A To Z of Choosing Your First EDC Knife
How do defensive experts choose a knife when they’re paying retail for it?
Life can be sweet for a guy who tests and evaluates EDC knives, but the fact of the matter is that sometimes, yeah, we have to pay out of our own pockets for things we really want. But what happens if you take a guy like Eoin May, through whose hands countless high-end blades have passed, and tell him it’s his own money on the line? What do knife experts look for when they’re honing their own edge? In this great video from AToZ_Reviews, Eoin walks you through the fine points (see what we did there?) of fixed blades versus folders, and the factors you’ll want to look for. If you like this video, don’t forget to hit that like and subscribe button!
Last updated: May 25, 2026 · Originally published July 28, 2022
A three-way tie: red light, green light and the phone flashlight each got 29%.
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EDC reference desk
Bookmark-worthy references — knife-steel ratings and the gear terms behind every carry.
| Steel | Best for |
|---|---|
| 14C28N | Best value |
| S35VN | All-round |
| MagnaCut | Do-it-all |
12 EDC steels rated for edge, toughness, corrosion and sharpening.
Compare steels → Network| Term | Category |
|---|---|
| Striker-fired | Action |
| MOA | Optics |
| Cerakote | Finish |
30 gun, ammo and gear terms, from Guns & Gadgets Daily.
View full chart →
