If you are about to select the best EDC knife then you need to decide what blade type you must use. So read along to understand which one will be perfect for you.
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Plain Edge knives
Plain edge EDC knives are known to be the most common type of knife. It comes with a continuous edge and is the most versatile EDC knife, making the best use of a straight edge. As you apply stable pressure for performing cuts, a long and unbroken edge will let you perform normal cutting duty in a clean way and with least resistance. Plain edge EDC knives will be much easier to maintain, as any unbroken edge can be sharpened or re-profiled easily. Any solid and plain edge knife with a normal purpose shape will surely serve you several years with maintenance that you can perform on your own.
Advantages:
- It is versatile as well as fit for many tasks.
- It can be sharpened easily.
- It will clean cuts through most of the materials.
Disadvantages:
- Tough materials will give any plain edge much more trouble.
Serrated edge EDC knives
These EDC knives come with teeth like edges ground into one knives’ blade, making one long series of small edges. If you once used any saw or a bread knife, then you must have seen them already. Such mini edges will make it much easier for cutting into stronger or even any uneven materials where you will not be able to apply stable pressure as well as have to manage various angles of approach for cutting through. Think of tree branch, rope and a tick bread piece; with any plain edge it will be taking you a long time for cutting through but any serrated EDC knife edge’s teeth will be keeping the momentum of cutting going after the teeth will bite into any material. Maintenance of serrated EDC knife edges is a huge drawback. Many small edges mean a huge work for sharpening each of them when they start to become dull eventually. Even if a serrated blade will stay beneficial for much long than any plain edge EDC knife when it becomes dull you will be either looking at any specialty sharpeners or any professional for getting it back to any factory knife in comparison to any general purpose plain edge EDC knife.
Advantages:
- It will make short work of any tougher material.
- It will keep the edges as well as bite for much longer than any plain edge.
Disadvantages
- It will never make any clean cut as a result of its teeth.
- It is very difficult for maintaining.
- Beneficial in very less situation in total.
Combo edge EDC knives
Sometimes you will not be able to select which edge EDC knife you will be requiring for every day tasks, or you will not want to carry two different types of knives along with you. So a combo edge EDC knife will be very handy in such situation because as the name suggests it will be bringing both the serration onto a single edge. It will be giving you the better of the two utility worlds and will also be giving you double maintaining work of the two edges of EDC knives. Any combo knife will provide you with one plain edge as well as serrations. But you will be getting less cutting length for working with on each EDC knife. The edge of very common combo edge EDC knives are plain and will offer you the chance of making long as well as clean cuts. Often the plain edge will be closer to the tip than any handles for giving you much better leverage along with precision. Serrated part is mostly much closer to the handles as well as your hand thus providing you excellent grip for pushing as well as pulling when you put the serrations for using on much tougher cuts.
Advantages:
- It offers the best of the two utility worlds.
- It will save you from the burden of carrying two knives.
- Many famous daily carry knives include a combo edge type.
Disadvantages:
- You will be losing length for two of the edge types which might hamper the cutting action.
Which type of EDC knife edge will be perfect?
For normal daily tasks, any plain edge EDC knife will be best for all individuals. It will give you one clean cut along with a long edge for continuous pressure as well as precision. Any serrated edge will become beneficial once any one deals with hard materials such as cutting through a rope, any heavy fabric and foliage. This type of EDC knife will be present in every household in a tool kit or any camping bag where the functionality of the knife is most required. Moreover as it will hold an edge for a long time, there is no need to become worried about maintaining it for much longer time as well as after much hard usage. If you never wish to commit to any edge as well as wish to cover each and every base, then any combo edge EDC knife will be perfect for you. A little shorter cutting length will be giving you precision as well as bite in one single knife. Most of the famous knives come along with combo edge. So there is no need to sacrifice any need for any specific brand and model.
Now that you have a proper idea of the three types of EDC knives you can take the right choice of selecting the perfect one for your requirement.
What to consider when choosing your EDC knife?
The process of selecting an EDC knife is complex as needs and preferences vary a lot from person to person. No two blades offer the same features, downsides, and benefits. That doesn’t mean that you should blindly pick your everyday carry knife. Some aspects are crucial when choosing your EDC knife.
Functionality
What you will use the knife for is a starting point when selecting the EDC knife. Maybe you need a tough blade for your rugged hunting experiences. You might need a knife to open packages or open cardboard boxes when in town. You need to think about the challenges your life will throw at you and cater your search accordingly.
Blade length
Legal regulations can impact the blade length you can use. If you plan to use/carry your blade in public spaces, any blade smaller than 2.5inches is legal in most situations. A modest edge doesn’t look scary either when you use the knife in public.
Durability
You don’t want to buy an EDC knife every six months, so look for one with a durability feel. How you take care of the knife will profoundly impact the lifespan, from sharpening to cleaning the blade after each use. Don’t expect your knife to last if you don’t take care of it. If you are willing to pay a high dollar for a high-quality EDC knife, we also recommend you learn about proper maintenance, cleaning, and use.
Deployment
The deployment method is instead a matter of personal choice. We encourage you to go into stores, try several blades and see which one you like most.
Opening mechanism
Many EDC knives can be opened and used with just one hand. The one-handed mechanism means that you only need one hand to deploy the folded knife blade; it’s typically done through a button, a flipper, or an opening hole. Even if you can use just one hand, you will open and use the knife.
You can also find spring-assisted knives and deploying the blade is effortless. The single-hand and spring-assisted models are reliable options if you plan to use the EDC knife for self-defense.
Locking mechanism
You don’t want to happen when using the EDC knife to have it open by accident. This is why a secure locking mechanism is crucial on an EDC pocket knife. The market gives you many models of pocket folding knives with locking mechanisms. Frame lock, lock back, liner lock, bolt action, and button locks are some of the lock types used for EDC knives. The mechanisms allow the blade to be locked into place when closed/open for added safety.
Handle
Wood, aluminum, and synthetics are materials used for EDC knife handles. Titanium is an excellent choice if you want a durable and lightweight handle. Titanium is stonewashed or bead blaster and anodized afterward when used for knife handles. Folding knives with wood handles look impressive. However, they are less durable than synthetic handles.
Carbon fiber, Micarta, Mokuti, or G10 are also used for the handles. Take a look at the design of the handle. Contoured handles will feel pleasant in hand and offer a secure grip.
Safety lock
The safety lock is an extra mechanism in the lock to improve safety. A knife with a built-in safety lock will reduce the risk of accidental openings. A folding knife with a safety lock prevents unwanted openings, but you will need more time to disengage the lock when you close the folder blade.
Pocket clip
The pocket clip isn’t an essential feature for the EDC knife, but it makes it effortless to carry the knife in the pants or shirt pocket. When you carry it on your belt, it will be easy to slide it on and off the belt. A pocket clip will help you know where the knife is at all times and take off the weight of the blade and place it on the pocket seam. Look for an EDC knife with a pocket clip if you plan to use it for outdoor activities or tasks where you need both hands.
Price
Regardless of the gear you buy, you should always go shopping with a budget in mind. You can find EDC knives for as little as a few dollars to as high as thousands. Even if you don’t have the most generous budget for an EDC knife, you can still find a good one for less than $100.
Style
Style is almost never, or shouldn’t be, a crucial element when selecting your EDC knife. Even if you want a knife that looks nice, you want it to be reliable and rugged more than anything else. Since the market is so generous, finding a functional, durable, and visually appealing blade shouldn’t be so difficult.
Do you know which type of EDC knife you want?
If you look at the market, you will see that there’s more than just one type of EDC knife. Here is the basic information on the most common types of EDC knives:
Folding knife
The folding knife features a pivot mechanism that connects the blade and the handle. The pivot lets the blade folded into the handle effortlessly. There are many designs for folding knives. The folding knives are easy to fit in a pocket, and you can pick between models with single blades and models with several blades.
Fixed-blade knife
As the name suggests, the blade of this knife doesn’t fold into the handle. The fixed-blade knives typically come with sheaths that protect the blades when not in use. They have various styles, according to the activity they are used for. Combat knives, hunting knives, survival knives, and boot knives are some types within this category.
Card knife
Also known as the wallet knife, the card knife is slim and looks like a credit card in size and shape. Due to its size, you can place it in the wallet next to the credit cards. You can use it when traveling or don’t like the idea of carrying another type of EDC knife. The card knife is highly portable, lightweight, and relatively long-lasting.
Lapel knife
The lapel knife is a small knife that spies typically use. You can hide it in a lapel, drop it in a sock, boot, or even in a tie. Unlike other EDC knives, the lapel knife is rather effortless to conceal. It’s reliable to use for protection and cutting as well. Due to its small handle, you have to learn how to use it without cutting yourself. You should hold it between your middle finger, thumb, and index finger, similar to a key.
Multi-tool knife
The multi-tool knife is the most versatile pocket knife and a top-rated choice amongst campers. It contains a blade and other tools, such as a reamer, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, etc. You can find multi-tool knives that include tweezers, scissors, and nail files.
