Top Ten EDC Knives of All-Time (Updated 2020)

[@btslacker5237]

Always great videos

[@jstnhnt28]

YES!!! The Code 4 is SOOO slept on! I got the Clip point blade in CTS-XHP like 4.5 years ago, and it is an absolute workhorse!

[@ericblade8330]

Justin the Hunter i had to put grip tape on mine it so slipery. Used rod wrap for fish poles, love it better than all my other knives. The aluminum was so slick. Not No Moe!!🔪🔪🇺🇸

[@edcko10]

Great list! Just one flipper huh?🤔😂

[@danielcluley870]

Do you like the Kapara or the Spydiechef better for kitchen. I have a Kapara that is pretty much only used for food prep now and I love it for that.

[@MRsolidcolor]

Microtech LUDT is my edc

[@jakematthews2458]

Literally watching both your videos at the same time. Love it.

[@SliceyDicey]

You're gonna get a headache!

[@clo2715]

Spydiechef is my choice for all the reasons you mentioned. I only cut Amazon boxes and the occasional zip tie so having a knife that's also good for cooking I think is a bonus. It's very light, thin, and doesn't weigh anything.

[@brentjacobs7083]

I can’t find the Riiter Hogue knife at knife depot. I did find it at Knifeworks in 20cv. Just letting everyone know.

[@SliceyDicey]

Yeah. KnifeWORKS. I may have mispoke.

[@budsblades7211]

Slicey you're right about the spider monkey. I've got 4 now and love each one

[@ericblade8330]

Ed Medina i was wondering bout that knife🔪, is it that cool?? I had a feeling it would be really cool.

[@budsblades7211]

@@ericblade8330 I think it is. I don't even play with my framelock flippers anymore and always have at least one monkey with me everywhere I go. I have 2 copper, 1 bhq excl and 1 c/f

[@PockeTanK]

Great video Bryan, really like to see these “top” knife videos!!!! Blessings for everyone and for the family.

[@jessemayek613]

Love the factory edge mentions!

[@larryrosen2984]

Hi . Is is an exclusive from Knifeworks

[@davidb9323]

I saved a bunch of money while watching this video seeing as many of the knives are out of stock

[@lanedexter6303]

Nice list. I’ve been carrying and using hard, for the better part of two decades now, the Al Mar SERE2000. After a decade of hard use, I sent it in for minor repairs. They asked if they could just give me a new one. That one is still going strong.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice list

[@TripleEEDC]

This looks like a lot of fun. I will probably do one of these tonight.

[@WatchMeEDC]

I appreciate the early callout and admission but definitely not a complete list without a Chris Reeve Sebenza 21 in small/large or a Sebenza 31 in small/large. I like the other choices though, great subject for debate and personal opinions. Good vid. And based on weight+cost+size+blade shape/metal the 940 could take the win for most people not wanting to invest on a Sebenza.

[@SliceyDicey]

My 31 arrives Friday.

[@WatchMeEDC]

Slicey Dicey I cant wait to watch the video on it!

[@heavymetalmurse]

Because of Metal Complex, I now have two XM-18's, spanto and skinny skinner. It's such a great knife that you can just customize the crap out of, just like I have my PM2. I'm feeling kind of swayed to get the Para 3 in Maxamet, though.

[@mattnelson8158]

I love my para 3 in maxamet, the para 3 is a better size for me and maxamet is awesome. I also upped my game by getting CF scales from Aramis which are wonderful!

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

Para 3 maxamet is the ultimate version of the p2/p3 platform, purely from an EDC standpoint. End of discussion.

[@readyme]

For Cold Steel, I love the American Lawman. Forward choil makes it one of my most comfortable and solids grips. The old XHP version was a hollow grind.

[@joe_a_photo]

readyme hollow grinds for the win.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Yep. I have one of those. Awesome knife. Probably the best all rounder.

[@BigRedEDC]

Pretty good list of knives for sure! A couple would definitely make my list for sure!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@SliceyDicey]

DO IT!!!!

[@mickkeim4142]

Thanks for bringing these great knives to our attention. Great bunch of knives. There are a few I would really like to buy.

[@azhawk516]

Great list. You have some great ones in this list. Thanks for doing the videos. They are a great distraction from all the craziness.

[@bryanrupple7441]

Bugout rates this list

[@chaddamron3877]

535 🔥🔥💥💥

[@SliceyDicey]

I mentioned it. Maybe in a couple of years if they're still pumping them out like they are.

[@bryanrupple7441]

Slicey Dicey I hear you.

[@jayweast1306]

My favorite Spyderco compression lock knife for EDC is the Sage 5 by a mile but I do think if I were making this list I would likely also list the PM2, with an honorable mention for the Sage 5. I agree that the iconic status plus all the different versions and aftermarket mods you can buy make it almost an obligatory inclusion.

[@aradoran]

How is the Sage 5 vs the Pars 3 LW? They seem similar to me

[@jayweast1306]

@@aradoran they are very similar but the Sage 5 has a thinner blade stock (3mm vs 3.8mm). The Para 3 actually has a thicker blade stock than the PM2 (3.5mm) and while the Para 3 lightweight has a 3.5mm stock, both have a very thick blade given the size. Subjectively I also prefer the wire pocket clip and leaf blade on the Sage 5 as well as the overall profile.

[@bionick4281]

Great list, Bryan, these are all great knives! I can’t believe I still don’t own a RAT! I LOVE MY CODE 4 and THANK YOU for telling me about it!

[@jsbhemi]

Just got my second TRM Atom today! Blue CF! They are producing these in small batches now about every two weeks. Pretty easy to snag one these days.

[@JohnC29]

I don't have the TRM Atom, Spydiechef, or Spider Monkey. I think I have to fix that.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

The best EDC that I have ever used is the COLD STEEL 'Pro Lite'.

[@randyf.9188]

Great list Bryan. I would have to go with the 943 and the 0562 instead of the Hinderer (mainly for price). Thanks for the additional content and live chats during these times.

[@alexguitar841]

I would really like to see a comparison between the Benchmade 940 and the Kershaw Bareknuckle. I was torn between the 2 but I decided to go with the 20cv bareknuckle after one of my omega springs broke on my bugout. Super happy with it but I'm curious as to how the would would compare.

[@jonh4053]

i feel like the 940 isnt on the custom shop because their are so many different versions of it out there. probably their knife with the most variants

[@aradoran]

More variants than the griptillians? I feel like there's alot of griptillians, and two sizes

[@jonh4053]

Doran J yeah but most are just colors. 940 using alot of different steels. granted the grip does have blade shapes so idk

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

Great video! BM 940 all day. I got the Griptilian first and a few years later I got a 940. The Griptilian is pretty dusty.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Good list. As in many things, mine will be similar with a few noteworthy differences. Won't have a Bugout on mine either though. Just don't like it enough. 🤷‍♂️

[@David_DY]

Going to pick up the knifeworks Ritter next month if there still around 👊

[@mattjay6633]

I just bought my Code 4(with your WMK discount lol) and it arrives today!. Tempted to fake being sick to leave work early!

[@mattjay6633]

I now realize faking an illness is probably a bad idea right now... but man I cant wait

[@David_DY]

March 23 12eastern Atom goes on pre-order... Sucks probably going to miss this one DAMN CORONA!

[@franksalem8580]

Believe it or not I own all ten of these but only two of them would make to my all time list. However the list is quite subjective and I respect your choices. I do feel I am blessed to own all of these.

[@beefyb93]

You should do a Top 10 Has Beens or Retro. Knives that were once hot but since been eclipsed (Kershaw Skyline) or discontinued (BM mchenry williams 710).

[@SliceyDicey]

Hmmm... Not the worst idea I've heard!

[@beefyb93]

@@SliceyDicey I'm okay with second place.

[@joe_a_photo]

beefyb93 Kershaw skyline was massive popular for a bit!

[@blackhawkninjabeast]

Best budget duo, Rat 1 primary and CRKT CEO secondary.

[@nicks8026]

I get why it’s on there but if I never see another Ontario Rat in a video, it’ll be too soon. On a more positive note, I’ve gotta check out a Hinderer at some point. Love their design language - a Hinderer looks like a Hinderer. Thanks for the video!

[@miketheknife3506]

Hogue is sick have one and benchmade super freak

[@Killlerbee]

Cool list! I would say most are out of my price range but my limits are modest, LOL! As far as the Houge/Griptilian and the 940... if I buy a Benchmade I'm leaning toward the Freek, and although I've never held any of them in hand I just think that one would fit my hand ( and wallet) better. Thanks for the great content man!

[@PracticalMinimalist]

I had to check on my dog several times while watching this video

[@SliceyDicey]

Yeah... Neighbors have a new puppy who doesn't bark but REALLY enjoys revving up the others!

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Code 4 is good but I’d rather the Recon 1 in S35VN. I also would put the Buck 110 on my list.

[@SliceyDicey]

110 is definitely a legend, but not something I like to EDC. Heavy and no pocket clip.

[@storywalsh9403]

Ontario rat 1s are ~$40 at blade hq

[@profesorEDC]

Where's the link to the other videos, don't see it?

[@SliceyDicey]

It’s a playlist.

[@jonathanwatson268]

Has your opinion of the Bugout's place in this list changed with the release of the CF Elite?

[@SliceyDicey]

Not really. If they keep pumping them out like they are for a few years, it will.

[@jonathanwatson268]

Makes sense, it's well established but not a classic yet.

[@robertkain7890]

The Ritter Hogue RSK MK1- G2 is a KNIFEWORKS exclusive. Not a Knife Depot exclusive.

[@SETHinSMD]

Great list & channel! But no Leek or zt0450? Regardless, keep up the great work Brian! Oh.. it needs a lil run time to be iconic edc but the super freak has gotta be a future contender. And if you weren’t in the people’s republic of ny I’d ask, why not an otf... maybe an ultratech or utx 85?

[@SliceyDicey]

Can't carry autos here so don't own any OTF's and the 0450 is quite uncomfortable for me.

[@SETHinSMD]

You seem to prefer slightly larger blades for edc.. the spider monkey was the shortest on your list at 3.25”. I’d love to see you do a top ten edc with a 3.25” / 3.25 ounce limit.. showcasing knives like the minigrip, pm3 lightweight, zt0450, lionsteel bolus, victorinox bantam alox, etc

[@abc456f]

You just called me, a long time subscriber, weird. I did get a spider monkey and returned it. It just didn't do it for me. I got a limited release red and black cf twill version, m4, and it looked great, but was smaller than I'd like, and the killer was the pocket clip. Holy hot spot Batman! And for $250, I just couldn't justify it.

[@jamienelson5438]

No 0562 ti??? Lol. Great vid!

[@SliceyDicey]

The XM-18 is too similar.

[@jamienelson5438]

@@SliceyDicey ahhh makes sense.

[@antoinedoinell]

I didn't really like the 940. Owned one for a few months but the grind is too thick for most task's I do on a daily basis.

[@mattnelson8158]

They should do a 940 v2 with some improvements, including a better grind. I too would like it a little thinner.

[@clee9930]

No ZT0562 ???? What the heck???

[@dr.seppjausen9778]

Kind of getting into tantos.... i know That. ....

[@lawrencewilhelm3031]

Knifeworks exclusive sir.

[@orendz7740]

I have the clip point cts xhp code 4 and looking at your spear point makes me want to get a spear point dammit

[@MrRoboto1963]

If you're doing Cold Steel on the list, wouldn't you do the Recon 1 Tanto? That's like the totally iconic Cold Steel that's been around forever. I mean it was a while before I even knew about the Code 4, I only saw it while browsing models, never saw anyone post one in the knife group's for a long time. I think it was the model that really they sold a ton of. It was the first one I really wanted for a while, first one I got. Anyway, I know what stands out in people minds are all different, so obviously it's all subjective. Like in my mind when I think of Spyderco and a popular model, it's the Manix 2, although I know the Para series is popular.

[@SliceyDicey]

It's EDC. I love the Recon, but a bit big for EDC for me.

[@MrRoboto1963]

I can see that I guess. I allways forget a lot of people like smaller knives for EDC. I prefer larger knives myself. Unless of course the knife is really great. I carried my ZT 0770CF for years, but mostly as a secondary blade in my left hand pocket. I don't mind under 3.5" for my second folder

[@MrRoboto1963]

Just got the WE Kitefin in marbled carbon fiber, it's really a great knife. I mean super thin and light, you can hardly tell it's there. 3.24inch but it's so fun to flip, and action is great, it's addictive, I can't put it down. This week been carrying it left pocket, and Civivi Asticus or Vexer in right hand pocket. Oh yeah, and a very favorite knife, the Twosun TS64, titanium version. Too bad they don't make it anymore. It's a perfect knife. Really thin slicey blade with tall big belly. Almost 4" blade, kicks out hard. Drop shut action. Highly recommend if you like a good size knife, and run across one

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

I’m trying to sell my benchmade 550-1 for $150 but no one has bought it and I’m surprised. It’s in excellent condition just needs to be sharpened

[@jesussilva2587]

I’ll buy it off you , hit me up on here

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

Jesus Silva I actually just sold it a couple weeks ago but I have a Benchmade griptilian 550s with a brand new 20cv blade fresh out of the Benchmade company and is razor sharp. Let me know if you’re interested so I can send you the link on ebay so you can look at the pictures, I can sell it to you directly too if you prefer that.

[@jesussilva2587]

What’s the link , email me it [e-mail]

[@jesussilva2587]

What can I contact you on

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

Jesus Silva I just contacted you on the email you provided, you can remove it from here now if you’d like to.

[@evanacey1414]

I think the word you were looking for was “modularity”.

[@TJPavey]

The Bowie is a much nicer knife from a finishing standpoint than the Spydie Chef. The rounding on the skinned of the blade, the contoured handles, the stonewashed mirror on the blade... I still think its Spydercos best overall effort in a lot of ways. It doesnt belong on this list though.

[@joshlatta2532]

The lack of ZT's brings a tear to my eyes. Could've subbed in a ZT for one of the Grip/Hogue models. But solid list overall.

[@SliceyDicey]

Yeah... I wanted to put the 0562 in, but it's very similar to the XM-18 and the latter is much more of an icon.

[@TJPavey]

Yeah. The 0350 and 0450 models are fairly ubiquitous. The latter remains really popular.

[@ericblade8330]

Josh Latta zt over priced. They cant give um away on knifecenter or blade hq. they email me every other day.👌they’re good knives, but....

[@SliceyDicey]

Eric Blade They’re emailing you every day because ZT is doing a sale until the end of the month because of the virus situation. It isn’t because they can’t sell them.

[@ericblade8330]

Slicey Dicey this is a slow time of the year. SMKW doing same thing. All3 sites been over sending. Blabehq and knifecenter, and smkw. Right now im looking for Case. Amazon has more than smokey mtn. Their non union so i rather spend@smkw. They’re non union, just not as big as Amazon🔪🔪. Be Safe with them blades👁

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Really strong list. Great call on the Code4. Haven't handled the XM-18 or the Spidey Chef, but I doubt not your recommendation.

[@ericblade8330]

Abby Normal dear abby; i love my code4 second . First is an Eafengrow. E something i have so many i cant memer #. Buck is 3rd~Marksman. All my knives are cool🔪in my collection. Up to 63. Is that too many??

[@erhon5]

I’m really hoping that, since they are stoping dealer exclusives, the benchmade custom shop adds more models especially the 940 and bugout

[@joe_a_photo]

Erin R they should have added the 940 to the custom shop a looonng time ago

[@BrentonCarr]

That code 4 is a steal. My fave is the clip point.

[@terpdx]

"The TRM Atom...2, 3, 4 months in the future, you'll probably are just going to be able to go buy one." 😆😆😆 Funniest joke I've heard all year. I have yet to actually see an Atom or Neutron on sale, anywhere. They're making a bunch of scales, though, so there's that. You can order a set of those and use your imagination to pretend there's a blade attached to it.

[@mred2099]

Bryan, if may argue for a couple of spinoff suggestions. Along with the Houge Ritter perhaps the benchmade freek. Since it bears a resemblance to both this knife and now discontinued Ritter Griptilian perhaps an honorable mention. Spyderco PM2 a lot of people like the PM2 however a lot more people love the tenacious lineup I do believe it may have been your first spyderco and for me the resilience was my first spydie. And then there's the code 4 I also love this knife and agree with you the only issue I have is the thin slick handle. The modification I did was add some gator skin tape to the handles of mine. I added a few thin strips of it in a diagonal pattern so i could hang on to it better and still have it go in and out the pocket easy. Check it out you might like it.

[@ericblade8330]

M Edwards my tenacious rules! Red scales, from blade hq, $22. They sold out in an hour. Tight knife, sturdy knife, 1/6 cost of an PM2. Love it!! Also, benchie isnt cracked to what they wanna be🔪👌

[@caldrenfitzpatrick3308]

Amen to the TRM Atom, love that knife. grail knife is the Hogue ritter, want to get one someday. Would also like to at least get to experience a 940.

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Not a fan of Griptillian. Benchmade has kind of lost my interest.

[@ericblade8330]

Odin’s Heathen they’re not as good as people think they are. They good knives, jus dont like price or the Axis lock. 🔪🔪👌

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Eric Blade I know it’s a great lock but always find myself looking to see if it’s engaged. I’m thinking I’m about to become a ZT fan.

[@tungsten_kirbide]

I have a feeling that the trm atom is on this list. Edit: I accidentally said neutron instead of atom.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Tungsten Kirbide is a spectacular name

[@EagleJim62]

I've had several of the knives on your list, and the only one remaining is the PM2. I don't think it's necessarily the best, I just prefer it. Who knows why? I like the all time knives list because thats what I'm always looking for. Keep making the videos to keep us entertained during these times.👍

[@WwLoganxX]

I've carried a pocket knife for decades, but I recently started collecting, beginning with the Kizer Vanguard Mini Sheepdog, and then a couple weeks later the Para 3 in CPM-S35VN. The Off-Grid Knives Rhino Blackout is coming in tomorrow. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@blackhawkninjabeast]

I swear to god if the 4 max isn’t on this list..

[@rebekahmullins5703]

My dream version of the B.M. 940 is actually real and unattainable to ppl in the U.S. It’s the European version with blue handle and Damascus blade and is freaking gorgeous. I wish so bad that it was available to get. It’s called 940-1801 limited if anyone wanted to check it out.

[@energeaplays65]

Hi

[@Lo-Fi-Go]

+1 to the Rats. Edc perfection.

[@JOMO_EDC]

I just got a Ti Bugout and I can’t stop carrying it. They have it for a great price at smkw.

[@miketheknife3506]

I hate the rat never had one never will

[@MrRoboto1963]

Finally someone says it too. I thought I must be the only one. I can't understand why it's in so many knife review videos. I mean every one and their mother must have one and like it to be used so constantly as a comparison knife. I've never had one either, and I don't ever even want to try it. It's super ugly, and the basic model which Is what the most people are assumed to have is only AUS 8 right? I don't see what's so great about it

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

@@MrRoboto1963 Back when they were new, they were the best value on the market. Obviously not the case anymore. Whats with all the people in the knife world that say "ive never used this knife, but its awful" really odd to form such a strong opinion on something youve never had in hand, especially something so accessible.

[@MrRoboto1963]

I just said it's ugly, and the base model before D2 is what everyone is using as the comparison, doesn't have any standout materials, etc. Perhaps it feels good in hand, I don't know. There's just so many better knives that are available even in the budget range, I have no desire whatsoever to try one. Don't like the shape of the blade, or the look of the whole thing. I'd rather have a CRKT. And most of the budget Kershaws which are and were widely available, look better and have designs that in my opinion are more appealing. When I started and bought $30 and less Knives, Kershaw was what was there. I never once saw a Rat in store, or in my Ebay browsing for knives 7 or more years ago. It was Kershaws. If I could only have and use a Budget knife again, I'd easily pick a Kershaw Kuro, OSO Sweet, Thermite, Shield, or CQC-7K anything like that. Even with the assisted Speedsafe their more appealing to me. Just me I guess.

[@madgurkha3687]

Top 5 that i have a hard time keeping out of my pocket currently is microtech LUDT, lionsteel ozf002, TRM atom, 535-2001 bugout, and the wharnie hogue deka

[@pauldayton5285]

I'm like number 666😈❗

[@rong.9130]

You're going to use the Spydiechef to make pizza, when you're locked down with all the comforts of home? You really need to learn to identify (I'm thinking 12.5K GAW) and use a paring knife. Or, better, a chef's blade. I mean, I love folders too, and I use them as cutlery when that's all I've got, but it's more satisfying to have the right knife for the right job.

[@elijahclark6093]

I saw a 940 anniversary edition on ebay this morning. Only $500. Looks excellent but that price isnt for me. Great list though Brian. Happy to say I have a couple blades on this list. And theres a couple I'd love to own

[@ericblade8330]

Elijah Clark they’re too proud of their blades.🔪👁look elsewhere

[@kenmarapese9085]

I have about 1/2 of those, I thought a Manix was going to make an appearance.

[@trageopar]

Your actual top 10 pocket knives versus “I’m a dude that has a KZbin channel and can afford super expensive pocket knives” should vary quite differently. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@leighj8885]

Only American owned makers. Have you ever heard of WE, Reate, Ruike, knives? I buy my knives for value, not where it's made.

[@SliceyDicey]

Nothing to do with where they’re made. I have plenty of Chinese knives. Never even considered where they were made. And the Code 4 is made in Taiwan as is the Spydiechef and the Rat.

[@freduutx3989]

Boring ..

[@SliceyDicey]

Cool story.

[@carlosedwardos]

half of these are CRAP - keep the Spydercos and the Ontario Rat and the TRM Atom and throw the rest of that garbage into the bin!

[@SliceyDicey]

Cool story.

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

How are they "CRAP"? Theyre all well made, and can perform any EDC task with ease.. Are they CRAPᵀᴹ because they dont fit your personal preference? Thats about as ignorant as it gets.

[@carlosedwardos]

@@CNYKnifeNerd Benchmade, Cold Steel, Southern Grind, etc. have a long history of quality control issues, inexcusable when several other companies make great knives that always have top notch quality.

[@ntstick06]

I made a Tanto M4 mini grip in the custom shop just to try, and I'll say it isnt as bad as I thought it would be. I actually found it a pretty useful blade shape.