Looking For an Every Day Carry Pocket Knife? Here Are The Top Brands & Models

by John Wren

Carrying a pocket knife is important because it can be used in a variety of situations and scenarios in order to make tasks easier, faster, and safer. For instance, a pocket knife can help open a package, tighten a screw, and even cut rope or fabric. It can also be used to open bottles and cans, sharpen sticks, and even as a mini-tool to pry things open.

Pocket knives can also be used for self-defense, in case you’re ever in a situation where you need to defend yourself. Even just having it on you can be a deterrent and show potential attackers that you’re ready to fight back if necessary.

Overall, an Every Day Carry (EDC) pocket knife is a valuable tool that you should have with you at all times in case you need it. It can be used for everyday tasks, self-defense, and can provide peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything.

A pocket pen knife allows you to carry a toolbox in your pocket, effectively, and they have long been a popular design with survivalists and boy scouts alike. We’ll take a look at some of the best tactical penknives on the market at the moment, as well as the special features that make them so useful in the first place.

Below, we take a look at some of the best tactical penknives on the market at the moment, as well as the special features that make them so useful in the first place.

What should You look for in a Tactical Pen Knife?

Many fail to see much difference between a standard folding knife and a tactical one. The differences are, indeed, subtle. However, in the situation where you need one, you’ll notice the difference!

The robust build of a tactical knife is specially designed with the idea of rescue in adverse circumstances in mind. Tactical basically means that you have a knife with purpose- both as a

The robust build of a tactical knife is specially designed with the idea of rescue in adverse circumstances in mind. Tactical basically means that you have a knife with purpose- both as a defense tool and as a rescue/survival tool and that the knife must fulfill all these needs well.

They should be ergonomically designed with a comfortable handle that doesn’t pinch, rub or bite into the hand of the person holding it.

Test this in a grip both where the knife blade comes out the top of the fist and where it is reversed.

While some shaping to the hilt will make the knife comfortable to hold, too much zealousness here will force your fingers into a predetermined pattern that may well not work for the task at hand and should be avoided.

Your knife should also be a good size in your hand. You should also consider the purpose to which you intend to put it when deciding on

Your knife should also be a good size in your hand. You should also consider the purpose to which you intend to put it when deciding on the length of the blade.

While most of the focus is, of course, on the blade, the handle deserves some attention too. Not only does it need to be well enough designed to be easy and comfortable to hold, but it also needs to be as robust as the blade it is serving.

If the blade is a folding type, which most are, it should also have a blade lock on it for safety, to prevent the blade slamming shut on your fingers accidentally.

Folders are never quite as strong as their fixed blade counterparts, but they’re also nowhere near as inconvenient to carry.

Most will have a belt or pocket clip to carry the unit, and you should take care that this, too, is of robust design and won’t easily break.

Most tactical pocket knives will also come with other features. A glass breaker is practically standard in the style and will come in immense handy in a rescue or survival situation.

Many will also have bottle openers for convenience, seatbelt cutters in case of an accident and much more. As with the knife itself, it’s important not to get distracted by the

As with the knife itself, it’s important not to get distracted by the glamor of these extras and to make sure that they are well built and fit for purpose.

With that overview of the features of a tactical pen knife aside, it’s time to look at some great specimens of the genre to help you decide on the best knife for you.

Best Tactical Pocket Knife For EDC

Bestseller No. 1
Kershaw Appa Folding Tactical Pocket Knife, SpeedSafe Opening, 2.75 inch Black Blade and Handle, Small, Lightweight Every Day Carry
  • Lightweight yet sturdy, the Appa is a perfect every day carry for any task - cutting tape, boxes, rope and more
  • Black 2.75 inch reverse tanto blade with a razor sharp cutting edge - the Appa features several cut outs in the handle to keep it light but strong
  • SpeedSafe Assisted Opening allows for easy, quick, one handed opening with the flipper - blade is held in place when opened with a liner lock
  • Features a reversible pocketclip as well as a lanyard hole for several carrying options based off your preference - adjusted with a T6 bit
  • Knife measures 6.5 inches when opened and 3.6 inches closed. Weighs just under 2 ounces.
Bestseller No. 2
2.95” Serrated Blade Pocket Knife - Black Folding Knife with Glass Breaker Legal Pocket Knife- Small EDC Knife with Pocket Clip for Men Women - Sharp Tactical Camping Survival Hiking Knives 6680
  • Black pocket knife with serrated blade and aluminum ergonomic handle. Pocket knife is made of 440C stainless steel. Lock type - liner lock. Blade length - 2.95”; Handle length - 4.2”; Overall...
  • All-In-One Knife: compact, versatile, and ready for anything. This small pocket knife is essential for everyday versatility, camping, EDC, hiking, backpacking, work, bushcrafting, hunting, fishing,...
  • Stylish Pocket Knife: A perfect blend of form and function for men on the go. This EDC essential features a sleek design with a folding mechanism for easy carry. Crafted with precision, it serves as a...
  • Stocking Stuffers for Adults. Excellent gift for all men from young boys to grandpas. Unique choice for your husband, dad, father in law, stepdad boyfriend, brother, grandpa, papa, groomsmen, son,...
  • Best Christmas Gift 2024. Unique present for Christmas 2025, New Year, Secret Santa, Stocking Stuffer, birthday, Anniversary, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion. Excellent stocking stuffer for both...
Bestseller No. 3
Smith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC
  • DIMENSIONS: 7.1 Inch (18 Cm) Overall Length With A Blade Length Of 3.1 Inches (7.9 Cm) And A Weight Of 3.5 Ounces
  • DURABLE: Blade Is Made Of Reliable 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel With A Black, Aluminum Handle
  • DEPENDABLE: Quick And Easy Access With The Convenient Pocket Clip, Finger Flipper And Ambidextrous Thumb Knobs Making It Ideal For Everyday Carry
  • SECURE: Have Confidence That The Blade Will Not Slip With The Security Of The Liner Lock
  • BE PREPARED: Knife Features Jimping And Serrations
Bestseller No. 4
CJRB Folding Pocket Knife Maileah Tactical Knife with AR-RPM9 Powder Steel Balde and G10 Small Tactical Pocket Knife EDC for outdoor survival hunting camping J1918 (Red)
  • Exclusive Design: Designed by the talented American designer Savannah Swaggerty, this pocket knife blends style with resilience, earning its place as a coveted collector's item. Whether you're a...
  • Secure Locking Mechanism: This pocket knife features a liner lock mechanism that ensures the blade stays securely in place during use, providing you with a dependable companion for self-defense,...
  • Exceptional Blade Quality: This CJRB pocket knife boasts premium AR-RPM9 steel construction, delivering unmatched edge retention and a remarkable hardness of HRC59-61. Paired with a G10 handle...
  • Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 2.29 ounces with a blade length of 2.39 inches, the CJRB Maileah pocket knife is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for everyday carry. Whether you're a...
  • Ideal Gift for Knife Enthusiasts: With impeccable craftsmanship, the CJRB Maileah pocket knife makes the perfect gift for discerning individuals who appreciate premium quality and reliability in their...
Bestseller No. 5
GOOD WORKER Pocket Knife - Serrated Sharp 3.5" Blade - Spring Assisted Tactical Knife with Wire Cutter Glass Breaker - Cool Black Folding Knives for Camping EDC - Gifts for Men HB 207
  • HIGH QUALITY KNIFE: Durable blade made of 440C stainless steel provides razor-sharp cutting performance and high durability. Handle material - aluminum. Lock type - liner lock. Blade length - 3.5"....
  • POCKET KNIFE MULTI-TOOL: Spring Assisted Knife is equipped with a serrated sharp blade, a strap cutter, glass breaker and a pocket clip. The best EDC tool for men and women. Great for travelers,...
  • IDEAL FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES: Camping, EDC, Hiking, Urban, Work, Self Defense, Bushcrafting, Hunting, Fishing, Military & Army needs, DIY Activities, Climbing, Biking, Survival, Combat,...
  • UNIQUE DESIGN: All black pocket knife with stylish ergonomic handle. Elevate your everyday carry with our perfect pocket knife. Sleek design, durable construction, and versatile functionality make it...
  • STOCKING STUFFERS FOR ADULTS. Excellent gift for all men from young boys to grandpas. Unique choice for your husband, dad, father in law, stepdad boyfriend, brother, grandpa, papa, groomsmen, son,...

Every one of these tactical pocket knives offers a versatile and strong blade with a good edge, and many combine extra features that may be useful in a rescue or survival scenario too.

A good tactical pocket knife will carry you through almost any situation with ease, and represents a valuable addition to your backpack or glove compartment.

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