Every outdoor enthusiast knows that life in the outdoors is full of little problems. From shaving down kindling to fending off rogue squirrels; from forging a shelter to tackling unexpected emergencies, being prepared with the right equipment is a necessity. No matter what your task, or where you take them – from the deep backwoods, to the backyard – it’s important to carry a quality knife that can hold up to the rigors of everyday use.
The EDC Guide…
At it’s core, Everyday Carry (EDC) refers to an individual’s personal selection of equipment that are can be easily carried everyday for job, sport or hobby. Yet in a broader sense, “EDC” is a lifestyle. It’s a discipline. A philosophy of preparedness. With this in mind, our team put a list of our favorite EDC knives for the outdoor enthusiast.
CRKT: Shenanigan Z – Designed by Ken Onion
An indispensable tool for the hiker, camper, or hunter, this high-utility folder is quick to engage and supremely secure when opened. A perfect blend of feather weight and big time performance, this knife was designed to tackle a lifetime of hard work. The Shenanigan™ Z boasts CRKT’s AUS8 stainless steel blade, a virtually indestructible nylon handle and bronze bushings for beautifully smooth one-handed opening. The modified drop-point styled blade offers three inches of precise cutting power, but at less than $70, the Shenanigan™ Z won’t cut into your finances. New for 2013, this Ken Onion designed knife shows that it’s as passionate about the outdoors life as you by sporting the optional Realtree™ Xtra camouflage or Realtree™ Xtra Green camouflage handles.
Blade Material: AUS8 steel at HRC 58-59 / Blade Length: 3.25 in / Open Length: 8.25 in
Leatherman: Crater c33T
When it comes to your every day carry, you’d like versatility, but don’t want to be weighed down with 30 different gadgets. That’s one of the reasons that our team has come to place such a high value on the Leatherman Crater c33T Multi-Tool. At a length of 2.6 inches, both the c33T and c33Tx models feature a 420HC stainless-steel drop-point blade that locks securely into place when unfolded. Whether you need to cut rope, tighten a screw, or open up a bottle to celebrate your victory over the trail, the Leatherman CRT series offers the tools you need in one compact multi–functional product. Simply put, it’s durable and innovative performance for everyday outdoor use. It’s the versatile tool you’ll want to buy more of… just because.
Blade Material: 420 HC Stainless Steel (58-61HRC) / Blade Length: 2.6 in / Open Length: 6.4 in
Spyderco: Tenacious
Tenacious: “Not easily dispelled or discouraged; persisting in existence or in a course of action. Holding fast.” In short, a perfectly apt definition for this worthy EDC knife. The blade is leaf-shaped and razor sharp right out of the box as we tend to expect from Spyderco’s these days. In typical Spyderco form, the ergonomics of the handle are spot on providing a secure grip. Tucked inside the handle are skeletonized steel liners increasing the handle’s rigidity and strength without adding non-functioning weight or bulky thickness. All told, the Tenacious is a terrific little performer at the lower end of the budget scale.
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV / Blade Length: 3.39 in / Open Length: 7.76 in
Benchmade: 551 Griptilian
Featuring an easy-to-grip handle, dependable assisted-opening, and a trustworthy blade, and the patented Axis lock, it is easy to see why the Griptilian has been winning over the hearts and pockets of knife enthusiasts for years. The Griptilian is available in plain and combo edge versions, as well as with a BT2 blade coating. What this knife may lose in the weight category, it more than makes up for in its capabilities. It’s so capable in fact that one member of our gear squad literally tossed out all of his old knives, making this Benchmade beauty his go-to choice for work in the field and on the farm. In the instance you’re looking for a EDC that not only provides years of loyal service but fits your personality, Benchmade lets you customize your own Griptilian. As noted in our full review, with just a few easy steps you will have a truly unique Griptilian® to match your individual tastes and needs.
Blade Material: 154CM (58-61HRC) / Blade Length: 3.45 in / Open Length: 8.02 in
BALADÉO G-SERIES 27G
With its compact size, low weight, and immense versatility, the Baladeo Knife is an ideal daily companion. This simple, elegant Baladeo Knife is versatile enough for everyday use around the house or around camp. When the knife is closed, the edge seems exposed; however the blade is chisel ground which means that the sharp edge rests totally flush with the handle. While the cutout handle doesn’t provide the solid feel of the other knives in our list, the innovative design means it’s one accessory that will never bog you down. In fact, you won’t even know you have it until you need it. As easy on the eyes as it is in the hands, this is one knife that will bring a smile to even the most discriminating gear connoisseur. Also available in additional sizes including the 22G, 37G and 37G Titanium styles.
Blade Material: 420 Stainless Steel / Blade Length: 2.9 in / Overall Length: 2.9 in
HELLE: Eggen
A perfect blend of simplicity, beauty and versatility, the Helle Eggen pays homage to the unique way of life in Holmedal Norway. Don’t let the Eggen’s good looks fool you, this knife is designed for real work in the world beyond city limits. The substantial curly birch handle is shaped to form a finger guard and feels natural in the hand while at the same time making this knife a virtual piece of art. A drop point blade of triple laminated stainless steel and full shank make the Eggen nigh indestructible while the fixed blade means there’s no moving parts to gum up and fail in the field. While it’s true that the Eggen is one of the more expensive knives featured in this series, the reality is that it’s part and parcel to Helle’s philosophy of no compromise on quality. The result is legend-worthy toughness and edge retention in a blade that is ready to become a lifelong outdoor companion for generations to come.
Blade Material: Triple Laminated Stainless Steel / Blade Length: 3.9 in / Overall Length: 8.3 in
COAST Portland: Rapid Response Knives
A lightning-quick design allows rapid deployment of the blade with a simple flick of the thumb stud on the blade and the Rapid Response jumps into action. The knife uses Coast’s patented Max-Lock technology which provides a second lock system. This safeguard secures the blade closed when not in use and double locks the Liner-Lock when open, even if the Liner Lock is inadvertently dis-engaged. Simply put, it locks as tight as a pitbull’s bite so you get a little extra piece of mind when you need it. A stainless steel frame and nylon filled nylon handle add strength and durability making these knives as tough as your adventures. The compact nature and reliable deployment of the three inch knife has made it the primary carry for our endurance trail runner. The steel blade offers easy sharpening, and you can take comfort knowing this series is backed by Coast’s lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.
Blade Material: 5Cr15Mov Stainless Steel / Blade Length: 3.9 & 3.0 in / Open Length: 8.75 & 7.0 in
Morakniv: Heavy-duty MG
The wilderness can be a harsh and unforgiving place, and the Morakniv Heavy Duty MG Knife is the type of versatile tool such landscapes demand. Our second Nordic knife on the list, this fixed blade features a 3.2 mm thick carbon steel blade offering a level of strength that would make superman jealous. A contoured handle and rubberized grip is our favorite of the EDC group, guaranteed to give maximum control of the blade even in wet conditions. The classic scandi grind combined with high quality carbon steel makes the knife easy to resharpen while the included plastic sheath with a belt clip keep the blade protected. The only thing better than this knife’s performance? An incredible price-tag of under $20, easily making the Heavy Duty MG the best value of the group. For those who embrace the broader ideal of the EDC as a philosophy of preparedness and discipline, the Morakniv Heavy Duty MG is one knife that will never flinch in the face of work or worry.
Blade Material: Carbon Steel / Blade Length: 4 in / Overall Length: 8.5 in
CRKT: S.P.E.W. – Designed by Alan Folts
The S.P.E.W, or the Small Pocket Everyday Wharncliffe, is a small Fixed Blade Knife from Columbia River (CRKT). Featuring a slimmed down design with a fixed blade, this knife offers easy carry and maximum utility. The simple yet sturdy design is the reason that this EDC has been with us every adventure since it’s arrival. The blade is a wharncliffe shape with a high hollow grind and an extremely sharp tip which is a great feature for detail tasks. One of the reasons our crew loved this knife was the variety of carry options that it offers. A molded kydex plastic sheath with lanyard that made this knife easy to slip around your neck and keep close at hand whenever heading out into the field, yet is small enough for a comfortable pocket carry. While the handle may appear to be slender, it offers a surprisingly solid grip for easy overall control. Add in the fact that the S.P.E.W. has held it’s edge exceedingly well and you’ve got a solid choice for your outdoor EDC knife.
Blade Material: 5Cr15Mov Stainless Steel / Blade Length / 2.6 in / Overall Length: 6.25 in
A note on our suggestions…
The selection of an EDC knife s a very personal decision. While there are many factors such as materials, weight, and function that should be considered at the end of the day what is most important is that your EDC knife is a reliable product that can perform time and again.
There are those who suggest that a fixed blade should never be considered as your go-to EDC. While our team agrees that there is great value to having a knife that is reasonably small and light, keep in mind that this is a general guide for outdoor enthusiasts. For the avid outdoors enthusiast who spend their time hiking, camping, fishing and so on, we don’t believe that carrying a quality fixed blade is in any way impractical.
Perhaps most important is the way the knife feels in your hands. As such, we recommend that whenever possible you check out the fit and feel of these products in person before making your purchase. After all, if a knife doesn’t feel as though it belongs in your hand, you’ll never use it… then you’re back to your unacceptable habit of venturing out in the great outdoors minus a dependable tool.
*With the exception of the Benchmade Griptillian knives, Gumption Gear Review received the products featured in this review from the manufacturers at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.