a reason for concern.
Still, in some cases, you can fix it on your own. Inspect the mechanism for any debris, sand, or dirt that may be on the mechanism.
If that is the case, remove it and apply a mild lubricant.
If you notice missing parts or anything else that is not easy to fix, we recommend that you take it to a professional knife smith who will take care of whatever needs to be done.
How to open a pocket knife
The whole idea of the EDC pocket knife is that it is easy to open and handle. With this in mind, if it includes a flipper opening, it will be as simple as using your index finger to activate the system.
On the other hand, a knife may include a thumb stud or a thumb hole opening that is not as common, but still allows for simple opening as it is ambidextrous.
FINAL VERDICT
Investing in a proper EDC knife is something we think of as a must if you are planning to start camping or hiking and mountaineering.
Out of all, our favorite is the CRKT knife that holds great value, as it is easy to open (using the Carson flipper system), includes a sharp blade, and has a lifetime warranty that will cover any material and built-in defects.
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