In my experience, no stand-alone piece of EDC gear is more useful than a knife.
But in the front pocket of my jeans, I carried my dads Case Model 2138 Sod Buster.
When he gave it to me, it had seen quite a bit of wielding and patina.
There is a vast number of options to consider when selecting a knife for every day carry. How do you decide what features are the most important?
I cleaned it up and it was all mine.
It proved more than a good companion.
I still have that vintage knife from more than 40 years ago…
If you are carrying a knife in public, a discreet approach may be preferred. Here the author shows the low profile knife sheath he uses to carry a blade on his police duty belt.
But what EDC knife is right for you?
Fixed Blade or Folding?
I will defer to my colleague Mike Boyle, who recently wroteFixed Blade vs. Folding Knife.
Steel is an alloy and can have an infinite number of blends to produce different material characteristics. Some steel is excellent for knife blades, while other types of steel may be better suited for other tools.
As a career law enforcement officer, I agree with everything Mike wrote.
Both of us started as rookies before the arrival of the modern one-handed opening folder.
Other opening devices would follow.
Knives can have many different handles. Each has a specific purpose when designed. Grip material is also important, with laminate like G-10 being quite popular for EDC and self-defense use.
I now carry a fixed blade at work when possible, keeping it simple and strong.
Folders certainly have their place for ease of EDC and this is how most people bring their blade.
Well get tofolder locksand safety momentarily.
Approach your knife selection with an eye to your likely uses. Self-defense knives are great, but many people will use them solely to open boxes or other packages.
These will sharpen easily, but not retain a keen edge long.
If you dont know a CPM-S90V from a 440A, do a little research before choosing a knife.
I make knives with 154CM (and Alabama Damascus).
For many EDC knives, pocket clips are a standard feature. Before buying, make sure the clip is compatible with your preferred carry method. Some clips are reversible.
Tool steels such as A-2, D-2, O-1, or W-2 are often used by custom knife makers.
Finally, specialty steels H-1 and LC200N are excellent in corrosive environments.
Profiles
The general shape or outline of a blade is its profile.
Arguably the two most popular blade styles are clip points and Bowies.
Spear points, stilettos, and daggers are pointy for penetration.
Wharncliffs have a straight edge for power at the tip for downward cutting.
Skinners have deep bellies for flaying.
Persians are upswept, hawksbills are downswept.
Recurves and kukris pull materials in for serious cutting.
The Kris is a Filipino flame shape.
And there are more to be sure.
A hollow ground knife tends to have a thin profile that leads to a keen edge.
Full flat grinds tend to achieve a similar result.
Appleseed or convex grinds are known for their overall strength.
Tantos, which traditionally have a single bevel or asymmetrical bevel, are like tanks in thrusting.
Scandi grinds are made primarily for bush crafting.
Ask yourself what will you be using your knife to do.
Handle Design
Comfort or aesthetics?
Thats a sliding scale for each user.
I prefer an ergonomic form, but give some nod to looks.
This may not be as important to some purely utility users.
Creativity and function can meet in a well-made knife handle.
What feels just right in your hand is best.
A poor design can cause hot spots and injury during vigorous use.
Or all of them!
Pretty can be the enemy of durability, so human-produced materials are predominantly designed to be tough.
I like textured materials in a using knife, and organics on a presentation blade.
An EDC knife can be indispensable for many daily chores, but not prying.
Some other locks have secondary safeties.
Beware of a lack of quality control.
Tooled leather sheaths can be absolute works of art.
When given exotic inserts made of alligator, stingray, or ostrich, for example, they level up.
Thermoplastics like Kydex, Holstex, and Boltaron are weatherproof, practical materials.
I recently wrote an article onhow to make a Kydex holster.
Retention is always a consideration.
Friction fitting is okay, but snaps, straps, and holster-style locking mechanisms can be paramount in security.
Pocket Clip
Folders are best accessed in the pants via a pocket clip.
Designs can be ornate or plain.
I no longer employ these on duty.
Yeah, dad said that, too.
