I find that a Swiss Army knife is all I really need, but I sure do enjoy my modern folders.

After I lost my ZT 0550(ouch) I thought I'd "make due" with a more budget knife. I saw your review of the Para 3 lightweight and thought that the heck. 7 months in and I freaking love it.

I can't believe the z hunter isn't on your list. It's honestly amazing. Definitely a real budget folder.

Idk about you guys, but for many years now, my victorinox has been a loyal companion. Yes I may carry a second knife on occasion, but every day since I graduated high-school I've had a victorinox in pocket.

I have several Benchmades, but the Para3 is very hard to beat as a EDC.

I wasn't familiar with the Chaparral until I saw it in this vid. I found one on Amazon and it's fantastic! Thanks for the heads up and for all your presentations. You aren't responsible for my illness but make me feel better about it.

No matter what else I get, so far, the Kapara is probably my favorite in my collection. Always fun to hear what everyone else likes too. 👍🏼

Simple answer: One you will actually carry every day.

I've carried a Kershaw blur USA made Since 2006. Great knife. I had to send it back to the factory for a torsion bar replacement. Free repair and they cleaned it up and sharpened it. Budget friendly and wide range of colors and steel.

Thanks Nick. And great video man, This will be extremely helpful to the newcomers to the EDC world.

All great knives on the table. But my ED tends to be a case copperlock. I just love the old school feel of the case in pocket knife. Keep up the great videos Nick.

"Be excellent to each other" - Bill S. Preston, Esq. Excellent choice of knives and quotes, as usual, Nick. I vote also for the Benchmade Mini Presidio 2 CF Elite; solid build, neutral grip, Benchmade's great S30v steel, Benchmade's large bronze washers and large omega springs, and a good EDC size. My other inclusion would be the often forgotten Ferrum Forge Exec; clean design, easy in the pocket, easy to hold, and plenty of blade.

Explained very well and who could argue with your line up , I used a delica older model with a sabre grind and now a small Inkosi.

The very best knife is my knife, because it's my knife, and that means I have to justify its cost by telling myself I have the best knife. Otherwise I may want another knife, and the knives I usually want are expensive. So yeah, all of your knives are bad and mines the best. Even though many of your knives are clearly superior to mine. I have to tell myself this, to keep from buying more knives... Lol.

Awesome list. The neutron, EWC and para 3 are all fantastic knives that I own, but in my opinion are beaten out by the Giant Mouse ACE Biblio in titanium. Comes in under $300 too, you really should get your hands on one!

great overview video. very thoughtful and systematic coverage. much appreciated. ✌️

Very interesting perspective, thanks for sharing. Please do a similar review, but of the more expensive knives also. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Fantastically curated selection of edc knives that covers a broad spectrum without broaching into the fixed blade carry. Great video Nick, thanks. ps: nothing against fixed blades 😄

I’ve been carrying my Espada xl lately get a lot of looks from the guys at work 🤣

Great vid, great choice. From the Atom on I want them all... Thanks Nick!

All great in their own individual way. Great vid Nick as always.👍😊

I have several pocket knives. I bought a 940-2 put a really nice edge on it and mini deep carry clip and it has been in my pocket a lot more than any other knife over the past year.

For my favorite more budget options the steelwill cutjack and tangram vector are great knives worth considering

One of the pitchfork people here. Glad you included PM2 😂 But it has been my urban EDC for several years and hasn't disappointed me once. Touchwood!

I'm new to the knife world & in a matter of 3 weeks, I've bought 5 knives!! For EDC, I initially bought the Hogue Microflip but I wanted something thinner, narrower so I tried to buy a We Miscreant at a local business, the 4", but it's no longer available(the guy said I was late to the party because everything I wanted, including a Benchmade Anthem were DC'd) so I bought the 3". I like it. It's very light, thin, no exposed blade.

I have been carrying a Steel Will Cutjack for 5 yrs now and Its been fantastic. Large enough to be defensive tool yet light and budget friendly $42 at my door. Never a bit of problem with corrosion on the D-2 blade. Have quite a few that cost ten times or more but the Cut-Jack is my everyday favorite

All good choices! Currently getting a lot of pocket time is the Civivi Elementum in S35VN and micarta. Great little knife! Thinner blade stock than the D2 versions.

I like the way he mentioned the Spyderco Kapara at the end of the vid, wonderful knife

For me, my best edc which I've only been carrying for a few months now, is my medford fighter flipper in 3v steel. It's a beast of a knife that carries very nicely in my jeans

Ferrum Forge Exec would be a solid addition to your list. I purchased mine based on your review and it's excellent.

ZT0562CF has been in my pocket 98% of the time over the last 3 years, love it.

I have to many knives, I just like to keep them in rotation as much as possible. I say the best EDC knife is the knife you have on you 👍 just don't leave the house without one.🔪 Good vids Nick👍👍👍

Great to see the native 5 fluted cf here. My absolute favourite edc choice 😁 and one knife i have been EDCing for years. Gotta agree, probably one of the best things spyderco makes 👍

two minutes in and I already liked the video, the suggestions haven’t even begun, lol. ❤️

For me, the best EDC knife is my Victorinox Rambler. It's basically a Classic with the bottle opener from the Rally added to it. It's the knife that out of all the knives I own gets used more than any other. There is always a Rambler in my EDC makeup bag/survival kit. Its small size means it never scares anyone when I take it out to open a package or envelope, the scissors are the best nail trimmers I've ever owned, and the bottle opener, screwdrivers, tweezer, and toothpick are always with me. The only things that I think could be better are the nail file (usable, but not great) and (OK for splinters, but not for hair). But, in the category of knife featured here, I carry a vintage Gerber Harsey AirFrame First Production Run (fine edge), US made, 154CM steel, titanium scales, 3 7/8" blade.

Can you do a video with the ones over $300 too? I just love seeing those knives and hearing how you break it down.

Some great choices indeed. I have to get my hands on the Waypoint. I've heard great things.🍻

This is the video we need. Thanks Nick!

My old Rat 1 D2 gets more use than any of my more expensive knives. It just works, and I don’t really care if it gets scratched and dinged up.

Hard not to choose the Atom and Neutron. Happy to see the Chaparral; my first real folder and the knife that sent me down the rabbit hole.

I think I'd add the Spyderco manix 2. Either the normal or the light weight. You've got an amazing action, a lock that is arguably better than the axis lock for a few reasons, a great slicey blade, and the fact that you can get it in maxamet. There's just a lot to love about it. Plus the base model comes in around the same price as the bugout. All around just a great knife.

Thanks, Nick. Fun list...but of course I'm biased since I already have -- and greatly enjoy! -- many on this list. A few months ago I finally got my hands on a TRM Neutron which rocketed to the top of my favorites. What a great knife, even if you have to be patient to get one. One comment on the BM Bugout: I've thought about that one a lot but my BM 531 is SO similar (size, design, blade shape) yet with more rigid scales that I just stay with my 531.

Glad to hear the American Lawman get a mention. That’s probably the knife I most often recommend to people who are ready to step up to a nicer knife without having to apologize to their significant other when they see the credit card statement later. A great, solid all arounder and PM2 competitor for Delica money. Hard to beat IMO.

Great list. I would add either the new Benchmade (Super) Freek or Mini Freek in place of the Ritter Hogue. The RSK is a tried and true design, but has been surpassed by the new Freeks in my opinion, very much the way the Delica has been surpassed by the Para 3s. Thanks for your thoughts Nick!

Great concept. Can we please see the high-end and low-end versions?

For the common folk I tend to recommend the delica or the rat. I've also recommend the xm-18 for a couple people looking for a higher end knife.

Great line up, I keep going back and forth between my ikuchi and bugout with G10 scales. They’ve kicked most of my other knives out of my pocket.

I have the TRM Atom and it is phenomenal. Can do just about anything, including chef’s knife-type chopping/slicing like the Spidiechef. Easy to work on, multiple scales to swap if that is your wont.

You got me into my first spyderco and I totally get it now

I thought I was weird loving my Spyderco Native 5 FRN, then I saw this video and was overjoyed seeing it make the list

Tons of great choices there. Blade sizes from 3.5 to 4 are my personal favorite. Just my humble opinion, the Microtech Socom Elite tanto manual with partial serrated edge, is the best do all (compromise) folding knife on the market. I have one as a collectible and one to use, but that’s what I do with every knife that I plan to carry. Plus it helps keeps the knife industry going. :-)

Great vid Nick! Great collection. Mini Grip for me because my hands are always wet. I don’t know why.

Being left-handed, I love the axis lock and its derivatives. The Bugout and Osborne 940 are great EDC knives for me. As the best overall everyday cutting tool, I love my Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V. Great overall design with a stunningly great blade steel. *I think* Nick called the Manix 2 Lightweight a gem, and I am surprised he didn't put that on the best EDC list. It is a good choice for lefties. The Hogue RSK is also outstanding in its own right. I love it. Since auto knives are not on the list, I won't get into my beloved lefty Pro-tech or affordable Boker. Even for a lefty, it's difficult to pick up the same knife every day. There are many good ones out there. EDIT: I overlooked my Cold Steel Recon 1. A bit large for EDC, but it is tough as nails and fit for any duty. I love they way they provide a pocket clip just for us lefties! The knife converts to left-handed use very well, and it is worthy of your attention.

I've had tons of knives over the years both expensive and value priced. The knife that sees the most action is the Gerber Order plain edge. It's a solid, very light weight, American made knife. It also holds an edge decently as well. I always carry a SAK also.

Pocketable, great design with dual grooved choils? Spyderco Dragonfly

The Swiss Army Knife was, is, and will always be the best and coolest EDC.

Love my delica. Ordered on in m390. That will be my all time fave. Got a para2 in m390 and I love it, but with all the other crap I carry, it is too big sometimes. The thin blade and overall profile of the delica 4 make it amazing fore edc

For me personally it would be the Giant Mouse Ace Biblio. Very sharp and sturdy, not to mention just a beautiful knife. However, if I had to have only one knife, it would probably be the Benchmade Contego, sharp and tough. Love this review and your insights!

As someone who does not have a knife review channel, I'm both ashamed and thrilled to realize I own half of these, some in multiple. The Chaparral is probably my favorite folder of all time, and I'll never hesitate to throw it in my pocket any day. That and a small fixed blade like my little Bark River Kephart are all I'd ever really need. Okay, maybe an axe also. Edit... All that said, the thing I've been carrying most often this summer has been an LTWK Patriot. Good for small tasks around the house and property and fits perfectly in the leg pocket if my Carhartts.

Thank you for introducing me to EDC gearhouse. That rat 2 looks awesome. My wallet hates you in direct proportion to how much I love you

All these are fantastic, I’d also throw in the ZT0450. It’s not as flashy or competitive as some of the other knives on the table, but when it comes to titanium flipper framelocks, it’s a nice and simple one that’s very easy to get.

My work knife is a leatherman Crater c33x. As a retail merchandiser, my crater has opened literally thousands of boxes over the last 6 years. I sharpen it once or twice a week. The little knife never wears out. My rotated two main carry knives are a Gerber DPSF and a Kershaw Skyline. The Gerber is a lightweight tank. It has a serrated S30v blade that is tough as nails. Had to buy a diamond sharpener to sharpen it though.

after experiencing many different knives I've narrowed my go to edc knives down to 3, small medium and large. chaparral, para 3 lw, and pm 2. and they are all spyderco because I love the ergonomics and the compression lock!

I tend to carry something different daily (because I can I guess). But it seems to me that the best EDC knife is, well, the one you carry everyday? Thanks for the Videos Nick, love them all...even the JA philosophy courses! 😁

I have 11 of these! Pretty good selection there for EDC.

Great advice about finding a local retailer or buying direct👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I'm a sucker for od green, that spyderco pm2 with the gold finish on the blade and the green handle was sweet. My current favorite spyderco I don't have is the pm2 tanto in the black finish.

What's the very best everyday carry pocketknife? The one you actually carry.

I have a nice collection. Sold a bunch to fund other things. The bm 940 was in my pocket for over a year. But because its a semi rare color I have put it back in the safe for now. The color is no longer available and I didnt even see any for sale on ebay. 940 G10 is a FANTASTIC blade. I got a deep carry clip from BM free and polished it so it looks amazing. The knife is a gold star for EDC.

Quietly throwing shade on flippers, I like that. I think there's some utility in a knife that you don't have to open quickly (especially if you live in a state where switchblades are entirely illegal). The dragonfly can go with me to work (sub 2.5" blade), so it goes into my pocket. Have a lil' native on the way to compare (whenever they come back in stock). Swiss army knives are also really solid when you have non-locking and blade length restrictions. Picking up a Shaman for use at home. Would love a Native 5 at some point too. Can't argue about utility for the popular spydercos. :)

Thank you Nick, great video 👌🏻

You should do a video like this for those folks who have recently chosen to ignore your warning about not getting into watches. Would love to see a "what's the best watch" video in this style. As for knives 80% of the time I have my Benchmade Mini Griptilian in D2 that was given to me years ago. It got me into knives and is a very emotionally charged piece for me. I'm definitely a huge Benchmade fan ever since. Saving up for a Phaeton, unless I can somehow track down the long since discontinued 111H2O-YEL which is severely difficult.

4 minutes in and I’m so exited! Also Way of Knife is my local EDC shop. I rarely even look at anything they can’t get for me 🤷🏻‍♂️

I’d probably go with the Sharp By Design Evo Typhoon if I had to stick with a $300 limit. But those aren’t usually available and are also more than $300 if you’re not preordering through Brian.

that are a lot of good options. what kicked a few of them out of my pocket is the giant mouse ace biblio.

940-2 for me. I keep going back to it, no matter if I'm wearing shorts or blue jeans. It's a keeper for me.

I've only got a few, but my D2 Cutjack is my favorite knife.

I have a few Case MiniCopper Lock knives. They lock when opened, they have hi carbon blades, easy to take a few swipes to touch up when needing sharpening. They aren’t cheap, but, a good knife is worth every penny when you need to use it. I also have one called the Chive by Ken Onion(?), it is a great knife also. All of the great knives I have, are spoken for by my grandchildren, they bought most of them. I have one three blade Case, my wife bought, she gets to keep it, hope it’s a package deal!

I'm still waiting on my Malibu preorder from before it launched 😔 I do like your list. Pretty Spyderco heavy, but that makes me happy. As for what would be on my list, besides what you've already mentioned... UKPK S110V is my favorite slippy. Spyopera is another very nice backlock in edc size. I like the thin grinds on We knives, my favorites are the 037 and kitefin. In the 3.5" range, I really like the CF Kizer genie. Build quality isn't the greatest, but I love the design. I also just got a bushido which is really nice for edc, and mine is reasonably thin behind the edge. And then there are all the autos, but I think you left them out on purpose...

Big big fan of the Kershaw Skyline for overall best edc knife. I own much more expensive knives that I could say are better than the skyline. But if I had to pick one knife for everyone, it would be the skyline. The price is doable for most people, lightweight, comfortable, great blade, easy to sharpen. You can thrash it around and really use it without caring about it. Only drawback is the pocket clip, but they make tons of aftermarket pocket clips, backspacers, and handles to choose from. You can customize it any way you want. Action is smooth from the 1st day I got it years ago. Take my advice if you are looking to get into pocket knives, you want one good knife that you will never have to replace, get the kershaw skyline. You will not be disappointed. You will not regret it

Nick a great review Ioved all of them except for 3 Malibu, Adam, and EWC the only ones that weren’t ambidextrous!!!!

Para 3 LW. Let’s be honest the fidget factor and hand feel is a big portion of the value of these beyond cutting and that one is just amazing especially with the compression lock fall shutty goodness.

That was a great vid my friend !

Throw the knives you mentioned, but were "missing", into the description too! Cool video, reviews are good but I often prefer seeing comparisons and collections.

I used to rotate through quite a few, with spydercos being my favorite, but for my birthday last year I bought a benchmade 940 and I haven’t carried any other knife for over a year now.

My favorite that's not on the table is the Emerson CQC-7. People love/hate Emerson, but I've thrashed on my CQC-7 and it's held up like a champ.

Para 3 LW or g10 is hands down my favorite. I have many of the ones you showed but the para 3 is my goto.

My everyday carry (even with having quite a few expensive knives) is a D2 CRKT Caligo and a Spyderco Ark. Caligo was around $40-$45, and the Ark was $75, it’s a very nice little belt knife ( I added a belt clip, it’s supposed to be a neck knife).

Nice overview, Nick! However, I did notice what's on your wrist there. Niiiice! When can we get a review for that?!

ID love to see a vid from you named top 5 ZT Knives. could be your choice.

First I had the PM2, then I got the Dragonfly. Then came the Para 3 LW, and it felt like my first two favorite knives had married and produced the perfect child with the ultimate combination of features!

One that is lightweight and small enought that is very easy to carry so as to have it available always. I go for the Quiet Carry IQ knife as same lives in one of the compartments of my Wazoo Survival cache belt. It has worked for me for the last 3 years as it meets my daily requirements for a knife in the city, does not scare people or screams atention as a knife. In fact when closed, it looks like anything but a knife.

I’m waiting for more Pro-Tech Malibus, reverse tanto, to be in stock. I’m thinking about getting the titanium and doing some custom anodizing.

Good vid and classic debate. Dollar for dollar it is really hard to beat a Para 3 Lightweight, Delica in ZDP189, mini Bugout, or any 940. No cost... without hesitation, I would always choose a small Sebenza.

My most carried is my Spyderco Shaman. I absolutely love it. If it’s not in my pocket the PM2 , Kapara, or Autonomy 2 are. I also carry a Leatherman Skeletool hooked to a belt loop. I use it’s blade for general task.

I've fallen for the Civivi Elementium and I can't let go now.

Microtech Ultratech Tanto: solid, light, perfect size, sharp, fast deployment and looks great.

I just ordered a Benchmade Griptilian - s90v - sheepsfoot - orange scales/black hardware. Can’t wait!

Hey Nick, a few years back I got myself a Kizer Velox 2. I was not impressed, so I sold it a while after. Last week I found the velox 2 for a 120 bucks and I knew that they had made some improvements. I decided to give it another try because it’s such a damn beautiful knife. I am really impressed with it. Really solid action, screws don’t strip at all really, milled pocket clip(left and right hand carry). Considering that, I would love a re-review of a velox 2 if you feel like picking one up (I would send you mine, but I live in Germany). Kind regards Keep it up!

I love my real steel. 14c28n and I've used and abused it and it's still solid. Hard use everyday for over a year.