The 5 Best Types of Knives to Carry for EDC (Everyday Carry)
Choosing the Right Blade for Real-World Use
When it comes to Everyday Carry (EDC), a reliable knife is one of the most useful and versatile tools you can have on you. Whether you’re opening packages, cutting rope at the range, handling outdoor tasks, or preparing for emergency self-defense scenarios, the right knife makes all the difference.
But with thousands of designs on the market—from tactical folders to compact utility blades—how do you choose the best one? Below are the five best types of knives for EDC, based on practicality, safety, legality, and real-world performance.
1. Folding Knife (Manual or Assisted-Open)
The classic go-to for most EDC setups.
Why It’s Great
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Compact and pocket-friendly
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One-handed opening on most models
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Huge range of blade shapes and steel types
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Legal across more states than fixed blades
Best Use Cases
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Everyday utility tasks
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Cutting tape, cardboard, rope
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General preparedness
Popular Blade Shapes: Drop point, spear point, Wharncliffe.
For most people, a folding knife is the easiest, safest, and most practical EDC option.
2. Small Fixed Blade Knife
A compact, durable tool that’s faster to deploy than a folder.
Why It’s Great
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No moving parts—strong and dependable
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Extremely fast draw from a sheath
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Great for outdoor, camping, and defensive carry
Best Use Cases
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Camping and hiking
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Self-defense (where legal)
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Heavy-duty cutting tasks
Note: Fixed blades fall under different laws depending on your state, so always check local carry regulations.
3. Multitool Knife (Leatherman / Gerber Style)
For people who want more than just a blade.
Why It’s Great
- Combines a knife with pliers, screwdrivers, pry tools, scissors, etc.
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Saves space and weight
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Ideal for EDC, home, vehicle, or range bags
Best Use Cases
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Everyday tasks
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Gear adjustments (especially firearms and optics)
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Emergency repairs
If you’re practical-minded or work with gear often, a multitool is one of the smartest EDC choices.
4. Utility Knife / Replaceable Razor Blade Knife
The most underrated EDC knife—and arguably the safest for daily cutting.
Why It’s Great
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Blades are cheap and replaceable
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Razor-sharp edge at all times
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Great for heavy use without wearing out a premium blade
Best Use Cases
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Opening packages
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Cutting flooring, carpet, rope, zip ties
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Dirty or abrasive tasks that would dull a normal knife
If you use your knife multiple times a day, a utility knife might be the most efficient option for your kit.
5. Compact Automatic / OTF Knife (Where Legal)
Fast deployment with a minimal footprint.
Why It’s Great
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One of the fastest opening mechanisms
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Slim profile for discreet carry
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Excellent for single-handed use when one hand is occupied
Best Use Cases
- Quick-access situations
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People working in hazardous environments
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Emergency scenarios
Important: Automatic knives and OTFs (Out-the-Front) are restricted in many states, so verify laws before carrying.
How to Choose the Right EDC Knife for You
Not everyone needs a tactical folder or a fixed blade. Consider these factors when choosing:
✔ Legal restrictions in your state
Blade length, fixed vs. folding, and automatics vary widely state to state.
✔ Your daily environment
Office? Outdoors? Workshop? Range? Each environment favors different tools.
✔ How often you use a knife
Heavy users benefit from utility blades. Light users may prefer a premium folder.
✔ Comfort and carry method
Pocket clip, belt sheath, inside-pocket carry—all affect how often you actually use it.
An EDC knife is one of the most useful tools you can carry, but the “perfect” choice depends on your environment, your needs, and your local laws. Whether you prefer a classic folding knife or a modern automatic OTF, the key is to choose something reliable, safe, and easy to carry every day.