If you think carry systems are rote, you need to get a gander at these knives and their revolutionary ways to keep them on person.

The carry systems for EDC knives have evolved to offer you a seamless experience, with an array of different spins on pocket clips, sheaths, lanyards and more. This convenience benefits you by saving time, providing peace of mind, encouraging regular carry and increasing utility. The popularity of EDC knives has spurred innovation in design and materials, leading to a market rich with options catering to every preference and need.

The carry systems play a pivotal role in this dynamic, as they directly influence your experience and the practicality of the knife in everyday scenarios. The benefits of EDC knives extend beyond individual use; they represent a culture of preparedness and self-reliance that resonates with many, reflecting a broader trend toward function and efficiency in personal gear.

Big Idea Design TI Lookout Fixed Blade

TI Lookout Specs
Carry: Two Kydex sheaths for left- and right-hand pocket carry, each equipped w/a titanium pocket clip
Blade Length: 2.2”
Blade Steel: M390 stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .12”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Scales: Grade 5 titanium
Overall Length: 6.2”
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $200

The TI Lookout Fixed Blade by Big Idea Design offers precision engineering and high-quality materials, making it an essential companion for everyday carry enthusiasts.

At the heart of the compact and robust knife is the M390 stainless blade steel, renowned for its superior edge retention and wear resistance. The premium material ensures that the TI Lookout maintains its razor-sharp edge through extensive use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The addition of Grade 5 titanium scales provides a sleek aesthetic and contributes to the knife’s lightweight yet durable construction.

The lanyard hole in the rear handle screw adds a functional touch, allowing for easy attachment and accessibility. The knife offers a perfect balance of control and cutting power.

The two included Kydex sheaths provide versatile carry options for lefties and righties. Each sheath is equipped with a titanium pocket clip that easily affixes inside a standard pocket or sunglass/device pocket found on many outdoor cargo pants. Consider it a gentleman’s fixed blade.

I put the TI Lookout through a range of EDC tasks, from cutting mundane materials to pushing it to the limits of the extremely aggressive, stabbing through light gauge metals. The knife thrived in this realm.

However, it dragged on thick, heavy-gauge cardboard. After slicing more cord, it remained sharp—it just got hung up a bit on cardboard. Wire, 550 paracord, nylon webbing and heavy leather succumbed to the keen edge.

In this writer’s humble opinion, the TI Lookout is not just a cutting tool but a statement piece reflecting the pinnacle of knife craftsmanship and material excellence.

TOPS Knives Quick Skin

Quick Skin Specs
Carry: Kydex w/beta material loops allowing for appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style carry
Designer: Leo Espinoza
Blade Length: 3.5”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .19”
Blade Finish: Tungsten Cerakote™
Handle Material: Dragonfly Tread Micarta®
Overall Length: 7.13”
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $230

The TOPS Knives Quick Skin marries master craftsmanship, elegance and utility.

Designed with the avid hunter in mind, it boasts an “all-belly” blade in a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 HRC that ensures fewer strokes are needed, making skinning quick and painless. It comes with a versatile Kydex sheath sporting beta material loops allowing for various carry positions, including appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style. Ultimately, the beta loops will clip to pack straps, keeping the blade easily accessible regardless of your adventure.

The shape of a blade dictates its purpose. The TOPS is designed for slicing and skinning. I opted for an appendix carry for comfort and a non-rib-jabber solution.

While all wild game was out of season in my region, food wasn’t. Knives with a deep belly thrive on food. The Quick Skin followed suit. Despite its thick blade stock, the knife successfully sliced bacon, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Later, I moved to slicing beef, pork and chicken equally well. Thanks to its sophisticated design and practical features, the Quick Skin is a standout choice for hunters seeking a top-tier skinner.

Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade

Circadian Specs
Carry: Crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim attachment
Blade Length: 3.28”
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade Grind: Flat saber
Blade @Thickest: .12”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Blade Pattern: Clip point
Handle Material: Black canvas Micarta®
Overall Length: 7.25”
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $285

With its superior craftsmanship, utility and CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel, the Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry.

The blade’s stonewash finish adds a rugged aesthetic and helps hide scratches and wear. The handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, and the ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use. Weighing in at only 4.1 ounces, the Circadian offers a lightweight yet robust solution for various cutting tasks.

The knife has a premium, deep carry, crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim for versatile carrying options. Inside-the-pocket carry is popular for discreetly carrying fixed blades. It makes the knife unobtrusive and out of the view of the sheepish.

More importantly, it gives a release option, making it easier to free the secure grip from your pocket. The UltiClip 3.3 Slim offers a versatile and secure method for attaching the knife to various clothing or gear, enhancing practicality and convenience.

As well as the Reiff fits into the EDC world, it teeters on the line of woods-worthy EDC. I was in the northeast woodlands during the test, and the Circadian was on hand. The knife was tasked with splitting wood via baton and also a round or two of feathering. It didn’t disappoint. Fit finish and comfort are standard. The handle offers a full-hand grip and the blade is stout.

A.G. Russell Woodswalker

Woodswalker Specs
Carry: Leather pocket sheath that fits into a back or cargo pocket perfectly, or a Kydex neck sheath
Blade Length: 2 3/8”
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: 1/16”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Material: POM thermoplastic
Overall Length: 6”
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $34.95 to $36.95

The A.G. Russell Woodswalker is a versatile, durable knife designed in the 1970s for the outdoorsman who values tradition and function. Crafted for the casual hunter, this lightweight, non-folding pocketknife is perfect for a tranquil morning in the wilderness.

Whether you’re pursuing small game like quail, squirrel, dove or rabbit, or preparing a meal in the great outdoors, the Woodswalker excels with its drop point blade in a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC. Full-tang construction ensures stability and balance, while the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. Measuring 6 inches overall and weighing a mere 1.2 ounces, it’s an unobtrusive addition to any hunter’s gear.

Choose between the leather pocket sheath, which fits into back or cargo pockets perfectly, or the Kydex® neck sheath for convenient carry. I used both but I hate my pockets weighing me down. The neck carry option suited me well.

The Woodswalker is the classic of the test batch of roughnecks. It’s been there and back—that’s why I spared it no quarter. In my usual neck of the woods, I wanted to make a small fire and selected hardwoods like oak and maple to craft feather sticks.

This one isn’t a splitter or chopper, so act accordingly. It feathered wood like a dream and felt like a zipper effortlessly gliding through wood. The most impressive feature that’s not mentioned in any product description is the sharp 90-degree spine, ideal for striking a ferro rod and showering sparks worthy of the 4th of July. This knife isn’t just a tool, it’s a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures.

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