790 Mini Range Elite
$209.99
Choosing the Right Knife for Everyday Carry
What is an “EDC knife,” and what do people actually use it for day to day?
An EDC knife (everyday carry knife) is your daily go-anywhere tool. Small, handy, and always in your pocket. Think lightweight folders like the 722 SpitFire for sleek reliability, or the legendary 110 Folding Hunter when you want trusted toughness and smooth action. Both put practical edge-ready power exactly where you need it, every day.
What blade length works best for everyday carry?
Keep your blade between 2.5″ and 3.5″, that's the daily driver zone: compact, but capable. For a lean, pocket-ready edge, try the 726 Mini Spitfire on for size. Concerned about printing, or creating a visible outline near your pocket, drawing attention? Consider the 790 Mini Range Elite which is still up for the task at hand, but provides a slim profile.
What’s the best value price range for a first EDC knife?
Your best, first EDC knife shouldn’t break the bank. $50–$100 gets you craftsmanship, dependable steel, and EDC-worthy reliability. If you want lean-and-light, reach for the 840 Sprint Select. If you want timeless toughness with heritage behind it, the 110 Slim Select delivers. Both prove value is less about price and more about performance.
Which lock type is safest/reliable for beginners (liner, frame, back lock, axis-style)?
Start safe and steady. Go with a lockback like the 110 Folding Hunter for rock-solid reliability and straightforward handling. While Buck Knives doesn’t use the Axis Lock specifically, we now offer a similarly smooth, ambidextrous mechanism in our Range Series, featuring our first-ever crossbar lock system, designed for strength, control, and intuitive use.
Either way, choose a lock that inspires confidence and keeps your fingers safe every time you open it.
What blade shapes are most practical for EDC (drop point, sheepsfoot, wharncliffe, clip)?
Drop-point blades are the smart all-around pick. Versatile, durable, and clean-cutting. Start with a Spitfire-style folding knife. If your day calls for precise, safe slicing (think packages or tape removal), a Wharncliffe or sheepsfoot-style excels.
If you’re looking for a pocket knife that is truly versatile, the Buck 301 Stockman® and Buck 303 Cadet® give you clip, sheepsfoot, and spey blades in a single knife, covering nearly every EDC cutting need without the extra bulk.
Which steels balance edge retention with easy maintenance for EDC use?
We recommend for S35VN stainless. It’s tough, holds an edge, and resists rust. For everyday users seeking performance without fuss, that’s your sweet spot. Try the 110 Folding Hunter Knife - S35VN Blade on for size.
If you're sharpening on the go and don't mind wiping and oiling, a D2 tool steel knife still keeps sharp longer than most and stands up to tough tasks. Either way, choose a steel matched to how much care you’re willing to give and what you expect from your blade.
