The 10 Best EDC Knives for Quick Cuts, Protection, and More

A knife is a tool that can be useful for many things when carried on your person, making it easy to open packages or perform quick repairs on the go – and for protection if you need it. An EDC knife, or everyday carry knife, is a folding blade that fits neatly in your pocket or purse for emergencies, and these ancient tools have proven themselves useful. The best EDC knives are portable but have a sharp blade and can be drawn safely in seconds.

Picking the best EDstect yourself.

Best EDC Knives FAQ

1. Are the Best EDC Knives Legal for Carrying?

You should check your local laws, but most municipalities allow people to carry manual pocket knives for self-defense. They should not be brought to places like concerts or airports.

2. How Do the Best EDC Knives Open?

Most of the best EDC knives open with a flip of the wrist. Others come with a protective sheath. Automatically opening knives that use a switch are illegal in many municipalities.

3. Do the Best EDC Knives Need to Be Sharpened?

The best EDC knives are made from quality steel and come pre-sharpened. Unless you use your knife daily for work, it’s unlikely to need sharpening.

4. Are the Best EDC Knives Easy to Grip and Hold?

Most of these knives have ridged grips that fit naturally with your fingers. Some have finger holes for a more secure grip.

5. Where Can I Buy the Best EDC Knives?

The following list of the ten best EDC knives can be purchased on Amazon or at hunting and self-defense specialty stores, with some available at tool stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

How We Reviewed

The following list of the best EDC knives was reviewed based on affordability, durability of the steel, sharpness of the blade, comfort and ergonomics of the grip, ease and speed of unfolding and folding, safety features, ease of cleaning, and compliance with knife regulations.

Overall Price Range

The following list of the ten best EDC knives ranges in price from $27 to $190. The more expensive models come from top-of-the-line knife manufacturers like Buck and come with more features, while the low-cost models are smaller and the steel is less durable in most cases.

What We Reviewed

• Boker Plus 02BO230 Mini Slik Tanto Knife
• Kershaw Secret Agent (4007)
• KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade
• Cold Steel EDC Tactical Folding Pocket Knife
• Benchmade – Barrage 581 Knife

• CRKT M16-01KZ EDC Folding Pocket Knife
• Buck Knives 0095BKSTP TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Tactical Folding Knife
• Spyderco Delica4 Lightweight FRN Flat Ground PlainEdge Knife
• Case Black Trapperlock Pocket Knife with ClipKershaw Blur Black (1670BLK)

Product Comparison Table

[amazon box=”B00G5K0LLM, B00I0RUZGY, B003IXYW3M, B00U1I8T1S, B004QPFTWO, B001C63SP0, B0035QSAA8, B003CH3V5E, B0086EDM02, B0009VCA0I,” template=”table”]

​Boker Plus 02BO230 Mini Slik Tanto Knife

[amazon box=”B00G5K0LLM”]

• Features

Neck knives are an underrated choice for EDC knives, but they are highly useful for self-defense because they are easily accessible and discreet and are always close at hand when needed. The Boker Plus Mini Silk is a great choice thanks to its 440c tanto blade paired with a titanium handle, and it comes with a convenient Kydex sheath that eliminates the risk of accidental cuts. The included lanyard makes it easy to hang off your neck or from a belt loop, keeping this durable stainless steel blade close at hand for emergencies.

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Kershaw Secret Agent (4007)

[amazon box=”B00I0RUZGY”]

• Features

If you want to feel like 007 while carrying your EDC knife, this low-cost model from Kershaw delivers in both style and performance – and is a great value compared to top-of-the-line knives. The blade is a high-carbon stainless steel base with a heat-treated finish that provides a smooth cut, and the synthetic polymer handle is easy on the grip and won’t cause blisters while working. It’s a smaller knife, ideal for precise cuts but good for self-defense in a pinch, and it comes with a durable form-fitting sheath for safe transport.

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade

[amazon box=”B003IXYW3M”]

• Features

A one-piece fixed combat blade from a company with decades of experience in the weapons business, this knife has a curved handle holding a short blade ideal for close-quarters combat. Made for speed and stealth, it has an AUS-8A stainless steel blade with a black polymer handle that curves with your hand for a comfortable ergonomic grip. Coming with its own sheath for safe transport, it won’t be an ideal solution for standard cutting tasks but with practice you’ll find it’s one of the best knives for self-defense and well worth its low price tag.

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade

[amazon box=”B003IXYW3M”]

• Features

A one-piece fixed combat blade from a company with decades of experience in the weapons business, this knife has a curved handle holding a short blade ideal for close-quarters combat. Made for speed and stealth, it has an AUS-8A stainless steel blade with a black polymer handle that curves with your hand for a comfortable ergonomic grip. Coming with its own sheath for safe transport, it won’t be an ideal solution for standard cutting tasks but with practice you’ll find it’s one of the best knives for self-defense and well worth its low price tag.

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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Steel EDC Tactical Folding Pocket Knife

[amazon box=”B00U1I8T1S”]

• Features

A top knife manufacturer formed in 1980, Cold Steel has a reputation for quality construction in its weapons and this tactically designed blade is no exception – you’ll find it’s one of the smoothest cuts on the list. It’s a Japanese steel teflon-coated four-inch blade that folds closed and opens with the push of an adjustable thumb stub. A sturdy locking lever keeps the blade in place until needed, and the G-10 handle is hardy and will stand up to frequent use, making this knife a user-friendly model for work and self-defense.

Pros

• The Japanese steel blade is one of the best on the market
• Sturdy G-10 handle provides a soft grip
• Adjustable folding blade is easy to unlock

Cons

• The lock breaks before the rest of the knife
• Users report the handle can get sticky

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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Steel EDC Tactical Folding Pocket Knife

[amazon box=”B00U1I8T1S”]

• Features

A top knife manufacturer formed in 1980, Cold Steel has a reputation for quality construction in its weapons and this tactically designed blade is no exception – you’ll find it’s one of the smoothest cuts on the list. It’s a Japanese steel teflon-coated four-inch blade that folds closed and opens with the push of an adjustable thumb stub. A sturdy locking lever keeps the blade in place until needed, and the G-10 handle is hardy and will stand up to frequent use, making this knife a user-friendly model for work and self-defense.

Pros

• The Japanese steel blade is one of the best on the market
• Sturdy G-10 handle provides a soft grip
• Adjustable folding blade is easy to unlock

Cons

• The lock breaks before the rest of the knife
• Users report the handle can get sticky

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Benchmade – Barrage 581 Knife

[amazon box=”B004QPFTWO”]

• Features

Benchmade has been producing American-made knives in Oregon for decades, and their patented AXIS lock technology makes their folding blades like the Barrage feel as secure as fixed knives. This is part of the ADAMAS line, which is military-designed and gives a percentage of profits to wounded veterans, and at twelve ounces it’s one of the heaviest and most powerful knives on the list. Ideal for experienced users, it has a razor-sharp steel blade that stands up to wear and tear without sharpening, and the handle comes with three holds for a secure grip.

Pros

• Military-designed build with an AXIS lock for security
• Grip is designed for a secure hold
• Blade is durable and doesn’t need sharpening
• Profits support wounded veteran charities

Cons

• One of the more expensive blades
• Heavier than most EDC knives

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​CRKT M16-01KZ EDC Folding Pocket Knife

[amazon box=”B001C63SP0″]

• Features

CRKT is an Oregon-based company, but they’ve outsourced their production overseas – and that has allowed them to produce a high-quality knife for everyday carry that equals the performance of high-end models. This knife comes with a 3-inch AUS4 steel blade with a spear point tip and eliminates glare with a black polymer coating. It comes with CRKT’s proprietary AutoLAWK that provides extra stability, and the Zytel handle is comfortable but lacks a steel liner.

This is a convenient no-frills locking knife, but it lacks the high-quality construction of top models.

Pros

• Low cost for a quality steel blade
• Black coated blade prevents glare
• AutoLAWK system makes it a secure and steady cut

Cons

• No-frills model without added feature
• No steel liner in the handle

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Buck Knives 0095BKSTP TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Tactical Folding Knife

[amazon box=”B0035QSAA8″]

• Features

A co-production between legendary knife-makers Buck and TOPS, this is the Rolls-Royce of pocket knives and delivers in both style and performance with lots of convenient features. The knife comes with an ATS-34 blade with a tanto tip, making the high-grade stainless steel one of the sharpest blades on the list – although it lacks in water-resistance. It comes with a military-grade condor sheath that will protect your knife from the elements, and the G-10 handle with a steel liner gives you a solid grip.

Despite being a folding blade, when locked into place this knife gives you a grip equivalent to the best fixed blades.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel blade
• Condor sheath provides maximum protection
• Handle with steel liner provides an excellent grip

Cons

• Blade lacks water resistance
• Very expensive knife

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Spyderco Delica4 Lightweight FRN Flat Ground PlainEdge Knife

[amazon box=”B0035QSAA8″]

• Features

Spyderco is an American knife company based out of Colorado and has been making quality knives since 1976. This mid-priced model is their fourth knife in their popular Delica line. If you’re looking for a lightweight knife that can be pulled out in a second, you won’t do better than this 2.5 ounce model with a blade made from VG-10 steel. While most tiny knives leave thinner cuts and aren’t designed for heavy-duty work, the Delica4 packs lots of power into its lightweight frame.

One of Spyderco’s trademarks is the “Spyder Hole”, which lets you put your thumb in a hole for a firmer grip. It comes with a four-way clip that lets you adjust the position of the knife and fold it securely. The handle is made from bi-directional texturing, a proprietary design that provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel blade
• Condor sheath provides maximum protection
• Handle with steel liner provides an excellent grip

Cons

• Blade lacks water resistance
• Very expensive knife

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Spyderco Delica4 Lightweight FRN Flat Ground PlainEdge Knife

[amazon box=”B0035QSAA8″]

• Features

Spyderco is an American knife company based out of Colorado and has been making quality knives since 1976. This mid-priced model is their fourth knife in their popular Delica line. If you’re looking for a lightweight knife that can be pulled out in a second, you won’t do better than this 2.5 ounce model with a blade made from VG-10 steel. While most tiny knives leave thinner cuts and aren’t designed for heavy-duty work, the Delica4 packs lots of power into its lightweight frame.

One of Spyderco’s trademarks is the “Spyder Hole”, which lets you put your thumb in a hole for a firmer grip. It comes with a four-way clip that lets you adjust the position of the knife and fold it securely. The handle is made from bi-directional texturing, a proprietary design that provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel blade
• Condor sheath provides maximum protection
• Handle with steel liner provides an excellent grip

Cons

• Blade lacks water resistance
• Very expensive knife

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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​Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK)

[amazon box=”B0086EDM02″]

• Features

Kershaw is one of the most trusted names in knife manufacturing, and this mid-priced model delivers performance on the level of the highest-end models at half the price. It’s a short, black-coated steel blade made with SpeedSafe assisted opening for easy one-handed opening in a hurry, and the reversible pocket clip makes it one of the easiest knives to store. You can change the tip position or even flip the blade to the other side with the help of an adjustable thumb stud, making it one of the easiest knives to use.

The handle is reinforced with a steel liner, and it comes with Trac-Tec technology to prevent slippage in difficult conditions like snow and water.

Pros

• Most adjustable blade on the list
• Easy and safe to open quickly
• Handle is easy to grip in all weather
• High-quality blade at mid-range prices

Cons

• Shorter blade than the average

Where to Buy

Quality	Usability	Support
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The Verdict

When picking a EDC knife for self-defense, the quality of blade and ease of use is paramount, and all ten knives on this list passed that test. What set the winners apart were the added features that make the knife easier to use in a hurry, and one knife stood out for its user-friendly features and its reasonable price point. We give our endorsement to the Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) as the best EDC knife on the market today.