It’s probably safe to say that as long as man and woman have walked this earth, cutting tools have been crucial to their survival — including everyday carry knives. These primitive works were used for a wide variety of tasks, such as hunting, butchering, survival and, more than likely, self preservation. Stone versions date back an estimated 2.5 million years — typically made from workable flint, quartzite and basalt, and fitted with crude wooden or bone handles. While Neanderthals were likely the first to make these stone tools, Homo sapien bladesmiths moved the needle forward by crafting their knives and other bladed tools from bone or obsidian, using much more complex designs. Next, of course, came the age of metals — with copper, bronze and iron taking the forefront. This took refinement, efficiency and design to the next level and set the stage for modern everyday carry knives. Whether it’s for self defense, survival, hunting, bush craft or even the cool factor, to this day, many men, women and children carry a knife of some sort. These include utility, tactical, switchblade and butterfly designs as well as many others, with the basic pocketknife being by far the most popular. The common thread is that they’re designed to perform effortlessly in whatever lifestyle they are a part of. Today’s everyday carry knives are the perfect blend of form and function — art and science. Here are eight examples that are sure to pique the interest of your knife-welding patrons.
Benchmade P.S.K.
For outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a hard-core workhorse folding knife for outdoor and survival tasks, the P.S.K. from Benchmark is a Personal Survival Kit in one tough and rugged lightweight bushcraft tool. Built sturdy with full liners and outfitted with a textured carbon fiber bolster and black G10 handle housing a strong, corrosion resistant CPM-MagnaCut blade with a Cerakote finish, this palm-filling knife includes rapid and reliable AXIS assist actuation with integrated spine safety and a dedicated striking choil at the base of the blade for fire starting with a ferro rod. A knife for all occasions, the P.S.K. provides efficient and ambidextrous one-hand deployment. MSRP: $450.
Buck Knives Deploy Auto
When speed is of the essence, the rapid deployment of the 3.25-inch blade on the Deploy Drop-Point Push-Button Automatic Knife from Buck Knives will answer the call. The blade and smooth, machined aluminum handles are coated with Cerakote for excellent corrosion and wear resistance, and the removable, deep carry pocket clip lets these knives ride easily in any pocket. A quick-to-index, recessed push-button release makes it easy to deploy the blade in all conditions, and the integrated safety switch can be engaged when carrying in a demanding environment. The Deploy weighs 4.25 ounces and is available in Blackout Pro, Gray and Bronze color options. MSRP: $189.99.
CIVIVI Elementum Utility Thumb Stud/Button Lock
The compact and portable CIVIVI Elementum Utility Knife has a host of features that make it a great choice for everyday carry, including a button/flipper opener for easy operation and a pocket clip for quick access. The Elementum has a 2.26-inch blade and an overall length of 5.91 inches, and comes with three extra blades, one extra screw, a nylon zippered storage pouch and cleaning cloth. It weighs just 2.3 ounces, has a handle thickness of .47-inch and comes in four colors: Black, Blue, Green and Gray. This all-purpose knife can be used to cut leather, plastic, cardboard, rubber tube, rope and much more. MSRP: $50.
CRKT Michaca Automatic
Made in the USA, the homegrown Michaca from CRKT is an automatic folding knife designed by expert knifemaker Philip Booth. Crafted from ultra-premium materials, the 3.3-inch drop-point blade is made from best-in-class MagnaCut steel with a stonewash bead blast finish, while the black G10 handle offers excellent grip — and sports Booth’s signature stripe. The Michaca has an overall length of 7.81 inches open and 4.6 inches closed and is equipped with a scale release lock. It’s an automatic everyday carry knife with a dose of style. And the name? It’s a portmanteau of Booth’s hometown, Ithaca, Michigan. MSRP: $300.
DiamondBlade Patriot Auto
Dive into a new era of cutting-edge technology with DiamondBlade’s Patriot Auto, a push-button automatic knife that redefines the standards of rapid and dependable cutting. Crafted with exclusive Friction Forged technology steel, this revolutionary tool stands as a testament to innovation, ensuring that every cut is efficient and precise. Available in serrated or non-serrated options, the Patriot’s key features include one-hand rapid opening, safety lock mechanism and radius-finished handle edges. As a versatile everyday carry essential, the Patriot Auto seamlessly integrates into the user’s daily routine. Its compact design and one-handed operation make it a reliable companion for various cutting tasks, from mundane to challenging. MSRP: $289-$299.
Knives of Alaska Onyx Auto
A compact EDC knife, the Onyx Auto from Knives of Alaska is a discreet and comfortable companion. It features a S30V stainless-steel blade, renowned for its exceptional edge retention (Rockwell Hardness 59-61), tough enough to tackle everyday cutting needs with ease while staying shaving sharp. Its thin blade reduces friction and ensures smooth cutting performance and comfortable everyday carry, and a robust spring system facilitates a smooth and rapid one-handed opening. The Onyx Auto is lightweight and compact, its 2.6-inch blade providing functionality for daily tasks, and weighs just 2.2 ounces. The G10 handle provides a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. It is available in Olive Drab or Black color options. MSRP: $159.99.
Pro-Tech Knives TR-3 X1 Black
The TR-3 X1 is Pro-Tech’s signature tactical EDC auto knife. It features a crisp two-tone stonewash finish with satin flats, gold lip pearl inlaid push button, satin hardware and black anodized handles with its popular Fish Scale milling. The Tactical Response 3 is one of Pro-Tech’s most popular knives with law enforcement and military personnel — thoughtfully designed, slender and easy to carry — equipped with a 3.5-inch clip-point blade. Overall length is 8 inches open. A wide variety of TR-3 knives are available, and each is outfitted with a convenient lanyard hole and pocket clip. MSRP: $280.
Templar Knife Excalibur
The Excalibur line of knives from Templar features a screwless handle design. A knife for all, the series includes the Templar Money Clip knife and the Small, Slim and Large OTFs (out the front) that all come available in drop point, dagger, tanto or serrated blade options. Each knife features a clean, sleek design and a comfortable, non-slip grip. They are purpose built with no hardware to back out for easy disassembly when cleaning. The line includes the option for a glass breaker or set screw and a reversible clip for right- or left-handed carry. For ease of maintenance, high performance and a cost effective OTF knife, the Excalibur from Templar is an excellent choice. MSRP: $219.99-$225.99.
