Just my personal take, but if the sole purpose of the fixed EDC knife is self defense, I'd want a reverse/american tanto or drop point blade profile on a relatively small (under 4" blade) knife. Would require spine jimping and a nice index finger well for thrust resistance stability. I'd prefer that over a traditional guard if it were EDC. I chose those blade profiles because I don't foresee long drawn out sword-play type slicing action in a blade fight. It would be up close and personal thrust movements that would decide the victor. So a good grip on the knife and a strong tip (that's what she said) that would be what I would want.