When we evaluate an everyday carry knife, we consider six primary factors that define a great EDC blade.
Steel Quality accounts for a significant portion of our rating. We look at the blade steel's real-world edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness based on established metallurgical data and user reports. We note when cheaper steels are used in premium-priced knives.
Ergonomics and Deployment covers how a knife feels in hand during extended use, the thumb ramp or choil design, and how the blade deploys — flipper quality, thumb hole responsiveness, or assisted opening speed.
Lock Strength and Safety evaluates the locking mechanism under stress. AXIS locks, Compression locks, and Tri-Ad locks score highest for strength. Liner locks and frame locks vary by quality. We note any lockback failures or blade play.
Build Quality and Fit/Finish examines blade centering, handle scale tightness, pivot smoothness, and edge consistency out of the box.
Carry Characteristics considers weight, blade-to-handle ratio, clip position and quality, and pocket presence when clipped.
Value weighs all of the above against the knife's price to determine whether it represents fair or exceptional value for the category.