The Best EDC Knives Under 3" in 2017
When it comes to your EDC knife, size matters. And bigger isn't always better. A knife that's too big can be unwieldy to use and carry, not to mention illegal depending on where you live. On the flip side, a knife that's too small might take more effort for even simple tasks. For a lot of you, the best EDC knife is just under 3" long. In this guide, we'll break down why you might want a smaller knife, what to look for in a compact EDC, and highlight 10 EDC knives around the 2.5” to 3” sweet spot that are a cut above the rest.
What to Look for in a Compact EDC Knife
- An ergonomic handle: Smaller blades means smaller handles, and less room for error. Make sure to choose a knife that’s comfortable to hold and makes use of jimping or smartly placed finger notches for a better grip.
- A legal blade length and lockup: Be aware of your local knife laws as they vary from place to place. Some places don’t allow you to carry locking knives, while others don’t allow any knives to be carried at all. A good EDC knife can be a super useful tool, but it won’t do you much good if it gets confiscated.
- A space-saving design: While it's important to consider the cutting length of the knife, don't gloss over how big it is when it's closed. Folders and flippers are great at saving space, which is why they’ve found their way into the pockets of many EDC’ers.
- A sturdy, low-riding pocket clip: If you’re going to be carrying your knife in your pocket, it’s a good idea to be aware of the clip orientation of the knife. Do you prefer tip up or tip down? Are you a righty or a leftie? Pocket clips are great for keeping your knife easily accessible while freeing up space at the bottom of your pocket.
The following knives are some of the most popular and widely recommended options for EDC that measure in around the 2.5” to 3” blade length range.
The Best Small Pocket Knives for Everyday Carry in 2017
Kershaw Cryo G10
Kershaw makes plenty of great affordable knives, but one that checks all the boxes for EDC is the Cryo G10. Its 8Cr13MoV steel blade measures 2.75” while the G10 handle on this updated model cuts weight and enhances grip. You can get the knife from your pocket to open position in no time thanks to Kershaw's signature SpeedSafe assisted opening that locks up with a sturdy frame lock. It also comes with a four position pocket clip which just adds to its versatility.
Spyderco Delica 4
Spyderco first released the Delica in 1990, and every iteration since then has made it an even better EDC knife. The Delica 4 is the latest and greatest, with a 2.8” VG-10 blade that's shaped for general slicing utility. Its lightweight, bi-directional nylon handle gives you plenty of grip for those tasks that require a little more power. Whether you prefer to carry tip-up or tip-down, the 4-way clip of the Delica 4 has you covered.
Gerber Paraframe Mini
A great EDC doesn’t need to break the bank. Just look at one of the most-carried knives by our readers: the Gerber Paraframe Mini. It only has a 2.2” blade, but because of its small size it’s easy to carry whether you take advantage of the pocket clip or not. This folder has a frame lock built into its sturdy stainless steel frame that's skeletonized to save on weight, making it great for everyday carry and use. Best of all, you can grab one for less than ten bucks.
Benchmade Mini Griptilian
The Benchmade Mini Grip is a classic EDC knife and an excellent option for beginners and southpaws. Benchmade’s ambidextrous AXIS lock system gives it a smooth action so you can quickly deploy the blade with just a flick. It has a 2.9” drop-point blade made from 58-61HRC steel that many EDCers swear by. Between the knurling on the handle and the smartly placed jimping along the spine, it’s easy to see where the Mini Grip gets its name.
Victorinox Pioneer X
If you're looking for an EDC knife that covers as many bases as possible without the bulk, look no further than the Victorinox Pioneer X. Between the scissors, bottle opener, and screw drivers, the Pioneer X offers plenty of functionality to go along with its super sharp stainless steel blade. For simple tasks few knives are as versatile and convenient as the one that comes packed into the Pioneer X.
CRKT Pilar
Judging by its popularity with other EDCers, the just-released Pilar from CRKT is already shaping up to be one of the best sub 3-inch knives you can get. It's a Voxnaes design with top notch handling, thanks to a finger choil in its 2.4” blade. The blade itself is made from 8Cr13MoV steel and has a thumb slot for flicking open the blade with one hand. Top that all off with two-way pocket clip, and the Pilar is a uniquely bold pocket knife that any EDCer can appreciate.
Opinel No. 6
If you want a more traditional looking knife, an Opinel from France is a classic that still holds up today. The Opinel No. 6 is an affordable folder with a 2.7” carbon steel blade placed firmly in a classic wooden handle. Its unassuming design makes it easier to use around others without raising too many eyebrows. It does require some maintenance because of its carbon-rich steel, but if you take care of it you’ll be rewarded with a handy knife that can handle daily tasks with ease.
Ontario RAT II
The RAT series from Ontario Knife Company earned its well-deserved reputation as an excellent set of value EDC knives for their slim, sturdy design and useful blade. The RAT II is 20% smaller than the original model, with a blade length coming in just around 3”. Slicing is a breeze with its thin, AUS-8 steel blade and ergonomic handle. The 4-way pocket clip offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you choose to carry it, as does the lanyard hole and reversible thumb stud.
Buck Vantage Pro 0342
You might be familiar with Buck for their iconic lockback knives for hunting, but their USA-made Vantage Pro 0342 should definitely be on your radar as a compact EDC option. This flipper has a 2-⅝” long drop-point blade with a nice balance of belly and thickness for more demanding cutting tasks. The Vantage Pro uses excellent materials as well, boasting S30V stainless steel between a molded nylon G10 handle. It has a reversible, deep pocket clip so you can carry it tip-up in either pocket.
Chris Reeve Small Inkosi
Many knife enthusiasts and EDCers hail the Chris Reeve Sebenza as one of the best knives ever made for its excellent materials, craftsmanship, balance, and utility. So it's no surprise that their newest knife, designed to be a more EDC-focused update, could be your next grail. The Inkosi's titanium handle holds the 2.8” CPM-S35VN stainless steel drop point blade in place, with a smooth action that deploys with ease. Jimping on the spine of the knife and ergonomically placed notches in the handle provide excellent grip and control. With these utility-focused upgrades, the Inkosi has earned its place on the wish list of blade enthusiasts and amateurs alike.
Do you carry a knife on the smaller side? What's your favorite EDC knife in the sub-3” class? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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