Best EDC Pocket Knives 2021

Since I wrote my article last year, not a lot has changed as far as Best EDC Pocket Knives 2021 go. Sure, lots of new models have come out, but none are really game-changers. While some of these new offerings were just plain gimmicky, there’s also been quite a bit of innovation. Manufacturers keep devising more exotic locking mechanisms and using more exotic metals such as Titanium.

But for most people, everyday carry is not going to be an expensive, high-end, exotic experience. While I’m absolutely in favor of looking good, functionality has to come first, and so does value. I own lots of cool knives that I don’t regret buying, but wouldn’t think of using every day. My philosophy for EDC knives is that they are easily replaceable if lost, stolen, or damaged.

Best EDC Pocket Knives 2021 – comparison table

Best choice - Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight	Spyderco Delica 4 High Quality Good Steel Lightweight Proven Performer Check Price	Check Price
Lightweight Signature Folding Knife	Spyderco Dragonfly 2 High Quality Good Steel Extremely Lightweight Check Price	Check Price
Manual Open Folding, Made in USA	Benchmade - 940 EDC High Quality Great Steel Made in USA Check Price	Check Price
Black-Oxide Finished High-Performance Steel Blade	Kershaw 1990 Brawler Good Steel Made in USA Great Value Check Price	Check Price
Outdoor Camping Survival Hunting Utility Knife	Sanrenmu 7010 Superb Value Well Designed Solid Performer Check Price	Check Price
Folding Knife - EDC Knife	Ontario Rat I Great Value Well Built Solid Performer Check Price	Check Price
Climber Swiss Army Knife	Victorinox Climber Swiss Made Well Built Lots of Mojo For Size Check Price	Check Price
Cold Steel Tuff Lite - EDC Knife	Cold Steel Tuff Lite Well Designed Rugged Good Value Check Price	Check Price

Having said all that, this list isn’t much different than last year. There are so many great knives out there, but some are just hype, and some are too new to know how they will perform over time. For me personally, I buy a new knife, I admire it, photograph and review it, and ultimately the infatuation wears off and I give it away or put it into the knife roll or give it away, before putting the Delica back in my pocket.

1. Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight – Best EDC Pocket Knives 2021 (My choice)

PROS

• High Quality
• Good Steel
• Lightweight
• Proven Performer

CONS

• Less rigid with no proper liner
• Some say it’s too light
• A little expensive

 

2. Spyderco Dragonfly 2 – Lightweight Signature Folding Knife

PROS

• High Quality
• Good Steel
• Extremely Lightweight

CONS

• Less rigid with no liner
• Some say it’s too light
• A little awkward for large hands

3. Benchmade 940 EDC – Manual Open Folding, Made in USA

PROS

• High Quality
• Great Steel
• Made in the USA
• Well Built

CONS

• A bit expensive
• A little bulky

4. Kershaw 1990 Brawler – Black-Oxide Finished High-Performance Steel Blade

PROS

• Good Steel
• Made in the USA
• Great Value

CONS

• Unassisted
• Inconsistent quality control
• Check local laws regarding flippers

5. Sanrenmu 7010 – Outdoor Camping Survival Hunting Utility Knife

PROS

• Superb Value
• Well Designed
• Solid Performer

CONS

• Sometimes impossible to find
• Sometimes sellers gouge you when you do find one
• Cheaper steel

6. Ontario Rat I – Folding EDC Knife

PROS

• Great Value
• Well Built
• Solid Performer

CONS

• Cheaper steel
• A little heavy
• Grip could be better

 

7. Victorinox Climber – Swiss Army Knife

So mostly the difference in the list expresses gaining knowledge as a collector and handling more and more samples. For example, I now pretty much always have some model Victorinox in my pocket or at least close by. While I usually carry them to augment a dedicated knife, they are awesome in their own rights. There are times when it’s not convenient or wise to carry a larger knife, so I carry just an Executive or Rambler.

PROS

• Swiss Made
• Well Built
• Lots of Mojo For Size

CONS

• Orange Peeler Useless For Most People
• Tools Not Laid Out Very Well
• Non-locking

8. Cold Steel Tuff Lite – Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock and Pocket Clip

PROS

•  Well Designed
• Rugged
• Good Value

CONS

• Quality control issues
• Awkward opening

NOTE: Prices are approximate and will fluctuate over time. Also note that I am a Spyderco fanboy, so I had to resist the urge to give all 10 slots to Spyderco. I’ve tried to factor my own personal experience in with the consensus of some of the Internet communities along with lots of research.