7 Best EDC Pocket Knives to Buy in 2022

Although it is unlikely that many of us will ever need to skin or gut fish, there are still reasons to have a knife handy — even for urban dwellers. You never know when you might need it. It’s better to have too many tools than to need them. You may not need a knife for certain applications. However, if you leave it at home, it will be useless.

It is important to choose the right knife for you. There is no one-size fits all carry knife. Let’s face the facts: Every EDC enthusiast has different needs and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another. The EDC knife market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. More and more blademakers are trying to grab a share of the action. This has created a highly competitive market in which cutting tools are available for all types of enthusiasts, whether they’re a tactical expert or an adventure-goer.

However, it is essential that blades are more accessible and have a wider range of capabilities. We have taken into consideration all aspects of EDC knife design, materials and construction to help us find the best. The result of our efforts is what follows: the best everyday carry knives that fit any budget. Below are our top choices for ‘good’, ‘better’, and ‘best blades. We also include an editor’s choice and an honorable mention.

Why an EDC knife is important and What to Look For

Picking the right everyday carry knife can be a very personal experience. This means that each person’s preferences and needs will vary greatly. There are no two people exactly the same, so there is no one exact way to choose the right knife. There are some things that you can do to make the process easier and more effective. As long as your focus is on the end goal, however, you will not be distracted from the details. Below are some of the most important points:

1. Price: No matter what gear you’re looking for, price is an important consideration. Knives can cost anywhere from a few dollars up to literally thousands of dollars so make sure you know what you are willing to spend. Remember that the price you choose for your knife will affect your options. There are excellent knives available for every budget.
2. Functionality: When choosing a knife, the first thing to consider is its intended use. Some people need a tough blade that can withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor life. Others, who are more urbane, may only require something that can open packages or cut the strings of clothes. Your life is full of obstacles so you can tailor your search.
3. Style is a less important factor than functionality. However, it’s still an important factor in your search. It’s important to choose a blade that is attractive if you plan to carry and use a knife. We live in an age where styling options are as varied as the functionality. It shouldn’t be difficult to find one that you like and suits your needs.

The knife should last for many years. Some knives can be passed on to the next generation. However, this will depend on how well you take care of your knife, including the maintenance required to keep it sharpened and clean. You might find it more difficult to maintain your knife’s longevity if you don’t want to do this. A pocket knife can also be replaced easily if you aren’t willing to do this. We recommend that you take the time to understand how to maintain your knife’s performance so you don’t have to replace it.

The Best Blades for Your Buck

Once you have a better idea of your personal preferences, budget, and needs, it is time to explore the various options. There are thousands of everyday knives on the market. This means that there is a knife for everyone. These are our top picks for pocket-friendly knives.

KERSHAW CRYO

Kershaw’s Cryo knife appears on almost all the articles about the best EDC knives. This is not an accident. It has been a great everyday carry tool ever since its conception by Rick Hinderer, and it was manufactured by Kershaw. Its unique combination of affordability, durable materials, and a timeless design makes it a great everyday carry tool. The Cryo is uncluttered by fancy accessories. Its versatile drop point blade, all-gray colorway, and sturdy frame lock keep it from looking flimsy. These same features will ensure that you have this knife in your daily carry bag. The Kershaw Cryo knife is simple and beautiful, yet it’s elegant and scrappy. It should be part of every EDC enthusiast’s arsenal.

• Blade Length: 2.75′
• Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
• Material of the Handle: Stainless Steel
• PURCHASE: $35+

SPYDERCO PARAMILITARY 2

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 folder is undoubtedly the most tactical everyday carry knife on the list. It’s an aggressive, powerful weapon of a folder. This knife, also known as the PM2, is a classic cutting tool. It has everything you need from its premium construction to its iconic silhouette and everything else. This knife is also a contender to be the best EDC knife ever made.

The PM2 does not fit into a slimmer carry style. It measures 8.3 inches when it is deployed. The blade measures in at a mere 3.4 inches. The handle provides plenty of torque and grip for cutting hard-use tasks while the distinctive leaf blade shape with its sharp point (and deadly-sharp point), allows for precision. This knife comes with a compression lock, which is the most robust and reliable ever to be found on a folding knife. This pocket knife is legendary all things considered.

• Blade Length: 3.38 inches
• Blade Steel: CPM S45VN
• Handle Material G10
• PURCHASE: $155+

CHRIS REEVE SEBENZA 31

Chris Reeve Knives took over a decade to finally redesign their legendary Sebenza folding knives. The Sebenza 31 (previous edition was 21) is now the EDC redux. It retains all the greatness of its predecessor, but makes subtle improvements. We didn’t think the Sebenza needed to be improved until we saw their work. It now features a Ceramic Ball Interface that improves the stability and detent of the Reeve Integral lock, a shifted clip to increase the lock’s longevity, and single-piece inlays. It’s still made from beautiful titanium and S45VN stainless steel, but it also has options that include Micarta and hardwoods. This knife is not affordable for most everyday carry fans, but it’s still a great value for the quality you get.

• Blade Length: 2.99” or 3.61″
• Blade Steel: CPM – S35VN Damascus
• Material to Handle: Titanium, Micarta or Wood
• PURCHASE: $375+

BENCHMADE BUGOUT

Although the Bugout didn’t make it to the top three, the knife is still worth your consideration. The knife is a true classic in the EDC community and has now overtaken Benchmade’s Griptillian as the best-selling Benchmade blade. It’s a well-known knife. It is extremely lightweight at 1.85 oz, yet strong and durable. The blade is made of 3.24 inch CPM S30V stainless steel. The handle measures 4.22 inches.

The Bugout is a versatile, pocket-friendly, reliable daily tool that can be used in real-world situations. The AXIS lock is the key feature of the knife. It’s a self-regulating mechanism that’s safe and easy to use. Do yourself a favor and get one of these knives if you are unsure which knife is best for you. Benchmade is a well-respected brand based in the PNW, which is known for its high quality knives and excellent execution. The Bugout knife is available in many finishes, grips and blade shapes.

• Blade Length: 2.82″ / 3.24”
• Blade Steel: CPM – S30V or M390
• Handle Material: Grivory, Aluminum
• PURCHASE: $155+

THE JAMES BRAND CARTER

Okay, let’s face the truth: The James Brand, a Portland-based blade company, had to be included in this list. Since its launch back in 2011, the outfit has challenged the status quo in EDC. The James Brand knives are simple and elegant in a market that is flooded with tactical, militaristic knives. This is why we love The Carter. It combines a clean, minimalist aesthetic with plenty of utility functionality. It’s constructed with a strong 2.8-inch VG-10 stainless steel blade and a grippy G-10 hand.

The knife’s trademark neon green thumb disc, simple drop point shape and simple design are just a few of its many highlights. The Carter is a very convenient knife to have. It measures 6.5 inches from tip to butt, folds down to 3.7 inches when closed, and can be carried in a pocket. Although it isn’t the most expensive blade available, it’s a great option for EDC enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for a stylish knife.

• Blade Length: 2.8″ or 3.3″
• Blade Steel: VG-10
• Handle Material: Micarta or G10
• PURCHASE: $140

OPINEL NUM 8 FOLDING KNIFE

Opinel is the everyday knife that proves that a low price does not necessarily make it a useless or cheap product. These knives are not only durable and extremely useful, but they are also classic and iconic and can outlast many competitors, despite their low entry price. These knives date back to 1897 and are still manufactured by the same French family, albeit the descendants of founders. They all have the same instantly recognisable silhouette as the knives made over a century ago.

Opinel’s range of knives is as diverse as salt. They are available in a variety of styles and functions, including simple, stylish, or survival-oriented outdoor knives. This brand truly has a range of knives that will suit every need. They are so affordable that even if they do fail after years of hard use, it is not difficult to replace them.

• Blade Length: 3.25″
• Blade Steel: 12C27 Sandvik
• Handle Material: Wood or Fiberglass-Reinforced Polyamide
• PURCHASE: $18

VICTORINOX CADET SWISS ARMY KNIFE

A “best of everyday carry knives” post is incomplete without a Swiss Army Knife. You could actually fill an entire collection with SAKs, and it would still be amazing from both stylistic and versatility standpoints. If we had to choose one of their multi-tool knives, the Cadet might be it. It’s not because it’s the most useful, durable, or stunning knife.

This knife is as close to the original Swiss army blade as you can get. It was issued in late 1800s. This alone doesn’t make it worthy of being ranked on this list. It is also built with solid stainless steel tools and textured aluminum scales, which are both beautiful to hold and to look at. This is just one example of why this invention is so special. It also includes a sturdy slipjoint knife and eight other tools. We mean all inventions, not just folding knives. If you are an EDC enthusiast but don’t have a SAK, it is time to get one.

• Blade Length 2.5″
• Blade Steel: Stainless
• Material for Handling: Textured Alox
• PURCHASE: $35+