2 questions: Your edc grail/my edc grail

[Deer]

2 Questions for you



Question 1: Your EDC grail
Whether you own it or not. What is your EDC grail?


Question 2: Searching for my EDC grail
I'v been searching for a while now. Really love Benchmade's 940 but I sometimes wish the blade was just a tiny bit beefier.

Ideals:
-3" blade
-preferably no heavier than 3oz, the lighter the better
-perfect lockup
-"smoothest" action

Uses: Cutting open thousands of plastic bags full of dirt (Dragging blade through dirt endlessly), cardboard, tape, precision cutting, food prep, anything and everything you can imagine

The closest blades Iv found are a small Sebenza 21 insingo @ 2.3(cf)-3oz, 2.94". And the Rockstead Hizen @ 2.4oz, 2.875".

*edit* - At the current moment I am strongly leaning towards a Rockstead Hizen in YXR7 and will probably pick up a small sebenza 21 insingo within the next few following weeks. Unless someone can show me something of better quality in the same size/weight range.


I see all these really cool looking blades (with no use) that every one loves and boasts about and when I look them up they weight on avg 6oz. and it makes my heart sink and my mind say "NEXT"

I'm telling myself if I truly truly think the blade is worth it, price ceiling will be 1k+. With that being said Id be fine only spending $300-500.

*edit* - One of my all time favorite EDCs is the Benchamde 2550. Possibly my favorite knife of all time but I am currently not in an auto state. My father sure is enjoying it back in the homeland though. He would never spend that kind of money on a knife. In fact I don't think hes ever carried a knife in his life until I had to leave it behind and asked him to watch after it when I moved.

 

[bdmicarta]

There are lots of choices for your use. One of my favorites is my Benchmade 913, the equivalent current model is the 908. Probably a little bigger than what you want but I think they make a slightly smaller version too. Not that the 940 wouldn't be a good model for you. Have you considered the 950? In your case I would carry a Spyderco Manix. There are a lot of versions available, including some with very wear-resistant steel.

As to your question- my grail might be the M4/carbon fiber version of the Benchmade 908. but I won't buy one because I couldn't bear to replace my 913. Also I think my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a better knife for my EDC use, and I have several models of it in high performance steels. So I could say that I already have my grail.

 

[kda89508]

It sounds like the new Spyderco Military with S110V steel might be perfect for you if you don't mind a little longer blade or the Paramilitary 2 with S110V if you want closer to your size and weight. Jim Ankerson does some test here on the forums and has one he just did on the Military with S110V and it made me buy one and I have been using it a little already. I think it is going to be one of my main edc's now along with my Alan Davis custom made just for me. I also like the Benchmade 940 as it is my favorite Benchmade. Here is a picture of the Military along with my Alan Davis and my other favorite folder a Cold Steel Broken Skull. It is similar to the 940 in that it has a big blade in a small and lite weight package. Good Luck. Kevin



As for my grail it has to be my Alan Davis that is pictured. I also have a custom Andrew Demko that I have never carried but is awesome!! Also like the post above a Manix 2 in S110V would be a great choice too and you can get the lite weight version in S110V or other good steels. Kevin 😊👍

 

[Deer]

In your case I would carry a Spyderco Manix. As to your question- my grail might be the M4/carbon fiber version of the Benchmade 908.

Iv been all over the manix 2 and paramilitary 2 over and over again and for some reason always decide against them. Ill have to run through them some more.

Also the 908 m4-CF is awesome super solid model, beefie 3.5" M4 blade, and only weights 4.38oz. Huge win for Benchmade on this knife. This is my go to "high abuse" knife. But also the reason Im looking for something .5" shorter in blade length and would be nice to take at least an oz (or 2) in weight with it.

Jim Ankerson does some test here on the forums and has one he just did on the Military with S110V and it made me buy one and I have been using it a little already.

I saw this same test a few weeks back and made me really want to try spydercos s110v. Just couldn't find/decide on a model. Always something stopping me.
That is a beautiful Alan Davis! Looks perfect!

 

[kda89508]

Iv been all over the manix 2 and paramilitary 2 over and over again and for some reason always decide against them. Ill have to run through them some more.

Also the 908 m4-CF is awesome super solid model, beefie 3.5" M4 blade, and only weights 4.38oz. Huge win for Benchmade on this knife. This is my go to "high abuse" knife. But also the reason Im looking for something .5" shorter in blade length and would be nice to take at least an oz (or 2) in weight with it.







I saw this same test a few weeks back and made me really want to try spydercos s110v. Just couldn't find/decide on a model. Always something stopping me.
That is a beautiful Alan Davis! Looks perfect!

Thank You! It was made to my specs. It has Elmax steel. I really think you would like that S110V Military.
I do and the Military is Jim's favorite and he test a lot of knives!! I did a little cutting on a thick cardboard box and that S110V went through it like a buzz saw!! Good Luck 🍀 with your choice!! Kevin

 

[SW-EDC]

Check out Protech as well. Great line and fantastic quality.
I have a TR-5 SA but they also have an auto TR-4 and manual folders as well right about the lower end of your price point.

 

[T.K.C.]

A Grail is NOT, I repeat, is NOT an easy to find production knife, nor is a Grail EVER a production knife.
A Grail is: the object of an extended to difficult quest.

Mine? A Kit Carson Red, White & Blued.

 

[whitty]

The closest to my grail that I have come across is the ZT0456. The funny part is it would be a great knife for all the things that you describe but the only problem is the weight.

The weight and size you are asking for with the work that you do, I would have to suggest the Benchmade 765 Mini Monolock. It is just over 3 inches, slightly over 3 ounces in weight and the M390 will hold an edge for your daily task. If you strop it at the end of each day you will see it stays very sharp. I forgot to add it is very smooth!

 

[Deer]

Check out Protech as well. Great line and fantastic quality.
I have a TR-5 SA but they also have an auto TR-4 and manual folders as well right about the lower end of your price point.

Ill have to give them a more solid look through. I love their autos but am currently not in an auto state. Otherwise Id be carrying a newport for fun

A Grail is: the object of an extended to difficult quest.

Kit Carson Red, White & Blued.

*edited*
You Madam just introduced me to another wonderful knife maker. rest his soul.
Just looked him up and found the small model 4 and am in love with it.
Thank you.

 

[Deer]

The closest to my grail that I have come across is the ZT0456. The funny part is it would be a great knife for all the things that you describe but the only problem is the weight.

Yeah that weight is a killer. That is actually one of the knives I was sad that weighed so much

Benchmade 765 Mini Monolock. It is just over 3 inches, slightly over 3 ounces in weight and the M390 will hold an edge for your daily task.

Another knife Iv considered. Putting it up against the small sebenza is quite a decision. Most of my knives are Benchmade. I wish I could get my hands on both before buying either. Ill probably buy a used 765 someday when the right deal comes along. Hard to beat a used knife with a lifetime warranty.

 

[smith357]

1, For me there is no "Grail" there is just the next itch to scratch. Having a grail implies that once you find it, then you will never want another and the hunt is over. I like the hunt, the hunt is more satisfying to me than the actual kill.

2, Good luck in your hunt, I truly hope you never find that "Grail" and may continue to enjoy your hunt or many many years to come.

 

[rschuch]

I would honestly have a couple knives. One for the dirty work, probably a fixed blade that's easy to clean (so the dirt doesn't get into the pivot and hard to reach places) without a coating on the blade (because all that dirt and sand is gonna tear it up); and then another folder for any food prep or simple paper cutting type stuff you can easily clean the blade on. As an example, my wife has a Case knife with a hoof pick she uses and keeps in her truck. She is NOT going to pick some hooves and then cut up an apple unless it's just for her horse to eat.

My personal grails change like the wind. I like large straight blades or upswept style. A Begg Kwaiken is probably on my list, though I'll have to trade for it. Maybe a Spyderco Szabo, though I'd like to handle one first.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Uses: Cutting open thousands of plastic bags full of dirt (Dragging blade through dirt endlessly), cardboard, tape, precision cutting, food prep, anything and everything you can imagine

At the current moment I am strongly leaning towards a Rockstead Hizen in YXR7 and will probably pick up a small sebenza 21 insingo within the next few following weeks. Unless someone can show me something of better quality in the same size/weight range.

If you are very proficient at freehand sharpening, get the Hizen.
If you are still learning on a Sharpmaker, get the Sebenza.

Nothing wrong with either knife, but the edge geometry of a Rockstead can be a challenge to sharpen for some. The Sebenza will look better after a year of carry, the Hizen will look pretty beat with the coated duralumin handles (it wears easily).

If you get a Seb, treat yourself to a Hizen later on down the road. Or vice-versa:thumbup:

 

[Ajack60]

Ill have to give them a more solid look through. I love their autos but am currently not in an auto state. Otherwise Id be carrying a newport for fun









You Sir just introduced me to another wonderful knife maker. rest his soul.
Just looked him up and found the small model 4 and am in love with it.
Thank you.

The he is a she, just saying.

 

[GotSteel]

How about an Endura in Zdp-189

 

[Ernie1980]

Based on your parameters, I think a carbon fiber small Sebenza Insingo is what you are looking for. I don't have the insingo version, but the carbon fiber small is my favorite locking knife. The knife is light weight yet strong and capable. Here is mine:

The knife wears well on both the carbon fiber and the titanium side, and CRK offers a bulletproof warranty as well:thumbup:

 

[Deer]

Good luck in your hunt, I truly hope you never find that "Grail" and may continue to enjoy your hunt for many many years to come.

Wife has a Case knife with a hoof pick she uses and keeps in her truck. She is NOT going to pick some hooves and then cut up an apple unless it's just for her horse to eat.

Better not tell the horse

If you get a Seb, treat yourself to a Hizen later on down the road. Or vice-versa:thumbup:

I jumped on a Hizen last night that I really loved as compared to a few other Hizens Iv seen due to its limited nature. Ill pick up a small Seb within a few weeks and will probably use/abuse it at work while carrying the hizen on the weekends.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I've owned several "grails" and I seldom keep them. The most recent grail to leave my hands is this early Walter Brend #2. I carried it maybe a total of 2 weeks and realized it's too amazing to use.

 

[Deer]

The he is a she, just saying.

Noted and corrected.

How about an Endura in Zdp-189

I think the Endura holds my absolute favorite blade size/shape/length of all the spydercos. And it has the weight down. However I'm not fond of lock backs :/

Based on your parameters, I think a carbon fiber small Sebenza Insingo is what you are looking for. I don't have the insingo version, but the carbon fiber small is my favorite locking knife. The knife is light weight yet strong and capable. Here is mine:

The knife wears well on both the carbon fiber and the titanium side, and CRK offers a bulletproof warranty as well:thumbup:

This is the exact crk Im about to order. However, Iv heard a couple negative things about the blade coming off center over time due to the nature of carbon fiber and not being as strong as its titanium counterpart. That the blade will could slowly start to stray towards the carbon fiber. Any experience with this? Really really love the weight (and looks) of the CF but if it were to cause the blade to come off center Id rather go for the standard titanium.

 

[Deer]

I

I can see why, beautiful