If you have ever been on an impromptu camping trip, a full-day hike up a mountain or decided to ever throw a random barbeque, you may have realized the importance of having a knife on hand. From forgetful hosts to an extra set of hands chopping up veggies for the grill, an emergency cleaver-style EDC knife can be the savior of any social gathering or rugged adventure. Everyday Carry (EDC) cleavers have a sharp and wide blade that can easily slice, cut and chop things in a moment’s notice, and then can be easily folded away for convenience and safety.
Cleaver blades give an edgy, “don’t mess with me” vibe due to their large cutting surface and incredible durability. A staple weapon of choice in the kitchen can now be carried around in your pocket for utmost convenience. If you have been a big fan of EDC items, you won’t want to miss this recent trend of foldaway clever knives. Check out our twelve favorite EDC clever knives to wrap your head around this perfect pocket companion and to test the waters of the latest fad.
Gerber FlatIron Cleaver Folding Knife
Sporting a 3.8-inch blade and a G10 face scale, Gerber’s FlatIron cleaver holding knife is as tough-looking as it is useful. A reverse curvature of the knife’s spine assists in keeping your fingers and knuckles away from the cutting surface without compromising chopping precision. A stonewash finish with a 7Cr17MoV steel blade is locked into place easily while in use and contains a tip-up pocket clip for when you’re ready to fold it up. If you’re looking for a cost-effective EDC blade from a brand that knows their pocket gadgets, the FlatIron by Gerber should be a great place to start.
- Blade length: 3.4 inches
- Blade material: 7Cr17MoV steel
Spyderco Roc G-10 Knife
A traditional kitchen clever look with a stainless steel blade and Roc G-10 black handle, this EDC pocket knife by Spyderco is fierce and mini. A sturdy Walker LineLock mechanism keeps the knife in place while in use and while folded shut, and a reversible deep-pocket wire clip accommodates tip-up. The open spine handle construction keeps this bad boy both lightweight and a breeze to clean.
- Blade length: 3 inches
- Blade Material: VG10 stainless steel
JHO Gentleman Slasher 1 Knife
A minimalistic cleaver blade purposely designed like a barbershop razor, the JHO Gentleman Slasher 1 is sleek, thin and a great conversation starter. Weighing a mighty 3.7 ounces, you will barely remember that you are carrying a practical utility tool around in your pocket. With no lock or spring, JHO has kept an extremely clean and minimal design that will keep you looking dapper in any occasion. A beautiful brown leather knife pouch comes with your purchase and can be utilized for any of your carrying needs.
- Blade length: 2.7 inches
- Blade material: CPM S35VN Steel and Titanium
Columbia River Knife and Tool 5311 “Pilar”
Columbia River Knife company is no stranger to the EDC game, and their 5311 cleaver blade is a true testament to the quality and cult following that they have. A bead blasted handle finish in a sharp silver, this tiny tool features the thick blade you would expect from a cleaver but also features a sharp tip to enhance its purpose. The Pilar is uniquely named after Ernest Hemmingway’s beloved boat used to scope out the Germans in World War II and identifies with the strength and resilience of its name. A thumb slot opening mechanism gets the blade out in a flash, and the tiny blade folds away nicely for quick transport.
- Blade length: 2.4 inches
- Blade material: 8Cr13Mov steel
Boker Magnum 01MB432 Outdoor Cuisine Knife
Weighing in at a mighty six ounces, the Magnum outdoor cuisine knife is the perfect companion at an afternoon picnic or summer day barbeque. A beautiful rosewood handle sports a lanyard hole for ease of transportation and an edgy fashion statement. The blade is made of 440 stainless steel, promising a sturdy and sharp chop each time. Veggies, fruit and boneless meat don’t stand a chance against this small but mighty pocket knife. Made by a brand that knows their knives, this Magnum outdoor cuisine knife is built to last.
- Blade length: 4.34 inches
- Blade material: 440 stainless steel
Zero Tolerance 0456 Knife
If you want to give your traditional cleaver blade a futuristic and intense upgrade, reach for the Zero Tolerance 0456 knife. A KVT ball-bearing opening system with a reversible clip makes this knife flip open in a millisecond, while the titanium frame lock with a steel lock bar insert keeps it in place while open or folded up. From the 3D-machined rayed handle to the thick custom blade, this pocketknife borders on being called sexy. The cutting ability is not compromised behind its good looks; this knife will cut up all your favorite foods while remaining handy in other outdoor adventures.
- Blade length: 3.25 inches
- Blade material: CTS-204P and/or CPM-20V two-toned finish steel
VDK War Admiral Flat Cleaver Folding Knife
Ergonomic, sporty, rugged and just plain sleek, the War Admiral flat cleaver folding knife by VDK is basically the dream knife of any guy. A black DLC stonewashed finish on M390 stainless steel, the blade is uniquely dark and contrasts its chamfered titanium handle. The rounded handle is ergonomic and can hug a hand of any size, giving you complete control over the blade. It locks firmly into place and has a right-hand tip-up carry clip made of milled titanium. An additional steel lock bar and a padded zipper pouch come with this folded cleaver-style blade.
- Blade length: 3.75 inches
- Blade material: M390 stainless steel
Kershaw Barge Pocket Knife
For a pocket cleaver knife that can literally do just about anything else, Kershaw’s barge pocket knife is the one you’ll want. The glass-filled nylon handle has a built-in pry bar for heavy-duty tasks like removing nails, and a built-in screwdriver for quick fixes around the house. The manual opener means complete control for the user on opening the knife, so no surprises that could lead to an injury. The modified Wharncliffe blade has the thick cleaver-style that promises a good chop while sporting a sleek tip for more accurate carving needs. The handle has a textured front scale for expert grip and control.
- Blade length: 4.7 inches
- Blade material: stainless steel
Kizer Cutlery Flipper Folding Pocket Knife
A quick-draw knife that would win you any draw battle in the wild west, Kizer’s cutlery folding pocket knife has a quick release button for easy opening. A lock bar over travel prevention mechanism and a custom pivot collar are just some of the high-tech features that Kizer has to offer. Collaborating with Sheepdog knives to create this EDC item, the blade is a traditional cleaver style with a pointed tip for articulate cutting needs. The titanium handle is comfortably ergonomic and is incredibly light but equally sturdy.
- Blade length: 3.3 inches
- Blade material: CPM-S35VN steel
Ontario Knife Company Carter Prime Knife
A flat bevel grind and a dark gray stonewashed finished blade made from D2 tool steel, this dark little number speaks of true hardcore edge with a dash of practicality. A dark gray titanium handle is contoured and sleek, featuring a flip folder with remarkable fast action. This incredibly lightweight folder knife will up your EDC game and will make you the most practical person in the room. The cleaver blade will slice, chop and cut up whatever you need to be diced up at that moment.
- Blade length: 3.4 inches
- Blade material: D2 tool steel
Columbia River Knife and Tool Ripsnort
The shortest but sharpest out of each knife we’ve mentioned, the Columbia River Knife and Tool 7270 blade makes up for its tiny size in amazing cutting ability. The blade is paper-thin and razor sharp, promising a clean cut whether your need is to dice veggies or carve wood. The black polyoxymethylene handle has a secure grip and an ergonomic shape, delivering accurate results with each use. The flipper release deployment is smooth and quick. The locking liner snaps into place when the blade is opened, providing extra peace of mind while in use. If you are looking for a small but beefy knife to add to your EDC line, look no further.
- Blade length: 2.81 inches
- Blade material: 8Cr13Mov stainless steel
Sog Aegis Mini Black Knife
With a name that means “protection” in Greek, the Aegis mini black knife is the blade of tactical and practical needs. A patented SOG assisted technology (S.A.T) uses the balance of opposing high-tension coil springs to pop the blade open with incredible ease. The DigiGrip handle made of glass-reinforced nylon is incredibly gripping and equally sturdy. The thick blade contains a sharp point for prying needs but can slice up food in a pinch as well. The hard case all-black tini finish makes it look sleek and edgy, the perfect every day carry item for any style.
- Blade length: 3 inches
- Blade material: AUS-8 steel