Find the right knife for EDC, camping, outdoor survival, and everyday tasks.

Choosing a folding knife is not only about picking a sharp blade — it’s about selecting the right tool that fits your needs, your daily routine, and your safety. This complete guide explains everything you need to know before buying a knife on HikeTool.

1. Choose Your Purpose

EDC / Everyday Carry

Ideal for opening boxes, light cutting tasks, and daily utility.
Features: compact, lightweight, easy to carry.

Camping & Outdoor

Suitable for food prep, rope cutting, fire-starting tasks, carving, and general outdoor use.
Features: durable build, strong lock, comfortable grip.

Tactical / Fast Deployment

Designed for fast one-hand opening and reliable action.
Includes folding tactical knives and OTF knives.

Work / Heavy Use

For construction, warehouse work, mechanical tasks, and heavy-duty cutting.
Features: enhanced grip, stronger lock, reliable edge.

2. Choose Your Blade Shape

Drop Point

The most versatile, balanced, and beginner-friendly shape.
Great for EDC and camping.

Tanto

Reinforced tip for piercing tough materials.
Ideal for tactical or heavy-duty users.

Clip Point

Sharp fine tip and excellent slicing ability.
Popular among outdoor and utility users.

Spear Point / Dagger Style

Symmetrical, precise, and effective for piercing.
Common in tactical and OTF-style knives.

3. Opening Mechanisms

Manual Opening

Simple, reliable, requires hand control or thumb-stud opening.
Good for beginners and everyday tasks.

Assisted Opening

Partially spring-assisted for faster deployment.
Easy one-hand operation.

OTF (Out-The-Front) Automatic

Blade extends from the front with a switch.
Available in double-action (open/close automatically) or single-action (manual retract).
Perfect for tactical use and collectors.

4. Locking Mechanisms

Liner Lock

Common and easy to use; widely used in folding knives.

Frame Lock

Stronger and more secure, suitable for outdoor and heavy tasks.

Back Lock

Classic outdoor design with firm locking strength.

Button Lock

Smooth action and easy one-hand control.

OTF Internal Lock

Spring-based lock used in automatic OTF knives.

5. Handle Design & Ergonomics

A knife should fit your hand comfortably and provide enough control for the task.
Key considerations:

• Textured anti-slip grip
• Lightweight vs. heavy-duty handle
• Outdoor grooves for control
• OTF straight handles for fast action
• Comfortable shaping for long use

Choose a grip based on your environment — dry, wet, gloved, or tactical.

6. Blade Size Guide

Small (Under 7 cm / 2.8”)

Lightweight and pocket-friendly.
Best for small everyday tasks and EDC beginners.

Medium (7–9 cm / 2.8–3.5”)

Most balanced and versatile size.
Perfect for outdoor, camping, and daily utility.

Large (9 cm+ / 3.5”+)

Powerful and suitable for demanding tasks.
Ideal for advanced outdoor users and tactical applications.

7. Carry Options

• Standard Pocket Clip – quick and convenient
• Deep Carry Clip – discreet and secure
• Nylon Sheath – common for tactical or large knives
• OTF Clip Carry – straight-line carry suitable for EDC or tactical use

8. Budget Guide

$20–$40 — Entry-Level

Best for new users, light daily tasks, and basic EDC.

$40–$80 — Reliable Mid-Range

Ideal for outdoor activities, camping, and work use.
Stronger lock and better durability.

$80+ — Tactical / OTF / Precision Designs

Suitable for enthusiasts, professionals, and collectors.
Smoother action, stronger construction, premium feel.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What size folding knife should beginners choose?

A medium-size knife (7–9 cm blade) offers the best balance of usability and control.

Are OTF knives suitable for EDC?

Yes. Many users prefer OTF knives for fast deployment and compact carry.

What is the best folding knife for camping?

Look for a medium to large folding knife with a strong lock and comfortable grip.

Are lightweight pocket knives durable?

Modern lightweight designs are strong enough for most everyday tasks.

How do I maintain a folding knife?

Keep the blade clean, dry, lightly oiled, and avoid excessive force.

Is a tactical folding knife different from an EDC knife?

Tactical knives focus on speed, strength, and deployment; EDC knives focus on convenience and versatility.

Conclusion

A good folding knife should match your purpose, feel right in your hand, and provide reliable performance. Whether you need a lightweight EDC knife, a camping companion, a tactical OTF knife, or a durable work knife, HikeTool offers a variety of options built for real-life tasks.

Explore our full knife collection today and find the perfect tool for your lifestyle.