The Real Purpose
An EDC knife is a cutting tool, not a weapon. You'll open packages, cut cordage, break down boxes, and slice fruit. Optimize for that reality, not fantasy scenarios.
Steel: What Actually Matters
Knife steel is a rabbit hole. Forums obsess over metallurgy, but for EDC use, you need to understand just a few key trade-offs.
The Big Three Trade-offs
- Edge Retention — How long it stays sharp
- Toughness — Resistance to chipping/breaking
- Corrosion Resistance — Resistance to rust
No steel maximizes all three. Every steel is a compromise.
Common Steels by Tier
Premium ($150+)
S30V / S35VN — The benchmarks. Excellent all-rounders. S35VN is slightly tougher and easier to sharpen.
M390 / 20CV — Edge retention kings. Harder to sharpen but holds an edge forever.
Mid-Range ($75-150)
154CM — American classic. Good balance of properties, easy to maintain.
D2 — "Semi-stainless" tool steel. Great edge retention, needs more care.
Budget ($30-75)
8Cr13MoV — Chinese equivalent of 440C. Perfectly functional, easy to sharpen.
AUS-8 — Japanese budget steel. Stainless, easy to sharpen, dulls faster.
Lock Mechanisms
The lock keeps the blade open during use. Failure means a closed knife on your fingers. All mainstream locks from reputable brands are safe—choose based on ergonomics.
Liner Lock
Most common. A bent liner springs into place behind the blade. Simple, reliable, but requires fingers in the blade path to close. Found on most budget knives.
Frame Lock
Like a liner lock, but uses the handle frame itself. Stronger, but same closure issue.Common on premium titanium-handled knives.
Axis Lock (Benchmade)
Spring-loaded bar locks the blade. Fully ambidextrous, easy one-handed close, fingers never in blade path. Gold standard for safety and ergonomics.
Compression Lock (Spyderco)
Lock engages in the spine, not the blade path. Extremely strong, safe closure.Many consider it the best lock mechanism made.
Size & Carry
The Carry Paradox
The biggest knife you'll actually carry is better than the perfect knife you leave at home. Most people find 3-3.5" blades the sweet spot—legal almost everywhere, capable for real tasks, small enough to forget it's there.
Know Your Local Laws
Knife laws vary wildly by state, city, and even building. Research your jurisdiction. Common restrictions include:
- Blade length limits (often 3" or 4")
- Automatic/switchblade bans
- Balisong (butterfly knife) bans
- Double-edge/dagger restrictions
Community Picks by Tier
Duty Grade
- Benchmade 940 Osborne — The blade that defined EDC. S30V steel, reverse tanto, axis lock.
- Spyderco Para Military 2 — Compression lock is arguably the best mechanism made. S45VN steel.
Sweet Spot
- Benchmade Bugout 535 — Impossibly light at 1.85oz. The axis lock makes it fully ambidextrous.
- Civivi Elementum — Changed the game for budget knives. D2 steel, ball bearings, incredibly smooth.
Budget
- Ontario Rat II — The legend. Ergonomics that rival $200 knives. Abuse it without guilt.
- Spyderco Tenacious — Full-size Spyderco quality at budget price. 8Cr13MoV steel.
The best knife is the one you have on you.
Pick something you'll actually carry every day.
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