Everyday Carry

Reader's Choice: 5 Knives EDCers Want

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
Reader's Choice: 5 Knives EDCers Want

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Our recently team put together a list of EDC knives that came out this past year that we'd love to get our hands on. After sharing our picks, we took to the comments and social media to see what you, the readers, were excited about too. In this guide we've listed the lights you've chosen, and we hope it gives you even more great knives to pick from as the year comes to a close.


Zero Tolerance 0804CF

The ZT 0804CF is a beautiful knife made in collaboration with Todd Rexford that cuts as sharp as it looks. It has a super-sharp 3.875” drop point blade that's made of CTS-204P stainless steel. That premium steel means it can also keep a sharp edge for longer than most knives despite hard use. Its flipper opening and KVT ball bearings also grant easy one-handed deployment. The attractive handle features a carbon fiber exterior and a sturdy titanium frame. Its steel lockbar insert also lends itself to a sturdy frame lock that will stand up to constant hard use.

View on Amazon


StatGear Ausus

StatGear's Ausus is a crowd-favorite EDC knife that's enjoyed wide support on Kickstarter. Its rugged design is exemplary, with a sturdy frame and linen micarta handles that can take a beating. The 3.5" drop-point blade is also made of hardy D2 steel to take on any heavy duty task you throw at it. If you missed out on the Kickstarter, that's okay, because the Ausus is now available on Amazon.

View on Amazon


Benchmade Bugout 535

The Bugout 535 has a lightweight and low-profile design that features premium materials. It's almost featherweight at a mere 1.85 ounces, achieved with its slim handle and blade. The Bugout has a thin S30V drop point blade that's 3.25" long. The handle is made of an ultralight Grivory material that's textured to make it easy to hold even when your hands are wet. The trademark Benchmade AXIS lock makes for a solid and easy-to-use experience. And when it's time to put it away, the deep-carry pocket clip keeps you stay discreet.

View on Amazon


Chris Reeve Sebenza 21

The Sebenza maintains its position as the end-goal grail knife of many in the EDC community. And the best part is that you can make it your own by choosing the blade shape and size you want when you buy. They all feature S35VN steel and a beautiful titanium handle with integral lock.

View on Amazon


Gerber 06 Auto Tanto

With its 3.7” S30V tanto blade and automatic opening, the Gerber 06 Auto is a high-speed tactical knife. Its push-button opening is big and easy to find on the handle, but it also has a safety mechanism to prevent mishaps. The lightweight 6061 aluminum handle has an ergonomic shape to improve your grip. And the rear strike pommel offers added utility for both defensive and emergency use.

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Thanks for your recommendations! We'll be back soon with more staff picks, and we'd love to hear from you again then.

Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (26 total)

Ryan Brock Tobler ·
I prefer to edc less expensive knives than the ones on this post, like the Ontario Rat 2, Spyderco Delica 4 or even a Victorianox SAK. For me paying 400 dollars for a folder is crazy. Even 200 bucks is a bit much. I'd like to see some less expensive edc knives then the ones on this page . That Benchmade Bugout knife looks pretty cool though.
Austin ·
The price observation makes total sense I had been carrying an older S&W folder but decided to back the Ausus Kickstarter campaign and have loved it so far (it was nowhere near the price point of some of the other knives on this list). I fully believe that a great item doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag on it, price isn’t always the perfect indicator of quality.
Agree... Everybody has a cost carry curve they feel comfortable with... Many of these knifes would never leave home or see any usage. Thus the SteelWill Cutjack in D2 is my best buy/value of new releases within a budget (under $50) price.
ThreePercenter ·
don't waste money on overpriced knives. General maintenance will make that miata last just as long as anyone's porsche. 99% of those vehicles use the same parts, manufactured from a different country. That is a pointless argument. Who makes porsche? Volkswagen. Who makes both their parts? A Touareg factory in Bratislava, Slovakia... Thehy don't last any longer because they are more expensive. Comparing knives with a car analogy from a mechanics POV, is pointless.
ThreePercenter ·
Not complaining at all... and I save just fine. It's how I built my Bronco, my 5k PC, get new phones, Nice things for my house, vacation, etc etc... I just dont need to save for knives. I don't go around hacking pallets like on 'forged with fire'. I dont believe all the hype of 'it could cost your life'. Every scenario has a counter.

I prefer glocks to 1911's too.

I dont complain about expensive things, or why they are expensive. I just chose not to invest in what I consider overpriced items. If I wanted a Carolina Arms 1911, I would get one. Same goes for knives, or cars. I chose to invest in other things.

Not the first time you wrote a book on this subject, and my guess is, it wont be the last either. It's personal preference, not complaints and poor investments. So lets just let it go.
2 more comments
Fimbrethil ·
totally agree, my car payment isn't as much as some of those knives....nothing warrant's that kind of price tag on a folding knife...my humble opinion.
1 more comments
ThreePercenter ·
I had an 06 auto tanto back in 2012 and it lasted a while, before the tip broke. I did something with it that a knife has no business doing I am sure. I love auto knives and ever since then, that is all I have used. If you want an auto knife, check out BLADEHQ.com

Don't waste money on overpriced knives.
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Deerlord ·
Just received my Ausus in the mail a few days ago. Haven't used it all yet but from first impressions it's a beast of a knife and tanks like it are some of my most appreciated designs. With that being said the factory edge needs a little work and the kydex holster a bit more snug than I'd like. Other than that though I'm sure the blade will be a delight and will probably outlast me.
Geary Jacobs ·
Can post some pictures with the kydex and which color did you decide on? Lastly, is it spring assisted when opening or just plain a old fold knife? Any other comments and do you recommend it
Tracker ·
I’ll see your Benchmade 535, but raise you a black handle. Anything but baby blue, really.
bafire77 ·
The color made me hesitate initially, but after carrying this one for several months now I got over it quickly. This knife is my go-to EDC when on shift, and it takes a beating at the fire station on a daily basis. I have several Benchmades, including a Griptilian and a Volli, and this one and jumped to the top of the rotation. Super light in the pocket, but built to typical Benchmade quality.
Tracker ·
I’m hoping that it’s a popular enough model that they diversify a little bit. The 560 is worth trying out, that’s my current go-to. I also carry a 943 often. Both with black handles - I’m just too plain.
James R. ·
I'm planning on getting one, then buying replacement scales. There's someone on etsy that has some great reviews on carbon fiber replacement scales.
John Wallace ·
I think the spyderco para 3 should have made this list, imo
Austin ·
I’ve been carrying the Ausus for a couple weeks now and have enjoyed it so far. The knife sits firmly in your povket without causing to much disturbance. The blade has been really well done so far in my usage, and the knife overall feels solid and dependable without being to bulky or heavy for everyday carry and usage.
Leif Thorson ·
I just got my 06 AUTO on Monday. I got the G10 handles with the serrated tanto though.
It is my new carry knife replacing my CRYO II. so far it is doing great in the few things i've done with it.
International Man Of Myst ·
Apart from all of the great features of the Sebenza (quality, build, materials, finish, etc.) they're also available in left handed versions - which made me a SUPER FAN.
That Gerber looks sweet. Has anyone owned a Gerber knife? How reliable are they?
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Although I can't speak for the tanto point, I've had my 06 auto drop-point/serrated since 2008 and it is the best knife I own. It has taken all the abuse I have thrown at it through multiple deployments and assorted field use. As far as knives go nothing beats the satisfying thwack of such a heavy blade flinging open at the push of a button. If anyone has the money to spare, I would highly recommend this knife.

With that being said I didn't pay for mine, and if it wasn't a freebie I don't know that I would have looked for/bought a knife at this price point. Also the heft and weight of this knife can be a drawback for some as an EDC knife. I don't EDC mine but rather only reserve it strictly for field use. But if you are in a profession which already has you humping a metric $#!t-ton of gear anyways, I don't suppose you will much notice the extra few ounces of this thing vs a sleeker knife.
Aaron Pierce ·
I have to say I like the list. Finally an All-American line-up (not sure about the Kickstarter Knife though). Iit was nice to see something that’s appealing to me instead of the normal cheap, Made in China, Made in Taiwan stuff. I have plenty of less expensive knives and truly there IS a difference. Worksmanship, ergonomics and more—it’s all there. But for people who haven’t used any of the higher-end stuff—they just don’t know what they’re missing. Oh well—to each his own.