Different Types Of Pocket Knives For Everyday Carry You Should Know About

Selecting the right everyday carry knife is not as easy as it sounds.

There are several types of EDC knives awaiting you in the market, each with its own unique qualities. Once a buyer sees so many options in front of them, it makes it even harder for them to choose one.

Last updated: September 14, 2026 · Originally published July 1, 2017

Mostly, people buy pocket knives based on their personal choices but it is always suggested to purchase the one which meets all your requirements rather than the one that’s more appealing. Since many people don’t know what qualities they must seek in a pocket knife or which pocket knives are the best for everyday carry, therefore below are some common types of that can make your decision easier.

Folding Knife

Folding knives are the most common type of pocket knives used for everyday carry. The knife has a blade and handle directly connected by a rotatable pivot, which makes it possible for the blade to be easily folded into the knife’s handle. Because of its flexibility, the knife can contract into a very small shape and can easily fit into one’s pocket. Folding knives are also found in several different types and styles.

For example, some folding knives have single blades while some have multiple. The folding pocket knives also come in smooth as well as saw-toothed blades depending on the buyer’s preference. It is suggested for users to assess their motive for buying the knife before selecting one, such as a person who wants to cut cardboard should go for a serrated blade knife rather than a smoother one.

Kizer Aileon

There are many common types of folding knives available for purchase, one of which is the Kizer Aileon. Kizer Aileon is known to be the most budget-friendly pocket knife that provides high-quality steel blade under a very modest price tag.

Fixed Blade Knife

It is not very difficult to differentiate between a folding knife and a fixed blade knife as the difference is literally in their names. But to be clear fixed blade knives are the pocket knives that don’t fold. Since the knife doesn’t have an inbuilt protection like its folding counterpart, therefore the blade needs to be shielded all the time to prevent an accident. There are many types of fixed blade pocket knives available for those looking to buy a knife for everyday use.

These knives are usually classified according to their desired use. For example fixed blade knives are categorized into hunting knives, boot knives and combat knives among others. They are mostly used for the more tactical purposes such as during camping and hunting as the blades are stronger.

SOG Trident

A popular type of a fixed blade knife is the SOG trident which is known for its unique one-handed opening. The knife has a 3.75 inches plain-edge blade which makes it quite effective for cutting and piercing right through hard materials. Since the knife is mostly in a black, it can easily fight off corrosion and maintain its durable nylon texture.

Multi-Tool Knives

Multi-tool knives are regarded to be as the most flexible of all pocket knives. This is because the knives can be used for multiple purposes and are not limited to one or two uses. The knives obviously include blades to aid you in cutting and slicing. But apart from that it also has many other resourceful tools that you can use in your daily life.

A standard multi-tool knife for everyday carry contains a screwdriver, reamer, a bottle opener, blade and a wire stripper. There are also many variations available that include tools like scissors, tweezers and even nail filers. The multi-tool knives given their versatility are a must have and are very useful when out on a long drive or hiking in the hills.

Swiss Champ

The Swiss champ is known as the jack of all trades in the knife industry. The portable knife is a 91mm long tool that has all the essential instruments needed to accomplish almost any task. All the blades are made of stainless steel and maintain a long-lasting structure. An average Swiss champ contains 33 different tools such as scissors, pliers, a wood saw, a ruler, a toothpick, a can opener among many others.

The above types of pocket knives for everyday carry are only a few examples. Everyday carry knives should be a necessary component of every EDC bag as it not only helps you in facing any threat but also makes life easier by having many important tools handy.

Image: Gdolgikh via yayimages.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of pocket knives?

The three broad categories are folding knives (blade pivots into the handle, most common for EDC), fixed blade knives (no moving parts, generally stronger but need a sheath), and multi-tool knives (a blade combined with additional tools like scissors or screwdrivers in one body).

What type of pocket knife is best for everyday carry?

For most people, a folding knife is the best everyday carry option — it is compact, pocket- or clip-carryable, and legal in more places than a fixed blade. See our full Best Pocket Knife for Everyday Carry guide for current top picks across every budget.

Is a fixed blade or folding knife better?

Fixed blades are stronger and more reliable under hard use since there is no pivot or lock to fail, but they are bulkier to carry and often restricted by local knife laws. Folding knives trade some strength for discretion and convenience, which is why they dominate everyday carry.

What is a multi-tool knife?

A multi-tool knife combines a blade with additional implements — scissors, screwdrivers, can openers, and more — in a single folding body, like the Victorinox Swiss Champ. They trade cutting performance for versatility, making them popular for travel and light daily tasks rather than heavy-duty cutting.