What does an EDC knife mean? Let’s see! It’s an EveryDay Carry knife that is perfect for the pocket and ultimate for your purse.
EDC knives are outdoor essentials, especially for people who are enthusiastic adventure gurus. EDC knives are the best small pocket knives that you do not realize how much you need until you start carrying it usually. In short, EDC folding knives are not a luxury — they’re a necessity.
Some advantages of using EDC knives are that you can use them in the kitchen and outdoors — for hunting, camping, and cutting food. These knives come in handy in various situations and are probably the most helpful pocket objects you will definitely use. Just like when you go out for dinner and take your wallet with you, you should take the best EDC knife with you when you go camping.
It would be best if you tried to find the best EDC knife for you, research the market, and make them an inseparable part of you for different life-saving situations, starting from self-defense to using them for utility purposes. These are the coolest pocket knives that you can carry every day and everywhere.
Some features for you to consider before buying an EDC knife are:
a. Legality
You definitely want to find out if it is legal in your current location’s law system to own an EDC knife. For example, in the United States, the legal EDC knives are Swiss Army knives, utility knives, and knives with blades shorter than 2.5 inches. And there are definitely places in the US where you cannot carry knives, such as schools, courts, government buildings, planes, etc.
In fact, every US state has different laws regarding carrying pocket knives. For instance, in New York, the accepted fixed knife blade length is 4 inches, while it’s 2.5 inches in California. These are some minor things to consider, so if you plan to visit another state, make sure to research the currently accepted laws of the specific state here.
European countries too have their own specific laws regarding EDC or pocket knives — every country has its own approach and attitude of “allowed or not allowed” laws in public spaces. However, compared to the US, the European style is more strict regarding pocket knives and cutting tools in general.
The one thing to consider is that the legal regulations concerning EDC pocket knives have an upper limit to the length of the blade, and not only. The laws also have regulations of having a justifiable or legitimate reason/purpose of why you are carrying the specific pocket knife. In general, just make sure to research because, in some countries, it can lead to a serious penalty when caught.
b. Type of the knife
You definitely need to consider its size, the blade material, if it is folding, or if it is a multi-tool. If you want to get the best EDC knife, you most probably need to ensure its type and quality. So, make sure to know the difference before you buy, so you avoid unexpected consequences because the function of how you will use them varies based on the type you get.
c. Level of comfort
An essential part is to get the one you really are comfortable with using or even simply carrying. The best EDC knife is not the one with a winning style or is the cheapest. And it’s most likely not even the coolest pocket knife unless it matches all of your desired safety criteria. Overall, using a knife can also be dangerous, so you want to make sure to get the one you are comfortable with to always stay safe.
Our Top Picks
1. CRKT Drifter EDC Folding Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ everyday carry | ❌ Location of your shipment |
| ✔️ G-10 handle | ❌ Unavailability of assist open |
| ✔️ Easy to open: thumb stud function |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Manual
- Handle Material: Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Blade Material: Grey Ti Nitride
- Blade Length: 2.88″ (73.03 mm)
- Edge: Plain
- Steel: 8Cr14MoV
- Blade Finish: Titanium Nitride
- Blade Thickness: 0.09″ (2.31 mm)
- Grind: Hollow
- Closed Length: 3.66″ (92.96 mm)
- Open Length: 6.50″ (165.10 mm)
- Weight: 2.4 oz (68g)
- Handle: G10
The specified Drifter series of CRKT’s are the best budget knives you can own. The lightweight G10 handle knife is best for easy-use situations. The knife has premium stainless steel with a 3-inch grey titanium nitride drop point blade.
The smooth opening of this EDC knife makes it easier to use. This is the best EDC knife with a similar colour pocket clip to the handle. The blackness cannot be a problem to hide, especially with darker coloured jeans. Overall, this is one of the best pocket knives due to its simple structure, making it the best lightweight EDC knife.
Further information
2. Kershaw Speedsafe Pocket knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Water-resistant | ❌ Won’t stay sharp for long |
| ✔️ Professional hunting knife | ❌ Plastic grip |
| ✔️ Speed-safe assisted opening |
Specifications
- Special Feature: water-resistant
- Handle Material: 6061-T6 aluminium, Trac-Tec inserts
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
- Item wight: 0.26 Pounds
- Included Components: 1560 hunting-folding-knives
- Style: Smooth Edge
The Kershaw pocket knives are the best EDC utility knives. With a SpeedSafe Assisted opening, you can open it quickly, with one hand without effort. This is the best EDC knife with an extremely comfortable thumb stud that makes it easier to open with just one push. It also has a removable pocket clip that you can adjust in a tip up or tip down position, whichever you prefer, for easy use.
The knife has been on the market for so long, making it a trustworthy reason for you to consider. One of its best qualities is that it’s water-resistant. Meaning you can use it in any condition, such as freshwater, marine, snow, mud, etc. Above all, with its all considered effortless techniques, this could be your best-assisted opening knife.
3. Spyderco Tenacious Folding Utility Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight | ❌ Bigger than a regular spydercos |
| ✔️ for camping, hiking, hunting | |
| ✔️ includes a pocket clip |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Lightweight
- Handle Material: Fibreglass
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: ComboEdge Serration
- Material: SyntheticBlade Edge: Flat
- Included Components: Spyderco Tenacious G-10 Combo
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 1 inches
You ask, “what’s the best pocket EDC knife?” Of course, it is hard to distinguish which one is for you with all the best EDC knives in the market. And surprisingly, the best EDC knife is the lightweight one. One of the best lightweight EDC knives is the Spyderco Tenacious knife.
This is maybe one of the best lightweight pocket knives. It has a G-10 laminate handle with skeletonized steel liners. It also has an easy-to-use structure, with a perfect shape that allows you to open and position your thumb on the spine. This is the best pocket-friendly knife for you to consider, as it includes a Walker LinerLock and a 4-way pocket clip, which gives you a variety of ways to carry the knife.
The whole-black style makes it more stylish for black outfit lovers. It is made in China and it is actually a budget-friendly pocket knife. The one benefit it has is its pocket clip, which can be adjusted to not only tipped up or down, but also you can adapt it to left or right.
4. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Carbon stainless steel | ❌ Can fall apart after external or constant use |
| ✔️ For camping | ❌ Opens halfway through |
| ✔️ High quality |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Lightweight
- Handle Material: Aluminium
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Style: Extreme Ops-Box
- Blade Edge: Serrated Clip Point
- Included Components: KnifeWeight: 3.84 ounces
- Dimensions: 0.94 x 4.41 x 1.38 inches
This EDC folding knife is made with Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel and an aluminum handle. It’s a quick and easy use, considering the pocket clip, the finger flipper, and the ambidextrous thumb knobs. This is the best EDC knife for professionals who maybe use knives every day.
It’s a knife for ready-to-use-in-a-second situations and is also the best affordable EDC knife. It has an overall 7 inches when opened.
Although it might not be easy to use, you can use it for all situations such as outdoors, tactical, and survival situations, or even put it next to your coolest pocket knife collection.
5. CIVIVI Knives Elementum Folding Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Perfect for outdoor use | ❌ Not for people who have weak hands |
| ✔️ Solid blade | ❌ Some material can fall off |
| ✔️ Small size |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Lightweight
- Handle Material: G-10 handle
- Blade Material/length: Stainless Steel/2.96 Inches
- Style: Manual
- Blade Finish: Satin/Stonewashed
- Weight: 2.89 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.93 x 1.18 x 0.66 inches
This EDC pocket knife is the best razor that provides style and is for everyday practical use. The knife comes in different colours, you can pick whichever works best for you. It’s a lightweight knife with a G-10 handle material, stabilizing the in-hand comfort. Its smoothness is because of the stainless steel material, which provides effortless use for an easy-to-use situation.
This is one of the best EDC, affordable, high-quality pocket knives that can be used for utility services and daily tasks, such as camping, hunting, indoor and outdoors knife-needed activities. The pocket knife also has a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship, which makes it more exciting to own.
6. Columbia River Folding Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Foldable | ❌ Firm lock up |
| ✔️ Locking blade | ❌ Unstable flip mechanism |
| ✔️ Resistant |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Foldable, Locking Blades
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Spear Point
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Blade Length: 3.06″ (77.72 mm)
- Dimensions: 4.75 x 1.5 x 1.25 inches
- Included Components: CRKT M16-01KS, Pamphlet
This EDC folding knife is pretty special due to its unshakable safety. It has features that make it easy to use. For example, when it comes to cleaning the knife, you can detach the pieces to clean properly. It also has ultimate protection in the form of Automated Liner Safety.
Although it has a firm lock up, it stabilizes and secures the blade with its thick lock bar. Its enhanced protection improves corrosion resistance. It has one position pocket clip: it’s a tip down only. The blade has a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers any defects in material or workmanship. As an everyday carry knife, its size is comfortable for everyday use.
7. RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool Folding Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Camping knife | ❌ Without package instructions |
| ✔️ Secure locking mechanism | ❌ Unreliable knife case |
| ✔️ Easy to carry | |
| ✔️ Multi use |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Foldable, Locking Blades
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 0.49 poundsBlade Length: 3.15 inches
- Dimensions: 4.34 x 1.3 x 1 inches
- Power Source: Manual
- Included Components: CRKT M16-01KS, Pamphlet
This multi-use pocket knife is a satisfactory use for knife lovers and for those who use knives as tools in every workday. It has a 9 in 1 screwdriver bit set for many activities, which makes it more worth buying. It’s made of solid stainless steel and has a durable black oxide coating. Perfect for camping, fishing, hiking, adventuring, activities, and home improvements. This multitool pocket knife includes:
- Knife blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutter
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Screwdriver Bit Adapter
- 9-in-1 Screwdriver bits set
It’s an easy-to-carry folding knife that comes with a nylon sheath and a belt loop for fast access, which makes it a must-have in your daily outdoor-related working life.
8. OUTDOOR EDGE Replaceable Blade Folding Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Changeable blade | ❌ Difficulty of cutting hard materials |
| ✔️ Includes 6 extra blades for change | ❌ Weak thumb opener stud |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Replaceable Blades, Foldable, Lightweight
- Handle Material: Grivory® with TPR inserts
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 1.8 x 1.4 inches
- Power Source: AC/DC
- Included Components: Razor Lite EDC Lockback Blue
This blade changeable razor blade is one of the best-assisted opening knives. It has a coated blade that provides support for a standard knife. These are Japanese 420J2 stainless razor-blades that can be heat treated and hand-finished to a shaving-sharp edge. Its best feature is that it has a double-sided thumb stud, which makes it easier to use, and open.
This pocket knife includes 6 extra changeable blades and a replaceable pocket clip. You can use this knife for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, camping, etc. It has a sharp steel and has a precise wheat treatment that provides high-quality value.
9. GRAND WAY Military EDC USMC Tactical Jack Knifes
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Rosewood handle | ❌ Might not lock into position |
| ✔️ Emergency glass breaker | ❌ Not lightweight |
Specifications
- Special Feature: Spring Assisted, Locking Blades, Foldable
- Handle Material: Rosewood
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 6.9 oz
- Blade Length: 90 mm (3,54 inches)
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 1.89 x 0.75 inches
- Power Source: Manual
These military tactical jack knives are the best EDC utility knives. They can be used for different outdoor purposes, such as fighting, hunting, bushcrafting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc. The knives are made of high-quality materials such as rosewood, and stainless steel, making them a glass breaker in emergency situations.
It’s a type of blade that has a handle of 2 steel liners, connected with screws and remote stack bolts, and equipped with a glass breaker tip. Both sides are covered with wood plates protected by the metal bolster that provides a safe fit in hand. The ergonomic shape provides a very comfortable and stiff grip. It is a great utility tool crafted from high quality and sturdy materials for professional and also tourism lovers alike.
10. Gerber Gear 22-41830N EAB Pocket Knife
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Clip point blade | ❌ You need a hard screwdriver to remove the blade |
| ✔️ Replaceable blade | ❌ So small, it could get lost |
| ✔️ Durable stainless steel | |
| ✔️ Lightweight |
Specifications
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Overall length: 4.1 inches
- Closed length: 2.4 inches
- Dimensions: 6 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches
The most durable pocket knife in the market is the Gerber Gear pocket knife. It’s an easy-to-use knife with removable blades, a stainless steel body, and a liner lock construction. It’s durable and is constructed for long-term use, which you can use in your daily indoor and outdoor activities. Its small size makes it possible for you to hold it in your pocket, backpack, or purse.
This is the best lightweight EDC knife, which is only 2.2 ounces and 2.4 inches in length when closed. It also has a convenient pocket clip that doubles as a money clip and allows the knife to rest on the edge of the pocket, which increases accessibility. Overall, this pocket knife is one of the safest, easy-to-use everyday folding knife, that is a must-have for knife lovers.
Final Thoughts
In reality, these EDC knives are a part of your personality and taste. They represent the style, colour, blade type, handle material you love and are comfortable with using. These reviews are about the best EDC knives, and each of them has its significant components for everyday use. For some of us, the best EDC knife is an adventure tool. But for others, it’s more of a daily necessary tool, which we can take anywhere (due to their small and comfortable sizes).
Choosing the best EDC knife is not an easy task to do, as you need to consider different essential components that work with your own taste, which is what makes picking a pocket knife a personal experience. People are different, so are the knives they choose based on their personalities. So, do your research wisely and pick the best EDC knife for you. While researching, keep in mind that you need to consider the knife features, benefits, and most importantly, the drawbacks to avoid further consequences. It would be best if you also considered the price, functionality, style, and longevity. Overall, you can see and choose which one suits you best for yourself among our reviewed best EDC knives.
