New to EDC? Or just tired of nodding along when someone mentions a liner lock or a thumb stud? This glossary covers the terms you'll come across when browsing everyday carry gear. It's for anyone building their first kit or sharpening up their knowledge. No jargon, no fuss.
What EDC terms do you need to know?
Jump to a letter: A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · K · L · M · O · P · R · S · T · W
A
Assisted Opening Assisted opening is a knife mechanism where a spring completes the movement once you've pushed the blade partway open. It's quicker than a standard thumb stud knife, but it's not the same as an automatic. Check our UK knife law guide before carrying any assisted opening knife in public.
B
Bail A bail is the metal loop on a knife, tool or accessory that lets you clip it to a carabiner, keychain or lanyard. You'll find them on Swiss Army knives, compact torches and small multitools.
Bead Blast Bead blast is a surface finish created by blasting a blade or tool body with fine glass beads. The result is a matte, non-reflective texture that hides light scratches over time.
Blade Steel Blade steel is the alloy a knife's cutting edge is made from. Common EDC steels include S30V, VG-10, 154CM and D2. Each one trades off differently across edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. No single steel does everything perfectly.
C
Carabiner Clip A carabiner clip is a D-shaped metal loop with a spring gate, used in EDC to attach gear to belt loops, bag straps or keychain setups. Worth noting: EDC carabiners aren't rated for climbing.
Carry Position Carry position is where on your body or clothing you wear or store a knife or tool. Common positions include tip-up, tip-down, and left or right-hand carry, usually set by the clip configuration.
Clip Point A clip point is a blade shape where the spine curves toward the tip, creating a fine, controlled point. It's popular for everyday folders because it's precise without sacrificing cutting performance.
D
Deep Carry Clip A deep carry clip sits most of the knife or tool body below the pocket line. Only the clip stays visible. It's a cleaner, more discreet way to carry.
Drop Point A drop point is a blade shape where the spine slopes gently down to a lowered tip. It's one of the most practical profiles going. Good control, good strength, good all-round performance.
E
EDC (Everyday Carry) EDC is the practice of carrying a consistent, purposeful set of tools on your person each day. A typical kit might include a pocket knife, multitool, torch and wallet. The idea is simple: choose gear you'll actually use.
F
Fixed Blade A fixed blade is a knife with no folding mechanism. The blade stays put. Fixed blades are generally stronger than folders and popular for bushcraft and outdoor use. UK carry laws apply.
Flipper A flipper is a small tab on the blade's spine. Press it with your index finger and the blade swings open fast, often helped along by a bearing system. It's one of the smoothest opening mechanisms you'll find on a folder.
Folder A folder is a folding knife. The blade pivots into the handle when not in use. Most EDC knives are folders because they're compact and pocket-friendly.
G
G10 G10 is a fiberglass-based laminate used for knife and tool handles. It's lightweight, tough, resistant to moisture and available in a range of colours and textures. A solid choice for working gear.
H
Hardness (HRC) Hardness in knife terms is measured on the Rockwell C scale. Most quality EDC blades fall between HRC 57 and 62. Harder steels hold an edge longer but can be brittle. Softer steels are tougher but dull faster.
I
Integrated Cutter An integrated cutter is a small blade or scoring tool built into a multitool or keychain accessory. It's designed for opening packaging, cutting cord or scoring surfaces, separate from the main blade.
K
Keychain Tool A keychain tool is a compact gadget that attaches directly to your keyring. Think mini multitools, small knives, bottle openers and micro torches. Function without bulk, basically.
L
Liner Lock A liner lock is a folder mechanism where a thin metal liner flexes across to support the blade when it's open. It's one of the most common lock types. Reliable, simple and easy to close one-handed.
Locking Blade A locking blade is a folding knife where a mechanical lock holds the blade open until you deliberately release it. UK knife law around carrying locking blades in public is nuanced. Check our knife law guide for current, accurate guidance.
M
Micarta Micarta is a handle material made from layers of linen, canvas or paper set in resin. It grips well even when wet and develops a natural patina with use. A favourite among people who actually use their knives.
Multitool A multitool is a single folding tool that combines pliers, blades, screwdrivers, saws and more. Leatherman and Victorinox are the names most associated with it. But there are plenty of good options at different price points.
O
One-Hand Opening One-hand opening describes any knife you can deploy with one hand, typically via a thumb stud, flipper or wave feature. Useful when your other hand's occupied.
P
Patina Patina is the discolouration that develops on carbon steel blades over time, from use, oxidation and contact with food acids. Some people try to avoid it. Others encourage it. It's largely a matter of taste.
Pocket Clip A pocket clip is a metal clip on a knife, pen or torch that hooks over a pocket edge. Clips vary in tension, depth and orientation. Getting the right one makes a real difference to how comfortable something is to carry.
Pocket Dump A pocket dump is when you photograph the contents of your EDC and lay them out flat. It's a popular format for sharing and discussing gear in the EDC community. Simple idea, genuinely useful for finding new kit.
R
In the context of knives and tools, this term refers to two distinct concepts:
Edge Retention: How well a blade's steel maintains its sharpness and resists dulling through sustained use.
Carry Retention: How securely a knife, torch or tool stays in place during carry, whether in a sheath, on a clip or in a pocket. Good carry retention means the item won't accidentally fall out.
S
Serrated Edge A serrated edge has a row of scalloped teeth ground into the blade. It cuts rope, webbing and packaging well. Many EDC knives offer a combo edge: part plain, part serrated.
Swiss Army Knife A Swiss Army Knife is a multi-function folding tool made by Victorinox. It's the original EDC multitool. Blades, scissors, files, screwdrivers and more, all in a compact iconic body.
T
Thumb Stud A thumb stud is a small peg on the blade flat of a folding knife. Press it with your thumb and the blade opens one-handed. It's one of the most common and dependable opening methods you'll come across.
Tip-Up and Tip-Down Tip-up carry positions the blade point upward in your pocket. Tip-down puts it toward the bottom. Neither is objectively better. It comes down to how you draw and what feels natural.
Torch A torch is a compact light source and one of the most useful things you can add to an EDC kit. Most run on AA, AAA or CR123A batteries, or charge via USB. Output is measured in lumens.
W
Wave Feature A wave feature is a hooked protrusion on a blade's spine. It catches the edge of your pocket as you draw, opening the blade automatically. It's a feature that originated with Emerson-designed knives and has since appeared on knives from other makers too.