Point Blank Life: The Best Everyday Carry (EDC) knives in 2022!

Let’s be honest, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be needing a knife to prepare wild game or participate in a knife fight anytime soon.

However, everyday carry (EDC) knives are not limited to these situations only. As someone that carries my folding knife day in and day out, I can assure you that there are plenty of uses for a good EDC knife in one’s daily life — whether one lives in the city or in a far-off rural village.

In any case, the information on the best EDC knives that we at Point Blank Life worked together to compile below should help you when shopping around!

Things You Should Consider…

Source: Usplash @JasonJarrach

Everyone has their own requirements when shopping around for an EDC knife. Key features required by one person may not necessarily be applicable to your situation. As such, the best EDC knives are usually all-rounders that fulfill several or all of the following criteria:

Price – Quality Comes at a Cost!

Of course, if you want a high-quality knife, you should expect to spend a lot more than you would if you were shopping around for regular knives from the market.

At this stage, the most important thing to do is set a budget for yourself. EDC knives of high quality can cost up to several thousand dollars, so there really is no limiting yourself here if you have the budget for it. Otherwise, you’ll have to shop around a bit more for those budget-friendly knives that are both high in quality and affordable.

Functionality & Style – What Do You Need a Knife For?

Different knives have different functionalities and styles. For example, you might want to consider first whether you would prefer a folding knife or a fixed blade.

When comparing the two, one has to look at portability and reliability. A folding knife is more portable and less intrusive when carrying, while a fixed blade knife will require a sheath to be carried safely. On the other hand, fixed blade knives are typically stronger and better constructed — making them optimal for those who intend to do heavy work.

Outside of these two style categories, you can also take the functionality of blade shapes into consideration. For example, if you’re looking for a good throwing knife, a spear point blade is a good option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more versatile blade for woodwork or general utility work (i.e., a hunting knife), then a versatile drop point blade would be best.

Durability – How Long Will It Last?

This might seem obvious—longer-lasting knives are of course better—however, one also has to take into account the required maintenance on the aforementioned knife.

Low-maintenance knives will undoubtedly be easier to keep for a very long time, while a high-maintenance knife, one that requires regular sharpening and cleaning, will demand more effort to keep in a good state of repair.

For this reason, one needs to consider the materials used when shopping for a knife. Of course, this includes not just the blade material but also the handle material!

To give an example, the best material for a blade is definitely ceramic. It won’t rust and requires very little maintenance to keep sharp. However, it’s prone to chipping when not handled properly, and ceramic knives are usually more expensive than your average stainless steel knife. Stainless steel, for your information, does require periodic maintenance (oiling) to prevent rust and to ensure sharpness.

Best EDC Knives in the Market!

Now, let’s talk about some of the best EDC knives you can find in 2022. We decided to split and classify our top picks into two categories:

The Best Premium EDC Folding Knife – Spyderco Paramilitary 2!

Source: Usplash @albertdera

Let’s get straight to the first big winner of this short list of the best EDC Knives…

That is… the Spyderco Paramilitary 2!

This is a premium EDC knife that is much sought-after by tactical knife enthusiasts everywhere. It’s very well built, has an aesthetically seamless design, and can be used for just about everything, making it a true staple for knife collectors and a must-buy for those looking for a high-quality EDC knife to carry with them at all times.

The price is around $225-150, with a measured weight of around 3.8oz and a blade length of 3.42 inches (with a closed length of 4.82 inches). It’s very sharp, has a solid ergonomic handle, and has a four-position pocket clip for maximum carrying versatility.

Its size isn’t very conspicuous and the premium blade makes it heavier than the norm, so everyday carry may be a bit much for some, but it’s undoubtedly of the highest quality and the best option for those who want to spend more for something that will last for a long time.

The Best Budget EDC Pocket Knife Overall – Opinel No.8

Source: Usplash @dearseymour

If you’re looking for an EDC knife that will work on a budget, then Opinel’s No.8 is the one that we recommend you check out first.

Opposite the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Opinel’s No.8 is slim and lightweight (measuring 1.6oz in weight and 2.25 inches in terms of blade length). It doesn’t come with a pocket clip, but it does come with a secure collar lock for your safety.

In all, we consider it the best cheap lightweight EDC knife on the market. With its sister knife, the Opinel No.6 (mini version of No.8), being one of its only competitors in terms of value.

Be Prepared with the Best EDC Pocket Knives in 2022!

The EDC pocket knives market is quite big, so it can be a bit difficult to find one that suits both your needs and your budget. Hopefully, we were able to point you in the right direction when it comes to both premium knives and affordable knives.

If you want more information on EDC knives or other tactical gear that can improve your self-defense and combat ability, make sure to check out the Point Blank Life website where tactical enthusiasts from all walks of life gather!