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EVERYDAY CARRY FOR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Ⓒ Gallantry 2024

EDC FOR BEGINNERS: THE FOLDING KNIFE

EDC FOR BEGINNERS: THE FOLDING KNIFE

David Spielman
7 minute read

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EDC Folding Knife 20210623 - Tim Kennedy 1

EDC stands for every day carry. It’s all the stuff that you keep on you all the time. It’s everything you have on the moment you step out your door.

- Tim Kennedy, Retired MMA Fighter and Current Soldier

Like your wallet, phone, and keys, your folding knife is definitely one of those items you just have to have on you in your daily life. As such, when looking for the perfect folding knife, ideally you’re looking for one that is durable, lightweight, and functional.

FOLDING KNIFE STYLES

There are two main styles of folding knives, modern and traditional.

Unlike traditional folding knives, which were developed for specific trades and tasks, modern folding knifes can be used for any project. Both styles are unique in their own right, each containing their own strengths. While the traditional folding knife is practically immortal, modern folding knives are easier to open, close, and clean (not to mention being handy in instances where self-defense might be required).

THE CARTER KNIFE FROM THE JAMES BRAND

THE CARTER KNIFE FROM JAMES BRAND NATURAL TAN BLACK MICARTA

Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured that The Carter, our most durable and uncompromising folding knife (not to mention our top seller from The James Brand), will perform well in any scenario.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • 2.8” drop point VG-10 blade
  • Micarta handle
  • 416 Stainless steel/ black-oxide hardware
  • Phosphor bronze washers
  • Ambi-slider Locking mechanism

Available in Eight Color Combinations:

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$169.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$159.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$149.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$159.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$159.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

The Carter Knife

The Carter Knife

$159.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured The Carter will perform well in any scenario. The versatile EDC cutting tool has a 2.8”… read more

ANATOMY OF A FOLDING KNIFE

EDC Folding Knife 20210623 -Folding Knife Anatomy 2

POINT

The end of the blade, usually sharp. Frequently used for piercing.

BLADE

The slicing part of the blade, usually angled.

SPINE

The top of the blade, usually dull.

RICASSO

The unsharpened portion of the blade, usually just before the handle.

PIVOT

The place where the knife meets the handle as well the mechanism for how it folds and unfolds.

THUMB STUD

Found primarily on modern knife patterns, this is the metal stud that the thumb uses to unfold the blade from the handle.

LOCK BAR

Thought the exact type of lock on a folding knife tends to differ according the knife design, this is generally the bar that secures the blade in order to keep it from closing once it is open and usually has to be manually depressed in order to bring the blade in.

HANDLE

What the wearer grips when holding the knife.

LANYARD HOLE/POCKET CLIP

Usually located at the very end of the handle, this is an area on the knife that is most often used to carry it either on a neck lanyard or in a pocket or on a belt.

THE REDSTONE KNIFE FROM THE JAMES BRAND

EDC Folding Knife The James Brand Redstone Knife

Lightweight and compact, this outdoor knife is built around a one-piece die-stamped chassis which makes it incredibly strong, Their innovative new "island design" handle allows for a finger to rest between the islands, providing superior grip. Their Slide-Lock design makes one-handed operation a breeze. The blade's Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel holds an edge well and provides corrosion resistance, making this ideal for outdoor use. The bent wire clip makes for a lightweight carry you'll appreciate on the trail.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • 2.5” drop point Sandvik 12C27 blade
  • Partially serrated edge
  • TJB Slide-Lock for easy one-handed use
  • Island design polypropylene handle for better grip
  • Stainless steel/ black-oxide hardware
  • Phosphor bronze washers

Available in Four Color Combinations:

The Redstone Knife

The Redstone Knife

$59.00 $99.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The Redstone Knife is The James Brand's answer to the great outdoors. Lightweight and compact, this outdoor knife is built around a one-piece die-stamped chassis which makes it incredibly strong, Their innovative new "island design" handle… read more

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The Redstone Knife

The Redstone Knife

$99.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The Redstone Knife is The James Brand's answer to the great outdoors. Lightweight and compact, this outdoor knife is built around a one-piece die-stamped chassis which makes it incredibly strong, Their innovative new "island design" handle… read more

Translation missing: en.products.product.sold_out

The Redstone Knife

The Redstone Knife

$99.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The Redstone Knife is The James Brand's answer to the great outdoors. Lightweight and compact, this outdoor knife is built around a one-piece die-stamped chassis which makes it incredibly strong, Their innovative new "island design" handle… read more

Translation missing: en.products.product.sold_out

BASIC FOLDING KNIFE BLADE SHAPES

DROP POINT

With a convex curve from the spine of the blade to the tip, the Drop Point is easy to identify in a lineup. With a classic design and a versatile profile, this blade is great for cutting needs, especially when hunting.

CLIP POINT

The Clip Point is very similar to the Drop Point with one major exception: it features a concave curve that looks as if it was “clipped off.” Terrific for piercing and stabbing.

TANTO

With strong lines and a distinct aesthetic, the Tanto blade is extremely durable, tactical, and effective for tasks that require penetration.

SPEAR POINT

With a tip that aligns with its center, the Spear Point gets its name for good reason – it can stab strikes just like a fierce spear thrown with velocity. While not as reputable for its cutting prowess, it can pierce something serious.

WHARNCLIFFE

With a thin tip and a long, straight edge, the Wharncliffe blade is perhaps best known for being used by first responders who need to cut through fabric trapping someone quickly but with a lowered risk of injury to themselves and the person they’re attempting to assist.

SHEEPSFOOT

Nimble and able to easily maneuver, the Sheepsfoot has a stubby convex tip that, like the Wharncliffe, decreases its likelihood of causing injury.

STANDARD

Also known as Straight Back, this blade is refined, minimal, and most of all, simple.

HAWKBILL

Whether you’re in the garden or the garage, the distinct-looking Hawkbill is perfect for cutting through zip ties and cardboard.

SERRATED

Like a saw with a handle, this blade is ideal for slicing through rope or wood.

BASIC FOLDING KNIFE MATERIALS

SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Micarta, fiberglass, and hard nylon are all superb options for modern knife patterns.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Hardwood. Bone. Leather. Mother of Pearl.

OTHER MATERIALS

Stainless steel (better for modern folding knife patterns). High-carbon steel (better for traditional knife patterns). Aluminum. Titanium.

CARRYING YOUR FOLDING KNIFE

One debate currently taking place in the EDC community is the best way to carry any knife. However, for now, let’s just focus on the premiere method of carrying your EDC folding knife.

Once you have acquainted yourself with the laws and regulations of your place of residence, you can decide if it best for your EDC knife to be carried concealed or unconcealed.

Most modern knife patterns have a pocket clip, which is great since it allows you to carry your knife on either the inside or the outside of your pocket or belt.

Another sleek way to carry and protect your knife is with a holster. Though releasing your knife from its holster may take you a few added seconds, a carry holster not only secures your knife, but also helps it stay clean. Most holsters come with a pocket clip.

If the primary purpose of your EDC folding knife is for self-defense, you’ll want to be able to access it quickly. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure your knife is accessible from a pocket that is not filled with your wallet, phone, or keys.

Lastly, if you are carrying a folding knife with a sharp point (i.e. Drop Point), spend some time familiarizing yourself with the process of pulling out and opening your knife to leave a lasting muscle memory imprint. By doing this, you will help decrease the likelihood of any accidents occurring.

MORE THAN JUST A KNIFE

Including an EDC folding knife to your daily ensemble will not only help you complete countless everyday tasks that will inevitably come your way, but will also give you the piece of mind of having an additional method of self-defense. In other words, don’t hesitate to spend some time acquainting yourself with our wide selection of folding knives in order to get a true sense of which one best fits your personal and/or professional needs. After all, every EDC folding knife has a story.

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