Add a utility knife to your EDC
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder utility knife and multi-tool
I carry my Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Knife every day. It is literally a “don’t leave home without it” piece of gear for me. And honestly, it can take care of the bulk of the small tasks I need done on a day-to-day basis: Cutting threads off clothes, filing a fingernail that has a jagged edge, tightening a small screw that’s loose on something, opening packages, etc… It may be small but it’s mighty!
But sometimes you need something a bit bigger or a different kind of knife for certain tasks. I also typically carry a folding knife and multi-tool as well. So, at any given time I might have three or four knife blades on me (depending on the multi-tool). Sounds kind of crazy, right? Maybe… But this is quite common in the EDC world!
Each blade can often serve a specific purpose. Some blades are serrated, and you might need that feature for a specific task. Some people like to have multiple blades on them in case one dulls from use, and they can’t get to sharpening it right away. Different blade shapes can be better for some tasks than others.
Why carry a utility knife on top of all these other knives? I didn’t used to think it was that important of an item to have on me. We have them at home for breaking down boxes and other tough cutting tasks. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it could be a handy item to add to my EDC. I was surprised how many good reasons I could come up with to carry one the more I thought about it! Here’s a few and there are probably more that I’m missing. Please comment on this post if you have a suggestion!
Some tasks you just don’t want to try with your regular knife or multi-tool blade. You don’t have to worry about damaging the blade on your utility knife. If you do, then you just replace it!
Replacement utility blades are easy to find at many stores and generally inexpensive.
Blades in most utility knives are reversible. So, if one side dulls (or breaks) you can reverse it!
Most people are familiar with utility knives and blades. You can typically feel comfortable handing it to someone to use without worrying.
Like the above, most people won’t see a utility knife as “threatening” since they are familiar with them. Flipping open a pocket knife in front of some people can make them uncomfortable if they aren’t used to them.
Handles of utility knives are likely to be TSA friendly. You could travel with the base piece without worrying about it getting taken away and then buy blades when you get to your destination.
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder utility knife and multi-tool
I looked around at a lot of videos, reviews, etc… There’s a ton of options out there! I decided on the Outdoor Edge SlideWinder. I typically see these going for around $10 and it includes one blade. Most standard replacement utility blades will fit this handle. It’s super compact and light at only 3 ½” long and 1.5 ounces. Many people commented that one of the things they loved about this size is how well it fits in the fifth pocket of most jeans. And you can get them in black, blue, or orange.
Not only does this tool have the utility blade in it but it also has a few other features built in that can be handy. There’s a Phillips screwdriver on one corner, a pry bar/flat head screwdriver combination on another corner, and a bottle opener (can be used with the front end when the blade is fully retracted). There is also a lanyard hole and a stainless steel pocket clip.
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder utility knife and multi-tool (back side)
One of the things I also really liked about this utility knife is that you can change the blades with no tools. You just fully extend the blade, hold in the button on the slider/lock, pop the blade out, and reverse it or put in a new one. So, a new blade can be ready to go in seconds!
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