A Cheapskate's Five Knife EDC Rotation, All For Less Than $170

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BeTheToad

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Nov 27, 2010
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Well, I'm a cheap son-of-a-gun, mostly by neccessity these days, though. I don't buy real high end knives simply because I'm afraid I'll lose them. I don't have a history of losing things but I would be big time irritated if I lost a $400 folder. The most expensive knife I have is a Benchmade mini Barrage and I still can't get used to carrying that. I've tried to find the most bang for the buck when looking for something to carry and I don't think I have failed miserably.

So, here are the five that don't bother me to carry, even though it would still suck to lose one.

1. Benchmade mini- Griptilian - bought new for $65 and is the one I carry the most.
2. Kershaw Skyline - new , no box $18.
3. Kershaw Blur (bought as blem, but no xxxx mark) - $38
4. Buck Vantage Pro - bought at Bass Pro outlet store for $20.
5. Spyderco Tenacous - $25.

Obviously no Sebenza type quality floating around in my pockets, but I don't find myself constantly checking my pocket to see if my knife is still there, either.
 
Nothing wrong with that rotation at all, I would be very happy with it. You also got a fantastic deal on the Buck Vantage Pro.
 
My edc rotation is at the moment is this:

Kershaw Asset $13
Lightning OTF $29 (but i got it from the Pay It Forward
Enlan el01 $16
Kershaw Blackout blem $29 (also from Pay it Forward)
Schrade Cliphanger $12 (i destroy it for work and it managed to last years so far

So either $99 bucks or $41 however you look at it
 
Absolutely nothing wrong with that lineup. I'm building one similar myself, selling off the stuff I don't carry and focusing on buying a few knives I really like. The mini grip and Vantage pro are in mine as well, but I wish I got the Vantage Pro for $20, that's a screaming deal
 
I like your style. There's nothing wrong with some high-value options in your rotation. Those are all good knives that will serve you well. Currently I rotate between:

Buck Vantage Force (about $40)
Buck Vantage Avid ($30)
Kershaw Blur ($60)
Kershaw Cryo ($30)
Emerson Mini-Commander (got used for $50)
 
As good as Chinese and AUS-8 Taiwan knives can be, it just makes sense to own a few knives under $30. Knives are tools, and every so often, it may be necessary to be really hard on a blade and maybe destroy the edge. I know that many high end makers will repair a blade, but breaking $100+, and especially $200+ knife makes me sick.
 
I don't think I'm cheapskate by any means, compared to what you guys are carrying!
I carry with me either a Benchmade 710 or a customized Boker Mini Vanquish (bought this for a few dollars more than the BM). These 2 are my favorites, but I ALWAYS have my Sanrenmu 710 in my bag. Always in my bag.
That thing is a mean lean little knife that has a ridiculous fit and finish for the $9.90 price tag.
I won't hesitate to destroy that one of I have to!
 
You don't need to spend a bunch to get a quality rotation:

1. Buck Vantage Select ($25 new)
2. Svord Peasant ($20 new)
3. Victorinox Trekker ($35 new)
4. Leatherman Sidekick or Wingman ($30 new)
5. Spyderco Endura ($60 new)
 
I would say that all of those are quite capable choices.
Give a ffg delica a chance at some point.
 
My typical EDC is a BM 530-1303 ($200. $215 with titanium clip) for in my work (dress/khaki) pants.
A BM 940 ($170) for weekend and casual Friday duty in my jeans.
a BM 585 ($100) for when I plan on doing heavier tasks and don't want to abuse my 940.

I did buy the 940 and 585 at a brick and mortar store, so I know I "overpaid" for them. The 530-1303 was an REI purchase, so of course it was at MSRP.

My other knives that see a lot of use, but not much carry, are a Victorinox Spartan (for the corkscrew and can opener) and an Opinel #8.
 
KA-Bar Dozier Lightweight Folder. $19.95 at AG Russell.
You will EDC this folder!
 
I absolutely agree with that rotation. I rotate a Vantage Avid, Vantage Pro, a Lone wolf Swale, a ESEE Zancudo and occasionally a Boker Nano if I want a little stubby folder.
 
I would rather have no rotation, and hope I use my EDC for nothing more than opening any envelope, package, cutting string. One I want one knife I can trust my life to if shit happens, so I would that your total value, and put it into one super knife. JMHO.
 
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