For new knife-buyers, a common phrase you might stumble upon in knife or tactical gear descriptions is EDC or everyday carry. You might be wondering, what is an EDC knife? How is it different from other folding knives?
First off, EDC stands for everyday carry. It typically refers to gear that's carried consistently for everyday situations. For example, every day carry items can include your wallet, pens, keys, watch, glasses...something that you'd likely place in a valet tray.
An EDC knife would be something you'll pack with other everyday carry objects. EDC gear are characteristically lightweight, durable, compact, and often multi-functional, making them easy to carry or conceal in a pocket, on a belt, or in a bag. They save space and can be pulled out easily and quickly for whatever use and function. For example, an EDC tactical pen by Rick Hinderer is lightweight and durable, yet has multiple functions as a pen and tactical tool that make it great for anyone that takes notes on the field.
An EDC knife, therefore, packs a punch without taking up too much space. The various designs can also reflect your style without affecting function. For example, the Chris Reeve Carbon Fiber Small Sebenza 21 Insingo is an excellent and popular everyday carry because it is lightweight (3 ounces), compact when folded, and maintains a sharp edge time after time. It's also durable and made to withstand heavy use, day in and day out. Because of its compact size, it's easy to carry in a pocket without feeling like it takes up too much space.
Overall, an EDC can be a great option for anyone who imagines needing a reliable knife on a day-to-day basis but doesn't need a large, robust knife for most tasks. Whether you pack it in your everyday gear bag or us it as a backup in an emergency kit or toolbox, you'll be glad to have a useful tool around. To see a great collection of high-quality EDCs, look through our catalog.
