Knives: What makes the cut?

   In my last post we talked about EDC and the basic components that are shared almost universally. This post will delve deeper into one of them: the knife. Being a tool of almost unlimited variation, we will have a look at some of the basics and their uses.
   I've found that with most preppers we are almost always tinkering with things. Building this, fixing that, dismantling the other thing. There's wood to be carved out or boxes to be opened. Many of us also spend time in the outdoors: fishing, hunting, camping, etc. Though there are specific tools for most of these jobs a trusty knife can easily be your go to for all of them and save you from carrying a tool box everywhere.
   However, before you just go out and buy a random knife thinking you can use it for everything, you need to know what your expectations for the tool are. Not all knives are good for all jobs. Due to my career and pastimes I own a lot of knives, but you won't see me carrying a 10" Henckel French knife with me when I go hunting. Sure it cuts things, but it's not built for the job.
   So the first question you have to ask yourself is "why am I carrying a knife, what will I use it for?" Opening boxes? Carving wood? Skinning animals? Self defense (not a legal reason to carry a knife in Canada, just so you know)? Once you know what the knife will be doing then you can start shopping around.
   I said shopping, I didn't say buy one yet. There are more things to consider. Blade and overall length are important. For most EDC purposes I find you won't need anything over four inches in blade length. Another consideration is weight. If you're going to be carrying a few items on you every day you're not going to want each of them to be too heavy, it adds up quicker than you think. The build quality of your potential knife is of great importance. A good quality blade steel means you won't have to devote as much time to maintaining your edge, and a good quality handle means your knife won't break from regular use.
   We're getting closer but there are still some things we must consider, and they are rolled in to deciding on a fixed blade or folding blade. First off is how heavy is your expected daily workload. If you will be cutting open boxes or slicing through softer material, a folding knife can handle that no problem. If you plan on using it to baton through wood or in some other heavy or forceful manner, a fixed blade is better suited. Not saying that the two can't be interchanged, because there are some very well suited knives for these jobs in both categories, but as a starting point a folding blade is better for light work and a fixed blade is better for heavier work. Next we should consider the profile or size of the knife. If you're carrying a knife in public it's a good idea to keep it out of sight, you will get some uneasy looks or possibly a visit from the police if people see it on you (it's not illegal to carry as long as you have a good reason for having it. Self defense is not a good reason.) Having a compact system that comfortably fits in your pocket is ideal. Having a blade that folds into the handle makes low profile carrying much easier.
   Now that you know what your knife will be doing and the qualities to look for to get it done you can start shopping for styles that suit you personally. Don't think you only need one knife either, as with most of prepping your system is always evolving. Some people carry a couple of knives to cover the whole range of situations they may encounter, and others may rotate knives in and out of their EDC. You just have to keep in mind what you need to do with the knife and match that to the specifications of the construction.
   I hope you've found this a helpful introduction to EDC knives, I will do more in-depth posts on specific styles and products in the future, this is just to get you thinking on the right track of what to be prepared with. If you have any questions or comments about EDC knives please feel free to post them in the comments. Thanks so much for reading, and as always. Be Prepared. Be Safe. Have Fun.