Everyday Carry

20 Best Fixed Blades for EDC in 2023

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
20 Best Fixed Blades for EDC in 2023

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When you think of an everyday carry knife, chances are you will have a folding knife in mind. But a fixed blade knife is the best option when you need a knife that cannot and absolutely will not fail on you. Unlike folding knives, fixed blades don't have moving parts to break or opening mechanisms to fumble around with when you're in a rush. Their inherent durability makes them well-suited for hard-use critical tasks, especially when you're outdoors or in a survival situation.

A fixed blade knife might be your only legal carry option in many jurisdictions. And if you think that they're too big for everyday carry, know that not all of them are built like the comically huge knife in Crocodile Dundee. While that hunting knife was iconic, it was not the be-all-end-all for a fixed-blade knife. They’re also the best choice for neck knife carry. There are plenty of EDC-friendly fixed blade knives out there, and there's a great selection of designs released in the past year. This guide will round up our favorite recent fixed blade knife releases and go over why they deserve a place in your carry.

Jump to Our Top Fixed Blade Picks

Our Top Picks, Ranked

The Best Overall Fixed Blade Knife: KA-BAR Becker BK2 [Buy]

The Best Fixed Blade Knife on a Budget: Ontario RAT-3 Utility [Buy]

The Most Premium Fixed Blade Knife: WE Knife Co. Reazio [Buy]

The Most Versatile Fixed Blade Knife: Morakniv Garberg [Buy]

The Best Fixed Blade Knife for the Outdoors: Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman [Buy]

The Best Tactical Fixed Blade Knife: SOG Recondo [Buy]

The Best Fixed Blade Knife for EDC: CRKT S.P.E.C [Buy]

KA-BAR Becker BK2 
Ontario RAT-3 Utility
WE Knife Co. Reazio
Morakniv Garberg
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman





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Blade Length: 5.25
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Length: 4.15"
Blade Length: 4.3"
Blade Length: 6.25"
Blade Steel: 1095
Blade Steel: High carbon steel
Blade Steel: CPM-20CV
Blade Steel: Carbon
Blade Steel: 420HC
Key Features: Ergonomic Zytel handles
Key Features: MOLLE-compatible sheath
Key Features: Shredded CF handle
Key Features: Scandi grind edge profile
Key Features: Made in the USA
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The Top Fixed Blade Knives for EDC

CRKT

CRKT Catchall Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Contoured handle for exceptional control
Hybrid blade shape
Strong and lightweight
Specifications
Blade Length
5.51"
Blade Steel
8Cr13MoV
Weight
‎12.7 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The CRKT Catchall is a cross between a handy outdoors camp knife, hunting knife, and a kitchen blade, thanks to its sheepsfoot profile and upswept edge. Its standout ergonomic feature is the secure contoured handle with cutouts in the glass-reinforced nylon scales for each of your fingers. The high-quality handle design lets you hack away at dense material and outdoors brush without fear of losing your grip on the knife. You often see this feature with large machetes and survival knives, but the Catchall features a much more manageable 5.51” 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade that’s easy to sharpen after you nick it up a few times in the field.
WE

WE Knife Co. Reazio Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Drop point style
Shredded CF handle
Unique blade grind
Specifications
Blade Length
4.15"
Blade Steel
CPM-20CV
Weight
3.70 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$$
If you’re looking for a modern gent's fixed blade knife, you should take a look at the WE Knives Reazio. Designed in collaboration with Toni Tietzel, the Reazio features a unique compound grind and blade shape that allows you a flat grind near the handle for rougher chopping and a hollow grind as you approach the tip for delicate slicing. That unique design is further complemented with premium CPM-20CV stainless steel built into this full-tang non-folding fixed blade, and the beautiful carbon fiber scales (attached to the knife with 6AL4V titanium screws) look great in hand.
Schrade

Schrade Fixed Blade Full Tang Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Thermoplastic belt sheath
G-10 handle slabs
Lanyard hole
Specifications
Blade Length
2.6"
Blade Steel
65Mn high carbon steel
Weight
4 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Schrade CH57 fixed blade full tang knife is a stout and durable EDC knife featuring 65Mn high carbon steel. The shorter design of the blade makes it well-suited for demanding use in tight situations. Its blacked-out look makes it a low-profile EDC knife as well. And the scalloped grippy G10 nylon handle scales help you keep a secure grip on the knife during use.
Spyderco

Spyderco Ark Salt Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Fiberglass reinforced nylon handle
Rust-resistant steel
Designed for neck carry
Specifications
Blade Length
2.56"
Blade Steel
H-1
Weight
0.96 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
Ark stands for “always-ready knife,” and this small fixed blade is designed for neck carry as a backup when needed. Part of Spyderco’s Salt line of highly-corrosion resistant EDC knives, the Ark is made out of CPM-H1 stainless steel that’s nigh-invulnerable to rusting even when left in saltwater conditions. The tradeoff with this steel is that the Ark has softer steel than most blades in this list. It is easier to sharpen, but you’ll have to maintain this knife more often than others after needing to use it.

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Morakniv

Morakniv Garberg Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
DLC-coated blade
Scandi grind edge profile
Survival kit included
Specifications
Blade Length
4.3"
Blade Steel
Carbon
Weight
8.7 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The venerable Morakniv is one of the EDC communities’ favorite fixed blade knife for everyday carry, with its keen Scandinavian design and immense durability for its price. The Garberg model is one of the most EDC-friendly options in their line, with reliable full tang construction, which allows you to use and abuse this knife when you have to, especially if you rely on it to keep you alive in the outdoors when making fire or shelter.
Cold

Cold Steel SRK Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Standard issue knife for Navy SEALs B.U.D.S.
Comfortable and secure grip
Secure-ex sheath
Specifications
Blade Length
6"
Blade Steel
3V
Weight
10.4 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
When lives are on the line, and you’re looking for a big knife to take on big tasks, Cold Steel should be at the top of your mind. Their SRK (Search Rescue Knife) sports a handy 6" of cutting power enhanced by super-premium CPM-3V stainless steel composition. The knife has a classic clip-point shape that makes it good for cutting, slicing, and piercing tasks, and the large rubber handle with blade guard makes this an ideal choice for carrying on or near the water.
Boker

Boker Burnley Barlow Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Natural handle materials
Historical roots
Made in Germany
Specifications
Blade Length
2.76"
Blade Steel
AEB-L
Weight
16 oz
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
The Barlow knife is a venerable traditional everyday carry knife, and Boker’s version was made in collaboration with Lucas Burnley as a fixed blade. Unlike the original Barlow knives of old, this modern take on the knife features an ice-hardened German AEB-L stainless steel blade. At 2.76 inches long, it has a clip point shape that’s reminiscent of a Bowie knife, but it’s much more compact and minimal than that design. The handle material features beautiful walnut wood with brass studs and bolsters to add even more class to this modern classic.
DROP

DROP x Bradford Guardian 3.5 Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Multiple colorways
Full-grain leather sheath
Lanyard hole
Specifications
Blade Length
3.5"
Blade Steel
Nitro-V
Weight
4.4 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
With its colorful and bulbous handle, the Massdrop x Bradford Guardian 3.5 fixed blade knife is a compact EDC-friendly tool. It comes with a handmade full-grain leather sheath that allows for easy side carry on a belt, making it easier to conceal and carry everywhere. And its 3.5" Nitro-V stainless steel full-tang drop-point blade is fit for all everyday carry cutting, slicing, and piercing tasks. The jimped spine allows for superior control over the cut, and the pommel features a lanyard hole for paracord carry if you prefer.
Buck

Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Micarta handle
Bushcrafting
Made in the USA
Specifications
Blade Length
6.25"
Blade Steel
420HC
Weight
13.3 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
Buck Knives has been making EDC fixed blade knives for decades, and their 124 Frontiersman Knife is one of their premier offerings. The Frontiersman is a dedicated hunting knife with a satin-finished bowie blade made of 420HC stainless steel. As a modern touch, this made-in-the-USA knife features a black canvas Micarta handle scale where old knives would have a wood inlay. The Micarta scales are resistant to cracking in extreme conditions and the presence of water, allowing you to carry this knife confidently in the great outdoors.
ESEE

ESEE Knives ESEE-4 Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Replaceable handle scales
Molded sheath
Made in the USA
Specifications
Blade Length
4.5"
Blade Steel
S35VN
Weight
8.0 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The ESEE-4 is one of the most popular everyday carry fixed blade knives ever made. It features a 1095 carbon steel design made for survival work. The drop-point blade can survive batoning and abusive pry actions in the field. It has serious toughness and cutting efficiency. It also comes with a lifetime warranty to protect against any issues you might encounter during the long life of the blade.
Fallkniven

Fallkniven F1 Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Cerakoted blade
Thermorun handle
Zytel sheath
Specifications
Blade Length
3.80"
Blade Steel
VG-10
Weight
6.4 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The Fallkniven F1 has been the official survival knife of the Swedish Air Force for decades. It features a laminated powder steel drop point blade and a grippy thermorun handle for impressive ergonomics. Whether you’re roughing it out in the field or using it to slice boxes and other everyday tasks, you’ll appreciate its smartly-proportioned knife and versatility. And you can pick between a Zytel or leather sheath for carrying convenience.
KA-BAR

KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Versatile drop point
Ergonomic Zytel handles
Made in the USA
Specifications
Blade Length
5.25"
Blade Steel
1095
Weight
15 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 is a chunky knife built for serious outdoors work. The 1095 Cro-Van tool steel blade is ready to take on all challengers, even being batoned through wood when you’re preparing to make a fire for your shelter. The black Zytel handle is ergonomically shaped to give you a good grip on the blade for more delicate tasks like splitting kindling or skinning game. The small choil at the heel of the blade also works for dealing with twigs of small rope, making it an even better companion for you when you’re out in the field. This made-in-the-USA knife also comes with a hardshell black nylon sheath for plenty of carry options.
Gerber

Gerber Terracraft Custom Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Fully customizable on the Gerber site
Unique ergnonmic handles
Made in the USA
Specifications
Blade Length
6"
Blade Steel
S30V
Weight
6.4 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$$
The Gerber Terracraft is an American-made fixed-blade knife with a full-tang construction ready for EDC regardless of where you spend more time, the city or the outdoors. The striking look of the G-10 handle scales features a layering technique that improves the ergonomic shape of the grip. That unique grip lets you leverage the extra-thick premium S30V stainless steel blade to its max potential. The full-tang means it’s sturdier than the cheap knives you might find at the surplus store or gas station, and it certainly looks the part with its beautiful hand-sanded profile and the made-in-the-USA leather sheath. Gerber even offers a full customization system to tailor a Terracraft perfectly for your needs.

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CIVIVI

CIVIVI Elementum Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Included Kydex sheath
Textured G-10 handle
Paracord lanyard
Specifications
Blade Length
3.98"
Blade Steel
D2
Weight
4.9 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The Elementium by CIVIVI is one of the community’s favorite EDC folding knives, and it also comes in a sturdy fixed-blade version. The fixed blade construction makes it an excellent choice for EDC when failure is not an option because there’s no opening mechanism or lock to get in the way of being able to do work with the knife once it’s in your hand. The Elementium fixed blade also features a slightly-larger 3.98” D2 tool steel blade that retains the hollow-ground drop-point shape from the original fan-favorite tool.
MKM

MKM Makro 2 Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Vox design
Skeletonized tang
Carbon fiber scales
Specifications
Blade Length
2.87"
Blade Steel
M390
Weight
2.33 oz
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$
The MKM Makro 2 has a modern look that denotes it as a Jesper Voxnaes EDC knife design. Its high-end Bohler M390 2.87" blade features a flat grind and an organic sheepsfoot shape that's both beautiful and practical for utility cutting and slicing tasks. The classy carbon fiber handle scales help significantly with the overall aesthetics of the knife. The skeletonized tang keeps the MKM Makro 2 lightweight at just 2.33 ounces despite its 7" overall length.
Benchmade

Benchmade 539GY ANONIMUS Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Cerakoted finish
G-10 scales
Included Kydex sheath
Specifications
Blade Length
5"
Blade Steel
CPM-CruWear
Weight
5.90 oz
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$$$$
The Benchmade ANONIMUS is a super-premium fixed blade knife featuring durable CPM-CruWear steel. It's an upgraded version of D2 tool steel, and it has impressive hardness and wear resistance while still being relatively easy to sharpen and maintain. To improve its chops as an outdoors EDC master knife, the 4.375" drop-point blade has been treated with a gray Cerakote finish for heightened resistance against scratching and corrosion.
Ontario

Ontario RAT-3 Utility Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Chisel grind
MOLLE-compatible sheath
Micarta handle
Specifications
Blade Length
4"
Blade Steel
High carbon steel
Weight
6.10 oz
EDC Rating


Just released
Price
$
The Ontario RAT-3 utility fixed blade knife is a compact high-carbon steel cleaver knife. It's unique on this list for having a one-sided chisel grind reminiscent of the edge you'll find on high-end Japanese kitchen and cutlery knives. But unlike those household knives, the RAT-3 utility features a canvas Micarta handle and a MOLLE-compatible nylon sheath for EDC.
TOPS

TOPS Tom Brown Tracker #4 Mini Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Compound edge
Includes Kydex sheath and emergency whistle
Made in the USA
Specifications
Blade Length
3.50"
Blade Steel
1095
Weight
3.30 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The TOPS Knives Mini Tom Brown Tracker is a tiny fixed blade knife with a 3.38" edge that you can conceal in the palm of your hand. This petite size makes it great as a backup knife in an emergency when you forget a larger knife. It also features a unique compound edge blade profile featured in TOPS Knives' full-sized fixed blade offerings. This lets you leverage the full power of the 1095 carbon steel blade with its extended belly tip and recurve edge.
CRKT

CRKT S.P.E.C Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
G-10 handle
Thermoplastic sheath
Paracord lanyard
Specifications
Blade Length
2.50"
Blade Steel
8Cr13MoV
Weight
2.10 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$
The CRKT S.P.E.C. stands for “small pocket everyday cleaver,” and the knife is as advertised. Derived from the original CRKT Minimalist cleaver designed in collaboration with custom knifemaker Alan Folts, the S.P.E.C. is purpose-built for the chopping block, letting you have a cleaver-style knife for outdoor cooking or chopping tasks you encounter. And its 2.44" 8Cr13MoV stainless steel bead-blasted blade is easy to maintain and sharpen after a day's work.
SOG

SOG Recondo FX Fixed Blade Knife

Purchase
Key Features
Titanium nitride blade finish
Rubberized grip
UMS-compatible sheath
Specifications
Blade Length
4.6"
Blade Steel
CRYO 440C
Weight
5.3 oz
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The SOG Recondo FX is built from the bottom-up as a modern, tactical fixed blade knife. It features a cryogenically heat-treated 440C stainless steel blade design with a full tang for outstanding corrosion and wear resistance. The over-molded hand grip makes it easy to grip even when wearing tactical or shooting gloves, and it allows a secure grip at all angles no matter what environment you bring it into. The blacked-out design also keeps it low-profile with no reflections to give yourself away in the field. The sheath is compatible with SOG's UMS system, allowing ambidextrous carry and multiple mounting options with a toolless tension adjustment.

Fixed Blade FAQ

What's a “fixed blade,” and why would I carry one instead of a folding knife?

In short, it's a knife that doesn't fold into the handle and is usually carried in a protective sheath. While folding knives are more convenient for many people, a fixed blade has its own advantages:

  • More reliable: with no moving parts to break, they won't fail on you during hard use.
  • Knife legality: if folding knives are restricted where you live, a small fixed blade might be a legal carry option instead.
  • Alternative carry options: you can carry one at your belt, on your leg, in a boot, around your neck, or even attach it to your bag, instead of taking up more space in your pocket.

What material do fixed blade knives come in?

Fixed blade knives are usually made of stainless steel, but carbon and tool steels are also used. They usually have grips made out of synthetic materials like nylon or polymer. Sometimes traditional fixed blade knives feature brass and wood handles with stone inlays for decoration.

What size knife is best for EDC?

In general, you want a knife that features a blade length shorter than five inches for carrying convenience. You may need a larger knife to take on large tasks especially in outdoors survival and emergency situations. But a blade for everyday carry should be smaller and lighter so that you’ll actually carry it with you.

What fixed blade knife do Navy SEALs use?

The US Navy SEALs use a standard issue Ontario Knife Company MK3 Navy fixed blade knife. It has a six inch blade. Individual operators can carry the blades of their choice.

Can you EDC a fixed blade?

You can EDC a fixed blade knife. There may be rules about where and you can EDC a fixed blade. Check your local laws.

What are the benefits of owning a fixed blade knife?

Fixed blades don’t have moving parts that can fail during rough use. They are also immediately ready to use when you draw the knife.

What color fixed blade knife is best?

The best color of a fixed blade knife is based on your choice and how you plan to use the fixed blade knife. Black knives give a knife a more tactical feel and are low-profile. Wood knives have a timeless look to them. And uncolored steel knives are always a good bet.

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.

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, 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 (9 total)

33ww ·
No one "EDC"s a 5 or 6 inch blade unless you're Daniel Boone. A 4" is pushing it.
1 Reply
Angel Feliciano ·
It all depends on where you will be EDCing and what sort of Task you will need to accomplish. A Cold Steel Leatherneck in a should rig makes a weapon if the person carrying knows how to use the knife properly in a combat scenario. While I was in the Navy I meet a few people that were great in the use of edge weapons and those guys had no need for a firearm because when they pull out a Ka Bar or a Randall 30 seconds later there would be a mountain of hamburger.
0 Reply
33ww ·
"Combat scenario".
OK, change "Daniel Boone" to "Daniel Boone or Rambo "
0 Reply
Mike P ·
Hard to believe that there's no Bark River Knives models listed. They make several edc-sized knives, and they're made in the good ole USA!
0 Reply
Mike Cobb ·
I think there are a surprising amount of poor choices for edc on this list. Lots of good knives, but not for the common edc. The Becker BK2 is a solid outdoors knife, but would be like edc-ing a brick. No Izula on the list is odd.
0 Reply
4 more comments