The most famous folding knives for edc. The best EDC knife for daily use. Kershaw Cryo Knife - Heavy Duty

When choosing a knife for every day, an inexperienced buyer will be confused by the abundance of options for folding knives. Such a number of steels, shapes, sizes and types of locks will confuse anyone. How can a person inexperienced in this matter assume that a simple folding knife turned out to be a complex high-tech product?

Let's try to figure it out. First, let's define what kind of beast this is - a knife for everyday carry or, as they sometimes say, a city knife. Although this is not entirely true. The name came into Russian, like most modern phrases, from English.
The term EDC (Every day carry) refers not only to knives, but also to other items that a person not only constantly carries with him, but also regularly uses. There is no universal set of everyday things, but several items are an integral part of the modern person. What do each of us carry with us every day? Keys, phone, documents, bag or backpack, watch and of course a knife. Since the population of our vast country lives in different geographical, climatic and financial conditions, the knives for everyday use will vary. The emergency doctor has his own knife, the office worker has his own, the electrician has his own, and the St. John's wort has his own. Therefore, it is not entirely correct to say that an EDC knife is necessarily a city knife.
It so happened that greatest number people are concentrated in cities, and due to the specifics of their lifestyle, it is the city dweller who finds it difficult to choose a knife for everyday wear. Let residents of rural areas and specialists not be offended, but I will consider an urban folding knife as an EDC knife.

Let's consider the criteria for choosing an EDC knife by decreasing importance.

1. Size and weight

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing any item for everyday carry, be it a knife or a flashlight, is the overall dimensions and weight. Carrying around a bunch of important and not so important items every day, every gram becomes the center of attention. It seems that 200, 300 grams are mere trifles, but believe me, when you have a 300-gram thing attached to your pocket, after a while it will turn all your attention to itself and eventually move into the category of “outdoor” knives or will go on the shelf. I will not recommend fixed blades as a city knife. There are those who like to carry small “fixes” like Cold Steel Secret Edge 11SDT or Spyderco Shirley-Owens ARK, many of which are neck knives. These people know what they want to get from such knives, but for now we will focus on folding knives. With the same blade length, in most cases, a folding knife has more compact dimensions. The dimensions of a folding knife directly depend on the length of the blade. For urban conditions, the most convenient blade length would be a blade up to 100 mm. The main thing is practicality, and a blade longer than 100 mm is not much more effective than a short one, but it will increase its size and weight. So we decided on the size and weight of the knife for EDC: the optimal weight is up to 150 g and the blade length is up to 100 mm.

2. Comfort and convenience

This is where things get a little more complicated. To choose a knife for yourself, you need to hold it in your hands. There is no other reliable way. And if you best friend says that the Spyderco Endura knife fits perfectly in the hand, then he is undoubtedly right, but only in relation to its anatomy. Everyone's palms and concept of comfort are different. For some, a short handle will be an excellent compact option. If you do not have the opportunity to hold the knife in your hand, be guided by the length of the handle and the simplicity of its profile: the length of the handle is no less than the width of the palm and there are fewer various bends and grooves. I would also include ease of wearing to this point, that is, a clip or case is used for this. Each method has its pros and cons, but most agree on the advantages of the clip - you don't need a belt, and all you need to do is remember to attach the knife to your pants pocket. A big advantage in choosing a knife will be the ability to move the clip to the other side of the handle, and you can wear the knife on both the right and left side of your trousers.

3. Materials

The steel of the blade should be wear-resistant enough to hold the cutting edge (KE) for quite a long time and you do not have to adjust the knife every day. You don’t have to go for premium materials, but choose a knife with a blade made of steel that has been tested by time and users. Smart choices would be brands such as 154CM, VG-10, or 440C.

Everything is simpler with a handle. The most practical option would be a G-10 handle. But in choosing the material for the handle of a city knife, the aesthetic component plays an important role. Be guided by your taste, but avoid knives with metal handles - according to tactile sensations they are quite specific, although they look beautiful. Better take a closer look at light and elegant knives with handles made of titanium or carbon fiber. The cost of such knives will of course be higher.

4. Price/quality ratio.

You will never buy the perfect knife, no matter how much money you are willing to shell out for it. Therefore, any choice is a compromise. You shouldn’t chase super-premium steel brands and models from famous designers. Most likely, the price will be higher than similar models due to the famous name or the latest materials. There is no need to go to the other extreme. When purchasing a cheap knife, after using it for a while, you may be disappointed with the purchase. You notice that the blade quickly dulls or becomes loose, a poorly processed handle rubs your hand or spoils the fabric of your pocket. Opt for proven models that have been in production for more than one year.

• Total length (mm) - 205;
• Blade length (mm) - 88;
• Weight (g) - 108;
• Blade material - 154CM;
• Handle material - glass-filled polymer;
• Blade thickness (mm) - 3;
• Lock type - Axis Lock.

• Total length (mm) - 222;
• Blade length (mm) - 97;
• Weight (g) - 124;
• Blade material - VG-10;
• Handle material - G10;
• Blade thickness (mm) - 3;
• Lock type - Back-Lock.

Knife size:

Everyday carry knives are known for being compact. Therefore, the first thing you should pay attention to is the weight and size of the tool. The size should be large enough to handle normal, moderate tasks and the knife should fit into a pocket. Fixed or folding blade? This is the most popular question among buyers. It depends on what is more important to you: portability or functionality. If the latter, then you are better off choosing a knife with a fixed blade. But by and large, the practical use of the knife is of greatest importance. According to experts, ideal parameters pocket knife for daily carry are: blade length – 8.9 cm, weight – 127 grams.

Blade and material:

The quality of materials used to assemble a knife has a significant impact on its productivity and durability. As for the blade, it should be made of a material that is durable enough to withstand constant use and remain sharp for at least a week. Good everyday carry knife manufacturers typically use reliable blade materials such as 440C, 154-CM, VG-10, and AUS-8 steel. If you can afford a more expensive knife, I would suggest opting for a premium S3OV or Elmax steel blade. The most common handle material is G-10. Additionally, a handle made from Zytel material, which also provides a firm grip, may be a good option.

The only area where daily carry knives are undoubtedly superior to their larger, more powerful counterparts is functionality and versatility. A high-end model can offer up to 15-20 additional accessories for different purposes. It sounds tempting, but carrying so many tools adds non-functional weight to the knife. If your needs are limited, it is best to choose a practical knife without any bells and whistles that will perform well in your daily household or work duties. If you're spending valuable money on a tool that's loaded with countless features, you're not being a smart buyer.

Final verdict:

First of all, I will not try to define the ideal daily carry knife simply because the ideal knife does not exist. The best daily carry knife for you may not seem as useful to someone else. Everyone has their own needs, and this plays a key role here. As you may have guessed from the description, knives for daily use are clearly not suitable for highly complex tasks. Buy it only if you need a simple tool that will help you with common tasks.

Meet my first knife - Cold Steel Voyager Large Clip Point 29TLC.

Thanks everyone for the discussion and advice: .
I paid attention to steel - S30V is certainly better than AUS-8, and Sandvik will have to be adjusted after every job...
I read about locks - Axis is the most reliable, but sometimes the springs break; Back - supposedly also reliable;
and Tri-Ad is even more reliable, improved Back; Liner - against their background raised doubts... for me.

But most important advice It turned out that “you have to hold it in your hands.”

Under the cut is a plate of budget EDC (steel, lock, blade length, weight, handle material, price),
including personal feelings and comments, useful links, as well as 9 more photos of my “cold style”:

Choose for yourself!

Name			Blade length, mm		Lever		Impressions
Benchmade Griptilian 551							Very beautiful, elegant, comfortable in the hand, I almost bought it! A little.
Benchmade Griptilian 550							I didn't like the hinged opening option.
BlackFox Tactical Knife							The handle is uncomfortable, but some may like it.
Boker Plus Kalashnikov 47							The handle is too textured and wide.
							“Cute”, but a little not what I wanted.
Cold Steel AK-47							Good in the hand, but expensive. Above budget.
Cold Steel American Lawman							I didn’t like the feel, although it was flat enough for everyday wear. Moreover, the consultant at the store said that this G10 is a threat to pockets and pants.
Cold Steel Spartan							Cool, funny, big as EDC.
Cold Steel Extra Large Vaquero							Saber. A cutlass with a handle that is uncomfortable for me. Dangerous looking!
Cold Steel Vaquero Large 29TLV							It was meant for cutting with a lasso, it looks cool, but of no use to me.
Cold Steel Voyager Extra Large Clip Point							The handle is too big, and it's too big.
Cold Steel Voyager Medium Clip Point							The handle is too small and uncomfortable to hold.
Cold Steel Voyager Large Clip Point 29TLC							Bought! Delight! Like a native one in your hand.
Cold Steel Voyager Large Clip Point 29TLCH							Again, I have no need for a serrator.
							Good, fits like a glove, but expensive.
Kershaw Junkyard Dog II	Sandvik 13C26 + CPM-D2						Doubts about composite - two components - steel. Doubts, in my case, are not substantiated.
Kershaw Junkyard Dog II							Convenient to hold, convenient to open - with a special fin. I liked it.
Kershaw Tremor 1950							Didn't like it.
Kershaw Volt II 3650							Didn't like it.
							I couldn’t hold it, I was confused by the “liner”.
Spyderco Endura 4							Didn't fit into my hand. Not at all convenient.
							Above budget. Comfortable in the hand.
Spyderco Manix2 Blue							The only "spider" with which I felt comfortable. Expensive.
Spyderco Resilience							If the Tenacious is a bit small on the handle, this one has more than it needs.
Spyderco Tenacious Black C122GBBKP							The black blade looks cool in pictures, but looks cheap in real life. The paint seems to come off very easily.
Spyderco Tenacious C122GP							The handle is too small, the little finger hangs.
Timberline Workhorse							Apparently good option, but also failed to hold it.

The prices indicated are the cheapest that I could find in Ukrainian online stores.

Sorry for the quality, first experience.

Extreme testing of budget knives from St. Petersburg club:

This rating is dedicated to the most popular and sought-after knives - EDC. Every day carry, “carry every day” - these cutting tools are always with us. Excellent assistants in all our affairs, reliable, functional and convenient.

The most popular EDC folder in 2017 was the folding knife from Benchmade - a real “explosive” model of 2017. This solid, functional folder has received many flattering advances from experts and critics. He was even called the “killer of Griptilian.”

Second place went to a semi-automatic folding knife from Benchmade, which was presented almost simultaneously with the Freek. And it also received a lot of positive reviews. Folder competed with "Barage", a popular "classmate" from Benchmade. Boost, like Freek, is made of expensive modern materials and has an excellent exterior and functionality.

Lion Steel Big Daghetta

“Bronze” winner of the 2017 EDC folding knives hit parade according to the Rezat hypermarket. Ru became a model of the Italian company Lion Steel -. This charismatic folder is a remake of the designer's work. The product is classified as an EDC tool with a clear tactical bias. The knife is beautiful, very modern and technologically made, excellently equipped (bearing axial unit, lock - TOL, equipped with a carrying clip and glass breaker).

The next folding knife on our hit parade is the folding knife from CRKT. The knife was created by the legendary knifemaker based on the knives of the Second World War. The product has three versions: EDC, Outdoor, Tactical. In 2016, the folder was recognized at the Blade Show as the model with the best innovative design among products of non-US origin. The unique Field Strip system allows you to disassemble and assemble the folder without tools.

The TOP 10 EDC folding knives continues with an excellent folder from Spyderco, model . This knife is a development of the Paramilitary and Paramilitary-2 models; in its appearance and functionality a big step from tactical folders to EDC is noticeable. Like its prototypes, the Para-3 knife is convenient, functional and reliable, but more compact and lightweight.

Cold Steel Broken Skull

Zero Tolerance 0452

The next work is a knife from a famous designer for Zero Tolerance, a flipper work. We are already accustomed to the fact that literally everything that Dmitry creates is real masterpieces of knife design. This product was no exception. The flipper has everything in harmony: a stylish exterior, expensive materials for the blade and handle, and technological equipment. Another great piece for the collection!

Last Sunday, the annual international knife exhibition Blade Show 2017 ended, at which, traditionally, various companies and private manufacturers demonstrate the latest innovations and prototypes of future serial and custom products. At the end of the exhibition, the highly specialized American magazine Blade Magazine publishes the prize rating the best masters and cutlery in several categories. Below is a list of the most interesting ranking positions.

Best Buy of the Year:


The previously announced knife is offered in two grip options - all-black nylon grips with an anti-slip texture and smooth anodized aluminum grips. The spring-loaded blade, which is removed by a flipper, is made using 420HC steel, the hardness of the steel is no more than 56-57 HRC. The total length of the open Dividend knife is exactly 185 mm, closed The length of the knife does not exceed 108 mm, the length of the blade is slightly more than 76 mm, and the weight is 76 grams. Price: 60-70 dollars.

Most Advanced Foreign (Non-American) Knife Design of the Year:


SOG Baton Q2 is one of the relatively new series multitools from the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools (SOG) brand. The Baton Q2 combines a knife, bottle opener, screwdriver and LED flashlight. The body is made of anodized aluminum, the tools are made of 5CR15MOV steel with a declared hardness of at least 54-58 HRC. The Baton Q2 version measures 160 mm in length and weighs 85 grams. Price: $67.

The Most Advanced American Knife Design of the Year: Tighe Breaker Integral Automatic


A series of premium custom knives for everyday use, the work of Canadian designer Brian Tighe. The spring-loaded blade is made of CPM S30V stainless steel, the handle is formed by a titanium spacer and profiled titanium alloy plates characteristic of the designer. The blade is removed using double-sided pegs or a flipper and secured with a push-button lock. Estimated cost: $600.

Foreign (Non-US) Knife of the Year: CRKT Crossbones


A small folding knife for everyday use, produced by the CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) brand, designed by the American craftsman Jeff Park. AUS-8 stainless steel was chosen for the blade, the hardness of which is stated at 58-59 HRC. The two-tone trims are made of anodized aluminum. The blade is removed using a flipper and secured with a Liner-Lock type lock. The total length of the open knife is 205 mm, when closed it is just over 114 mm, the blade length is about 90 mm, the thickness at the butt is 3.15 mm, and the weight is 68 grams. The cost of the knife is $100.

American Made Knife of the Year: Spartan Blades Kranos


A folding pocket knife from the American brand Spartan Blades, the blade of which is made of S35VN steel, the blade is removed using a flipper and secured with a titanium Frame-Lock type lock. The handle is formed by a titanium spacer, as well as a combined escutcheon and lock, which are made primarily of titanium alloy with the addition of carbon plastic inserts (a version with G10 escutcheons will also be offered). Estimated cost: $530.

Knife of the Year:


The SR-11 series of knives was developed by Italian designer Michele “Molletta” Pensato and is based on the SR-1 model, produced since 2010. The blade is made of Sleipner tool steel, steel hardness 60-61 HRC. To remove the blade, only a flipper is provided; the blade is secured with a Frame-Lock type lock. The handle of the knife of the LionSteel SR-11 series can be formed either by an aluminum plate with a titanium lock, or by an option entirely made of titanium alloy. The full length is exactly 211 mm, when closed the length is 117 mm, the blade length is 94 mm, the thickness of the blade at the butt is 4.5 mm, the total weight of the knife is 146-187 grams, Price is from 196 to 350 euros.