EDC Considerations

[darklight943]

I really like reading and seeing what kinds of knives (and lights and multi-tools...) people carry around with them every day. I would like to read about more of the details surrounding what, why, how, etc...

- what is carried and why
- blade shape and why
- blade length preference
- blade style (plain or serrated or combo)
- where it is carried and why
- handle/scale preferences
- clip preference
- city, rural, office ...

My preference is a smaller knife / thinner knife. G-10 and FRN type scales make for good grip and small space in the pocket. My knives are usually carried in the back right pocket because the wallet is in the front and would get in the way of each other. Plain blades for me from now on - I feel they work best. I usually have a tendency to purchase more economical knives for fear of losing them or confiscation. I live in the city and work in the mailroom/bindery room of an investment firm, so a smallish knife is preferable. Right now I carry either a Meadowlark G-10 / FRN or Mini Ambush with a SAK and Squirt P4. Apologies if I'm "beating the EDC horse" to death - it just interests me.

 

[Bayou Man]

Darklight--looks like your choice of EDC's are right in there with what most folks normally carry--medium-sized models, mostly plain-edged, and of good, stout quality. This of course varies--some like to carry nothing but tactical knives, some like the serrated, etc. IMHO, the Small Sebenza embodies the qualities of perhaps the ultimate all-around knife--good, all-around size to handle pretty much any task you throw at it, not so big and heavy as to be a distraction, of a quality that will usually out-last it's original owner, and comes with the assurance that you can always send it back to have any needed repairs, adjustments, face-lifts, or upgrades you would ever want.

 

[Hair]

- what is carried and why

Bob Dozier fixed blades. They cut very well, hold an edge for a long time, are the most comfortable knives I have ever held, and have the best sheaths in the world.

- blade shape and why

General hunting and utility shapes (drop point, decent belly). They do pretty much everything and are all-around useful shapes.

- blade length preference

Just under 3 inches to around 4.

- blade style (plain or serrated or combo)

Plain. I am fine with plain or combo, but I find plain is the most useful more often, and Bob only does plain edges anyways.

- where it is carried and why

Pretty much everywhere, but mainly to work. I work in a newspaper warehouse and I need a knife daily to cut open boxes of ad inserts, open wrapped pallets, and cut plastic strap. I will not always carry a knife on me if making a quick trip to the gas station, but I pretty much carry one whenever I leave the house. I don't notice it is there, so why not carry one just in case?

- handle/scale preferences

Micarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber, figured hardwood. They good great and are durable. I feel grip is mainly provided by a secure handle shape and that excess roughness can be a negitive, but bead blasted G-10 is a favorite of mine.

- clip preference

Never carry folders anymore. No use, no need, no point. I use Bob's horizontal belt sheaths, verticle belt sheaths, and neck sheaths. I generally only carry a neck knife if I am wearing shorts and no belt.

- city, rural, office ...

I live in a small city. I carry a knife into my warehouse, the paper's office, during daily errands etc... Won't carry one into a city building, airport, or a school.

 

[bh49]

- what is carried and why

Spyderco folders. I love their look, also they are exellent cutters, hold an edge for a long time (VG10, S30V, ZDP-189), they are the very comfortable knives for my hand.

- blade shape and why

Leaf shape, Dp or CP. Universal knives, they do very good job on what I need.

- blade length preference

From 2.5" to 3.5" (smallest is Kopa and biggest is Persian)

- blade style (plain or serrated or combo)

Mostly plain, but at work I carry Delica 4 SE (along with Adventura), to cut cardboard boxes.

- where it is carried and why

Everywhere exept where it is prohibited and shower.

- handle/scale preferences

Micarta, G-10, wood. I do not have any Carbon Fiber, but planning to get CF Caly3. They look great and provide a good grip. I have couple knives with SS handle, but they slip, if hands are wet, may be I will buy Lava, but this is it for SS.

- clip preference

Tip up

- city, rural, office ...

I live in a very small town and I work in small town. But this is Connecticut, so I do not consider it really rural.

 

[Cornelis Böhms]

I really like reading and seeing what kinds of knives (and lights and multi-tools...) people carry around with them every day. I would like to read about more of the details surrounding what, why, how, etc...

- what is carried and why
- blade shape and why
- blade length preference
- blade style (plain or serrated or combo)
- where it is carried and why
- handle/scale preferences
- clip preference
- city, rural, office ...

My preference is a smaller knife / thinner knife. G-10 and FRN type scales make for good grip and small space in the pocket. My knives are usually carried in the back right pocket because the wallet is in the front and would get in the way of each other. Plain blades for me from now on - I feel they work best. I usually have a tendency to purchase more economical knives for fear of losing them or confiscation. I live in the city and work in the mailroom/bindery room of an investment firm, so a smallish knife is preferable. Right now I carry either a Meadowlark G-10 / FRN or Mini Ambush with a SAK and Squirt P4. Apologies if I'm "beating the EDC horse" to death - it just interests me.

What model of Victorinox is that in the pic?
Or is it wenger?

 

[mycroftt]

I carry a Spyderco Kiwi as an "office" EDC because its 2 3/8 inch blade brings it in under the 2 1/2 inch limit that is permissible in federal facilities (which is where I work) - and besides, it's one sweet little knife!

 

[Trihonda]

I've always held that a knife if not the ideal SD tool. It might allow you to defend yourself, but when will you be justified in doing so? You can't use a knife where deadly force is not justified. Getting battered or having your purse snatched aren't typically things that justify deadly force.

As a cop, I have to look at each situation differently. For instance: If I come upon two people fighting (just beating each other up), I would not be justified in using lethal force to stop their fighting. OK, now one of them pulls a knife as I'm approaching (as if to stab his opponenet). What considerations do I have? (assuming verbalization fails) I should probably shoot the knife wielding perp. However, what if the person with the knife was initiallty attacked by the other guy (while minding his own business), and is just trying to defend himself?

OK, lets switch that around. What if you were attacked by someone (similar to above situation), and you pulled a knife to defend yourself. In the heat of the moment (and the adrenaline dump), you fail to hear the cops arrive and tell you to drop the knife? Should you be shot? Remember, the cops don't know you were being attacked, and this all happens in just a few seconds. Now, what if you are attacked and the bad guy pulls a knife on you? Should the cops shoot the bad guy before he stabs you, or should they hesitate a second to figure out what's going on??

OK, these are just a couple of situations. It's a brain trip when you start figuring out all the scenarios we might run into on the street. Now, each scenario has consequences to our actions. Either someone might die (maybe us?), people are injured, or we get sued/fired/etc... I don't mind telling people I'm underpaid.

Here's the skinny - My opinion of a knife, is that it will probably be more of a deterant to getting mugged. If I was in an ally and someone tried to mug me... Personally, I'd draw any weapon I had on me. my goal would be to deter any mugger from attacking me (if they run away, I win). Now, once I've displayed a knife (lethal force), and they still demonstrate intent by continuing to approach, they indicate their serious intentions. For instance, I've heard it argued when you draw down on someone with a firearm (as a cop), and that person continues to walk towards you, you can assume their intentions are bad, and might be justified in shooting them (there ARE other factors and considerations). However, a gun aimed at you by a cop is commonly accepted as sign language for "STOP WHAT EVER THE F_CK YOU WERE DOING"!


Also, consider legal thoery that says you shouldn't use deadly force unless all other options are unavailable. So, by drawing a weapon for a non-deadly force situation, you actually can become the predominant agressor (bad legal situation to be in). Then if the situation escalates and the attacker dies, do you think you might be up a creek? Just things to consider. Remember, I'd draw a weapon most likely and deal with what may (but I'm legally savy too). If someone comes up to mug you (asks for you wallet, etc..), and you draw a knife to scare them away, you could always shout "don't shoot me!" really loud so bystanders hear it. Even if the guy doesn't have a gun in his pocket, you could say he indicated he had a gun... Remember, robbing a bank with your finger pointing in your jacket pocket is still "armed" robbery. Shouting out like that would give you a legal defense if they asked why you killed him... Of course, I am not advocating people lie or act dishonestly. I'm just being silly, ya know

Just my .02.

 

[Hair]

I agree with everything you have said. I do not think of a knife as a SD item and would not pull a knife in SD unless it was my *ONLY* option other than death. There is too much legal baggage. If I wanted to carry for SD, I would carry something like mace.

I carry a knife as an EDC tool, not a SD item. And I think practical EDC tools is what this thread is about, not weapons.

 

[Bobwhite]

Multiblade slipjoint. Congress, whittler and stockman patterns. I have a variety of blades available to suit any task that may arise. I usually use the large blade (usually a spearpoint or clip) for general tasks. I use the sheepsfoot or coping blades for carving. I use the pen or spey blades for delicate tasks. A slipjoint does not often raise any eyebrows, is comfortable to carry and use and meets the requirements of every cutting challenge I have come across. I carry them every where. If you need to pry something, a knife is not the best choice so I don't like the sharpened folding prybars. They might make sense for military, LEO or emergency people though. I owned a Sebenza and found it to be a solid and dependable knife, but it honestly didn't work any better than a slipjoint for cutting things. I prefer carbon steel to stainless and find that with reasonable care and maintenace there is no need to worry about corrosion. I like bone or wood scales as they are attractive to look at and comfortable to hold.

 

[Tballetta]

I work in a professional office enviroment so I choose to carry the most inconspicuos knives I can. I carry a boron Kershaw chive in my pocket all the time. It is small and elegant and the black boron coating makes it look almost like jewelry so it does not scare the sheeple. It is palin edged, very thin and super sharp.

I also have a Spyderco jester on my key chain so no matter what happens I always have a blade on me.

I keep a leatherman and a SAK in my desk, car and my EDC man purse for bigger duty when it arises. All of these tools come in very handy often. From opening mail and packges to the occassional small repair job around the office. I even change a water hose on my car one early Sunday morning when it broke at the stop light (luckily right across the street from an open auto parts store) with my Leatherman I keep in the car.

I can't say enough about keeping these tools handy at all times.

 

[gordonk]

For most of the things I do in an EDC fashion, it's around a 3 inch blade, usually PE. In saying that, I'm also one that does carry more than few blades with me - the "extras" are usually there more to see how they work. Larger blades are carried in my Maxpedition Jumbo Fatboy - usually a Spydie Rescue 93mm and my SERE 2K - again - if a task requiring a larger blade shows up I have a blade for the task. This last week, I've also added my BM 710 in D2 - I'm carrying it clipped instead of my Mini-Grip to see how it carries for a larger blade - others have been too heavy, bulky something.... I'm one that also works in an office environment, high tech, so something like my Delica or Mini-Grip is relatively unobtrusive. Because I tend to work on PC's occasionally, I also have my LM Wave, and an Inova X5 on my belt. Always have a small SAK with me as well. Also, for me, my folders are tools and, along with the collecting, I'm having a ball trying various blades for my EDC to see how they handle, cut, etc. If you tend to cut stuff on a fairly constant basis, it's actually amazing the little subtle differences that show up on the various folders as you use them I don't have very many shelf queens - most are bought with the intent to use - they usually get used for bit, if it's useful, it stays in my pocket, otherwise, I go huntin' for the next one

- gord

 

[Active Verb]

It's blade is less 2 1/2 inches the permissible limit for federal buildings. That said, I think the Kiwi is more sheeple friendly than the Poliwog. I just like the ball lock.

Verb

 

[darklight943]

Cornelis Bohms - The SAK is a Vic Cadet II (alox).

I'm also wondering about the more 'exotic' type blade shapes and if anyone prefers those to a standard spear type or clip-point. Maybe from those that EDC a DoDo, or Spyderco Civilian, or similar. How about from any LEOs/1st responders here - do most of you carry a fully serrated blade? Thanks for the replies, too.

 

[moonwilson]

I carry a Byrd G10 Cara Cara in my right front pocket. I carry the Byrd instead of any of my hundreds of other knives because A) I really, really like it and B) I'm not afraid to use it for serious work, unlike my expensive "safe queens". If I bust it, $22 buys a new one.

I also carry a Hideaway straight, plain edge around my neck, just because I always like to have a blade on me somewhere. It's amazing how many times I find myself needing to cut something when I'm lounging around the house in my pajamas or boxers. My wife always wants me to cut something for her when my knife is in the other room. It's a bit extreme to clip a big heavy folder into a pair of boxers, so I always wear the Hideaway. (except while showering or flying). My hideaway is always there, I never notice it unless I need it. It's super cool.

I prefer plain-edged, non-coated blades. Serrations are a pain to sharpen and black on a blade always starts to wear off and look crappy. I also prefer G10 handles over everything else. For my main EDC blade I like something between 3.5" - 4". That seems to be a good size for most everyday cutting situations. A 4" blade can take a cardboard box apart in just a few seconds, something I have to do on a daily basis, with all of the packages coming into and going out of my office. A 3" folder can do it, and so can a box cutter, but it's slower and nowhere near as much fun.

 

[talonturbo]

......................

 

[allenC]

- what is carried and why

Usually I'm carrying my Alaskan Guide Buck 110 or my Buck Custom Shop 110.
I carry it because it is an extremely well designed knife.
It is very comfortable in my hand, even after long periods of cutting.
The lock is very reliable and strong and simple to operate.
And the blade geometry and design, coupled with the S30V steel, makes the AG Buck 110 an exceptional slicer.
And it's beautiful too (at least it is when I polish the brass bolsters ).

- blade shape and why

Clip-points; because they usually have enough belly for good slicing, yet they still have very fine and keen tips for detailed work.
I don't pry with my knives.

- blade length preference

At least 3.5" for a folder.
I like my knives at least long enough to slice a sub sandwich or an orange cleanly in half.
And if I should ever need to stab someone...longer is better!

- blade style (plain or serrated or combo)

Plain-edge all the way!
I have learned that I don't care for fully serrated or combo blades much.
I can't seem to get my combo and serrated blades quite as sharp as I can my plain-edge ones.
And a sharp plain-edge plain can do nearly everything that a serrated blade can.
Not to mention, serrated blades are not so great for fine delicate work.

- where it is carried and why

In a horizontal pouch just to the right of my belt-buckle.
It is very easy to access, it does not get caught on objects as I pass by, and nobody can reach for it undetected (yes, I'm a little paranoid ).

- handle/scale preferences

I'm not too concerned with handles or scales overall, so long as they are comfortable.
But after getting my Buck Custom Shop 110 (water-buffalo horn scales), I am beginning to really appreciate scales that look nicer than FRN or aluminum.

- clip preference

After carrying the Buck 110 in a pouch, I find pocket-clips to be somewhat annoying.
I do use a pocket-clip folder when I'm working...because I wear hospital scrubs.
Right now, my hospital/work knife is a Kabar-Dozier spear-point....but I would rather carry my AG Buck 110 or my Buck Custom Shop 110.

- city, rural, office ...

City, suburbs, rural...everywhere except the hospital.

 

[mauiblue]

Trihonda did make some interesting points earlier in this thread. I *definitely* would be afraid to use deadly force and only consider it if I believed that I was in mortal danger of getting killed. I would try to run and hide but what if you were being hunted down and chased by someone that you believe is going to kill you and you got cornered? Would you just lay down and let the guy stick it to you? So many legal questions but in the heat of the moment if I honestly truly believed that I was going to die, I would try my utmost to survive by whatever means possible. Obviously I would run first, not very fast though because I'm not very athletic , but I would retreat to safety at the very least and keep my options open in order to see another day.

BTW, I carry practically everyday a Leatherman Charge XTi because of the pliers, knife, and interchangeable bits. As for knives, I have a rotation going but they all are folders and the blade shape can be either drop or clip point but I don't have a preference. I have a Shadow III fixed blade on order that I hope will be able to be discreetly carried every so often. I like G-10 scales and try to carry my knives in a sheath on my belt. I am a little leery about pocket clips because I think I'm going to lose the knife having it just clipped on in my pocket. I don't particularly like serrated edge knives and the longest length blade I will be carrying in a folder is 3.75 inches (Spyderco Manix). All other blades average about 3.5 inches or so. I work in an office setting so I have to be a bit discreet before I get tagged as a serial killer or miscreant. All my knives are carried for general and utility purposes first and formost.

 

[T.K.C.]

I agree with everything you have said. I do not think of a knife as a SD item and would not pull a knife in SD unless it was my *ONLY* option other than death. There is too much legal baggage. If I wanted to carry for SD, I would carry something like mace.

I carry a knife as an EDC tool, not a SD item. And I think practical EDC tools is what this thread is about, not weapons.

Exactly. I carry a gun for SD, not a knife.

 

[donny b]

glock 17,spyderco mini manix,and common sence combined with good manners ;you could possibly rule the world.take a care therefore,where there is more sail than ballast.

 

[darklight943]

I agree with Trihonda and the rest regarding knives as SD. I have a knife, but would be extremely hesitant to use it against someone. Plus, if one were ever disarmed - well, that would be pretty bad, too.