Choosing an EDC, Everyday Carry, Pocket Knife

Primitive stone tool

Humble Beginnings

The usefulness of the knife may have been discovered 3.3 million years ago, in Kenya, by our early ancestors (Morelle).

Back then, they were limited to sharp stones and sticks for the tasks of cutting food, cordage, or self-defense. Today, these remain some of our top priorities when choosing an everyday carry [EDC] pocket knife.

When choosing an EDC knife, there are two major decisions to be made: firstly, function, and then price.

Pocket Knife Functions

There are 4 main sub-groups of knives: everyday carry, tactical, multi-tool, and rescue.

To determine what functions you need from your pocket knife, you only need look at what each of these sub-sets offers.

Everyday carry pocket knives can vary from sleek, low-profile [similar to tactical/military knives] to decorative, fashionable pieces.

Example of an EDC knife; more so fashionable than discreet. Photo courtesy of James Case, copyright license, here

Tactical knives can be sprung open, with the push of a button, or little effort of a finger-flick. These knives would also be light weight, and low profile. Although most states outlaw "automatic," or "assisted opening" knives, unless carried by a police officer, or military.

Sleek profile pocket knife.

Multi-tool knives include popular brands like Victorinox, or Leatherman. As the name implies, their models come with assorted tools, like screwdrivers, files, saws, can openers, cork-screws, or magnify glasses to name a few. Price usually dictates how many useful tools come loaded with the model you pick.

Multi-tool knife, photo courtesy of  John, copyright license, here

Lastly, there's a unique class of pocket knives in the rescue category. While some of Benchmade's rescue knives, look like anything else, but knives, they are useful nonetheless, and have their place in this world. Usually a rescue knife will have some sort of window-breaker tip, or seat belt knife, in the shape of a "u," or "j", to prevent accidental injury, if used during a car accident.

Pocket knife with seat-belt cutter

I purposely omitted outdoors/hunting knives, as with this group, you typically go with a full-tang knife. A full-tang knife means the metal of the blade extends into the hilt, forming one complete, solid piece. A full-tang knife can be as compact as 3"-4", but is not as EDC as a true pocket knife.

Full-tang hunting knife, photo courtesy of James Case, copyright license, here

Pocket Knife Prices

Pocket knife prices vary greatly, from a few bucks at a flea-market/garage sale, to a whopping $45,000, at William Henry.

I received a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, for Christmas, last year, and I swear by it. I've taken it camping, to cut tinder, kindling, small branches, and even food, like flank steak, or whole potatoes [after cleaning it of course]. I also carry this pocket knife, quite literally, EDC, for self-defense, because of its sleek, almost invisible profile, and how light weighted it is, from the composite materials in the handle.

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It's all about finding that sweet spot, price range for pocket knives. I say stay away from places like Walmart, Ross, or other retailers like that. If you're on a budget, you can still find quality knives, from online sites like Amazon. 

I'm biased towards Spyderco, because of how well made my knife is, and how long it has lasted [currently 2 years of EDC/camping use], but other excellent brands are Benchmade, SOG, Kershaw, Victornix, and Leatherman. 

Some other quality knives, that are considerably cheaper are Opinel and Morakniv. 

**This blog, nor its author, in no way endorses or encourages the unlawful use of the information provided. It is the reader's responsibility to know the law when handling or carrying a pocket knife.**

Works Cited

Morelle, Rebecca. "Oldest Stone Tools Pre-date Earliest Humans." bbc. BBC, 20, May 2015. Web. 2, Nov. 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32804177

My EDC everyday carry

The traditional EDC everyday carry was focused more on survival and preparedness than practicability, like it is today.

An example of a practical EDC, photo courtesy of John Hritz, copyright license, here. 

With more people focusing on independence, by carrying self-defense tools, their own first aid, or food, it takes the strain away from others they would otherwise be dependent on.

This range of preparedness extends from both extremes, of cases: the worst, in which there's a disaster, and the most practical, in which having your own gauze, lotion, or extra pen can come in handy. 

As a summer-semester student, and at the time living in Florida, sudden tropical thunderstorms were a regular inconvenience. At times, they could be dangerous, with flooding, power outages, and high winds. Carrying an EDC meant more than carrying extra pens; I also carried an emergency flashlight, extra batteries, first aid, a Lifestraw, and a multi-tool. 

Fortunately, there was never a situation in which I had to use my emergency gear, but if there had been, where someone was hurt and city services couldn't assist immediately, I knew I had enough to provide basic care. 

Compare this to the alternative; not carrying anything. Some students came to class with the clothes on their backs, and borrowed pens and papers! To each his own, but I prefer to have some control, over relying on the good will of others.

5.11 Rush 24 backpack and my EDC

An EDC should reflect both extremes: practicability and preparedness. As pictured above, the majority of my EDC reflects what I typically use. 

In place of carrying all my emergency preparedness gear on my person, which can be cumbersome, I've opted to have a dedicated BoB bug out bag, or GHB get home bag, in the car. 

Check out my Pinterest About EDC, Prepping, Camping

Please, check out my Pinterest, about EDC (everyday carry), prepping, and camping, by clicking here. You may find some cool gear, or some useful knowledge, among other neat interests of mine.