Our friend and contributor Paul Markel loves to preach the Fundamental Four items that everyone should carry on a daily basis. They include something lethal (a gun), something bright (a light), something medical (a tourniquet) and something sharp.
If you go where gun owners are and look around, you’ll find that the Venn diagram of gun owners and people who carry knives is almost a perfect circle. But even if you already own and carry one, there’s always room for more (and for many of us a lot more). So if you’re looking for gift ideas for those on your Christmas list who would appreciate a good everyday carry knife, let us help…
The KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter is an affordable EDC knife that’s tough enough to carry and use every day. With its D2 steel 3-inch blade, it’s the perfect size to handle all kinds of jobs and affordable enough that everyone can (and should) own one.
5.11’s Icarus DP Mini knife is a durable blade built to be ready when you need it. The textured handle of the Icarus DP Full is made to give you a confident grip while working. The deep carry clip is reversible for in-pocket or belt attachment.
The Ontario RAT II folder has a corrosion-resistant AUS-8 blade and slips easily in your pocket every day. Its nylon handle keeps it light weight and its ideal drop point blade shape is perfect for virtually any job you want an EDC knife to do.
Spyderco’s Delica 4 has a VG-10 2.9-inch blade that opens via the iconic, ultra-convenient “Spydie hole.” The FRN handles feature Spyderco’s bi-directional texturing for a security grip no matter how you’re using it. Inside the handle are dual skeletonized Stainless Steel liners that strengthen the knife while keeping it light weight.
In the annals of EDC greatness, the Benchmade Mini Bugout is at or near the top of the rankings. It has a superior S30V blade, Benchmade’s wonderful Axis lock, a deep carry reversible clip and its ultra light weight Grivory scales means this incredibly handy knife weighs only 1.5 ounces. True EDC excellence.
— Dan Zimmerman, Shooting News Weekly