[Closed] Knives, multi tools, EDC?

I've got a Leatherman Charge + tti, Skeletool CX, Style CS and Gerber Pocket Square knife. If I'm going to add anything, I'll try and make it a bit different to what I've already got. Probably a LM Free K4 next and maybe a SAK.

I really don't like the term EDC, dunno why, it just irks me 😂

My favourite multitool - the Hultafor Chisel Knife

Its a chisel and a knife,

... and a wrecking bar, paint can opener, axe, froe,  turf cutter, paint scraper, mastic applicator, butter spreader and teaspoon.

Its expensive at £7 - but now I've been using it most days for the last 3 years or so the amortised cost makes it easier to justify

I feccin hate the EDC tag. Every day carry to me is  my testicles, glasses, keys and wallet. Weapons don't come in the top ten things I need. 🤦

And "amortised".... Peak STW ****hattery

Had to Google amortised.😋

Should have titled this, show us your penknives. They're tools not weapons 🙁

Carried a Lee Williams/Kershaw OD-2 everywhere for years, really handy inexpensive wee knife with a flipper so you can open it one handed and it holds a good edge for ages, if i ever lose it ill be really pissed off as they're not made anymore

I feccin hate the EDC tag. Every day carry to me is my testicles, glasses, keys and wallet. Weapons don’t come in the top ten things I need.

They don’t in most peoples either, unless you’re classing a pocket knife as a weapon, which it isn’t. Neither are kitchen knives, however plenty of people get killed or injured with them, same with screwdrivers. A weapon is a tool used aggressively against another person, it doesn’t have to be a knife; I can weaponise a Bic Crystal if I have to, no particular skill required.
I carry a whole load of stuff for work, which includes a Gerber MT800 Legend multitool, pens of various sorts, a scraper that holds single-edged razor blades, flashlights, a small Spyderco knife with serrated hawksbill blade, notepads, tyre pressure and tread depth gauges, radio, handheld phone/tablet, plus my phone, keys, watch, glasses, wallet...
EDC is what you carry with you to help get you through the day, if that includes your balls, well good for you, but the term is just convenient shorthand, and from what I’ve seen other people carry I’ve dropped or adopted new things that help me get things done.
That Hultaför chisel knife looks very handy, I could use something like that around the house and garden. I’ve seen similar things as just a pry bar, but having the handle makes it more user friendly.
As far as pocket knives go, I’ve got loads, many are Spyderco knives, most are no longer UK legal, which is a shame, but the one I carry with me most is a CRKT Pilar; it’s not strictly speaking UK legal, because it has a frame lock, but it’s just so solid and easy to use, and just feels good in the hand, and it’s not really pointed, so not threatening. I don’t take it to work, far too easy to lose it, and it’s not much cop for cutting zip-ties, unlike the little Spyderco, which is perfect for getting inside the closed loop and slicing through the tie. The Ladybug’s blade is about 1.88”, it’s tiny.

WTF do you lot do that warrants carrying all that  crap "every day"?

I fear that you're all frustrated boy scouts that go looking for problems to solve requiring your fancy titanium pen that doubles up as a bolt action weapon.

😉

Frustrated fallen arched would be sas killers,now go and fix Karen in accounts printer,bring your knife.

WTF do you lot do that warrants carrying all that  crap “every day”?

Like I said - spread butter (dairy free spread actually) and stir tea (usually coffee)

@maccruiskeen - or slice Mr Kipling's exceedingly good cakes?

😜

When occasions for finer dining occur I also have one of these in the bottom of my toolbox

Hobo Knife

WTF do you lot do that warrants carrying all that  crap “every day”?

a. You barely notice you are carrying them in their hand tooled belt holsters

b. Have you never had to get the cellophane off a new pack of post-it notes in an emergency?

Ah, I remember the days when every boy in school carried a tool*

*Swiss army knife 😉

Irritating though it is, the term EDC (borrowed from the US firearms terminology) actually fits well with UK legislation. It actually refers to a folding pocket knife (with no locking mechanism) with a blade, the cutting edge of which does not exceed 7.62cm (3") . As such it can be carried anywhere in public in the UK legally without any further good reason or justification. Section 139 Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Any sharply pointed or bladed article that does not fit the definition in bold above, may NOT be in your possession unless you have a good reason or lawful excuse to have it with you. It's up to the person carrying the article to prove they have good reason for having it with them in public. So a carpet fitter on their way to/from work can lawfully carry a stanley knife, but can't have it with them in the pub that night. A darts player can have their sharply pointed implements with them in the pub on Friday night, but not at the football match the next morning. Little Johnny can carry a pair of compasses on the way to school if they're using them that day, but can't have them with him when he's hanging around the rec' with his mates that evening.

Multi-tools and pocket knives need a bit of thought. Many multi-tools have blades which lock out, and need more than a single folding action to close them. If you have to press a button or lever, or push a liner-lock out of the way in order to fold it back in, then it doesn't fit the definition. (Harris vs DPP and Fehmi vs DPP See Harris vs DPP and Fehmi vs DPP for Justice Popplewell's findings)

So if your multi-tool or the pocket knife you carry on a daily basis locks, you MUST have good reason on every occasion that you have it with you to avoid prosecution.

EDC has become a marketing device, as it differentiates between a knife you can carry and not have to justify, and one that you can carry, as long as (and only if) you have good reason to do so.

@somafunk nice little knife, I have a SOG Flash which is very similar in size and function. https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/pt/-sog-flash-ii-fsa-8-plain-edge-grn-handle.htm

However, it doesn't fit the "EDC" definition, so be aware that in the UK you'll have to justify having it with you.

I got just a bog standard Leatherman for my birthday last year and it’s proved to be about the most useful multi tool I’ve ever had.

Big enough to actually be able to do stuff with, small enough to take anywhere without really noticing it.

I’m on the look out for a really nice Sheffield made folding knife for whittling and stuff as well 🙂

scapegoat, if i was ever stopped in the car then i imagine the billhook, machete and silky saw that permanently live in the boot will be more of an issue than a tiny pocket knife, not to mention the Leatherman wave, mora fixed blade knife and assorted stanley knifes kicking about, although staying in desolate galloway i prob have more of a justifiable right to have them with me than if i lived in london.

I used to carry a Leatherman copy at work, but I only used two of the tools. About a year ago I swapped it for a Topeak Ratchet Rocket, a small Bahco adjustable spanner that will do up to 13mm, a panel key, and a No7 Opinel knife.

I only carry it in he factory or yards, if I have to leave site I have to change out of my workwear so I don’t carry any of it out in public.

Knife wise I have a few Opinel knives in various tool boxes and one in my Camelbak. Rarely needed the on bike one.

Opinels are best used to cut cheese on your picnic

😉

Opinels are best used to cut cheese on your picnic

And sausage.

Those actually concerned with the law over what tools can or cannot be carried legally, are probably the least likely demographic to actually be stopped and searched...

Those actually concerned with the law over what tools can or cannot be carried legally, are probably the least likely demographic to actually be stopped and searched

I lost count of the number of people I administered adult cautions to because they didn't realise the novelty lockknives on their keyrings fell out of the definition. Booked into custody for warrants, drink driving, other non-violent offences, I reckon we'd find two or three a month at the very least. Home office guidance was to charge for all knife possession, especially young people, but I used defy the dictat if the circumstances warranted a common-sense rather than draconian response. Didn't make me popular with the beancounters, but there but for the grace of God.........

3 knives are my constant companion;
Alox Pioneer Swiss Army Knife
Alox classic (my keyring)
Spyderco UK Penknife G10

Sometimes a Ben Orford Nomad if I’m going for a walk in the woods and I have a few of his other knives for heavier work and carving.

The Hultafors chisel knife is fantastic for on the job “open carry” in its holster , a total pain -literally- out of it as it’s so sharp , truly a useful thing.

Those actually concerned with the law over what tools can or cannot be carried legally, are probably the least likely demographic to actually be stopped and searched…

...but also the demographic likely to be impacted most by a prosecution. I've never been able to find any case law about what "good reason" actually means, and worry about the potential for interpretation by officers or magistrates who don't understand sports like white water kayaking.

Why do you need a knife kayaking (honest question I don’t row or kayak or anything aquatic)?

In kayaking a knife is sensible to cut yourself free of entanglement.

In the last 35 years paddling I have used mine only 4 times. But there is 1 Guillemot, 1 Dolphin, 1 women and me who are all grateful I had a sharp knife in my BA.

Why do you need a knife kayaking

That exactly illustrates the problem! There's a risk of getting a kayak pinned against the rocks and having to pull it clear, or a kayaker capsizing and needing a rope thrown to them, etc. Whenever you are using a rope and there are forces you can't control (like rushing water) you need a quick way to release the rope. The phrase is "carry a rope - carry a knife" - but that was written by people who didn't have to cope with laws written around managing stressed city youths.

Gerber Suspension and Opinel No.8 here

I don’t think there is a problem. If I’m going paddling I have a good reason to be carrying a knife which would not normally be legal (eg a locking knife). It’s on or in my BA. I’ve paddled with serving and ex police officers and we have talked about this. No PC is going stop me from carrying a knife when it’s clear what the reason is.

I not aware of any kayaker being stopped, arrested and convicted of a knife crime for having a knife when going to or coming from the river/sea. Have you seen this?

I not aware of any kayaker being stopped, arrested and convicted of a knife crime for having a knife when going to or coming from the river/sea. Have you seen this?

No, but I'm not convinced it couldn't happen. I know a very experienced coach who no longer carries a knife on the outside of his BA, because of the law (notwithstanding that there may be other reasons to keep it in a pocket).

I use a Spyderco UKPK as its single handed opening and legal to carry without a good reason (so can just be left in your pocket all the time).

Why do you need a knife kayaking

Throw lines are regularly used for rescue, ropes and water can be dangerous; if there is entanglement, snag etc. Also used to cut cake.

WTF do you lot do that warrants carrying all that crap “every day”?

Most of the time I use a pocket knife to open boxes, knife is always in my pocket, I can take it out my pocket, open it, cut and put it back in my pocket with one hand whilst holding something else. Gets used for loads of random other things, letter opener, lever, wire stripper, wedge, scraper, cut fruit outside, remove splinter, cut string, marking, open packaging etc etc.

There are often better tools, eg I would take proper knife fishing, use wire strippers etc but a penknife that you have to hand is useful.

Now you've got me looking at paracording videos.
Have you got a link to the one you've done @Merak?

This dudes good

I’ve carried Swiss Army knives for 25ish years can’t imagine not having one on me.

I have a few on rotation but usual EDC is a huntsman for work, Spartan for out and about and a classic on the key ring, use them everyday.

SAK soldier or Hultafors/moras for camping and outdoorsy stuff though.

Similar to a few replies above I’ve carried a penknife of some kind (usually a SAK) for as long as I can remember and certainly years, decades even, before I’d ever heard the term ‘EDC’ used.
The one below is usually in my pocket, along with the pen also in the picture, and gets used several times a week for all kinds of mundane jobs, I can’t imagine not having a SAK either in my pocket or in my bag, after all you never know when you’ll need a beer opening or cake cutting to name but two!

View this post on Instagram

@kiwijohn

Snake knot was from this guy;

Cheers for that.
Want to make something like that for my Mercator Black Cat.

I looked for (and found) a tiny penknife in a boot sale last year. £1.50 cheers. Wanted one for the keyring. Turns out it’s a Richards of Sheffield with the little lantern logo. Well made and handy to cut stuff like string, tape, remove a splinter etc.

It sits on the keyring along with a Spokey tool and a bottle opener.

I’d probably replace them all with a small Alox SAK if it could have the spoke-key on it. < Now there’s a mod waiting to happen.

Have a few larger SAKs that have collected/been given over the decades, but they are for camping and DIY really. Victorinox Swiss Champ and (recently lost 😭) Victorinox Camper are both great multi-tools IME. Also have a Victorinox Swiss Flame (the discontinued one with the gas lighter) that only ever sat in a drawer. Saving it for the apocalypse. Should have at least tested it first.

Now I’ve seen that chisel knife up there I’m more fully aware that I have a multi-tool fetish. Which sort of matches the bike one. And the torch one. 😎

Those actually concerned with the law over what tools can or cannot be carried legally, are probably the least likely demographic to actually be stopped and searched…

My mother has had 3x 5" opinal locking knives taken off her in airports. She was in her early 70s at the time.

My friends brother had his nail scissors taken off him by security at Paris Charles de Gaulle about 10 years ago.

He was the pilot. Rules are rules.

My friends brother had his nail scissors taken off him by security at Paris Charles de Gaulle about 10 years ago.

He was the pilot. Rules are rules.

Quite right too. What if he decided to try to hijack the plane and crash it?

Or worse still deliver a manicure to the flight crew.

Quite fancy a James Brand Ellis but I'm sure there are equally good options for less than half the price. Also looking for suggestions for rechargeable torch for day to day use, preferably USB c charging.

This is my keyring carry, Leatherman Style CS - bottle opener, little blade (non locking), file, tweezers and scissors - I like having scissors

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49512063318_067536a1a6_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49512063318_067536a1a6_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2irdgs7 ]2020-02-09_08-35-29[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr

@mmcd

Thanks for that,. I want one of them now.

Also,
https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/pt/-fenix-uc30-led-flashlight.htm

Olight are the torch of choice for the serious EDC boys dontcha know....

£150 torch

WTF do you lot do that warrants carrying all that crap “every day”?

I carry a whole load of stuff in a belt pouch, including my Gerber Legend, but the only knife I have at work, apart from the one on the Gerber, is the Spyderco, which is tiny, less than two inches long folded, and it hangs around my neck on a lanyard along with a Sharpie and a security dongle for some internal doors, and a small flashlight.
We use zip-ties to secure pairs of keys together on arrival, but there are occasions where keys have to be separated usually when it’s a VW, and scissors are useless, as is anything other than a pair of wire cutters.
A lot of what I carry at work isn’t necessary, but it saves lots of hassle - I carry small envelopes and card tags, if a car has an SD card for its satnav the card has to be removed and noted and put into a secure box in our arrivals cabin, but that can be a couple of minutes walk away when we’re busy, like we are now, so I carry a bunch with me, along with spare blades for my window scraper, which we use for taking ink marker off car windscreens, I have a tyre depth and a pressure gauge for obvious reasons, pens, notepads...
I walk up to six miles a day, around a big site, part of which is a quarter of a mile away, and I need to have stuff with me to do my job wherever I am.
Outside of work, I sometimes carry my Gerber, my keys, wallet, phone and the little Pilar, and a pen of some sort.
Oh, and a small flashlight that takes a 3.7v 14500 Li-ion battery.

Olight are the torch of choice for the serious EDC boys dontcha know….

They might be, but bugger paying £150 for one! The torch I use is one that cost about thirty quid.
Or I use an Alpkit headtorch that cost about £15.

I’ve got a multi screw driver thing in the car I can open boxes with it, I’d give myself 15 mins with a knife before I cut myself I can’t stop fiddling with stuff. I stabbed myself enough times with staple removers.

I think the uk knife laws are daft. Plenty of people killed by things that are legal to carry around and those intent on doing someone in or threatening are not likely to care if something’s illegal anyway.

The idea of a locking blade on a leatherman being illegal in the hands of a middle aged cyclist is nuts.

If you can get a licence for a shotgun from the police and be checked out as responsible enough for that then why not a knife?

The idea that a lock knife that was fine to carry about in the countryside for any number of useful tasks is now something that will get you a criminal record is nuts.

Perhaps there should be an age limit, ban if you have a record already or something more realistic.

Olight are the torch of choice for the serious EDC boys dontcha know….

£150 torch

3200lm?? 🤪 £150? 🤪

And I bet it’s a spotlight?

For daily use (ie non-rescue/emergency) I’d recommend a bike-torch/front light with cutoff/wide-angle beam and warm/neutral emitter. Much more pleasant to use and bonus dual-purpose urban front bike-light/handheld torch. Also can be used easily without dazzling other people.

Fenix BC21R?
Ravemen CR700?

Recently bought a Ravemen PR900 just for the bike and it's really, really nice to use taking the dog out. What a difference. Illuminates the whole garden with an even wide flood. Doesn’t strain the eyes. 21hrs on low. I’m sold.

And the optional ‘emergency’ mode button activates a second emitter with a spot beam. Basically designed like a motorcycle headlight with both dip and main beams.

For me a 2018 leatherman wave plus and free t4 plus a bit extender and bit set,Gerber shared fisherspace pen,and olight baton pro..

To note I have never been checked in 9 years of carrying a multitool and so am not concerned about locking blades..

But am always being asked to fix stuff and now dont go out without the wave plus atleast..plus if your riding the cable cutters are a reasonable excuse(I know a copper and checked and that would be considered a good reason)..so as I ride everywhere.. no problem..

Plus for all that do carry ..and want a sheath that's more practical and leather, check out tale of knives gear..handmade luxury leather that can take a beating super low profile belt carry options..

I use the Gerber multitool I got issued with in my bike kit, along with some cable ties, CO2 pump, inner tube and Gorilla Tape as my "EDC". Except for weekends, then I don't bother unless I am going for a long ride.

I really don't have a good reason to carry another blade or tool on me normally, DIY does not count and then I go for a Mora chisel knife or Robust depending on what's first from the toolbox.

Well, there's an interesting new hobby.

@mmcd

https://www.cyclaireshop.co.uk/swiss-army-knives/swiza/swiza-d03-swiss-pocket-knife-multi-tool-black-blade-moss

Well, there’s an interesting new hobby.

They're probably not allowed to play with knives.

you call that a knife?

Handy for picking my teeth.

Anyways, I assumed you meant those beautiful braids in the lovely bright rope 💕

I assumed you meant those beautiful braids

I've failed to grasp what the little friendship bracelet things are for.

Exactly

Makes the camouflaged knives easier to see when you drop them.

or something.

My go to EDC is one of these.

Its may seem a bit much, but my job as a homeless drifter / misunderstood Decorated Vietnam War veteran with PTSD often means covering big distances, improvising shelters and booby traps across mixed woodland terrain, self-administered field wound dressings and, dealing out righteous retribution to over zealous law enforcement.

Remember, don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe

Its may seem a bit much, but my job as a homeless drifter / misunderstood Decorated Vietnam War veteran with PTSD often means covering big distances, improvising shelters and booby traps across mixed woodland terrain, self-administered field wound dressings and, dealing out righteous retribution to over zealous law enforcement.

I've just read the court report on the previous page.

Interesting that they focus on an automatic locking mechanism. I always assumed that my Opinel would be illegal to carry as it has a locking mechanism, but it's a manual lock (you twist a collar under the base of the blade) which would probably require two hands to operate. If you don't lock it, it can be folded away without needing to activate a mechanism to do so. Would that then constitute a "folding pocketknife" under the legislation? Or is that something yet to be tried in court?

(The blade's probably too long to be legal anyway, but there are smaller Opinels.)

tbh that sounds like the plot of a Hollywood movie

What gave it away, was it the name of the film etched into the blade?

As for the kayak comment on the previous page,

I'd like to hope that your average copper would apply some context / common sense. If you've got a knife in one hand and a kayak in the other it's probably a little more plausible than if you were walking round ASDA waving it about. The first guy in the court report argued that it was for gardening whilst suited and booted on his way out to the pub, hardly surprising that he got his collar felt.

The first guy in the court report argued that it was for gardening whilst suited and booted on his way out to the pub,

"We was goin' to the beer garden, yer 'onner"

"Well played young man....Case dismissed!"

If you don’t lock it, it can be folded away without needing to activate a mechanism to do so. Would that then constitute a “folding pocketknife” under the legislation?

I think the fact that it can be locked would be sufficient to mean it wasn't a folding pocket knife.

I’d like to hope that your average copper would apply some context / common sense.

I'd like to hope that as well. But when the consequences of a conviction would be losing your career, the possibility that you might meet a below (or above) average copper is a worry. Particularly noting what scapegoat said;

Home office guidance was to charge for all knife possession

it might not be something the copper feels they have discretion about.
Part of the problem is that you don't always have your kayak with you; you often end up waiting in a car park while your mates drive a vehicle to the take out point, or fetch one back from the start, so maybe you have to remember to put your knife in the kayak - but then you risk forgetting to put it back in an accessible place when you get on the river again. Disagreements over right of navigation v fishing rights do arise, and it's not unknown for the local constable to be on the anglers side, so the potential for encountering police is not zero.

For daily use (ie non-rescue/emergency) I’d recommend a bike-torch/front light with cutoff/wide-angle beam and warm/neutral emitter. Much more pleasant to use and bonus dual-purpose urban front bike-light/handheld torch. Also can be used easily without dazzling other people.

Not sure I'd spend £150 on a torch either 🙄 to be honest, most folk that have olights, seem to have the smaller pencil type

I've got numerous bike lights, but have these two cheapies from Go Outdoors. Adjustable beams, the one on the left is usb charged, the right takes AAA's. I've got an led lenser for my work hard hat

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49517527903_99aa62cd36_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49517527903_99aa62cd36_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2irGgT6 ]2020-02-10_09-41-41[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr

<Olight are the torch of choice for the serious EDC boys dontcha know….

£150 torch>

To note they are not all that amount ..but having 2000 lumens can be incredibly useful plus they use custom orstandard 18650 batteries ...so not a bad investment long term..

Battery wears out..replace it..in the field without charger ..install spare(typically £5-10)..charges off any 1 amp usb..easy..so I use it at home work when doing anything where lights very helpful with the £89 price tag if you ask me..NOT £150..and it's going to do years if service with a few new batteries..

I usually have a little spyderco squeak with me, it gets used for lots of things, opening boxes, cutting tags or packets open etc. The blade length is such that noone has a hissy fit if they see it.

They’re tools not weapons

Context is everything, I've got one of these:

It's one of the most useful everyday tools I've got, but it seldom leaves the house as I know it's locking blades would get me in trouble with the rozzers...

EDC is an Americanism and seems to come from the world of Gun nuts and survivalists, fair enough if people who like to take carefully arranged photo's of their expensive knife with wood shavings casually scattered about want to adopt it I suppose, but it does make you seem like a bit of a plum...

Personally I'm not so keen on the fetishisation of Leatherman' I know one fella who has a Ti one 'for best' and then a stainless one that he actually uses... Weird.

TBH a Cheap and cheerful multi-tool that you don't mind blunting/getting dirty/losing makes more sense... I think my current one was acquired free from a tradeshow.

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR

Subscriber
Olight are the torch of choice for the serious EDC boys dontcha know…

I've got the Seeker 2 Pro. Bought in the flash (lol) sale when they launched. Great bit of kit. Plus the L dock mag charger. Battery lasts forever too. Turbo mode is fire-startingly hot....Strobe is fun. Just wish the moonlight mode was a little more.... Moonlighty. But it's solid bit of kit, but paint chips off easily.

(S2Pro has a 5000mAh 21700 battery)

Personally I’m not so keen on the fetishisation of Leatherman’ I know one fella who has a Ti one ‘for best’ and then a stainless one that he actually uses… Weird

Personally I find having a nice SAK and not daring leave the house with it a bit weirder 😂

I have a Spyderco Bug on my key-ring, I don't use it daily but comes in handy a couple of times a month (mostly opening boxes at work)

Re torches. Im using one of these 180 lumen not too shabby.

[img] [/img]

I'm old enough to remember these which makes the above all the more impressive.

[img] [/img]