The Best Way to EDC a Fixed Blade Knife

We've covered some of our favorite knives in the past, and you can read about those HERE, but those posts focused more on specific models. Today, we want to run through some points about why we prefer to carry a small fixed blade as an everyday carry knife and how we carry them.

For starters, a small fixed blade can do everything a folding knife can, but without the weak point of the pivot. While there are some highly durable locking mechanisms on the market, any fixed blade is still stronger. Plus, the number of small fixed blades on the marketing are astounding. You can find one in nearly any shape or size, and the options for steels and handles are extensive.

What EDC Fixed Blade is Right for You?

When deciding what small fixed blade to carry, you should really take into account the main purpose of the blade. That can dictate what the best choice is. For example, if you're looking to always have a good blade for carving, a Scandinavian grind and a relatively neutral handle is a good option. If you're going to be in and around water a lot, then look for something with synthetic scales and the stainless steel of your choice. If you're looking for a hard-use knife or one to live in a kit for just-in-case scenarios, a coated blade is a good option. A true survival knife should be easy to sharpen, so if you want to test your EDC capability over the long term, look at high-carbon steels like 1095. And while every knife can be used for personal defense, some are better suited to it than others.

Of course, personal preference plays a huge part here as well. If you have a particular grind or blade shape you hate, you should stay away from those. The idea of a good quality EDC fixed blade is just that, an everyday carry.

It Needs Pants

Speaking of carrying the sheath can play just as much a part in the functionality of your EDC blade as the knife itself. Even if it's the best knife in the world, you need a good way to carry it or you're likely to leave it at home. Thankfully, you have some great options.

Let's start at the top with the noble neck knife. Our good friends and experienced bushcrafter James Gibson and Bushcraft Kelso are both big fans of this style. While Kydex tends to dominate the pack in the world of neck sheathes, there are some great options in leather. Honestly, a piece of cordage through the belt loop of most small leather sheathes will make it passable for neck carry. Some, like the JRE option below, even have eyelets for a flatter lay.

Next up, if you're feeling nostalgic for your pocket knife, you can go with a pocket-carried fixed blade. There are some leather pocket sheathes available, but we didn't have one handy in the collection.

But if you go with a Kydex sheath it's easy to go from neck carry to pocket carry with the addition of clip. We like Ulti Clips and the Ti options from Mummert for adapting a sheath to pocket carry.

And that leaves us with the belt carry, which is no revelation in terms of carrying a knife. However, there's no need to overlook it. It's easy to source belt sheathes for pretty much any knife, and even if you don't have a way to attach it to a belt, some paracord will do in a pinch. 

Plus, most Kydex sheathes except soft loops, and you can adapt them to carry at a number of positions on your belt.

If you're a fan of carrying a small fixed blade every day, then let us know. Tag us on Instagram or post on our Facebook. And let us know how you carry it!

And thanks to LT Wright, Knob Creek Forge, ESEE, and Helle for making some grea knives that are excellent everyday carry fixed blades.