When you think of a knife, you probably picture something more like the 18th century and less like the 21st. But modern times bring with them modern problems. And one of those problems is needing a knife on you at all times to deal with them. Luckily for us, there are plenty of options for carrying a small blade that doesn’t involve putting it in your sock or wristwatch (neither of which are particularly good ideas). With all the different kinds of knives available today, figuring out which one is best for your needs can be tricky. Do you want something small enough to fit on your keychain? How about something that can double as a multipurpose tool? Maybe you’d rather have something more substantial for hunting, fishing, or camping trips? There are many different options, but none will be right for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find exactly what you need when it comes to keychain knives and other EDC blades.
The Importance of Keychain Knives
If you’ve never used a keychain knife before, you might be wondering why you would ever need one in the first place. After all, aren’t Swiss Army Knives basically the same thing? The answer to that question is yes, and no. Yes, keychain knives and Swiss Army Knives are two options designed to give you access to a small blade on a daily basis. But no, they are not the same thing, and there are a few reasons why. First, the differences in size. Most keychain knives are about the length of your pinkie finger.
A Swiss Army knife, meanwhile, is about the length of your palm. The smaller size makes a keychain knife perfect for everyday tasks like opening packages, cutting fishing lines, or even trimming your nails. A larger knife like a Swiss Army knife could make those tasks awkward or difficult, especially if you’re trying to do them one-handed. Secondly, the differences in weight. Swiss Army knives are generally pretty heavy. You can buy a lightweight model, but some of them still tips the scales at a pound or more. That’s not a huge deal if you’re taking a trip into the woods and need a reliable tool, but it’s not exactly ideal for everyday carry, either. Lastly, the differences in design.
A Swiss Army knife is designed to be a do-everything tool, which means all of its different functions are crammed together in one small, unorganized bundle. A keychain knife, meanwhile, is designed for a specific task: cutting things. That means it can be much more compact and organized.
What to Look for in a Keychain Knife
If you’ve never bought a keychain knife before, it can be tough to know what to look for. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re shopping.
Weight – As we mentioned above, weight is one of the biggest differences between a keychain knife and a Swiss Army knife. That doesn’t mean you should buy one that’s so light it feels flimsy, but if you want a knife for everyday carry, you want it to be lightweight.
Length – We’ve also mentioned the difference in length between a keychain knife and a Swiss Army knife. The smaller size of a keychain knife makes it a lot more versatile, but it’s also good to keep in mind that the maximum legal length in most countries is 6 centimetres or less.
Keychain Knives You Can Buy Right Now
If you’re looking for a keychain knife to buy right now, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favourite options, broken down by price.
$ $10 – Kershaw 1660TI Cryo Knife
Kershaw is one of the most popular knife brands in the world. And anyone who’s used a Kershaw knife will tell you they’re worth the price. This model is a great option if you want something reliable but don’t want to break the bank. It’s lightweight, sharp, and has a quality locking mechanism. Our one complaint is that the handle is plastic, which makes it less durable than it could be. That said, it’s still a great option if you want something that’s both inexpensive and reliable.
$ $25 – CRKT Crawford Tactical Knife
All of the knives we’ve looked at so far have been manual knives, but this one is automatic. If you’re not familiar with automatics, they’re basically switchblades with shorter blades. Don’t get these confused with the switchblades of yesteryear. Modern automatic knives don’t look like switchblades at all. They’re no longer illegal in most parts of the world. They’re a great option if you want a shorter blade. This one is our top pick for a reason. It’s lightweight, it’s affordable, and it’s super easy to open thanks to a thumb stud. While it’s not quite as robust as some of the other knives on this list. This one is a great option for beginners who want something that feels like a real knife.
$ $50 – Buck Knives 110 Folding Blade
Buck Knives has been making knives in the U.S. for over 100 years, and their folding blade is a great option for anyone who wants a classic look. This one has a bit of heft to it, but it’s still light enough to be a great EDC option. It also has a locking mechanism, which is important for keeping it from accidentally closing on your fingers. This one is also a great option for beginners thanks to its classic design. While it’s cheap, it’s made with quality materials and will last a long time. It also has a lifetime warranty, which means that if something happens to it, you can send it back to the company and they’ll replace it.
$ $100 – Ontario Knife Company RAT II
Ontario Knife Company is another American knife brand that’s known for making quality products. The RAT II is a bit more expensive than the other options on this list, but there are a few reasons why it’s worth the investment. For one thing, it’s a manual knife, so it’s not something you’ll ever have to worry about accidentally opening up in your pocket. For another thing, it’s built like a tank. This one is designed to last, and even though it’s made with quality materials, it still only weighs about 2 ounces. This one is a great option for EDC if you want something that’s lightweight but still feels sturdy enough to stand up to some wear and tear. It also has a liner lock, so you won’t have to worry about it accidentally closing on your fingers.
KeyChain Knives on the Way
We’ve already looked at a few great keychain knives you can buy right now, but what about the ones that are on their way? As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are a lot of different types of knives out there. We’ve covered some of the most popular categories, but there are plenty of other options out there as well. If you’re looking for something more specific, keep an eye out for new releases or pre-orders. If you want a manual knife (like one of the models we’ve listed above), keep an eye out for the launch of the Gerber Artifact Knife. It’s designed to be a sturdy, all-around option for everyday carry, and it will hopefully be available for purchase sometime in 2019.
Conclusion
Knives have been an essential tool for thousands of years, but the way we use them has changed over time. Now, the majority of knives are used as a form of self-defence. There are many types of knives, and each one serves a different purpose or has different characteristics, which is why it is important to know what kind of knife you want before you purchase one.
Keychain knives are one of the most versatile types of knives available, and they are designed for convenience so that you can have a knife on you at all times. They are small, lightweight, easy to carry and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Whether you want something small and simple, or you want something more robust, there is a keychain knife for you.
