UPDATE: We’ve updated this list with new picks in 2019. Check out the new guide here.
When it comes to finding the best knife for everyday carry, smaller knives often dominate the discussion. That’s because a smaller knife can work well when pocket space and local laws restrict what you can carry. But it doesn’t mean they’re always the best tool for the job, especially when the task at hand calls for a bit more grip and blade to work with.
Larger blades over 3” give you more of a cutting edge as well as a more secure and comfortable grip during heavy duty cutting. In colder weather, when you’ve got bigger coat pockets and you’re wearing gloves, a bigger blade is both easier to carry and to use with control and confidence. It’s that confidence that makes many people EDC larger knives a part of their normal carry, no matter the season.
It also helps that with modern design, larger knives don’t have to come with cumbersome heft. There are plenty of knives with blades over 3″ with designs that are friendly for EDC. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of your best options for making a large knife a part of your everyday carry.
10 Best EDC Knives Over 3″
Kershaw AM-4
The AM-4 integrates Al Mar’s hallmark slim design with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening. It’s a flipper knife with blazing quick one-handed opening. The AM-4 is also very lightweight at only 2.8 ounces. It has a 3.5″ long 8Cr13MoV blade and a handle that features a polished G10 and a reliable frame lock. You usually have to spend a lot to get an Al Mar design, but this collaboration piece is a good value, especially if you prefer assisted flipper knives.
Benchmade 560 Freek
The Benchmade 560 Freek is a functional update to the excellent Griptilian. While the Freek isn’t the same knife as that go-to EDC classic, it’s actually better in a few ways. Its combination of Grivory and Versaflex materials provides you a better grip on the handle. The Freek’s 3.6″ drop point blade features better S30V blade steel as well. Benchmade’s trademark AXIS-lock keeps that blade in place even during hard use.
Spyderco ParaMilitary 2
The ParaMilitary 2 is an iconic Spyderco design that sets a high bar for quality in this category. It has a razor-sharp 3.438″ S30V blade that’s available in both plain and full serrated edge. Deployment is easy, even with gloves, because of the large signature thumbhole. The ergonomic handle features very grippy G10 scales. The compression lock at the top makes sure the blade stays engaged at the task on hand without fail.
Ontario RAT 1
The RAT 1 is an excellent tactical folder with a 3.5″ AUS-8 full flat taper blade. The ergonomics of the knife allow you to get a large amount of control and precision during the cut. The nylon handle conforms to your hand, and it’s large enough to do so even when you’re wearing gloves. The jimping at the top of the blade helps with fine control as well. For a few more dollars, you can opt for the RAT 1 in an upgraded D2 steel.
Cold Steel Code 4
When discussing larger EDC knives, Cold Steel undoubtedly deserves a mention. As the name implies, your situation is under control and needs satisfied with the Code 4. It has a substantial 3.5″ spear point blade made out of hard CTS XHP steel. While it’s big, looks can be deceiving. The 6061 aluminum handle helps even out the perception of heft in the knife, which weighs only 4.3 ounces.
CRKT Amicus
The Amicus is a design by Jesper Voxnaes that’s both functional and minimalist. It features a 3.407″ 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with a satin finish. The sleek handle has an attractive stonewashed finish, fitted with an integrated frame lock on the back. The large thumbslot makes it easy to open, especially when outside wearing gloves.
Boker Plus Urban Trapper
The Urban Trapper designed by Brad Zinker is a slim and lightweight knife with a sharp 3.5″ VG-10 clip flipper blade. It has an elegant titanium handle that saves a lot of weight with a skeletonized design that adds to its beauty. And while the knife only weighs 1.78 ounces, it still has a solid frame lock, making it suitable for any task you throw at it. If you want to spruce things up a bit, the Urban Trapper is also available with cocobolo wood panels on the handle to round out a more urban gents style.
Zero Tolerance 0220
The ZT 0220 is a design by Jens Anso that mixes sleek minimalist looks with premium materials. That means that while it does look amazing, it isn’t a display piece. The 3.5″ S35VN stainless steel blade has a modified drop-point shape with a slight recurve. This gives it more surface area to help you perform your everyday cutting and slicing tasks with ease. The matte titanium handle features a finger choil for comfortable control and easy access to its integrated frame lock. And because it’s a flipper knife with KVT ball bearings, it opens easy with a single hand.
SOG Kiku Assisted
The Kiku is a new tactical knife by SOG that features linen micarta handles with excellent grip. The knife is the namesake of Japanese custom blademaker Kiku Matsuda. With its 3.5″ VG-10 tanto blade, it’s an excellent piercing knife. But the blade’s recurve also makes it an excellent slicing tool. Deployment is easy with a thumbstud and assisted opening. A button lock holds the blade open during use.
Emerson CQC-7 SF
The CQC-7 is a venerable and iconic knife in this category of knives over 3 inches. The patented Wave opening feature makes it one of the fastest manual knives to have out of your pocket and ready. On this updated version, the blade comes equipped with a flipper tab as well, giving you even more options for speedy deployment. The 3.3″ S35VN tanto blade is available in both plain edge and partial serrations. This is a working knife, and the G10 handle provides you an affirmative grip even during hard use.
Do you prefer more compact blades, or knives on the larger side? Let us know your favorite EDC in the comments below!
