Advice for an EDC for beginner?

PlayboyPenguin · Jan 13, 2006

Since I recently started collecting I have purchased a Kershaw Nakamura, a Pro Tech Godson, a Lone Wold Paul, and a Buck Alpha Hunter (for camping). Plus I am currently resisting buying a Case SlimLock. I need advice on a EDC that would be a quality knife but also durable. The Paul is too small and the Buck is too big. The Nakamura is a good size but too nice for an every day knife. Keep in mind I HATE plastic or carbon fiber type handle. I can stand Micarta if it isn't wood or bone or something natural. So to sum up...medium size, combo blade would be a plus, no plastic/carbon fiber handles, and not so expensive I cry if it gets scratched but nothing cheap either (like $75-$100 retail).

kegler · Jan 13, 2006

how do you feel about aluminum? i'd recommend a benchmade axis lock, but im not sure they're your style. 707 or 525 are nice EDC size IMO.

if that's not what you're after, are you looking for something a little more classic?

blade_guy · Jan 13, 2006

Anything by Spyderco in that price range, seeing as how you don't have a Spyderco yet.

Probably the Spyderco Police VG10

DGG · Jan 13, 2006

Here some info about good knives for anyone.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382879

Pilot1 · Jan 13, 2006

Benchmade Griptillian. I have a 551 and like it for EDC.

fedaykincmndr · Jan 13, 2006

I vehemently second the 551 suggestion!!

DGG · Jan 13, 2006

I also third the suggestion with a note to check out the "Ritter RSK" model Griptillian. It a Griptillian times 10!

http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm

puukkoman · Jan 13, 2006

He hates plastic handles, so I think the Grip is out (unfortunately).

Hey, check out a Benchmade 635 (mini-skirmish). This knife is a beaut. Titanium handles, frame lock, Benchmade. It really shouldn't be called a mini, either. It's quite a pocket beast, and if you're in the mood for a huge, oversized tank, look into a 630 (its big, big brother the Skirmish).

Peace.

almtiba · Jan 13, 2006

Like Kegler said, I think the BM525 is a good choice. It fells solid !
Try the Mini-Manix or the Para-Millie, too...

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil

ooheadsoo · Jan 13, 2006

Can you be more specific about the size? I think the Spydie Police is fairly large.

kegler · Jan 13, 2006

most of the knives mentioned so far don't match his criteria well at all. let's try to make suggestions based on what he's asking for.

Quiet Storm · Jan 13, 2006

I'd recommend the Benchmade Monochrome, its blade is a bit over 3 inches long. Steel handle, great blade shape for utility use, good blade steel. Very inexpensive, around $35 US street price.
It's available in combo edge, although I generally advise against that for blades of this size in general.

kegler said:
most of the knives mentioned so far don't match his criteria well at all. let's try to make suggestions based on what he's asking for.

Are you asking them to actually read the post before they reply to it?

Pilot1 · Jan 13, 2006

Oh, I need to read more closely. Didn't see the hate plastic part. OK I would recommend Dark Ops then.

Just kidding.

CRKT M16-13 or 14 may work and it has aluminum handles. AUS 8 steel and available in combo plane although I prefer plain edge with this knife.

Rat Finkenstein · Jan 13, 2006

Ok, how about a Byrd? the ultimate beater knife IMO, steel handles, good steel, well built, and for under 20 bucks. a Cara Cara might be right up your alley.

Slvgx · Jan 13, 2006

Paramilitary

wetdog1911 · Jan 13, 2006

Why not just EDC the Nakamura? The price is about what you're looking to spend and you like it.

If you want to spend a little bit, get a custom belt pouch or pocket sheath in leather, to help protect the grips and whatnot and put that bad boy to use.

It's not a custom, so doesn't need to be a safe queen.

You like it, use it.

Rob

Tok · Jan 13, 2006

Spyderco FRN Delica.

Bronco · Jan 13, 2006

Howz about a Masters of Defense Small Tactical Hunter. It has an anodized aluminum handle, a nearly 3 inch utility blade and a very safe and secure plunge lock (which you don't see too often on manual action knives). Plus the price is right at $89:

http://www.1sks.com/store/masters-of-defense-small-tactical-hunter.html

J85909266 · Jan 13, 2006

Handles are FRN, actually.

Barrabas · Jan 13, 2006

The Benchmades Rock, and I agree with anything wonderful that is said about the Axis lock.

I would however ask you to also seriously consider one of the new Stainless Steel handled Spyderco Delicas in VG 10.

Lock Back
Open: 7 - 1/16 inches
Closed: 4 - 3/16 inches
Blade 2-7/8 inches

If you like a Frame lock, and something smaller, check out the Spyderco Cricket - cool blade design, Stainless Steel Handles, and VG10 blade. It also works really well as a money clip, so if you catch the neurosis around here and you end up carrying multiple blades as EDC, you can keep that one with you all the time, and pretty much forget its in your pocket.

Both models are also very discreet for clip carry, and built to last.

I'm sure there would be a review or 2 here for the durability of the Delica so you may want to do a search on them, or for that matter, any other knife you may consider.

Good luck with your decision.