FAQ: What knife is best for both everyday carry (EDC) and self-defense?

Defending yourself with a knife -- any knife -- is a skill, and it's a lot more difficult than you might think. (More about that below.) What's more, having to use a knife as a weapon is highly unlikely.

We recommend choosing a knife that'll be useful in the tasks that you encounter every day -- a knife you like, a knife that's practical, a knife you're comfortable with. If the worst happens and you need to employ it in self-defense -- and provided you have the skill -- it'll work.

Now let's get a few things straight about using a knife for self-defense.

Knives are tools. Like other tools, certain knives excel at specific tasks -- hunting, utility, bushcraft and so on. And yes, some knives are purposely designed to be defensive tools.

Almost everywhere, there are laws regulating the carry of knives. Many of those laws differentiate knives intended for general use from those designed only to be deadly weapons.

Carrying a self-defense knife can, by itself, land you in jail. If the worst happens and you defend yourself with a knife -- even if your action is justified -- you can face civil litigation on top of criminal charges.

The ability to use a knife for self-defense isn't built into the knife -- it's a skill. It requires physical fitness and discipline. Learning this skill is best done under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

If you're still interested in learning more about defending yourself with an edged tool, you should seek out professional guidance. Don't try to learn by watching videos on the Internet -- get personal instruction in your local area.