EDC Blades: How to Choose the Right Fixed Blade Knife for Everyday Carry
Let’s start by making sure we’re all on the same page: What is an EDC fixed blade knife?
If you’re reading our blog, you probably already know “EDC” stands for “everyday carry.” It refers to carrying your blade with you every day, everywhere, from the woods to the supermarket.
But I like to add another letter to the acronym — everyday discreet carry, or “EDDC.” That is to say, things you can carry in your everyday life with minimal presence.
The knife is there, but you hardly notice, and neither does anyone else.
Fixed Blades Are the Best Choice for Everyday Carry
I love using fixed blade knives for EDC because of their versatility. When you pull a fixed blade out, it’s already deployed for quick, convenient use.
I also appreciate that an EDC fixed blade knife has no moving, working parts that can break, meaning there’s less that can go wrong.
Of course, some people don’t like to carry fixed blade knives because they can be heavy. Well, we’ve definitely addressed that concern with the MKC Mini Speedgoat — an ultralight EDC fixed blade knife that weighs just one ounce.
A fixed blade EDC knife is also a lifesaver — literally — in a self-defense situation. It’s reassuring to know that no matter what position you’re in physically, you can pull out your blade and it’s already deployed.
You don’t have to remove your gloves, and there’s no button to push to unlock or deploy the blade — no extra steps. That’s a valuable feature in self-defense scenarios, where every moment counts.
Choosing the Right Size Fixed Blade EDC
Whenever I help customers choose a knife, I always ask the same question: What job is the knife going to be used for?
A knife is a tool, after all, so before you start exploring your options, you need to determine the task at hand and the potential situations of use.
Are you planning to do a lot of heavy prying? Do you need the blade to be a screwdriver as well as a knife? If so, you’ll want a heavier blade.
If you’re mainly carrying a knife for miscellaneous tasks — cutting random pieces of rope, opening boxes, etc. — choose a knife that’s light, thin, and razor sharp.
It’s also nice if your knife can serve multiple purposes. For example, the handle of our Mini Speedgoat is wrapped with seven feet of useable paracord. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to tie something up, the paracord adds to the versatility of the blade.
Carry Options for Your Fixed Blade EDC
There are lots of ways to carry a fixed blade EDC. We’ll use our Mini Speedgoat as an example.
The Mini Speedgoat comes with a standard MKC plastic clip. It can attach to a backpack strap, clip over a belt, etc.
Our EDC Mini Speedgoat also comes with a metal pocket clip that allows you to carry it inside your pocket or waistband. Women can carry it inside the waistband of a pair of leggings, or even clipped onto the inside of a sports bra. That’s how light and low-impact it is.
However you carry your EDC knife, it’s important to carry it in a way that’s accessible and easily deployable.
Safety Concerns With Fixed Blade EDC
As long as your knife is in its sheath, there’s no danger in keeping it in your pocket. In fact, unlike other knives, you can be certain a fixed blade won’t accidentally deploy while it’s in there. As long as your sheath is secure, you’ll be safe.
As far as legality goes, be sure to check local laws, which vary from state to state. For example, it’s important to make sure you’re within the blade length limit of both your state and local municipality, and of any municipality you might be traveling to or through.
Fixed blades are slightly less easy to conceal than pocket knives, so they can be more of a challenge in areas that have strict laws about keeping them hidden (looking at you, NYC) — but aside from that, they really don’t pose many drawbacks.
EDC Fixed Blades: My Top Choice
My EDC fixed blade of choice is the MKC Mini Speedgoat. It’s light, it’s sharp, it’s easy to conceal, and thanks to the paracord, it’s extremely versatile. It can do everything from opening a box to breasting a duck to fileting a salmon.
It’s a true ultralight EDC fixed blade knife that can fulfill every purpose under the sun.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
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