3" blade one handed edc.. recommendations please?

M

mosplat

Joined
Apr 6, 2004
Messages
42
i'm on the market for a new knife (edc folder),
and am having a hard time deliberating.
i hope someone here can help me out.
i'd like it to have:

- ~3" blade, combo edge
(open to most steels)
- 1 handed open
(thumbstud or hole, either way)
- and close
(yes linerlocks. no lockbacks. how easy to use are compression locks?)
- preferably G10
- preferably thin in both width and depth
(but thick/sturdy enough for martial use)
- comfortable in all grips
(i know that's a little much to wish for...)
- ~$100usd

i currently carry a benchmade mini tsek.
about a 3" blade, combo edge, composite handle, thumbstud, linerlock, 440C.
it works out great, i can use it for everything.
but i screwed up the edge and am going to send it in for lifesharp.

i'm using this as an excuse to pick up another blade. :D

i have an emerson mini cqc7 that i sometimes carry,
but it's a little too menacing for edc.
and a little thick.
i figure it'd be a good idea to have another pc edc to see rotation.

i've been looking at
the spydie para-military,
the benchmade mini griptilian,
and maybe the benchmade mel pardue 530.
but the dagger grind might not be a great idea.
and it seems kind of thin.

maybe i should just get another mini tsek?

so basically i'm going knife crazy;
i get really into it once i get going.

any help?
please?

thanks folks.
 
.............................delica.............................................



:)

whoops....didn't see the "no lockbacks"
 
yeah i definitely took a look at the delica. :)
if only it weren't lockback..
i don't know why,
but i just never felt comfortable with them.

i just caught sight of the spydie lil temperance.
and then i saw the pricetag. :eek:
 
If you are budgeted to spend $100 and considering the Benchmade Mini Griptilian ~$60, you might as well get one of the Ritter's in S30V steel.

The Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 regularly $139.95 is on sale for $104.95
The Doug Ritter Mini-RSK Mk1 Knife is $99.95. You can't beat these deals! But, IMO the full size blade for $5 more is the best value....I just personally prefer the mini for EDC.

RSK_2minis-full_300w.jpg

rsk_mk1_aeromedix_300wds.jpg
 
A Camillus EDC does good on everything except having G10 scales. The standard version is in 154-CM, and goes for around $50, or you can upgrade to the AG Russell specail edition in D2, and still be well below $100.
 
I really like the mini-TSEK or AFCK, but a sleeker package is the Chesapeake Knife & Tool special edition Random Leek, a Kershaw Leek with a wharncliff-type blade of S30V. I put grip tape on the handle & clip, and love it to death. speed-safe, good steel, great useful blade shape,, ergonomic grip (I find it even better than the mini-grip) and $100. Do a search for reviews, outstanding knife!
 
CUDA Dominator fits the description but costs about $170, out of your range, but I think well worth it, and I think others will agree. Look into it at the camillus website.
 
I'm quite happy with my Para-military. However, I'd be very happy with the Ritter Grip, too. Go with either of those, you will have a very nice EDC.
 
1 Spyderco Calypso Jr. LWT
2 Benchmade Griptilian
3 Camillus EDC
:D
 
I would look at either the Camillus EDC (which is a ss framelock, no G-10 though) or the Spyderco Paramilitary which would serve well as an EDC.
Matt
 
wow thanks for all the responses.

i guess it's coming down to the mini griptilian and the spydie para military.
i'm leaning towards the para military...

another question..
without a combo edge option,
should i choose plain edge or spyder edge?
i've never had a completely serrated blade knife,
so i can't really tell if it will hinder me in any way.

thanks.
 
For me....I like plain edge. At least, if I only get one knife.

While both cut, and cut well, I think you'll find the PE to be more versatile. At least, I do.
 
mosplat said:
wow thanks for all the responses.

i guess it's coming down to the mini griptilian and the spydie para military.
i'm leaning towards the para military...

another question..
without a combo edge option,
should i choose plain edge or spyder edge?
i've never had a completely serrated blade knife,
so i can't really tell if it will hinder me in any way.

thanks.
Click to expand...

If you go with the Grip, make sure you handle it before buying. I have a mini grip and it's a great knife - but it will never be an EDC for me. The handle scales are Noryl GTX - which feels like very hard, but cheap plastic. I wind up using my Grip as a beater knife in my garden, but no where else. I just don't like the feel of the scales for every day carry. You're on the right track looking for G10. Micarta would be nice, too. I generally give Zytel, FRN and other plastics a thumbs down.

The paramilitary looks like a really nice knive.
 
I have a Paramilitary and a 556 Mini-Grip (and a regular 551 Grip too). Both are great knives. I strongly prefer the ergos of the Paramilitary, but understand that this is due to it's large handle. Think of it as a big knife with a smallish blade.

I don't mind the plastic handle of of the Mini Grip at all, but I do prefer the Para's G-10. Both have strong, reliable locks.

I agree that the best thing you could do is handle both of them before buying.
 
Are the CRKT M16-Z knives any good? What about the Smith & Wesson SWAT or Border Patrol knives? Does anyone here have any info/experience with them?
 
i'd definitely like to try before i buy,
but i don't really have the opportunity..

yeah, i usually say no to frn, zytel, and all those other reinforced plastics as well.
(although the fiberglass/resin of the mini tsek handle is real nice)
aluminum can be okay; it depends on the design.

i have handled the griptilian, and thought the noryl gtx was decent.
not my favorite, but i didn't feel like it would hinder because of the way the grip fills the palm.

i think i've settled on the spydie para millie. plain blade.

just a couple last questions for blackwatch and/or keith m, if you guys don't mind.

about how thick is the para millie?
i'm a smaller person with smaller pockets, and prefer a smaller footprint.

and how easy would you say it is to index the knives for switching grips?

thanks again.
 
It's not too thick. It maybe thinner than the Griptillian, but I'm unsure. It is, after all, two thin slabs of G10 with nested liners. Lesse. the blade is 4mm thick...I'd probably say the whole thing is 12-16mm thick...I'm doing this sans knife-in-hand...so, I maybe wrong. To me, it doesn't feel thick in my pocket.

I'd say it indexes pretty well. I don't do it very often, but I'd feel confident doing so.
 
hawkpatriot said:
Are the CRKT M16-Z knives any good? What about the Smith & Wesson SWAT or Border Patrol knives? Does anyone here have any info/experience with them?
Click to expand...

i had an older crkt 1* mil-hre knife that was amazing.
2.6" teflon coated aus-8 spearpoint blade, single linerlock in tini coated aluminum scales.
cut anything and everything, kept it's edge very well.
my favorite knife for 3 years until i lost it.
i was heartbroken.

if the newer crkt 1* knives are anything like the older ones,
i strongly recommend them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top