The classic everyday carry (EDC) knife is often a folder, but it can just as easily be a fixed blade knife! While most people prefer folders for everyday carry, fixed blades have clear advantages in other situations.
Other things being equal, fixed blade knives are studier, less prone to failure, and capable of performing heavier cutting tasks. Also, fixed blades are easier and quicker to deploy, and safer to the extent that there is no hinge to fail.
But, if you’re trying to find the best EDC fixed blade for everyday carry, there can be a lot to calculate. I can give you some answers and point you to a few good selections that are extremely easy to deploy and capable of tackling the toughest cutting chores.
The Best EDC Fixed Blades Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Morakniv Robust M-12249 Fixed Blade Knife |  Top Pick |
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| 2. ESEE Camp-Lore PR4 Fixed Blade Survival Knife |  |
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| 3. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife |  |
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| 4. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Fixed Blade Knife |  |
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| 5. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Fixed Blade Knife |  |
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| 6. CRKT SPEW CR2388 EDC Fixed Blade Knife |  |
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1. Morakniv Robust M-12249 Fixed Blade Knife — Overall Best Fixed Blade Knife for EDC
Are you looking for the best fixed blade knife to carry that is best suited for survival situations? Look no further than the Morakniv Robust M-12249.
Specs
- Overall length of 8.25 inches
- Blade length of 3.6 inches
- Blade thickness of 0.125 inches
- Carbon steel blade
- TPE rubber handle
Sleek, compact, and versatile, the Morakniv Robust M-12249 is forged from tough edge retaining carbon steel, which is strong and durable.
This stalwart three-quarter tang fixed blade features a 3.6-inch drop point blade that enables the knife to be used for piercing and cutting. The handle is made of textured TPE rubber, which offers extraordinary grip comfort as well as durability for consistent hand placement.
Another good feature is the hard plastic combi sheath, which you can attach to a belt for everyday carry and easy deployment.
There is one unavoidable shortcoming with this model — it isn’t stainless steel. So, you should expect it to get rusty when you overexpose it to humidity.
Pros
- Carbon steel blade is tough and edge retaining
- Drop point blade does a good job of piercing and cutting
- Scandi grind bevel is extremely easy to sharpen
- Ergonomic handle design offers optimum grip
- Combi sheath allows for easy carry and deployment
Cons
- Non-stainless steel blade is prone to rust
- Could be better if it was a full tang blade
Conclusion
The Morakniv Robust M-12249 is tough, compact, and easy to carry in any situation. It is certainly the best EDC fixed blade for the money.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. ESEE Camp-Lore PR4 Fixed Blade Survival Knife — Best Concealed Carry Fixed Blade Knife
The ESEE PR4 is made with outright attention to detail, featuring the finest craftsmanship. It comes with the best conceal carry sheath.
Specs
- Overall length of 8.9 inches
- Blade length of 4.19 inches
- Blade thickness of 0.125 inches
- 1095 carbon steel blade
- Micarta handle
The blade on this model is made of 1095 carbon steel, which I find it fantastic because it holds an extremely good edge even after heavy use.
I really appreciate the secondary bevel at the edge and high saber grind, which provide you with a superior edge for tackling thicker materials.
The blade features a black oxide finish (a solution that bonds with the carbon steel to form a protective coat), which reduces friction and increases corrosion resistance.
What really takes my breath away is the Micarta handle that is very sturdy and very strong, providing you with a strong, truly waterproof grip.
But the thing is, the Micarta handle needs to be oiled regularly to keep it in its best condition. Also, the grip becomes softer as the surface layer degrades.
Pros
- Holds a remarkably sharp edge
- High saber grind is good for cutting thicker materials
- Ergonomically made handle provides a comfortable grip
- Black oxide finish increases corrosion resistance
- Sheath offers maximum concealment
Cons
- Grip becomes softer as the surface layer degrades
- Possible to receive a dull blade out of the box
Conclusion
The ESEE Camp-Lore PR4 is built for heavy-duty performance, versatility, and durability. But you will have to keep the handle oiled after use to maintain its quality.
Overall Rating – 4.8
3. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife — Best Partial Serrated Edge
The Gerber StrongArm features a heavy-duty full tang construction with a high carbon fine edge blade for strength, superior cutting performance, and durability.
Specs
- Overall length of 9.8 inches
- Blade length of 4.8 inches
- Full tang 420HC steel blade
- Glass-filled nylon handle
- Multi-mount sheath
This blade is crafted from heavy-duty 420HC steel, which is great because this material is easy to sharpen and has moderately good edge retention.
It is coated in a black ceramic finish for low profile application and corrosion resistance, making the knife ideal for use in humid conditions.
The handle of the knife features a rubber over-mold design that is engineered with a diamond texture for a strong grip in all weather conditions.
The modular sheath has snapped together components that allow you to carry the knife in multiple ways, using molle mount, horizontal belt carry, or vertical belt carry.
My main disappointment is with the vertical sheath mount. The sheath doesn’t remain intact when deploying the knife.
Pros
- Superior steel blade has good edge retention
- Black ceramic finish is highly corrosion resistant
- Rubber over mold handle offers a comfy grip
- Three different ways for mounting the sheath
- Glass breaker and serrated edge adds versatility
Cons
- Vertical sheath mount is unreliable
- Moderately broad tip isn’t ideal for piercing
Conclusion
The Gerber StrongArm isn’t just a tactical everyday carry knife, but also a practical and versatile choice for rescue, survival, and self-defense situations.
Overall Rating – 4.8
4. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Fixed Blade Knife — Best Double Edged Design
If you are looking for the best fixed blade knife for EDC with a double-edged blade, then look no further than the Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B.
Specs
- Overall length of 9 inches
- Blade length of 4.7 inches
- 7Cr17MoV steel blade
- Black rubber wrapped handle
- Heavy-duty handguard
Stealth, dignified, and lethal, the Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B is a formidable EDC fixed blade that is crafted from heavy-duty 7Cr17MoV steel, which has exceptional edge holding capacity.
Polished to a razor-sharp edge, the narrow blade is 100 percent plain edge on both sides with a non-reflective black coated steel for improved rust resistance.
Designed for combat, survival, self-defense, and tactical situations, this amazing EDC knife gives you double the cutting edge of a standard blade.
Another good feature is the rubber wrapped handle, which is a great feature because the contoured grip absorbs shock and it is comfortable to hold in any position.
But the thing is, the handle is a little bit narrow, which might make it difficult for a person with a larger hand to get a snug fit.
Pros
- Blade has remarkable edge holding capacity
- Razor-sharp double plain edge for superior cutting
- Provides double the cutting power
- Comfortable handle is easy to maneuver in any position
- Form guard reinforces your grip on the handle
Cons
- Handle may be too narrow for some users
- Could perform better with partial serrated edges
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B is a highly versatile tactical knife with an ambidextrous handle. It is the blade you need for all your EDC and survival situations.
Overall Rating – 4.7
5. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Fixed Blade Knife — Best Camping Model
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 is a tactical fixed blade knife that is best suited for camping, personal defense, and everyday carry situations.
Specs
- Overall length of 10.75 inches
- Blade length of 5.25 inches
- Blade thickness of 0.25 inches
- 1095 Cro-Van blade
- Zytel handle
Crafted for tactical operation in survival and personal defense situations, the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion sports a heavy-duty steel blade.
The 1095 carbon steel blade supplies over five inches of powerful fine edge cutting power that can both take and hold a razor sharp edge.
The non-reflective coated carbon steel blade sports a rugged, sharp drop point style for effective penetration and cutting hanging materials.
Another good feature is the contoured Zytel handle, which is ergonomically designed to provide you with a strong and non-slip grip.
What doesn’t impress is the interior design of the sheath. Its close contact with the blade makes the edge dull faster.
Pros
- Excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance
- Rugged drop point provides superior penetration
- Ergonomic handle provides a non-slip and strong grip
- Full tang design is robust, steadfast, and reliable
- Features a hole for attaching a lanyard for added security
Cons
- Poor sheath design dulls the blade faster
- Could be better with a partially serrated edge
Conclusion
It isn’t the first choice in our list, but the KA-BAR Becker BK2 is truly built for tactical and survival situations, especially camping.
Overall Rating – 4.7
6. CRKT SPEW CR2388 EDC Fixed Blade Knife — Best Bead Blast Blade
If you are looking for a minimalist fixed blade knife for your everyday carry, then look no further than the CRKT SPEW CR2388.
Specs
- Overall length of 6.25 inches
- Blade length of 3 inches
- Blade thickness of 0.1 inches
- 5Cr15MoV steel
- G10 handle
The CRKT SPEW sports a 5Cr15MoV stainless steel blade, which is great because it has a high amount of chromium for superior edge retention, corrosion resistance, and tensile strength.
The blade has a distinctive wharncliffe style that is characterized by a tapering spine and a truly straight cutting edge that generates superior cutting power.
I really appreciate the G10 textured handle, considering its highly water resistant property, strength, and durability.
Another good feature is the true full tang that does a great job of increasing the force that is leveraged through the G10 handle for tackling harder materials.
The knife is a good idea, but it is possible to receive a model that has a poor fit and finish. So, confirm the package upon delivery to rule out any flaws.
Pros
- High chromium content improves edge retention
- Wharncliffe style blade is excellent for deep cuts
- G10 handle offers a comfortable grip
- True full tang allows you to tackle tougher cuts
- Perfect compact utility neck blade
Cons
- Possible to receive a model with poor fit and finish
- May be too small of a fixed blade for some people
Conclusion
From a utilitarian point of view, the biggest advantage of this knife is that it cuts with full power. Not to mention that it’s super easy to draw and control.
Overall Rating – 4.6
Buying Guide: What To Look For
In this section, we will have a look at what characteristics truly make the best EDC fixed blade knife. The knives that I have reviewed have met some vitally important considerations, which include:
Full or Partial Tang Design
The part of a fixed blade that is hidden within the handle is referred to as a tang. There are two main types of tangs to consider.
Full tang
A full tang covers the entire width and length of the handle. This is the most durable design that is best suited for the toughest cutting tasks.
Partial tang
As far as this style is concerned, only a partial part of the tang goes into the handle. This simple and straightforward style is popular for its versatility and lightweight nature.
Blade Material
In addition to having a variety of quality knives, it’s important to understand the types of blade materials used. There are three different types: high carbon stainless steel, stainless steel, and carbon.
Carbon steel is relatively soft and very easy to sharpen, but its edge holding capability isn’t incredible. Usually, a carbon steel blade needs to be continually sharpened.
Another downside is rusting, even though some brands use special powder coatings to improve rust resistance.
The best fixed blade knife for EDC is usually forged from hammered and molded high carbon stainless steel.
Stainless steel blades; on the other hand, are harder than carbon steel and keep their sharpness longer. But they’re more challenging to sharpen.
Handle Design and Material
The handle design and material matter when selecting an EDC fixed blade knife. Too much weight in the handle versus the weight of the blade is also important for superior control.
The material used affects the grip performance. Some of the best materials to consider are:
- TPE rubber
- Micarta
- Zytel
- Glass-filled nylon
- G10
Sheath Material
Your fixed blade isn’t a complete EDC knife without a sheath. A sheath is as much a safety equipment as it is a convenient way for everyday carry.
The most important facet of a sheath is the material it is crafted from. The most popular choices are:
- Leather sheaths
- Plastic sheaths
- Kydex sheaths
Final Thoughts
There you have it guys, a complete roundup of fixed blades that make for the best everyday carry knives. Our winner for this roundup is the Morakniv Robust M-12249 Fixed Blade Knife.
What makes this knife our best overall choice over the others is its unique high carbon steel blade, which has outstanding edge retention, tensile strength, and ease of sharpening.
The partial tang is impressively lightweight and versatile. The TPE rubber handle has great slip resistance and weatherproofing properties.
The plastic combi sheath makes this knife a complete EDC because it provides great concealment and allows for remarkably fast deployment.
