The invention of the everyday carry (EDC) market broadened the horizons for on-the-go people everywhere. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone without at least one EDC item on their person. One of the most common examples is cell phones. Those are a necessity by today’s standards, but phones aren’t the only thing that passes the everyday carry test.
EDC folding knives are now the norm, and not just for knife enthusiasts. These tools have become a staple for their functionality and multiple uses, from novices to do-it-yourself (DIY) hobbyists to industrial workers. When searching for that perfect everyday carry folding knife, it’s good to examine what’s important to you. Safety? Effectiveness? Both? Let’s dive into what an EDC folding knife is and what features make it safe.
What Is an EDC Folding Knife?
An EDC folding knife falls into the everyday carry category of gear, and the blade fits inside the handle. Besides folding knives, other EDC items include watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. It’s important to note that these knives are used for generalist purposes as opposed to “specialist.”
Essentially, these EDC folding knives cut materials you’d encounter in your day-to-day life, such as cardboard, clamshell packaging, rope, twine, and tape. These tools are compact, and can easily be carried in your pocket. Most blades of everyday carry folding knives are made of carbon steel, zirconium oxide, stainless steel, tool steel, and alloy steel. As for their handles, common materials include titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
What Makes an EDC Folding Knife Safe?
Blade Material
EDC folding knives should boast blades that are not just sharp but also safe to the touch. Of course, this is all dependent on what materials are used to make them. If you’re on the hunt for a quality EDC folding knife blade that does it all, consider investing in one that’s made of zirconium oxide.
Zirconium oxide is an advanced ceramic that doesn’t rust, is non-magnetic, and has a hardness that surpasses steel. In addition, it has the added benefit of making knife blades both effective at cutting a wide array of materials and is safer to touch than steel.
Zirconium oxide blades are the epitome of longevity, so you don’t have to worry about frequently changing blades. They often last at least 11.2 times longer than other knife options. That’s more money in your pocket (and less spent on hospital bills).
Handle Material
Another vital component of EDC folding knife safety is ensuring you have a durable, sturdy handle. Think about purchasing an everyday carry knife with a high-grade, heat-treated steel handle. You don’t want one that quickly falls prey to wear and tear. It’s resilient and comfortable to hold, especially if you frequently need to use your knife.
Using an awkward-to-hold knife handle not only makes it difficult to wield but can lead to long-term injuries. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) affect the muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. They occur after overuse and repetitive movement. For knife users, the pain and damage primarily take place in the upper and lower arms.
A Lightweight Design
Everyday carry items are known for their lightweight feel and compactness. The same should apply to your EDC folding knife. The last thing you want is a cumbersome tool that feels uncomfortable against your body.
If you’re carrying your knife all day, every day, then you need one that’s light as a feather. Heavy tools are also hard to maneuver, especially if the task at hand requires a gentler touch. That can also lead to injuries. It’s hard to feel like you have control over an unwieldy knife.
No-Tool Blade Change
Adding extra tools into the blade-switching equation can increase your risk of injuries. Not only that, but you’ll be wasting time better spent working. There are everyday carry folding knives that don’t need tools to change blades. Some have a button on their side that releases the blade, allowing you to seamlessly insert a new one without breaking a sweat or cutting a finger.
Ambidextrous Design
Lefties, the struggle is real. It’s hard to find a knife that befits your dominant hand. Thankfully, there are EDC folding knives on the market that work for both right-handed and left-handed folks.
If you use a tool that’s ill-suited for you, you’re exacerbating the risk of accidents. Additionally, it’s just plain uncomfortable. Ambidextrous knives sometimes only require a simple switch of the blade orientation. That’s it!
Are You Ready to Get Your Own EDC Knife?
No matter the task, EDC folding knives are a must-have if you’re someone who thrives on preparedness. You’ll find that the possibilities are endless. As long as you purchase one that prioritizes safety along with versatility, you can’t go wrong. A quality EDC folding knife can last a lifetime.
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