Blade
The blade is the heart of any EDC pocket knife. It comes in many steel choices, shapes and sizes, each designed for different purposes, such as slicing, piercing, or precision cutting.
Steel: The choice of blade steel plays an important role in the performance of an EDC pocket knife. Different steels provide varying levels of edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening. Premium EDC knifes often feature one of the super steels such as MagnaCut or M390. Other common high-end steels are S35VN, CPM-20CV, Elmax, and in the mid-range you'll see steels like 154CM or VG-10.
Profile: One of the most common profiles on an EDC blade is Drop Point. It has a convex curve that slopes from the spine to the tip, making is versatile for common everyday tasks. Other common profiles are Clip Point, Sheepsfoot, Wharncliffe, and Tanto.
Size: The optimal blade size for an EDC pocket knife typically falls between 6 to 9 cm. This range strikes a balance between functionality and portability. That said, individual preferences may vary and some countries have legal restrictions on blade sizes.
Finish: In most cases, the blade finish is a matter of aesthetics in an EDC knife. The most common finishes include:
- Stonewashed: a rough textured surface with matte look, resistant to scratches
- Satin: smooth, semi-reflective surface that highlights the lines and grind, a good balance between aesthetics and practicality
- Black coated: coating can be made from materials like DLC, Cerakote, or PVD, excellent corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface
Handle
The handle is where ergonomics meet style. It provides comfort and control while using the knife. Handles can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, G10, or wood, each offering different advantages in terms of weight, grip, and appearance.
Titanium is extremely tough, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It has a premium feel and can be finished and anodized for a custom look.
G10 is fiberglass laminate known for being lightweight, strong, and resistant to moisture and temperature changes. It provides excellent grip even in wet conditions.
Micarta is made of layers of cloth or paper soaked in resin and offers a textured, grippy feel. It’s durable and gets grippier with use, and will show signs of use over time.
Other common handle materials include brass, copper, carbon fiber, and aluminum. Ultem has gained popularity in the recent years.
Pivot
The pivot is the mechanism that connects the blade to the handle, allowing the knife to open and close smoothly. It often features ball bearings or washers to reduce friction, providing a satisfying action whether you’re deploying or closing the blade. The quality of the pivot plays a major role in how fluid and easy the opening mechanism feels.
Lanyard Hole
The lanyard hole is a small opening at the end of the handle, which allows the attachment of a lanyard.
For some, a lanyard offers added convenience, making it easier to draw the knife from deep pockets. It can also offer added control especially on small knives. For some, it's a way to customize the knife, maybe throwing in a bead while they're at it. For others, it's unnecessary as they prefer no lanyard.
Pocket Clip
The pocket clip makes carrying an EDC knife convenient and accessible. It attaches the knife securely to the edge of your pocket, keeping it in an ideal position for easy retrieval.
Almost all EDC knife pocket clips are designed for tip-up orientation. It means the closed blade tip points up in your pocket, and the knife stays in the optimal position for grabbing and action.
Deep-carry pocket clip design makes the knife sit deep in your pocket, hiding it almost entirely. This is often the preferred way to carry and EDC knife, and there are lots of aftermarket deep-carry clips for models that don't come standard with it.
Recessed screws allow the clip to stay flush with the handle, which makes it a bit smoother to take in and out of the pocket. Some knives don't have pocket clip screws, but rather installed from the back of the handle.
If you're left handed, the pocket clip of your knife should optimally be reversible for good experience and ambidextrous use.
Lock
The lock mechanism keeps the blade locked in open position. Liner lock and frame lock are probably the most common in EDC knives, but there are plenty of choices out there, each offers different benefits.
Liner lock: A spring-loaded metal liner inside the handle. Lightweight and inexpensive, doesn't affect the outside appearance of the handle.
Frame lock: Similar to the liner lock, but instead of a separate liner, the part of the handle itself moves to lock the blade. Thick lockbar makes it strong and secure.
Axis lock: A spring-loaded bar that slides back and forth within the handle. Ambidextrous and easy to operate. Keeps the fingers off the closing path of the blade.
Slip joint: this is a non-locking mechanism, uses a spring that holds the blade open but does not lock it in place. The blade can be closed by applying pressure. Needs two hands to operate.
Opening Mechanism
The opening mechanism allows for swift deployment of the blade, a crucial feature for any EDC knife. Common opening methods include thumb studs, flippers, or thumb holes, each designed to give you the ability to deploy the knife with one hand. Nail nick opening is often combined with slip joint, which requires two hands to operate.
Thumb stud / hole: Let you push the blade with a thumb or by other techniques like spydie flick.
Flipper: The blade opens by pulling the small tab near the pivot by index finger. Provides very quick and easy one-handed deployment. A variation of this is a front flipper, where the tab is located at the top of the knife without affecting the profile.
Nail nick: A small groove on the blade. Usually found in traditional knives with non-locking slip joint mechanisms. Requires two hands to operate.
Sharpening Choil
The sharpening choil is a small notch at the base of the blade, just before the edge begins. Its purpose is to make sharpening easier by providing a defined starting point, which helps ensure the entire length of the blade can be sharpened effectively. The sharpening choil can also improve cutting performance, especially when working with tougher materials.
Grind
The grind refers to the cross-sectional shape of the blade and how it tapers down to the cutting edge. Different types of grinds, such as flat, hollow, or convex, affect how the knife performs in various tasks. For example, a flat grind is great for general-purpose cutting, while a hollow grind offers excellent slicing ability. The grind you choose depends largely on your typical uses and the tasks you need the knife to perform.
Edge
The edge is the part of the blade that does the actual cutting. It can come in different styles, such as a straight edge, serrated, or a combination of both. A straight edge provides clean, precise cuts, while serrations are useful for sawing through fibrous materials like rope. Maintaining a sharp edge is key to ensuring the knife’s performance is consistent and effective.
Swedge
The swedge is a beveled portion on the back of the blade, near the tip. It reduces the weight of the blade and can enhance piercing ability by creating a finer point. Swedges can also add to the aesthetic appeal of the knife.
Scale (+ Liner)
The scale and liner are the layers that form the handle of the knife. Scales are the outermost part, providing grip and often contributing to the knife’s aesthetic. Liners sit between the scales and the inner workings of the knife, often providing additional strength and support. Together, they contribute to the durability and comfort of the handle, balancing sturdiness with ergonomics.
Frame lock knives such as the one in the image don't have separate liners, as the scales form the whole handle and locking mechanism.
Standoffs
Standoffs are small spacers that sit between the handle scales, creating an open structure in the handle. This allows for easier cleaning of the knife since dirt and debris can fall out of the open space. Standoffs also contribute to the overall weight reduction and can add a unique visual element to the design of the knife.
Jimping
Jimping refers to the notches or grooves on the spine of the blade or handle, providing extra grip for your thumb or fingers. It helps improve control when cutting, particularly for detailed or heavy tasks. Jimping is an important feature for those who need a reliable grip, especially when using the knife in precise or forceful ways.