Understanding Everyday Carry Knife Terms
Everyday carry (EDC) knives have gained significant popularity among enthusiasts and practical users alike. However, the world of EDC knives is rich with terminology that can be confusing for newcomers. If you’re looking to get a handle on the lingo, this guide will help you start navigating the essential terms associated with everyday carry knives.
Blade Types
Drop Point
This blade has a convex curve that drops towards the point, making it a great choice for all-around use. Drop Point blades are well-suited for most cutting tasks requiring precision and strength.
Tanto
Known for its strong, angled point, the Tanto blade is ideal for piercing and durability. Its traditional Japanese design makes it immediately recognizable.
Spear Point
Featuring a symmetrical point that’s ideal for thrusting, Spear Point blades are balanced and versatile. They are often favored for both tactical and utility purposes.
Clip Point
This blade has a concave curve near the tip, providing a sharp point for precise work. It is commonly used in hunting knives due to its excellent slicing capability.
Blade Materials
Stainless Steel
Known for its resistance to rust and corrosion, stainless steel is a popular choice for EDC knives. Common types include: 440C, VG-10, and S30V, each offering a balance of sharpness, durability, and edge retention.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel offers superior sharpness and edge retention compared to stainless steel, but it can rust if not properly maintained. It’s favored by those who appreciate a blade that can be honed to a razor’s edge.
Damascus Steel
Most famous for its distinctive, wavy patterns, Damascus steel combines layers of different metals, usually brought to light with acid etching. It provides an excellent balance of sharpness and durability but can be more expensive and susceptible to corrosion.
Handle Materials
G-10
A durable, layered phenolic material, sometimes made from plastic or nylon. G-10 is known for its strength and resistance to moisture. It offers a textured grip that is both comfortable and functional.
Micarta
Made from layers of fabric or paper soaked in resin, Micarta provides a strong, lightweight handle with a textured surface that improves grip over time.
Aluminum
Lightweight and strong, aluminum handles are often used in tactical knives. They can be anodized for additional durability, lightweight, and aesthetic appeal.
Wood
Traditional and aesthetically pleasing, wood handles offer a classic look and feel but require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture and wear.
Locking Mechanisms
Frame Lock
Often considered the most robust locking mechanism, where part of the handle (or frame) locks the blade in place. Frame locks are known for their strength and reliability.
Liner Lock
A mechanism where a metal liner inside the handle engages with the blade to keep it open. This generally provides a solid lockup.
Lockback
Utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism to lock the blade open. It’s known for its simplicity and strength, often found in traditional pocketknives.
Axis Lock
A patented mechanism involving a sliding bar that locks the blade open and closed. It is also referred to as a Bar Lock.
Opening Mechanisms
Manual
Requires the user to manually open the blade using a thumb stud, nail nick, blade hole, disk, or flipper tab. This type can usually be opened with one hand, but sometimes both hands are required.
Assisted Opening
Utilizes a spring mechanism to help open the blade once it has been partially deployed. It offers quick deployment while still being technically manual for most legal reasons.
Automatic
Features a button or switch that springs the blade open with a push. Automatic knives are quick to deploy but are subject to legal restrictions in some areas. The blade opens from the side or out the front.
Additional Terms
Pocket Clip
A metal clip attached to the knife handle, allowing it to be carried securely in a pocket. Clips vary in size, shape, and orientation, and can often be repositioned or replaced.
Edge Geometry
Refers to the shape and grind of the blade’s edge, affecting its cutting performance. Common edge grinds include: flat, hollow, chisel, convex, and zero grinds, each offering different advantages for various cutting tasks.
Deployment
Refers to the method of opening the knife, whether manual, assisted, or automatic. Each method has its advantages and suits different preferences and needs.
Tip-Up Carry
A way of carrying a folding knife in a pocket or waistband with the blade pointing upwards when the knife is closed.
OTF (Out the Front)
An automatic knife that opens from the front of the knife as opposed to the side.
Safe Queen
A term often used on social media to describe a knife that is purchased for collection but not used.
Understanding these everyday carry knife terms can really help navigate this niche community. Whether you’re selecting a new knife or simply exploring the world of EDC gear, knowing the terminology will help you make informed decisions and better understand the characteristics of each knife.