The 13 Best Grail EDC Knives You Can Buy

The baseline concept behind everyday carry is to craft a small complement of necessary tools to get you through your days. By this definition, even people who are unaware of the term EDC still participate, so long as they carry a set of pocketable/stashable gear with them — usually things like a phone, wallet, keys, etc. However, there are those of us who have made it a hobby, expanding what we carry — most typically to include alternative items, like folding knives, multi-tools, flashlights and even fidget toys — and sometimes even collecting multiple of those items.

It’s this latter group who may get to a point where they’re looking to expand, perhaps picking up something(s) others might call opulent or unnecessary. Sure, there are die-hards who will own one knife and one knife only and use it every day. But most of us, I think, feel some draw to keep searching for that one perfect blade — the holy grail of EDC knives. And while that apex folding knife is going to be different for each and every person, there are a few production knives (and available customs) that fit the bill — and we’ve rounded them up here for your collecting pleasure.

What is a ‘grail’ knife exactly? Here’s our criteria

It’s worth noting that most knifemakers — we’re talking individual artisans over brands or larger companies — will offer completely custom knives, for a price. That being said, these knives are almost always one-offs that were built exclusively for a single individual. And they almost never make more than one (and even when they do, it’s still often limited to single-digit production numbers). While these are probably the truest ‘holy grail’ knives for single specific persons,  they’re not something you can just go out and buy and, therefore, don’t suit our goals here.

For our purposes, we’re focusing on commercially available knives — ones that are either smaller production runs or model-specific customs — and currently available one-offs without owners, which you can actually buy right now. You might recognize some and may be unaware of the existence of others, but we’ll do our best to elucidate their worthiness. These are still knives made with some of the highest-quality materials and mechanisms crafted by the most skilled hands (and they have price tags to match) — they’re just not so unique as to have required a custom order.

Spyderco Drunken

Spyderco Drunken

One of the more unique designs to come off Spyderco’s production line — that is to say, one of the few knives with no hint of the brand’s signature leaf shape — this high-end folder is both a significant departure for the brand and a high-end stand-out. It’s ergonomic, overbuilt and wholly unique.

Specs

Blade Length	3.375 inches
Blade Steel	CPM S90V
Handle Material	Carbon fiber and titanium
Locking Mechanism	Steel-reinfoced Integral Lock
Total Length	8.0 inches

• $577.50 at Blade HQ
  $770 (25% off)

Even if Spyderco hadn’t advertised that the Drunken was a collaboration with Dmitry Sinkevich, you can see the lauded designer’s sensibilities and influence from tip to its butt. In fact, the overall curvature of the handle through the blade screams Sinkevich. Take that design prowess with its rock-solid construction (bonus points for the titanium lock and liners, as well as the “Drunken” texture of the carbon fiber handle from which it gets its name) and this is undoubtedly one of Spyderco’s finest knives, if not one from the usual playbook.

The James Brand Barnes

all black

The James Brand The Barnes

TJB’s first-ever integral design, the brand went all-out with the Barnes, imbuing it with the perfect blend of minimalism and material quality. The handle is CNC-machined from a single piece of billet titanium, helping cut weight and the number of parts. The blade is the brand’s first made with Böhler M390 steel. And its available in three distinct colorways.

Specs

Blade Length	3.5 inches
Blade Steel	Böhler M390
Handle Material	Titanium billet
Locking Mechanism	Integral frame lock
Total Length	7.8 inches

• $649 at The James Brand

It’s no big secret that we’re fond of The James Brand as an everday carry producer, but how could that be a surprise with something like The Barnes in the brand’s lineup? This knife is elegantly minimalist in its design yet somewhat maximalist in its materials and construction. And while that sounds like a paradox, it isn’t. Rather, it’s the culmination and/or pinnacle of all the things TJB does best.

CRK Sebenza 31 Macassar Ebony

Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza 31 Macassar Ebony

An even more upscaled version of one of the most talked about knives in the everyday carry world, this take on the Chris Reeve Sebenza 31 benefits from rare, gorgeous hardwood handle onlays (meaning they sit atop the handle rather than being set into it) and factory blade polishing. However, it still retains the same silhouette, sizing and mechanisms, which is a good thing.

Specs

Blade Length	3.61 or 2.99 inches
Blade Steel	Satin Polished CPM MagnaCut or CPM S45VN
Handle Material	Titanium and Macassar ebony
Locking Mecanism	Reeve Integral Lock
Total Length	8.40 or 6.98 inches

• $675 at Chris Reeve Knives

It should come as no surprise to see this Chris Reeve-designed legend in our guide (in fact, just about everything made by CRK is probably worth being called grail-worthy). And while the regular versions of the Sebenza 31 are plenty special, this one is even more so courtesy of its upgraded handle and polished blade. Like the standard version, this take on the Sebenza is also available in large and small versions, and they’re priced accordingly.

Shirogorov Model F95NL KC Edition

Knife Center

Shirogorov Model F95NL KC Edition

A Knife Center-exclusive version of the knife often referred to as the “Sebenza of flippers” made by the brand who put Russia on the knifemaking map, this cutting tool is exceptional from tip to tail. Knife Center even calls this knife “faster and smoother than any other knife in our building,” which is a big deal, since they almost exclusively trade in bladed tools.

Specs

Blade Length	3.875 inches
Blade Steel	Cromax PM stainless
Handle Material	Titanium and Micarta
Locking Mechanism	Frame
Total Length	8.75 inches

• $760 at Knife Center

Lightning-fast, clean, ergonomic, gorgeous — these are all words that could be used to describe this Shirogorov offering, and they’d all be right on the money. Yet they still don’t really encapsulate just how superb this knife is. Combining titanium, Micarta and Cromax PM steel into a knife that Knife Center itself calls “utterly perfect […] in every way” is no small feat, but Shirogorov has managed it here.

Demko Knives AD20.5 3V Timascus

Demko Knives

Demko Knives AD20.5 3V Timascus

A masterful blend of sheer capability and innovative design, Demko Knives’ AD20.5 is the kind of knife you strive to acquire, only to be even more impressed when you finally get your hands on one. It’s smooth, sturdy, reliable and gorgeous in a way that still somehow makes you want to put it through its paces despite its high price — not unlike, say, a samurai sword.

Specs

Blade Length	3.0 inches
Blade Steel	3V
Handle Material	Timascus
Locking Mechanism	Shark-Lock
Total Length	7.0 inches

• $900 at Demko Knives

Known especially for their work with Cold Steel, the Demkos have been in the knifemaking business since 1988, and have built a cult following courtesy of both their knifemaking prowess and innovations (like the lauded Tri-Ad lock). The Shark-Lock featured on the above knife is actually an all-new mechanism that improves upon the Tri-Ad in several ways (if you can believe that). And it’s just one of the many, many factors that make this knife ‘grail-worthy.’

Hinderer XM-18

Arizona Custom Knives

Rick Hinderer Knives XM-18

While this knife perhaps looks like something you might see in the hands of an unlikely hero in an action-adventure and/or sci-fi flick, it’s actually quite upscale, boasting a sturdy titanium handle an super steel blade. The benefit to its appearance, much like a muscle car, is that it begs to be used — even with its understandably high price point.

Specs

Blade Length	3.5 inches
Blade Steel	20CV
Handle Material	Titanium (G10 scale included)
Locking Mechanism	Frame
Total Length	8.25 inches

• $995 at Arizona Custom Knives

Though the hype has perhaps fallen off a bit, Rick Hinderer is a knife designer often spoken about with the same reverence as Chris Reeve. This is partially because of his overall impact on the knifemaking world — he is, after all, the designer behind one of Kershaw’s best knives ever, the Cryo — but also because his brand continues to craft extremely high-end, reliable, gorgeous knives — like the one you see above. In the EDC world, owning a Hinderer is kind of like owning a van Gogh … if a van Gogh could slice and dice (yes, they’re that good).

We Knife Soothsayer WE20050-DS1

We Knife

We Knife Soothsayer WE20050-DS1

Every so often, a knife comes along that looks almost too showboat-y — and they usually are. That’s not at all the case with this offering from We Knife, which punches above its weight class if anything. Yes, it looks like a beautiful showpiece, but it also has the materials and construction to back up its flashy appearance.

Specs

Blade Length	3.48 inches
Blade Steel	Hakkapella Damasteel
Handle Material	Titanium and timascus
Locking Mechanism	Sub-frame
Total Length	7.98 inches

• $1,010 at We Knife

Some years ago, people in the EDC world would have scoffed at the idea of owning a knife from We Knife — partially because they are relatively young (established in 2000) and partially because of the incorrect assumption that Chinese-made knives are somehow lesser-than. Thanks in part to We Knife itself (and knives like the Soothsayer above), that line of thinking has been largely shrugged off, and this brand has become a true high-end contender (and its budget-friendly sub-brand Civivi ain’t so bad, either).

Microtech Combat Troodon Delta D/E Frag

Blade HQ

Microtech Combat Troodon Delta D/E Frag

Named after a (dubious) raptor-like dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, Microtech’s Combat Troodon is a rather aggressive OTF (out-the-front) auto knife favored by law enforcement, military operatives and others in the ‘tactical’ sphere. This version is especially unique, however, courtesy of its dual edges (one plain and the other serrated) and grenade-inspired handle texture.

Specs

Blade Length	3.8 inches
Blade Steel	Böhler M390
Handle Material	Aluminum
Locking Mechanism	Double-action OTF
Total Length	9.5 inches

• $1,054 at Blade HQ

While there may be some risks to getting attached to this knife — automatic knives are restricted, both in regard to the sale and ownership of, in large swaths of the country — there’s no denying the allure of Microtech’s most talked-about knife. From the tip of its dual-edged dagger blade to its glass-breaker butt, this is a knife with gravitas. And it has the pedigree and construction to back it up.

Fox Knives Radius FX-550 DCFR

Böker

Fox Knives Radius FX-550 DCFR

Earning Red Dot design awards, as well as back to back Blade Show Knife of the Year awards, Fox Knives’ Radius is a folder that is deserving of a place in the annals of knifemaking history. Of course, the novel deployment is just one part of what makes it great, as evidenced by even the quickest of glances at its practically over-the-top specs.

Specs

Blade Length	3.0 inches
Blade Steel	Damascus
Handle Material	Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism	Button
Total Length	7.25 inches

• $1,399.95 at Blade HQ
  $1,979 (29% off)

If unique, novel mechanisms are your bread and butter, there are few grail knives quite as exciting and interesting as this one from Fox Knives. Of course, its ‘Space Coral’ carbon fiber handle, button lock and wavy Damascus blade aren’t slouches either. Furthermore (and as if that’s not enough), it also boasts stellar ergonomics and a size that’s perfect for EDC usage. We don’t like to play favorites if we can help it, but it’s hard not to love this knife.

Rockstead HIGO II X-FCF-ZDP

Blade HQ

Rockstead HIGO II X-FCF-ZDP

Buy just about any Rockstead knife and you know you’re getting one of the best knives in the world crafted from some of the most high-end materials. This knife, in particular, is talked about with a high level of reverence, even among the most critical of EDC enthusiasts.

Specs

Blade Length	3.5 inches
Blade Steel	ZDP-189
Handle Material	Carbon fiber and titanium
Locking Mechanism	Liner
Total Length	8.25 inches

• $1,650 at Blade HQ

There’s definitely something to be said for the stylistic restraint of Rockstead’s Higo II, which lets the knife’s unique silhouette do most of the talking and beckons shoppers to take a closer glance. However, it’s this drawing-in that starts to reveal the larger, glorious picture — like how those gold liners (and the lock itself) are actually made from anodized aluminum or how the wood-looking handle is actually carbon fiber. This knife is an exercise in subtlety that deeply rewards those paying attention.

Grimsmo Knives Rask #1547

Arizona Custom Knives

Grimsmo Knives Rask #1547

An exercise in stylistic minimalism and material maximalism, this version of Grimsmo’s Rask boasts a sleek yet aged titanium handle and a patternless Damasteel — meaning it benefits from the strength and edge retention without the sometimes gaudiness of patterned Damascus. And it proves that refinement and quality don’t need to be boastful.

Specs

Blade Length	3.5 inches
Blade Steel	Damasteel RWL-34
Handle Material	Titanium
Locking Mechanism	Frame
Total Length	8.125 inches

• $1,700 at Arizona Custom Knives

A relatively young operation that dates back to 2008 — during which time John Grimsmo (the brand’s founder) taught himself CNC machining out of his garage — this Canadian brand has skyrocketed to high-end relevance. And it’s quality knives like the Rask you see above that have helped make that dream a reality. Grimsmo is less showy than some other makers in this guide, but that may actually be a very good thing to some.

Heretic Medusa Custom Stealth Auto

Blade HQ

Heretic Medusa Custom Stealth Auto

An automatic knife (so make sure its legal where you live before thinking about buying one) made with some of the highest-quality materials available in the knifemaking world (including a real abalone button lock and pocket clip inlay), Heretic’s custom Medusa is beautiful and dangerous in the same way, say, a panther might be.

Specs

Blade Length	3.0 inches
Blade Steel
Handle Material
Locking Mechanism
Total Length

• $1,856.40 at Blade HQ

If you’re not already active in the high-end knife community, you might never have heard of Heretic, but they’ve sometimes been compared to the likes of Microtech and other major OTF brands. It helps that the brand was founded by TJ Marifione, a second-generation knifemaker and son of knifemaking legend Tony Marfione. While the above knife isn’t an OTF, it’s still a sleek, sharp, reliable automatic.

Strider Knives MSC SMF PDW

Arizona Custom Knives

Strider Knives MSC SMF PDW

It’s not often that two names as impactful as Strider Knives and Prometheus Design Werx come together, but this knife exemplifies just how strong and impressive a partnership that can be. With Strider’s signature silhouette, this overbuilt knife is an exercise in material and stylistic maximalism of the highest caliber.

Specs

Blade Length	3.875 inches
Blade Steel	CPM 154
Handle Material	Titanium
Locking Mechanism	Frame
Total Length	9.125 inches

• $1,995 at Arizona Custom Knives

Of all the knives on this list, this one might be the most buzzworthy (at least for those in the tactical sphere), as it’s a Strider (one of the most lauded brands in knifemaking) made by founder Mick Strider himself with input/help from Prometheus Design Werx (another outstanding tactical/outdoor brand). It might be the grail-est of these grail knives, and it definitely has a price to match.

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