Thread: Thinking about my first EDC

there are several things to consider.
1. what will you be using it for? serrated edges are wonderful for cutting rope and terrible for cutting everything else. for cutting webbing, a hook is the only way to go.
2. how to carry? most folks where I live clip it in the back pocket, but if you are wanting a multiblade knife, they usually don't have clips and you have to have them loose in your pocket.
3. is form or function more important? fancy dress knives and tacticool knives are aimed at different demographics.
4. what is acceptable in your environment? I live in a place where people routinely have hunting knives on the belts, and no one thinks much of it, but this might not be the case where you live.
5. abuse factor? If you won't be cutting anything more serious than envelopes and the occasional box, then even a small dress knife is ok. If you are actually using your knife as a daily tool (as I do) then you're gonna need something much sturdier. this will also determine what alloy you need.

for example, by my own carry:
1. I never cut rope, most of my edges are plain. I also carry a seatbelt hook (boker subcomm) because of a bad experience I once had.
2. I clip to my back pocket
3. function, 100%
4. not applicable to me
5. my knives are constantly abused

thus, most of my knives are a) a hard alloy so i don't have to sharpen as much, b) locking since i'm using them all the time to cut stubborn crates open, and c) smooth edged and larger since they are tools and not dress accessories. also d) very ugly and beaten up. i also usually have a leatherman of some sort with me because i use those tools almost daily. also usually have a Hideaway Knife on my work lanyard for when I need a small edge.

if you are just wanting something in your pocket for occasional letter-opener duty, a stockman type or swiss army knife is just fine, and the blade steel isn't as important.

I've found Buck and CRKT to be good knives for the money, with very rugged blades.