Should Women Carry a Folding Knife?

If we are talking about stereotypes, knives tend to carry a more masculine appeal. But as societal stereotypes are slow to change, we aim to speed up the process and encourage every woman, man, or person to keep a folding knife in their pocket, purse, handbag, satchel, or backpack.

Reasons to Carry

Unsurprisingly, it turns out that the reasons a woman should carry a folding knife are eerily similar to those a man should because they are the same. You can break down these reasons into four main categories:

• Practical Everyday Uses
• Emergencies
• Self Defense
• Personal Preference

Folding Knives are Practical

Have you ever opened a box? Ripped open a letter? Removed batteries from a compartment after you just trimmed your nails or got a manicure? You can do all of those things more efficiently with a folding knife.

Practically speaking, when you have a folding knife on you, you are always ready, whatever the situation may be. Some more practical uses for an EDC folding knife include:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Gardening
• Splinter removal
• Bottle opening
• Cutting loose threads
• Untying knots
• Making kindling
• Splitting firewood
• Preparing food

It just so happens that both men and women participate in all of these activities. So, it just makes sense that both men and women would want to have their own EDC.

Knives Are Helpful in Emergencies

Emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, so preparing yourself is your best bet at making the most of the situation. You don’t want to waste precious seconds looking for something sharp when a life is on the line. Whether you need to cut through a seat belt immediately or cut cloth to make a makeshift tourniquet as quickly as possible, every moment matters.

If someone finds themselves stranded somewhere, keeping a knife with them can help them with basic survival. A knife can be the difference between being able to start a fire or freezing.

Women are just as susceptible as men are to finding themselves in an emergency situation. Preparation is the key to success.

Knives Used as Self-Defense

Men might need to fend off an occasional mugger, but this reason actually resonates more with why women need to have their own EDC knife on them.

Women are more likely to be attacked if they are alone. Common times include on a run in a secluded area, walking later in the evening, or even in their own homes when they are alone with their intimate and abusive partner.

Women should consider carrying a knife for times such as these. However, throwing a knife into a fight without the proper training and knowledge to use it can make things worse. If you feel the need to use a knife for self-defense, find a local class you can take to help you understand the best way to use it. If the attacker can easily take the knife from you, it won’t do you any good, but if you know what you’re doing, you can use the knife to protect yourself.

I Just Like Knives

As long as the knife you choose is legal, you can carry an EDC knife around for no reason other than you just like knives. Whether it gives you confidence, peace of mind, or no form of external validation, it doesn’t matter. Never let any gender stereotype stop you from living your best life.

The Best EDC Knives for Women

Most EDC folding knives are gender-neutral. Women might be more drawn to folding knives that are more slim. You can’t go wrong with any Medford, Benchmade, or Microtech folding knives. If you want to buy a knife that also supports a good cause, be sure to buy any of these Microtech knives where part of the proceeds go towards the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Here are some of our other top picks for our female customers:

• Benchmade Mini Bugout: This lightweight knife packs a 2.8-inch cobalt black blade and a 3.7-inch alpine glow grivory handle in just 1.5 ounces.
• Microtech LUDT Purple Automatic: This 3.4-inch stonewash serrated blade folds into the purple handle with a smooth spine and notched thumb ramp.
• Medford Slim Midi: Medford designed this folding knife to have a more sleek profile than their other folding knives. It still sports a 3.25-inch Tumbled Tanto blade with a stunning 4.375-inch titanium blue-to-yellow fade handle in a 4.1-ounce total package.

(As always, before you select a knife to carry around, check your state and local laws.)

So, for all you women out there who are in their independent, confident, and self-sufficient eras, pick up your most useful accessory today. You never know when you will need a knife.

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Infographic

Knives are often associated with masculinity, but the reasons for women to carry a folding knife are similar to those for men. Discover the benefits of carrying a knife in this infographic.