The EDC pocket knife is a trusty pocket-sized tool that is always useful to have with you. Whether you’re an outdoorsman, hunter, DIYer, or just someone who likes to tinker and craft, an EDC pocket knife is an essential item for any toolbox.
In order to find the perfect EDC pocket knife, you’ll need to consider a number of factors including:
- Blade quality: pretty straightforward
- Size and weight: where are you carrying it, how big are your hands, etc.
- Locking mechanisms: lock blade, fixed blade, switchblade, etc. (some are illegal)
Advantages
An EDC (everyday carry) pocket knife is an inexpensive and helpful tool that can come in handy in the most unexpected situations. EDC pocket knives can be great life savers when used correctly and are the perfect size to fit comfortably in anyone’s pocket. In conclusion, EDC pocket knives provide a myriad of advantages in terms of convenience, self-defense, and cost-efficiency.
Best everyday carry knives under $50
- Best all-around knife: CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife
- Runner up: Ontario RAT II D2 Knife
- Honorable mention: Kershaw Cryo II Knife
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife is an everyday carry (EDC) knife with a sturdy and lightweight design. It features a 3.46″ D2 steel blade, a textured G10 handle, and a frame lock for safety and convenience. The blade has a plain edge for precision cutting tasks and is also equipped with a flipper for rapid one-handed opening.
Advantages
The CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife offers a number of advantages over other EDC pocket knives. The plain edge blade allows for precise cutting, while the flipper provides quick one-handed opening. The frame lock provides additional security for the blade, ensuring that it stays in place when in use. Additionally, the G10 handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle and use.
Disadvantages
The CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife does have a few drawbacks. Firstly, the 3.46″ blade is relatively short, limiting its applications to delicate tasks. Additionally, the G10 handle can be slippery in wet conditions, making it difficult to handle with ease. Finally, the frame lock does make the knife safer to use, but also makes it slower to open than some other EDC pocket knives.
Conclusion
The CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife is a great choice for everyday carry. It is lightweight, yet durable, and its plain edge blade, frame lock, and flipper make it suitable for precise cutting, security, and quick opening. While there are a few drawbacks, such as its short blade length and slippery handle, overall the CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Knife is an excellent choice for EDC pocket knives.
Ontario RAT II D2 Knife
The Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is one of the most popular and versatile knives available. It boasts an impressive build quality, with a corrosion-resistant D2 steel blade, full-tang construction, and an ergonomic design. The knife also features a lock back mechanism for safety, and a pocket clip for easy carry.
Pros
One of the biggest benefits of the Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is its versatility. It is highly suitable for a variety of tasks, from edc use to camping, bushcraft, and even self-defense. The knife is sturdy and well built. It’s built to last. The grip fits snuggly and comfortably in your hand.
Cons
The blade of the Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is a little short for some tasks, and the pocket clip is a bit on the flimsy side. The blade may also need to be re-sharpened more often than some other knives due to the D2 steel.
Why it is better than other knives
The Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is better than other knives due to its versatility and reliability. The ergonomic design and lock back mechanism provide additional safety and control, while the pocket clip makes it easy to carry. Furthermore, the D2 steel blade offers good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable knife.
Conclusion
The Ontario RAT II D2 Knife is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and versatile knife. It offers many great features, including a corrosion-resistant D2 steel blade, full-tang construction, lock back mechanism, and pocket clip.
Civivi Elementum Knife
The Civivi Elementum knife has a modern design and a slim profile, making it a great choice for pocket carry. The blade is constructed from Bohler M390 stainless steel and measures 3.25 inches long. Civivi has equipped the blade with an aluminum handle and a stainless steel pocket clip for comfortable and discreet carry. The knife is also equipped with a ball-bearing pivot system, which provides smooth and fast opening. Additionally, the Elementum also features a flipper for easy and intuitive opening.
Benefits
One of the major advantages of the Civivi Elementum is its lightweight design. You will barely notice the knife in your pocket, it’s that light. The slim profile also makes it easy to conceal and keep hidden, while the pocket clip makes sure it stays secure. The M390 steel blade is also extremely hard and sharp, providing excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
The Elementum also has some of the best flipping action of any pocket knife on the market. The ball bearing pivot system and flipper provide smooth, fast and easy deployment.
Drawbacks
While the Elementum is an excellent knife, it does have some drawbacks. The blade is slightly shorter than other pocket knives, making it less suitable for tougher tasks. The aluminum handle is also fairly lightweight and may not hold up to abuse as well as other materials, such as G10.
Comparisons
When compared to other pocket knives, the Civivi Elementum stands out due to its lightweight design and superior action. It is smaller and lighter than the Spyderco Clipitool, while still providing great edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Elementum also has better flipping action than the Kershaw Skyline, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a smooth and fast opening experience.
Conclusion
The Civivi Elementum knife is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a slim profile and modern design. The lightweight design and superior flipping action make it a great choice for pocket carry and everyday use.
Kershaw Cryo II Knife
Pros
The Kershaw Cryo II Knife is a great pocket knife for everyday carry. The knife has a 3-inch blade made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, which is resilient and resistant to rust. Additionally, the steel is hardened to a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58, which provides great edge retention. The blade has a frame lock construction and is equipped with the reliable SpeedSafe Assisted Opening system, allowing for quick, easy deployment of the blade.
Cons
The Kershaw Cryo II has its drawbacks as well. The steel used is not as strong as other materials, such as CPM-S30V. A partial serration on the blade may also limit the versatility of the knife when compared to a full flat-ground blade.
Comparison
It offers a slim design, lightweight construction, and a reliable assisted opening mechanism. Additionally, the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and provides good edge retention. However, it does not have the strength of higher-end steels found in more expensive knives, and its partially serrated blade limits its versatility.
Conclusion
The Kershaw Cryo II is an excellent choice for an everyday carry pocket knife. It is lightweight, slim, and comes with a reliable assisted opening mechanism. Its 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and holds an edge well. However, its partial serration and weaker steel are drawbacks that may limit its versatility when compared to other knives in the same price range. Overall, the Kershaw Cryo II is a great value for a quality pocket knife.
Kershaw Natrix Knife
The Kershaw Natrix knife is a high-quality knife that has a wide range of uses. It is a lightweight, slim knife that features a drop point blade and easy opening flipper. It is a quality blade that is made of 8CR13MoV stainless steel and features a strong and durable frame lock. Additionally, it features a SpeedSafe assisted opening system that makes it easy to open with a single hand.
In terms of its appearance, the Kershaw Natrix knife has a classic look with its black handle and corrosion-resistant finish. Additionally, it is comfortable to hold with its ergonomic shape and lightweight design. It is also highly versatile, as it can be used for tasks ranging from cutting rope and slicing through fabric to piercing through tough materials.
When it comes to performance, the Kershaw Natrix knife is a reliable tool that offers an excellent cutting edge. It’s a cinch to sharpen unlike some of its competitors. In contrast to other knives, the Natrix is light but strong, making it suitable for more demanding tasks.
Finally, in comparison with other knives, the Kershaw Natrix knife offers superior performance and durability.
Steel Will Cutjack Knife
The Steel Will Cutjack Knife is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that can be used for an array of tasks. The knife also has a dual thumb stud opening, a flipper, and a pocket clip for easy carry.
This knife is suitable for edging, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The handle is made of G10, which provides an excellent grip in wet and dry conditions.
The pros of the Steel Will Cutjack Knife are its versatility and durability.
The cons of this knife are its lack of a locking mechanism and the lack of an effective edge retention. Additionally, the flipper opening may not be ideal for some users.
This knife can be compared to other multi-tools, such as the Benchmade Mini Griptilian or Spyderco Para Military 2. The Steel Will Cutjack Knife has a slightly longer blade than either of these knives, as well as an improved handle design. The G10 handle provides an excellent grip in wet and dry conditions, making this knife suitable for a variety of tasks. Additionally, the PVD finish ensures that this knife will hold up to daily wear and tear.
In conclusion, the Steel Will Cutjack Knife is a versatile and reliable multi-tool that is suitable for a variety of tasks. The handle has a G10 finish that ensures a secure grip in both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the dual thumb stud opening and pocket clip make this knife easy to carry and use. All in all, the Steel Will Cutjack Knife is an excellent choice for any multi-tasker looking for a reliable and versatile tool.
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Knife
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Knife is a multi-use pocket knife that features twelve different functions.
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of the Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Knife is its portability. The twelve tools included with this knife also make it very convenient when performing outdoor tasks. The lifetime warranty is another big plus, as it guarantees a long life of use.
Cons
The Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Knife is relatively expensive, depending on the model and where it is purchased.
Conclusion
The Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Knife offers overall great quality and convenience for users. The twelve tools included with the knife make it very useful for outdoor activities.
Read more: Victorinox Review: Everyone’s First Pocket Knife
MVP 1805-SOT Knife
MVP 1805-SOT Knife is a sleek and modern tactical style folding knife made by MVP-Knives. The knife has a thumb stud on the side for quick and easy opening.
Pros
The MVP 1805-SOT Knife is a great choice for everyday carry, as it is lightweight and easy to carry with its pocket clip and slim style. The G10 handle is durable and comfortable. The thumb stud and pocket clip are great additions, as they make opening and carrying the knife much easier. The stainless steel blade is razor sharp and holds an edge well. It also has a striking ceramic coating, which looks great and adds to the durability of the blade.
Cons
The MVP 1805-SOT Knife does have its drawbacks. The G10 handle can be slippery when wet, and the pocket clip can be difficult to adjust. The ceramic coating on the blade has been known to chip or wear off if not taken care of properly.
Comparisons
The MVP 1805-SOT Knife is a great choice for anyone looking for a modern tactical style folding knife. Compared to similar knives, the MVP is more affordable and features a great ceramic coating to improve the durability and performance of the blade. The G10 handle is comfortable and durable while the pocket clip makes it easy to carry and deploy. The MVP 1805-SOT Knife is a great choice for any knife enthusiast or everyday user.
Conclusion
The MVP 1805-SOT Knife is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight and reliable folding knife. It is well made and features a great ceramic coated stainless steel blade and a durable G10 handle. The pocket clip and thumb stud make it easy to carry and deploy.
Gerber Gear Flatiron Knife
The Gerber Gear Flatiron Knife is a high-performance tactical folding knife that lives up to its reputation as a reliable piece of cutlery. The blade is made from 7Cr17MoV stainless steel and is available with either plain or partially serrated edges. It also features an ambidextrous thumb stud for easy opening and an adjustable pivot for tension adjustment.
The Gerber Gear Flatiron Knife is designed to be a solid, reliable tool for a variety of tasks. It features a G-10 handle that is impervious to water and provides a secure grip in wet conditions, while also providing user comfort. The comfortable handle also features a barrel lanyard hole so that the knife can be attached to objects for convenience. Additionally, the lock back offers secure blade locking that allows the user to have peace of mind in heavy-duty tasks.
When it comes to comparing the Gerber Gear Flatiron Knife to other knives on the market, it’s hard to beat.
CRKT Drifter EDC Knife
The CRKT Drifter EDC Knife is a great all-purpose utility knife. The blade has a razor-sharp, 8CR13MoV stainless steel and a black oxide-coated finish for hard wear and a long-lasting edge.
The CRKT Drifter EDC Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile utility knife. The 8CR13MoV stainless steel blade is strong and sharp, and the handle is comfortable to use. The folding blade and pocket clip make it easy to carry and conceal when necessary.
The CRKT Drifter EDC Knife is an excellent value. It is well made and should provide years of reliable service.
The CRKT Drifter EDC Knife has a few minor weaknesses, such as the lack of a lanyard hole on the blade and the blade not being easily accessible when the knife is closed.
Overall, the CRKT Drifter EDC Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile folding utility knife. It is strong, sharp and easy to use. The folding design and pocket clip make it easy to conceal and convenient to carry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute best EDC knife?
What is the absolute best EDC knife? The absolute best EDC (Every Day Carry) knife is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. It features a 3.4 inch blade with a partial flat grind and a unique Spyderco SpyderEdge Serration. The G-10 handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and a secure grip. Additionally, the Paramilitary 2 includes a pocket clip for easy access.
What knives do Navy SEALs use?
Navy SEALs use a variety of knives depending on the mission. Commonly used knives include Ka-Bar, SOG, and Benchmade. Ka-Bar is a classic all-purpose combat knife, while SOG is a fixed-blade knife with a unique blade shape. Benchmade is a folding knife specifically designed for military and law enforcement use. All three are known for their durability and reliability in the field.
What is the highest rated pocket knife?
The highest rated pocket knife is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. This knife features a three-inch blade made of CPM S30V stainless steel, a G-10 handle, and a compression lock.
What blade size and shape are and why is it important to consider when shopping for an everyday carry knife?
Blade size and shape are important considerations when shopping for an everyday carry knife. The size and shape of the blade determine how the knife will perform certain tasks. A clip point blade is good for piercing and slicing, while a drop point blade is best for cutting and chopping.
What blade material is and why it’s important to consider when shopping for an everyday carry knife?
Blade material is the material used to construct the blade of an everyday carry knife. Depending on the intended use of the knife, the right blade material should be carefully considered.
What the locking mechanism is and why it’s important to consider when shopping for an everyday carry knife?
The locking mechanism is the adjustable clamp that attaches to different railing sizes. The locking mechanism also helps protect the knife from damage and wear and tear.
What legal considerations are and why it’s important to consider when shopping for an everyday carry knife?
Legal considerations refer to the laws and regulations that must be adhered to when shopping for an everyday carry knife. In some areas, knives with blades longer than a certain length may be illegal.
