“Sometimes all you need is a positive attitude and a knife.”
-Unknown
Whether you are a fan of fixed blades, prefer a gentleman’s folding knife, or carry several of both, having a blade of any kind on you makes you infinitely more useful than most people. Even the smallest pen knife is handier than you might think and can even be used to defend yourself with a little bit of training.
With all the different blade steels and the variety of styles, picking a knife can be a little overwhelming. Just like when choosing an EDC pistol, you must find the fit and style that matches your lifestyle. Some folks can get away with carrying a Rambo Survival knife on their belt without a second look while others need to be more discreet. Here are a few that covers all that and more:
The newest addition to Die Free Co’s lineup is a beautiful, fixed blade they call the “Calvin.” With an overall length of 7.2” this one is the least discreet of the lineup. This “workhorse” uses MagnaCut steel and G10 scales to make it a go to in the field or ranch. At just 5.6 OZ, the Calvin is ready for your pack out, and they have any color you want, as long as its black.
The folding knife has been the choice of gentlemen worldwide for centuries. The Kronos Brazen Stonewashed Folding Knife is a perfect example of why. Kronos did it right when designing this tanto style folder by starting with the right kind of steel. Nitro-V is the perfect choice for an EDC blade because of its resistance to the elements and all the nasty bits floating around in your pocket. The red aluminum handle is lightweight and easy to see laying on your nightstand or on the workbench and the pocket clip is situated so it is barely visible when carried. I’m a big fan of tanto blades, and this one is a winner in my book.
One of the first knives I ever bought myself back in high school was a Gerber Gator. The biggest draw for me was the textured rubberized grips. I had never seen anything like that and instantly fell in love with the way that knife felt in my hand. Over the years I’ve had several Gerber Gators and highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a thicker, more comfortable grip. This version measures just 5” when the stainless-steel blade is closed and retains the Alligator Hide texturing on the rubber handles. It’s a little bigger than your average pocketknife but comes with a black cordura belt sheath to help carry the load.
Toor Knives has been a favorite of operators and tactical folks since its inception. Designed for fighting, their blades have seen more action than Prom Night. The Jank Shank is one of my favorites simply because of its design and retention ring. If you are familiar with knife fighting, you know how beneficial that ring can be in any position in the hand. Along with the CPM M4 series steel and G10 grips that fit just right, even baby bear could get his porridge back with one of these!
The last knife on my list is a little smaller and perfect for those lighter days when you don’t want to carry your machete. Kershaw’s Valve Drop Point Folder is a great knife for a great price. At just 2 ¼”, the Valve isn’t too overbearing to pull out in public and durable enough to last a lifetime. The handle and blade are all steel, making this one of the toughest little folders out there.
.png)
.png)
.png)
