I prefer to remove this coating from my carbon steel knife blades. The blade’s black powder coating creates a smooth, aesthetically-pleasing finish. Photo: Buck Knives Sprint Pro Carbon Fiber. Advantages of carbon steel knives There's a lot of blade steels to pick from, and each has its own set of advantages to consider for your EDC. Designed by Lucas Burnley, a masterful knifemaker and living legend in the EDC space, Boker’s Kwaiken is one of the absolute best urban EDC knives around. Knife manufacturers have a wide set of names for each kind of blade steel. Shredworthy staples to keep your feet happy out on the slopes. Used widely in the aerospace and automotive industries, this woven wonder material can be made up to five times stronger than steel of a similar format/weight and twice as stiff. There are variations of this steel, but knives below 8Cr tend to not hold an sharp edge as well because of the lower carbon content. We can’t figure out why DPx gear isn’t more widely known, as they make some of the best-looking, tactical-inspired, ultra-tough folding blades around. Despite the lower carbon content compared with other blade steels in this guide, Sandvick 12C27 can become very sharp if heat treated well. A steel designation trademarked by Cold Steel, Carbon V reportedly fits between a 1095 and O1 grade and is similar to 50100-B. Very famous fixed blade knife made by famous KA-BAR company. The length of the blade and its durable carbon steel construction makes this knife great for tactical, camping, and EDC use. The Kershaw Leek is one of the best and most iconic EDC knives, so when it came out in carbon fiber a few years ago, it made something great even greater. Benchmade EDC 940 (Best Under $200) Check Price on Amazon. A tapered design and four-way stretch ensure an unrivaled range of motion. Most folks with a background and/or some baseline knowledge of the everyday carry space are familiar with Buck Knives. This also trickles down into the world of everyday carry, which means that a good carbon fiber EDC knife will inherently be more expensive than many of its more commonplace counterparts. EDC (everyday carry) refers to gear that you have on you every day. ©2020 Hiconsumption LLC. There is one fairly large downside to this material’s impressiveness: it can be quite expensive. In addition, the Wharncliffe Lockback also has 440 stainless-steel bolsters and a modernized lock-back mechanism. This EDC knife has all the features including a sharp blade, ergonomic handle, perfect cut, and design, making it a smart choice for an EDC knife lover. Blade Length: 3.68″ Get the best deals on high carbon steel folding knife when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Not only is the Cold Steel Recon 1 questionably one of the best tactical folding knives on the market, but it is one of the two EDC knives that i personally carry with me every single day. It also comes equipped with a CPM-S35VN steel blade, SOG’s signature one-handed ambidextrous XR lock, and it looks great from just about any angle. If you’re fond of rare acquisitions, this one isn’t likely to stay on the shelves for long. With its flipper opening and IKBS ball bearing assist, it's ready to go as soon as you need it. Some knife manufacturers will apply a coating to their carbon steel knife blades to help prevent rusting which does help. Here is an EDC knife hand forged from 1084 high carbon steel, hardened and tempered. It is exceptionally tough but harder to sharpen than most stainless steels. As one of the alloy steels, it's also far less brittle and more wear-resistant than 1095. The elite Swiss dive watch gets a retro-inspired customization treatment. Includes leather sheath, will fit up to 1.5 inch wide belt. This is a premium high-carbon stainless steel that gets so sharp that you usually find it in some of the best kitchen knives your money can buy. The Cold Steel Night Force Knife is the perfect balance between an elegant pocket knife and a tactical EDC knife. Blade is 7 inches long. Inspired by Japanese design — most obviously, katana swords — this sleek EDC flipper boasts a slender profile, a total length of 8.4″, a reliable liner lock, and a razor-sharp VG-10 steel blade. This knife also has a reliable liner lock, a wire pocket clip, and it weighs a grand total of just 3.2 ounces. A carbon steel knife is a lot of time used for combat and for hunting. If Kizer hasn’t yet made your radar, it’s time to change that. The classic CF handle scales are mated to a CPF-S30V steel blade — done up in the brand’s signature leaf style and including the iconic oversized thumb hole for easy one-handed deployment. Free shipping on many items ... Case 111 Yellow CV TrapperLock EDC Clip Folding Knife Pocket Folder. Facing the elements with a ruggedized leather, textile, and synthetic upper. 8 Stainless (Sandvick 12C27). In this example, the Spyderco Chicago is a compact folding knife made in the classic Spyderco style with a sub-2”, 440C flat ground, plain edge blade. This means sometimes you might forget that you are carrying a sharp object in your pocket. If Spyderco’s inclusion on this list comes as a surprise, you probably haven’t been paying close enough attention to the worlds of tactical and everyday carry folding knives. 154CM is great for knives that will be used often, making it perfect for EDC. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Knife. However, while they tend to play a bit in the more traditional space, they definitely don’t shy away from more modern, avant-garde offerings. One of the best ways to manage that can, in fact, be by picking out construction materials you find enticing. Total Length: 6.50″. The name denotes the actual content of the steel, with the main points being 0.80% carbon and 13% chrome. As a pair of added bonuses, this majestic cutting tool was also made in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Everyday Carry is a reader-supported startup. Total Length: 9.27″. Hot High Quality Titanium Carbon Fiber Damascus Steel Pocket Edc Folding Knife. Total Length: 6.9375″. 1. Total Length: 5.63″. Many still enjoy traditional EDC knife options, and this pocket-folder features an elegantly tapered frame with a hard working 3.25-inch Wharnecliffe 8Cr13MoV stainless-steel blade. It has a comfortable, ergonomic handle and a durable carbon steel blade that will retain sharpness for months, even with consistent use. The Problem With Carbon Steel (Hint: It's Not a Problem) So here's the downside: carbon steel is more fragile. You will notice that those knives have a really high amount of carbon. This particular version isn’t an auto knife, but that’s actually to its benefit, as it means it’s legal to carry in more places. Your EDC knife is only as good as the steel in its blade. While H1 steel lives in a specialist category as a fishing or boating knife, LC200N holds its own as an EDC knife steel. And while plenty of his spectacular designs can be found within the “budget-friendly” category of EDC knives, he also has proven his prowess in the high-end space. The venerable Opinel usually comes with a non-stainless blade, but they use Sandvick 12C27 for their stainless options. The best knife made of this steel is by far the Kershaw Leek, a small EDC folding blade with flipper assisted opening and a modified wharncliffe shape. 99 This magnificent and intimidating tactical EDC knife comes equipped with a marbled carbon fiber handle — complete with its own glass-breaker tip at the base — mated to a black-finished PVD-coated CPM-S35VN steel drop point blade with its own integrated bottle opener. If the PM2 is just a bit too aggressive for your tastes, this more-refined option will suit your purposes brilliantly. It’s also equipped with Flavio Ikoma’s legendary IKBS ball bearing pivot system, so it can open quickly and smoothly at the drop of a hat. Carbon Fiber Handle, 5Cr15MoV Stainless Steel Blade • Bastion Steak Knife is a fine edge slicing and carving knife with an upswept boning tip. $84.99. In fact, it can be managed masterfully, as can be seen in the Terrain 365 Otter slipjoint knife you see here. While still being tough and durable, it's fairly easy to sharpen 154CM on your own. One such offing is the Sage 5 carbon fiber knife you see here. Blade Length: 3.75″ But, the truth is, it’s not impossible to pare CF into a gentleman’s knife. That includes the Small Inkosi with carbon fiber inlays that you see here. Take, for instance, their HEST/F Urban knife you see here. When considering the materials that have gone into the construction of a given pocket knife, there are a few desirable ones that come to mind. This is not your grandpa’s slipjoint; that’s for sure. Blade: S30V × Blade: CPM-S35VN Furthermore, its carbon fiber handle has a light curve and finger grooves, providing you with a comfortable grip. It features a sub 2” hollow ground blade that's sharp enough to cut through most anything you throw at it. 1095 is a non-stainless carbon steel, with approximately 0.95% carbon in the blade.This makes for a tough knife that holds an excellent edge, but it's prone to rusting if you don't take care of it. Two of carbon fiber’s most impressive qualities are, without a doubt, its tensile strength and how remarkably lightweight it is when compared to similarly-strong metals. It's absolutely stunning, and it's definitely worthy to sit alongside the Sebenza line as a grail knife for everyday carry. You're bound to encounter more kinds of blade steels on your hunt for the perfect EDC knife, but by now you should be familiar with the most popular of the EDC-worthy options out there. In this guide, we'll go over what to look out for in a steel before buying your next blade. Blade: CTS-XHP Weighing just 4.3-ounces, the Code 4 Spear Point won’t add unnecessary bulk and with ambidextrous pocket clips and thumb studs, it becomes a versatile EDC knife. Cold Steel Recon 1. Machined from solid titanium billet and paired with G10 scales. It generally has a higher amount of carbon than 1095, but the chromium content makes it far more resistant to corrosion. Founded upon a fully seam-sealed Schoeller shell. The handle is crafted from marbled carbon fiber, which is both grippy and looks beautiful in a kind of intimidating way. AUS-8 has similar properties to 440C stainless steel, but it features a large amount of vanadium in its creation. This is the kind of knife you may never want to take out of your pocket again — unless you need to cut something, that is. For years now, the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 has been one of Spyderco’s most compelling lightweight options for EDC. Blade: CPM-S35VN A knife made of good steel will be sharp, stay sharp, and won't break on you. The blade on the Schrade SCH601TI features both a drop point and recurve design that makes it very versatile and suitable for your everyday cutting tasks. It is also a folding knife for even more portability. Blade Length: 3.5″ The blade deploys with a flipper assisted by IKBS ball bearings and a liner lock keeps it in place during use. Furthermore, the blade is actually 8% thicker and, therefore, sturdier than the Sebenza 21, while actually being a bit more compact. Its name is actually the Zulu word for Chief, which is plenty appropriate when you consider just how formidable and powerful this cutting tool actually is. HiConsumption was established by gearheads for gearheads as a modern day men’s lifestyle publication, uncovering the greatest products in adventure, tech, gear, automotive, and style. Ultra-skeletonized, this folder weighs just over 1.3 ounces in total, yet it still measures up at 8″ in length when opened, has a tough titanium-coated 440C blade, and still boasts a secure liner lock for safety in use. Of course, if you’re not super fond of the carbon fiber handle scales, it’s also offered in a number of other formats and materials — including G-10, Micarta, and even steel. Stainless Steel – basically carbon steel with added chromium to resist corrosion and other elements which increase performance levels but usually at the expense of inferior toughness. And it has a sturdy frame lock for unmatched security in use. Whether you use the thumb stud or flipper, this one-handed knife is more than deserving of a spot in your pocket. This brand has proven time and time again that they’re capable of crafting interesting, high-quality everyday cutting tools in a variety of styles. Learn more. Another spectacular knife designed by a legendary maker — Warren Osborne — Benchmade’s 940 is widely regarded as one of the best EDC knives ever made. #knives #buying-guides #carry-smarter #best-steel-for-edc-knife #best-steel-for-knives #12c27-steel-vs-s30v #typea-of-knife-steel see all. The Mini Griptillian has a 2.91″ 154CM stainless steel blade that is .1″ thick. It has a DSC damasteel blade, a stainless Damascus steel comprised of 120 layers of N690 and Nitro-B steel. In all honesty, while there are certainly different makeups between them, the actual in-use differences are hardly noticeable to your average EDC enthusiast . That is because one can sharpen them very easily to the point that it is extremely sharp. Carbon steel blades stay sharper for a longer period of time than stainless steel blades. There are a lot of really stellar folding knives worth adding to your collection and, obviously, your everyday carry loadout. $53.99 to $62.99. After all, Spyderco is one of the most prolific brands active in the world today — and their offerings are unmistakable. To pair with these handsome scales, it also features a CPM-S35VN steel blade with a flipper deployment, an offset pocket clip, and a liner lock. Blade: AUS-8 S30V is a blade steel designed for extremely high quality knives. Blade Length: 3.25 inches Cutting Its razor-sharp 2.91” drop point 154CM blade makes short work of your everyday cutting tasks. Total Length: 8.75″. All rights reserved, The Complete Guide To Knife Handle Materials. Sandvik 12C27 is a medium carbon (0.6%) blade steel that features a large amount of chromium in the mix. Blade: CPM-S35VN If you really want those ounces to drop to the lowest weight possible, you might be in the market for something like the Deejo 37G Carbon Fiber Composite pocket knife. 1095 is a non-stainless carbon steel, with approximately 0.95% carbon in the blade. This particular offering, which was designed by Nick Swan, offers a more unique take on carbon fiber handle scales. Let us know in a comment below. The handles are 6Al4V titanium and feature the signature Reeve integral lock. Owned by Aichi Steel, AUS series knife steels are, for all intents and purposes, the Japanese version of 400-series steels – though there is slight variations from steel to steel. The Koenig Knives Mini-Goblin 3″ blade folding pocket knife is a collaboration between Edison Barajas of Sharknivco and Koenig Knives. It's very resistant to rust as well. D2 is a steel normally used to create large industrial tools needed to cut and stamp softer forms of steel. Learn all you know about some of the most popular, impactful, and groundbreaking on our complete guide to knife handle materials. HiConsumption is reader-supported. The hardness of 1095 steel is great for making fixed blades, and the Bartender Defender is an excellent example. Take, for instance, their HEST/F Urban knife you see here. In fact, in some cases, it’s actually better than, say, stainless steel. Carbon steel despite being harder than stainless steel is way easier to sharpen than stainless. One of the best budget-friendly folding knives of all time, the Ontario Knife Company RAT 2 has an iconic silhouette, a reliable construction, and comes in a wide variety of options. What's your favorite steel and why? There is certainly something to be said for compactness, which is one of the prevailing reasons the SOG Ultra has been such a significant offering for the longtime brand. Kershaw Leek, Carbon Fiber. S30V uses vanadium carbides instead of chromium to achieve stellar toughness and sharpness. Made out of one of the most abundant elements in the universe — the one responsible for the creation of life — CF (for short) is non-metallic but, when manufactured properly, exhibits properties similar to some of the best metals around. Enough gushing over carbon fiber. Carbon steel folding knife as EDC in real world use. Quite compact compared to its non-OTF brethren, this impressive auto blade measures up at just 5.63″ in total and its tanto blade is 2.41″ itself. Example: Opinel No. This curved tip is designed to assist in separating meat from the bone. The Mini Kwaiken pairs an ultra-sharp 3” VG-10 alloyed blade with a gorgeous titanium handle. For example: wallet, phone, keys, and knives. But first, please take a few moments to sign up as a member of our EDC community below. That makes it remarkably discreet — yet it’s still formidable enough to be considered an everyday carry knife, especially if you get it with a carbon fiber handle, as in the SOG Ultra XR you see here. Blade Length: 3″ Furthermore, it comes with a super-sturdy frame lock, has a lanyard hole that does double duty as a hex bit driver, and so much more. Medford Praetorian Scout M/P – 450 USD Frequent lubrication and proper storage will keep things in good order. The 3.25” blade's S30V steel gets sharp and stays sharp. Carbon steel has its place in the knife world, but in my opinion that place is in big fixed blades; on an EDC folding knife, I think it’s a suboptimal choice. Frequent lubrication and proper storage will keep things in good order. Mr Volcano - Knife Blade Steel - (12 inch x 2 Inch x 3/16 inch) 1095 High Carbon - Annealed - Flat Stoc… And the whole thing is operable via a simple slider mechanism mounted on the spine of the handle — ensuring easy, ergonomic deployment whenever you need it. It's a more brittle material, which means it's more likely to chip if you drop it or toss it into the dishwasher. Generally beware of dubious knives that do not advertise their blade steel. Because of the work it takes to make this steel, you generally only find it in high-end and custom knives. Handle is Buckeye Burl with stainless steel pins. It's a good all-around knife for affordable everyday carry with solid sharpness, edge retention, and durability. The Mini-Goblin features a 3 inch M390 steel knife blade with a set of 4.25 inch full 3D surfaced/contoured carbon fiber & 6AL4V titanium handles. Don’t forget that it comes with a nice sheath! Blade is hand rubbed 400 grit finish, ready for use in the field. The Vizzle has an attractive Voxnaes design that features a 3.35” 8Cr13MoV blade with an upswept tip. Get the best deals on Carbon Steel Blade Pocket Knives when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. In fact, some versions might even slot into the gentleman’s folder category. If you're looking at an AUS-8 knife, make sure you're buying from a maker who's up to snuff. From its grippy ergonomic FRN handles to the signature leaf-shaped 2.28“ VG-10 stainless steel flat ground for extreme sharpness and ease of maintenance, it’s easy to see why this knife still deserves your attention in 2020. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! 6.5 Inch Handmade Damascus Pocket knife for Men Folding Knife with back lock Small Pocket knife for Hunting Camping Hiking Damascus hunting knife with sheath Best EDC Camping Knife Buffalo Horn Handle $ 70.00 $ 32.99 Blades made of this steel exhibit strong durability and wear resistance. Renowned for its unique appearance, versatility, strength, and weight-saving properties, it’s not as cutting-edge as it once was, but it continues getting used fairly widely — and there have even been some novel applications therein. Blade: CPM-154 Total Length: 8.4″. Just as worthy as being called a “Holy Grail” EDC knife as its more widely-popular sibling, the Inkosi you see here measures up at 6.5″ in total, has a CPM-S35VN drop point blade, and boasts the brand’s award-winning Reeve Integral Lock. With so many great options out there, it can be hard to pin down which blade is right for you. It also features a traditional clip point hunter's blade that locks into place with a solid lockback mechanism in the handle. Total Length: 8″. Blade Length: 3.125″ 20 Best Pocket Knives for EDC in 2020   After all, their Hunter 101 is one of the most iconic folding knives of all time. 1095 Carbon Steel. Furthermore, it’s also significantly lighter than steel and more malleable/versatile — making it ideal for use in the body panels and chassis of some of the world’s most impressive performance vehicles — like F1 race cars and production hypercars. It's not as hard as some of the steels on this list, but it's great for knives that go through constant hard use. One of master knifemaker and top-tier designer Ken Onion, the Leek is an exceptional and memorable everyday carry pocket knife — the kind you proudly keep in your collection and consistently have in rotation amongst the rest of your loadout. To make things even easier, we'll give a few examples of our favorite knives made of each type of steel. The 0350 represents everything I look for in a knife, and it is my personal EDC daily driver. Blade: CPM-S35VN That might not be the case with this particular edition, due in part to the tactical reputation of carbon fiber, but it’s no less formidable and beautiful. The handle is also equipped with a bright red pivot and a matching Cerakote spacer and pocket clip. I don't know the first thing about carbon steel blades other than I have seen good things about 1095 and Carbon V. I have also seen some discrepencies surrounding Carbon V and understand that there aren't any knives in production with it. It's a bit more resistant to corrosion than carbon steel but it's not truly stainless. An EDC knife typically has the characteristics of being small, lightweight, and sharp. If you’re thinking about picking up your own carbon fiber EDC knife, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best that you can buy right now. In fact, one of his pricier designs can be found in the CRKT Panache you see here. It's an excellent blade steel when made properly, but its quality is very dependent on how well it is forged and heat treated. The specific alloy used in making a knife is usually disclosed, letting you judge the quality. Blade: Titanium-Coated 420 Blade Length: 2.75″ Carbon V® Knife Steel. Typically, carbon fiber is more reserved for tactical knives. Originally created in Ohio back in 1958 and further refined and perfected at a British research facility in 1963, carbon fiber is a pretty magnificent material. Total Length: 6.7″. The greatest example of this blade steel in current production is of course Chris Reeve's Small Inkosi. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best carbon fiber EDC knives. It is good practice to wipe the blades with an oily rag after use and oil the joints regularly. For those not in the know, Terrain 365 hasn’t been around long, but they’ve made big waves with their absurdly tough, corrosion-resistant offerings. While carbon itself is hugely abundant, it has to be refined and put through some pretty complicated manufacturing processes in order to turn it into usable carbon fiber — which makes the material much rarer than its unrefined precursor and, therefore, a good deal pricier. Truly, you’re better off wondering what this knife can’t do rather than musing on what it can. We support operations by earning commissions when you purchase products we link. Finally, the clip point blade with its sawtooth back is built from S30V stainless steel. The inward curvature makes it good for detail work, with a fat-ass belly that gives you loads of leverage right where it counts. This makes for a tough knife that holds an excellent edge, but it's prone to rusting if you don't take care of it. If you're looking for something with a bit more carbon but still in the same family as this blade steel, take a look at knives made of the 14C18N variant. Their RAT folding knife series is one of the most popular folders carried by the EDC community as well. Discussion in 'Traditional Folders and Fixed Blades' started by Fass, Nov 23, 2020. Total Length: 7.5″. And while it makes for a very hard, yet durable knife, it can be difficult to sharpen without the right equipment. Ultra-thin, ultra-light, the Cold Steel Code 4 is an extremely functional utility knife designed to be the only EDC folder you’ll ever need to carry. We’re glad you dig this post! 14 Best Small Pocket Knives in 2020. With the addition of molybdenum, the durable alloy in 154CM exhibits superior sharpness and edge retention than standard stainless steels. This is one of the more ubiquitous on the market today because it delivers solid performance at a cost that is very budget friendly. Undoubtedly, it’s a bit of an investment; but it’s without a doubt an investment worth making for those who understand just how stellar this blade is. This knife is made of 1095 Cro-van steel with a leather handle. I'm interested in trying out a good quality flat out high carbon steel blade in an edc folder. With the addition of niobium and a few more tweaks to the formula, S35VN makes for an even sharper version of S30V. This magnificent and intimidating tactical EDC knife comes equipped with a marbled carbon fiber handle — complete with its own glass-breaker tip at the base — mated to a black-finished PVD-coated CPM-S35VN steel drop point blade with its own integrated bottle opener. The carbon fiber adorning the handle is about as minimal as it comes, but it’s definitely still there and gives this blade a bit of a sinister edge, so to speak. Total Length: 7″. After all, we’re talking about a knife that’s so thin, it can even fit in some wallets. The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide for 2020, Common Fibers LMX Carbon Fiber Bifold Wallet. If you’re willing to go off the beaten path a bit and try out an EDC knife that isn’t on everyone’s wishlist, you’re definitely not going to be disappointed with this Kizer. Estimated Price: $175 Blade Style: Reverse Tanto Blade Composition: CPM-S30V Handle Composition: 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum Blade Length: 3.40 Inches Total Length: 7.87 Inches Total Weight: 2.90 Ounces My Review: The Benchmade EDC 940 is one of the most versatile and popular EDC knives ever. Of course, a super-thin profile is hardly the only thing this carbon fiber EDC knife has to offer. The lack of corrosion resistance means the knives require more care after use and during storage. 1095 blades also tend to be thicker because a thin knife made of hard 1095 can be too brittle. Total Length: 7″. In this case, the perfect one for the job is the Microtech UTX-70 OTF. Blade: VG10 The Benchmade Mini Griptillian is one of the most customizable knives from Benchmade, and it’s lightweight and compact design makes for an excellent EDC knife. Blade: CPM-S90V Blade Length: 3″ Blade: CPM-S35VN This is the best EDC knife I’ve ever owned, and has been in my pocket every day for nearly the last five years. If you are more into functionality than looks and design, then Cold Steel Recon 1 is the EDC knife you have been looking for. The Otter proves that legendary toughness can function fantastically in a more traditional format, as it boasts a classic silhouette, a non-locking slipjoint mechanism, and even a lanyard bail that can serve to keep the knife closed when stored in your pocket. 3. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They are also quite strong, so they can be used for hunting. Their latest iteration features a sharp 3” satin finished AUS-8 drop point blade and grippy G-10 scales on the handle. These knives cut at a level that's comparable to their non-stainless brethren while being easier to maintain as well. Furthermore, the CTS-204P blade collapses into a tough and lightweight carbon fiber handle with a glass-breaker tip on the butt. 5 out of 5 stars (6) 6 product ratings - Case 111 Yellow CV TrapperLock EDC Clip Folding Knife Pocket Folder. The brass and wood grain features make it more than just a tool in your hands. Blade Length: 3.4″ It’s a Benchmade 531, but REI has an exclusive model with a CPM-S30V blade. Your message has been sent privately to our editorial staff for review. 2. Blade Length: 2.9″ It’s also one of Kershaw’s offerings with the most variety regarding available materials. 1095 blades also tend to be thicker because a thin knife made of hard 1095 can be too brittle. Because of that it's incredibly tough and wear resistant. It has a beautiful organic modified drop point blade that has a huge belly, increasing its cutting surface. The award-winning blade is built from S35VN stainless steel and the two parts are mated via a buttery-smooth KVT ball-bearing pivot for slick reliable deployment at a moment’s notice. This particular version still has the same sturdy liner lock, overall length, and appearance but benefits from a sleek black-finished AUS-8 steel blade and handsome carbon fiber handle scales. My carbon steel knife once sliced right through layers of the cut-resistant fabric of my old knife bag. Carbon V is a cutlery grade steel that shows reasonable corrosion resistance and good edge retention. Total Length: 6.125″. That makes this an excellent discreet EDC for those that live in places where auto OTF knives are legal to carry. From CRKT to Chris Reeve, you'll find the best EDC knife for you here. The ambidextrous AXIS lock and excellent grip afforded by the handle makes it a joy to use everyday. Unlike 1095, it's more suited for folding knives that are far less hefty than fixed blades. Many EDC knife blades use stainless steel — a durable material that doesn’t dull quickly and is affordable. And while you don’t have to settle on one, it certainly makes sense to pare down the list a bit. Blade: CPM-S30V Carbon steel is ideal for knives that prioritize toughness and durability, such as survival knives or machetes. An EDC Knife has to be completely safe: Things to remember, an EDC knife will be on you every day. Blade Length: 3″ They’re easy to sharpen but are more prone to corrosion. Thank you for your contribution. The Zieg. Its carbon steel blade is exceptionally tough which makes for good cutting quality, wear … Therefore, carbon steel knives is a good choice for the kitchen knife. SpeedSafe assisted opening ensures it's out quick, and the ergonomics make it a joy to hold. This EDC knife is for men who love the outdoors since it’s simple, efficient, and easy to use. Unknown steel should raise a red flag in your mind when you're trying to buy a knife. Now that you have a general understanding of blade steels, let's look at specific examples of 10 good steels. 1. They tend to dull easily and end up chipping and breaking when you need them most. We wouldn’t necessarily call it unstoppable, but it’s pretty damn close. This 2.7oz cutting tool also comes with a Terravantium blade — the brand’s signature — and has titanium liners. It also sports a solid frame lock construction as well as a gorgeous textured ergonomic titanium handle. 440C is a stainless steel with a durable crystallite structure and a high chromium content. On the other hand, knives made of dubious steel are unreliable and downright unsafe. Blade Length: 4.1″ However, despite its age, it is still one of the absolute best EDC folders around — especially if you’re interested in something with sturdy, lightweight carbon fiber handle scales. It's that sharp. What it does have is sturdy carbon fiber handle scales, a slender CPM-S90V steel reverse tanto blade, the brand’s signature AXIS locking mechanism, and more. Blade: Terravantium It's extremely popular in the EDC community, and it's affordable too. While it gets sharp, AUS-8 also tends to dull quickly, so make sure to sharpen it regularly to get the best results. The 14 Best Fixed Blade Knives in 2020   If you want a tried-and-true, good-looking, ergonomic carbon fiber everyday carry knife, but you’re a bit tight on cash, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option out there than this one. Truly, this list wouldn’t be complete without at least one automatic knife. The problem with that is though it may hurt the knife in other areas like the ability to throw a spark in fire starting. Carbon knives, when properly cared about, often serve for decades! Best of all, the knife is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. Easily the most popular category today for EDC knives and includes the 400, 154CM, AUS, VG, CTS, MoV, Sandvik and Crucible SxxV series of steels. Blade: CTS-204P Nov 29, 2020 at 11:52 PM #41. Amongst those at the top of the list is carbon fiber. 3,012. KA-BAR US Marine Corps Fighting Knife. As mentioned previously, Ken Onion is one of the greatest knifemakers — living or otherwise. Dmitry Sinkevich’s flipper you see here has been a longtime staple of Zero Tolerance’s superior lineup of USA-made pocket knives. Perhaps the fixed blade EDC knife that is recommended the most by professionals in any hard-working, serious cutting profession, this is a 1095 steel workhorse that is more tactical knife than standard EDC. Schrade SCH109 8.2in High Carbon Stainless Steel Folding Knife with 3.5in Drop Point Blade and Textured G-10 Handle for Outdoor Survival, Camping and EDC 4.6 out of 5 stars 38 $16.99 $ 16 . 1. This limited-edition offering — which has only 550 examples built, ever — boasts a premium CTS-XHP modified tanto blade mated to a titanium handle, both with grippy carbon fiber inlays. Such is the case with their fairly aggressive and tactical Sprint Pro you see here. It's a sharp and compact EDC knife that's also pretty handy because it packs a bottle opener as well. Bastion’s collection of EDC knives varies enough to fulfill the needs of even the most demanding outdoorsman. Total Length: 7.17″. Its ergonomic handle also sports grippy G-10 scales, giving you precise control. Compared to stainless steel blade pocket knives, the best carbon steel blades, with the correct heat treatment have a finer, longer lasting cutting edge. Blade Length: 2.375″ It's extremely easy to sharpen; in a pinch, even the unpolished bottom of a ceramic plate will do. Was: $69.99. Total Length: 6″. Example: Chris Reeve Small Inkosi (CPM-S35VN). Truly, this isn’t just a great budget pick, it’s one of the best EDC knives of all time — period. Blade Length: 3″ LC200N is an amazing steel! The Mini Griptillian is a venerable knife that's extremely popular in the EDC community. 154CM is a further development of 440C stainless steel. Few things are as timeless as a Buck knife, and the 110 folding hunter knife is one of the classiest gent's knives you can carry. The knife is 6.78″ open and 3.87″ closed, it weighs 2.81 ounces. Free shipping. This super-slender flipper actually only has a carbon fiber scale on one side of the handle, with the other — the frame lock side — crafted from tough and durable steel. Perhaps that’s just the nature of the material and its appearance. It's a result of a collaboration between Crucible and Chris Reeve, of whose knives represent the grail for many in the EDC community. Related Gear:    Combine that with its excellent rust resistance and its ability to be forged into the waved patterns of Damascus steel and you have something that brings your EDC to a higher level. Since its recent redesign, the Chris Reeve Sebenza 31 does not yet have a carbon fiber configuration — which, unfortunately, nixes it off our list. Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In this case, this version comes with carbon fiber handle scales that perfectly complement the included CPM-154 modified Wharncliffe blade. Carbon fiber is just one of the many possible construction materials used in the creation of knives. With 90% the corrosion resistance of H1, you also get much improved edge retention. If it’s within your budget, this is a knife that belongs in your collection. If you’re a die-hard minimalist or you’re just tired of your everyday carry weighing you down, picking out gear with a carbon fiber construction is a good first step — but it’s not necessarily the end of the road. Rather than having the signature checkered weave, this one boasts a wilder tiger-stripe pattern — yet it’s still just as lightweight and strong. Page 3 of 3 < Prev 1 2 3. Ontario Knife Company is well-regarded for making sharp knives that stand up to hard use. Blade Length: 2.41″ It also boasts SpeedSafe technology — Kershaw’s proprietary assisted opening — for quick deployment in a pinch, as well as a reliable liner lock for safety during use. However, just because the obvious pick can’t be included, that doesn’t mean the master knifemaker doesn’t offer other options. 420HC is an old-school high-carbon stainless steel that you'll mostly find in classy gent's knives and outdoors hunter designs. Total Length: 7.87″. Blade Length: 2.75″ That was only proven to be more true when the brand recently equipped it with an automatic deployment mechanism.