If you’re looking for a small everyday carry knife, you might think a folding knife is your only option. But have you considered a fixed blade? At first glance, they might not seem like the best for EDC, but you’d be surprised. They offer a few advantages over their folding counterparts, making them better suited for your EDC. In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits of fixed blades and show you 14 excellent compact options that offer serious performance at a size and weight that puts some folders to shame.
Our Favorites, Ranked
The Best Small Fixed Blade Knife: GiantMouse GMF1 [Buy]
The Smallest Fixed Blade Knife: WE Knife Co. Quark [Buy]
The Best Small Fixed Blade Knife on a Budget: Morakniv Eldris [Buy]
The Best Traditional Small Fixed Blade Knife: Buck 113 Ranger [Buy]
The Most Versatile Small Fixed Blade Knife: Spyderco Subway [Buy]
GiantMouse GMF1 | WE Knife Co. Quark | Morakniv Eldris | Buck 113 Ranger | Spyderco Subway |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ |
| Blade Length: 3.10″ | Blade Length: 0.47″ | Blade Length: 2.2″ | Blade Length: 3.125″ | Blade Length: 2.8″ |
| Weight: 1.90 oz | Weight:0.43 oz | Weight: 2.82 oz | Weight: 5.2 oz | Weight: 2.3 oz |
| Key Features: Handmade leather sheath | Key Features: Kiridashi-style blade | Key Features: Good corrosion resistance | Key Features: Traditional design | Key Features: Rustproof blade steel |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Top Fixed Blade Knives for EDC
Picking an excellent fixed blade can be challenging, and there are a few things to be aware of before making a decision. First, ensure that the knife’s length works for how you typically carry gear and with your local laws. You should also pay attention to the kind of metals and materials used. A knife you will carry every day should be able to live up to the task.
The Best Small Fixed Blade Knife: GiantMouse GMF1
Purchase
The Smallest Fixed Blade Knife: WE Knife Co. Quark
Purchase
The Best Small Fixed Blade Knife on a Budget: Morakniv Eldris
Purchase
The Best Traditional Small Fixed Blade Knife: Buck 113 Ranger
Purchase
The Most Versatile Small Fixed Blade Knife: Spyderco Subway
Purchase
CRKT Scribe Blackout Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
CIVIVI D-Art Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
Boker Plus Prymini Pro Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
Benchmade Flyway Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
ESEE Candiru Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
Bradford Knives G-Necker Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
Gerber Stowe Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
SOG Instinct Fixed Blade Knife
Purchase
Ferrum Forge Lackey Fixed Blade Knife
PurchaseFixed Blade FAQ
What’s a “fixed blade,” and why would I carry one instead of a folding knife?
The short answer is that a fixed blade is a knife that does fold into the handle. With your typical folding knives, folding into the handle is a protective measure that keeps the blade tucked away when the knife is not in use. Since fixed blades do not fold, they usually come with sheaths to protect the user from the blade.
Using a fixed blade has a few distinct advantages over a folding knife. For one, there are no moving parts, meaning they won’t break when you need them most. There are also plenty of regulations against folding knives, depending on where you live. You should double-check your local carry laws, but a smaller fixed blade can be a legal option for you. You can free up pocket space while still covering your bases with a practical tool you can rely on.
What material do fixed blade knives come in?
Just like folding knives, fixed blades come in all kinds of metals and materials. A typical metal you’ll find is D2 stainless steel, thanks to its edge retention. Full-tang blades can also sometimes have rugged handles and jimping on the spine to allow for better ergonomics when using the knife.
What size knife is best for EDC?
The best-sized knife depends on your use case, but for most people, a knife blade less than 3” long is likely the most practical. Not just because that’s a great size for everyday cutting tasks but also because it abides by most local laws.
What fixed-blade knife do Navy SEALs use?
Navy SEALs carry different gear depending on the country, and there is no single correct answer. Searching around the web reveals one of the options to be the Ontario 497 Mark III.
Can you EDC a fixed blade?
Yes! Depending on where you live, it might be a better legal option, but it’s always good to check your local knife laws.
What are the benefits of owning a fixed-blade knife?
A fixed-blade knife has all kinds of benefits over folding blades, the most prominent being that since there are no moving parts, it’s tough to have one break on you. On top of that, they’re usually legal to carry if they’re under a certain length.
What color fixed blade knife is best?
The best color for a fixed blade is usually black or orange, depending on whether you want a knife that can go unnoticed or is easy to spot in a pinch.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
