Nothing

For every day utility, a decent sized folder that's sharp.

For defense, a magazine capacity of at least seven plus one, in either 9mm or .45.
 
I don't have many specifications for an EDC. I'll carry slipjoints, moderns, and/or fixed blades.

I won't carry a heavy overbuilt knife, or one that looks to tactical(black blade, recurve, sharpened swedge, etc..)
The smallest folder I carry is a Case Peanut, and the largest is a Spyderco Military.
The largest fixed blade I EDC has a 3.5" blade.
 
This is a tough one. I rotate three or four different knives for urban EDC. Very few of them have common specs but I like them all.

3" would be my minimum for EDC but up to 4" is not too much. I guess the most common factors are carbon fiber or G10 scales. I'm not a fan of FRN. My order of lock preferences would be liner, compression, frame, and Axis. Back locks are dead last. As far as the blade goes I'm not too much of a steel snob. CPM-S30V, CPM-S35V, CPM-S90V, 154CM, CTS-XHP, ZPD-189, or D2 are just fine but I won't scoff at VG-10 or AUS-8.

I have no use for assisted openers, flippers, or non-locking. I'm fortunate to live in a location where these aren't necessary.

I guess my only hard and fast spec is that the knife's design and ergonomics have to please me. Period.
 
Quiet said:
For defense, a magazine capacity of at least seven plus one, in either 9mm or .45.
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Does it appeal to me? that's the only requirement that must be met, variety is the spice of life. :)
 
stonproject said:
What specs determine your everyday carry routine?
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It has to cut stuff....:D

I do like to carry two knives. One is always a SAK just because they are so usefull. And don't scare anyone when in public.

The other is a one hand opener for when I need that ability. Or for when I need a " heavier" use tool. That is currently a ZT0301. I like ti frame locks, flippers, and over built folders.
 
I don't have many specifications, but there are a few.

Pocket clip
One handed open
Plain edge
2.5"-3.5" blade
Good blade profile for slicing, without being delicately thin.
And I have to like it :D
 
I don't know if you all want to hear all my requirements, but here they are for all types of situations...

Here are my categories and what I want for the ideal knife. The "extras" are things that I want in a knife, but not 100% requirements.

dress: 2"-3"x0.08"-0.11", thin, smooth grip, button/back lock, FG/hollow, drop point, unique (Dam/wood/carbon/Ti) <2.3oz
-extras:no pocket clip, hard steel and stain resistant (M390, ZDP-189, VG10, CPM154), thumb stud, pouch, lanyard hole

EDC dress: 2.5"-3.2"x0.10"-0.12", pocket clip, smooth grip, axis/button/back lock/frame, FG/hollow, drop point, unique materials(Dam/wood/carbon/Ti), <3.5oz, thin
-extras:hard steel and stain resistant (M390, ZDP-189, VG10, CPM154, S30V), <3.1oz, thin

Rock climbinG: 2.5"-3"x0.10"-0.13", tip-up carry, tough design, mild grip, saber grind, drop point, open handle, minimalist design, <2.5oz
-extras:tough (D2, M390, ELMAX, CPM154, M4, S30V, VG10), uncoated blade, back lock,

>>EDC: 2.9"-3.4"x0.11"-0.14", tip-up carry, mild grip, AXIS/frame/back lock, saber grind (F/flat), drop point, minimalist design, glass bkr, <4.5oz
-extras:tough (D2, M390, ELMAX, CPM154, 154CM, M4, S30V, VG10), uncoated blade, open handle,

EDC tough: 3"-3.7"x0.13"-0.17", tip-up carry, rugged grip, thumb stud, Tri-ad/AXIS/frame lock, saber grind (flat), drop point, lanyard hole, spine jimping, finger guard, glass bkr, <$250, <5oz
-extras:tough steel (carbon?, 3V, D2, CPM154, 154CM, M4, M2, ELMAX),

hard-use: 3.4"-4.5"x0.14"-0.18", tip-up carry, rugged grip, thumb stud, AXIS/Tri-ad/frame lock, saber grind, drop point, lanyard hole, spine jimping, finger guard, glass bkr, <$175, <6.5oz
-extras:tough steel (carbon?, 3V, D2, M4, M2, ELMAX),

Thoughts?
 
I am a maintenance tech and use my folders everyday. I have several overbuilt tactical folders I edc on a regular basis, customs and production models. The most important thing for me is that they have a razor sharp edge. I like a blade with a good ammount of curve near the front or a modified tanto style as I do alot of push cuts. I don't like alot of bling on the knife, simple surfaces are easier to clean.
 
Honestly, since I'm only opening boxes, any knife will do, as long as it's decently pointed for tape.
 
1. Does what I need
2. Comfortable to carry
3. I can afford it

Today's carry:
Boker KeyCom. Pointy end for when I need piercing cuts. Sharp, one-handed operation, small. Doubles as a pocket dangler for small flashlight. Was $16.

Victorinox Cadet. Sharp blade, long enough for food prep (sliced up two apples with it today). Extra tools for other stuff (used the nail file). Flat and lightweight. Was $21.

All specifications met.
 
If I am CC a j-frame or a 380 BG I will go with a Swiss and a Grip BM and if no firearm I go with a Swiss and a Contego.
 
Tip up. Ambidextrous clip position and lock (usually Axis or Back Lock)

And a partially serrated blade usually coated. There, I said it.
 
I go more by feel than exact specs, but my EDC knives generally have ~3" blades and are relatively thin. The smallest blade in my regular rotation is a Delica (2.5" blade), and the largest is a Blur (3.5" blade).
 
If I buy it then I will carry it, I change my carry knife daily and enjoy what I have while I also buy new stuff very often. There are a few knives types that always stay with me and hardly ever change which is a boot knife, leatherman and a small watch pocket size folder. The boot knife requirements must be a minimum of 5" blade, pretty rust resistant steel and also good to excellent edge retention and made in the usa, I have been carrying a zt 0170 for quite awhile now and its not going anywhere for a long time. The leatherman is a squirt ps4 in black and I will probably never carry any other leatherman in place of this. The watch pocket sized knife is most of the time a spyderco manbug zdp-189, but sometimes I carry a case chestnut bone cv peanut or a vg-10 foliage green ladybug. As far as my main knife it changes alot and im really not picky about what I carry because if I buy it then I will definately carry it, I am pretty picky about what I will buy:D Lately my 2 main folders have been a cold steel xl voyager clip pont and a spydie para 2, I might replace my para 2 with my cruwear millie for a few days but havent decided yet haha.
 
plain edge blade, around 3.5", keen point
G10 or micarta scales
thumb stud or thumb hole
one-hand operable lock- liner lock, frame lock, axis lock, compression lock or BB lock
pocket clip, tip-down

Spyderco PM2 and Benchmade Stryker are 2 of my favorites that meet these requirements.
I have other knives that don't meet these, mostly because they are tip-up, and at least one combo edge, so I will deviate slightly if I really like a knife.
 
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