YOU CAN DEPEND ON EACH OF THESE EDC FOLDING KNIVES

BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

There are many fine EDC knives, including this Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

What do you really want in an everyday carry blade? I ask myself that question every time I pick up a new knife and think, “This could be the one.” Of course, there has never been just “the one.”

This time around we’re talking about folding knives. And no matter what your primary uses of a knife happen to be, there are many models that can serve you well.

There are great knives that come very sharp and are made of excellent new steels that strike a good balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. But those qualities come at a much higher price.

Price is, therefore, another consideration. A good quality knife can last a lifetime. If you’re one who’s apt to lose things, maybe you don’t want to spend top dollar on the next stranger who comes along and happily finds your knife. If you tend to abuse a knife by using it as a pry bar or screwdriver, maybe you need a multitool instead of damaging a pricey folding knife.

Are you opening packages, cutting rope, field-dressing game, performing camp kitchen chores, cutting coupons or carrying a knife as a backup weapon? Will you be around saltwater or harsh environments? Your answers will help to determine the blade size and shape, opening procedure, locking mechanism, as well as handle material and shape.

What’s legal plays a part too. Are automatic knives prohibited? Do the authorities in your area consider an assisted opening knife to be a switchblade? Are there blade length restrictions? If the pocket clip is visible does that constitute open carry?

Not all EDC knives need to be menacing-looking “tactical” models. I normally carry two knives. Yes, one is a larger blade that fits my hand well, opens easily one-handed and locks securely. I carry that in a left-hand pocket as defense for a possible gun grab attempt as I carry a handgun on my right side.

But I also carry either a more traditional, “old-fashioned” pocketknife, such as a Case folder or a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, that handles most of my mundane everyday cutting chores. It allows me to keep the larger blade sharp and discreet. No one needs to know I have it. No one needs to feel nervous by it.