When it comes to picking the knife you’re going to carry each and everyday, of course it’s important that the knife is capable of performing basic tasks, but it’s also important that you actually like the knife you are carrying. Personal preference is the primarily factor for choosing a knife, and I wouldn’t recommend buying a knife based strictly on features unless you also like the knife.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when purchasing an everyday carry knife, and we’re going to discuss some of those below.
Table of Contents
Intended Purpose
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing an everyday carry knife is what your intended purpose for your knife is. This may seem obvious, but different knives are suited for different tasks, and the last thing you want to do is buy a knife which is unable to do what you want it to do.
The best EDC blades are versatile and can do almost anything.
For example, if you live on a farm, you may need a sturdy knife which can cut thick rope or bundles, while a hunter may want a specialized hunting knife.
Opening Mechanism
While often forgotten, the opening mechanism is an important consideration when choosing an everyday carry knife. The reason the opening mechanism is so important is because the opening mechanism decides how fast the knife is able to open.
Some knives have single-handed systems, with a thumb stud, while other knives may actually require two hands to open.
Size & Weight
Size and weight are two of the most important factors you should consider when deciding which knife to purchase as your everyday carry knife. If you buy a knife which is to heavy, it may prove to be a pain while carrying it around. On the contrary, if you purchase a knife which is to light, or to small, then it may not be able to adequately perform the tasks at hand. A reasonable length for an EDC blade is about 3 inches, but it’s important to check your local knife laws and see what is permitted in your area.
Local Knife Laws
To avoid trouble with the law, it’s important to know your local knife laws before purchasing a knife. Sometimes a knife may fit all of your criteria, but simply may not be legal in your region. In some states for example, you actually need a CCW permit in order to carry a fixed blade knife. If you’re unable to find information on your local laws, local police stations are usually more then happy to help.
