A reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife is an essential tool for many individuals. Whether you use it for opening packages, performing small tasks, or even for self-defense purposes, having a high-quality EDC knife can make a significant difference. One crucial factor to consider when selecting an EDC knife is the type of steel used in the blade. In this article, we will explore some of the best knife steels available for EDC, along with highlighting their key properties and benefits.
VG-10
Known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, VG-10 is a stainless steel that has gained popularity in the knife community. Its ability to maintain a sharp edge for extended periods makes it ideal for everyday tasks. VG-10 is relatively easy to sharpen, ensuring that your EDC knife remains razor-sharp.
Best EDC knife made with VG-10:
Spyderco Leafjumper
This knife is a high-quality knife that delivers in all ways for an EDC knife. The Leafjumper has a 3-inch VG-10 blade, an FRN (fiberglass reinforced) handle, a back lock for extra strength, and on top of all that, it has a thumb hole so it won’t get snagged on your pocket when you draw it. Overall, if you are looking for a knife that is high quality and guaranteed to work for any task you use it for, this is the knife for you.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
S35VN
Developed by Crucible Industries, S35VN is a premium stainless steel highly regarded for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. These steels are often found in high-quality EDC knives due to their ability to withstand demanding tasks while maintaining a sharp edge.
Best EDC knife in S35VN:
Kizer Mini Sheepdog – S35VN
The Kizer Mini Sheepdog has a cleaver blade, a frame lock, and a smooth, ball bearing pivot that makes opening it as smooth as can be. It’s the smaller version of the Kizer Sheepdog, coming in at an overall length of 5.77 inches. (The Kizer Sheepdog is 7.75 inches.) Overall, if you’re looking for a smooth, cleaver-bladed knife, this one’s for you.
Check this knife out here (link to Amazon).
CPM-20CV
Manufactured by Crucible Industries, CPM-20CV is stainless steels known for their balanced performance. They exhibit excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making them well-suited for everyday carry knives. CPM-20CV provides enhanced performance and is particularly popular among knife enthusiasts.
Best EDC knives in CPM-20CV:
Zero Tolerance 0308
Zero Tolerance is made by the same parent company that makes Kershaw knives, so you might see some similarities there if you’re familiar with Kershaw. The 0308 has a G10 handle scale with a titanium back, 20CV steel, a reversible pocket clip, a flipper for opening, and a ball bearing pivot that makes for smooth opening.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Spyderco WATU
Similar to a lot of Spyderco’s knives, the WATU is a consistent workhorse of a knife. It’s not terribly flashy, but it gets the job done. It has Spyderco’s signature thumbhole for opening, a carbon fiber handle, 20CV steel, and Spyderco’s smooth compression lock.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
D2
D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel renowned for its exceptional edge retention. If you’re seeking a knife with remarkable cutting capabilities, D2 is worth considering. However, it’s important to note that D2 requires proper maintenance to prevent corrosion. Additionally, sharpening D2 blades may be more challenging compared to stainless steels.
Best EDC knife in D2:
SOG Aegis AT
The Aegis AT is a knife that’s for everyday carry (EDC). It has assisted opening so the knife will spring open and do most of the work of opening it for you. Its other features include SOG’s Cryo D2 blade, a lanyard hole, a thumb stud, and an ambidextrous spine safety.
You can find this knife here (link to Amazon).
Elmax
Elmax is powdered stainless steels that excel in edge retention and corrosion resistance. These steels are often utilized in high-end EDC knives due to their superior performance. Furthermore, Elmax is relatively easy to sharpen, ensuring that your EDC knife remains in top condition.
Best EDC knife in Elmax:
Bradford Knifes G-Cleaver
The G-Cleaver is a neck knife that is small enough to be easily carried, but large enough to handle fixed blade tasks. This knife is 6 inches overall, a 2.8-inch blade with a nimbus finish, and a Kydex sheath. If you want a small fixed blade that is easy to carry but can still handle big tasks you should look at this knife.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
CPM-S30V
CPM-S30V has been a staple in the knife industry for many years, and for good reason. This stainless steel offers a well-balanced combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it an excellent choice for an everyday carry knife. With proper heat treatment and craftsmanship, a CPM-S30V blade can provide reliable performance for a variety of tasks.
Best EDC knives in S30V:
Benchmade Griptilian
The Griptilian is an ideal higher-tier knife. It has a buttery smooth, super easy opening thanks to Benchmade’s AXIS lock. It has a 3-inch blade that can cut through anything you need to. The only downside to this knife is that it’s pretty pricey.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon).
Benchmade Grizzly Creek
The Benchmade Grizzly Creek is a Folding knife that is great for hunting. It has a 3.5-inch S30V blade, a gut hook, Benchmade’s smooth AXIS locking system, and it weighs 4.8 ounces. This knife will stay sharp for a long time and is super reliable. If you are looking for a super high-quality folding knife for hunting, you will want this knife.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
CTS-XHP
CTS-XHP is a stainless steel produced by Carpenter Technology, renowned for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It offers similar performance to some high-end steels at a more affordable price point. CTS-XHP blades are relatively easy to sharpen, allowing you to maintain a keen edge on your EDC knife.
Best EDC knife in CTS-XHP:
SOG Kiku XR (CTS-XHP)
The Kiku XR is a beefy knife with a thick blade, a duable handle, and a super strong lock. The Kiku XR has a 3-inch blade, a 4.3-inch Linen Micarta handle, a blade lock that can withstand 1500 pounds of force, and weighs 6.6 ounces. If you want a strong knife that can take some punishment and still be as reliable as ever, this is a knife you should look at.
Conclusion
Selecting the right knife steel for your everyday carry needs is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The steels mentioned in this guide, such as VG-10, S35VN, CPM-20CV, D2, Elmax, CPM-S30V, and CTS-XHP, are all excellent choices that offer various advantages depending on your preferences and requirements. Remember to consider other factors such as blade geometry, heat treatment, and overall design when choosing your ideal EDC knife. By investing in a high-quality knife with the right steel, you can have a reliable tool by your side for a multitude of everyday tasks.