Advice for EDC folder?

Moine:
I spent many years and many thousands of dollars looking for just the right knife. I even have a number of customs. In my opinion, few equal and none exceed the quality of the Sebenza. Specifically, the fit and finish that go into each Chris Reeve knife. Like comparing a fine French wine to a not so fine California wine. Both are wine, one is just finer than the other and sometimes it takes experience to tell the difference. If you have never had fine wine, then the cheap stuff seems OK. But when you get used to the good stuff it's hard to go back. No Sebenzas aren't for everyone and I'm just giving my opinions based on my experience and you can get a perfectly sevicable knife for a lot less. An old Ford will get you from point A to point B for a lot less money than a Mecedes Benz. Yet there seems to be plenty of people willing and able to buy high end cars. Likewise I am willing and able to spend a lot of money on what I feel is a nice knife. Benchmade and Spyderco both make fine products worthy of your hard earned money. Good luck in your quest and I hope that you find a knife that fits your needs and your pocketbook.:) :cool: ;) :p :eek:
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
In my opinion, few equal and none exceed the quality of the Sebenza.

...

Specifically, the fit and finish that go into each Chris Reeve knife.
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Hmmm... Okay. But are the knives functional? I mean... Can I use this knife, beat the **** out of it, and expect it to endure some punishment without failure?

Fit and finish, and looks are one thing. A good knife is a knife you can trust. Personally, I think looks and so are secondary.

So... are the knives tough, or not?

Like comparing a fine French wine to a not so fine California wine.
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LOL

Well. I've been drinking very good Californian wines. That amazed me, until I learned that these were made by french specialists, using french grapes... ;)

But anyways, some of those wines were far better than any french wine. Better sun, good weather, and lots of hard work... There's no miracle ;)

Best regards,

David
 
Originally posted by airblade
Get the leek, it does it with class,and all for $40.:cool:
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440A stainless... max hardness = 56 RC. A bit more resilient, but not that much...

If it was another steel, I'd go for it. With 440A, no.

Thanks anyways!

David
 
The Sebenza can take very hard use and keep functioning The problem is that when I spend so much money for a knife, I hate to beat the sh*t out of it. I've read tests done here between the Sebenza and the SEAR knife and the Sebenza does well. I think you understand my example about wines. The thing that I have found about less expensive knives is that over time and use they tend to deteriorate. I have a son-in-law that is in the Navy and I have given him a couple of Benchmades that I have had for several years. He really uses the knives and after about a year, they've had it. I'm not quite generous enough to get him a Sebenza but perhaps I will some day. One think that is very important to me is to have a left hand knife as I am left handed. Chris Reeve makes and carries in stock left hand knives. No other manufacturer does that. The only exception is the Benchmade Axis lock and that one is ambidextrous. Go to the Chris Reeve forum. His knives are expensive but he has quite a waiting list even in this crumbling economy. As I mentioned before, one knife that I have that I have used hard and it works well is the Benchmade 940 and it cost around $100.
 
The very best two folders I now own, that are of a reasonable & not too large of a size, are the Large Classic Sebenza and the Spyderco ATR. Both have very tight machining tolerances, titanium handles and 30V steel.

Both are rugged and tough and also good looking. If you cannot afford, or simply don't want to spend what a Sebenza costs get the ATR. You can find the new ATRs for about $180.00 and they are worth every penny. They are a bit hard to find right now, but it will get easier.

If you are looking for a folder that you can beat up, one of the first things to look for is a failure proof lock. The best locks and the best materials are not cheap. You don't need a knife if you have no fingers! You simply cannot beat the Sebenza integral lock or the ATR compression lock.

I am not not making any judgement on the Strider folders or Tops Magnum here, because they are seem oversized for your needs and your original post. However, these two are tough puppies also.

As another alternative, you could spend far less yet and get a Benchmade Axis 710. I use mine regularly. Not the best but good enough for most everything. The lock seems strong. And you can find them for about $100.00.
 
A Delica IS worth the money.

Calypso Jr's are also coming out soon for a limited run.

Don't be a tight-arse. Delica.
 
Gerber E-Z out ATS 34 steel costs about $45 slim comfortable carry. Take my word for it you can beat the hell out of this knife even lose it and not lose any sleep over it because its so cheap to replace.
 
I second the vote for the Buck/Mayo 172. It has everything you're looking for. 3.25" blade, hole opening, titanium frame lock and s30v blade. It's slim for pocket carry, and should be quite tough. They can be found for about $150.

The only thing SOME people complain about is the pocket clip being too tight, but I've seen Tom Mayo offer to alter the pocket clip for free if it doesn't work quite right for you. Can't beat that.

It's at the top of my list of next knives to get. :^)

Best,
Cedric
 
Spyderco's not worth the money ? They're 50 bucks! Most knives you find at that price range are garbage. I see alot of knives costing more than double that price and cant hold a candle to the spyderco. If ya don't like spyderco fine .. but if you've ever owned one.. I'd be shocked to hear that It wasn't worthy of its price.
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
The Sebenza can take very hard use and keep functioning The problem is that when I spend so much money for a knife, I hate to beat the sh*t out of it.
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Maybe that's one reason why they are considered to tough... ;)

Just kidding... I think they really are.

Let's put it this way: I totally agree with you on many points regarding Sebenzas. These knives are incredible. The lock is tougher than the blade (which itself is very, very tough). The geometry is fine. They're made with good materials. They're cool as a knife can be, IMO. But honestly, I'm just like you: I would not use such an expensive knife with as much cruelty as I use a 10$ opinel...

Let me explain: for a couple of years I have been using the "disposable strategy". I bought a box of Opinels No.8's (box of 24, got it for about 120$ directly from the company, near Chambery, France). I beat the vice out of them, used them for just about anything, not caring at all. I just kept them clean and sharpened them when needed (not very often, with these hard carbon blades). They did the job, and when I broke the tip or damaged a blade lock, I just threw it away and got another one from the box. You know what? I bought that box in 1994, and I still have 7 Opinels in it...

But I'm fed up with them ;)

I want to be able to use an EDC knife just like my disposable Opinels... Not caring about breaking it, either because it's cheap, or because it's nearly indestructible (especially the lock and blade tip, which are the first two things to go out on my knives).

Until I get the courage to use a Sebenza like that, I'll be a rich motherphucker... ;)

Cheers,

David
 
Originally posted by Wunderbar
The Benchmade Mini AFCK. Tough knife.
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Yup. Sold.

I ordered one today (814, plain edge). I'll get over it the Net for 131 euros (about 130 bucks)... (Yup. Importation ;) )

Modified liner lock seems to be strong enough, and harder to unlock accidentally than lockbacks or axis locks (I think). 154CM is still resilient at 58-60 RC (resiliency is hard to obtain at such a hardness, resulting in breakable blades). Tip is a modified drop point, which seems strong enough. Semi-sabre grind, but thin blade (.1") that will allow nice slicing while tougher than flat grind for torsion and so (this is important since the hole in the blade weakens it a little). G-10 handles are tough. Warranty seems solid, and AFAIK, the company is serious about it.

I'll let you know ;)

Cheers,

David
 
i know you've already come to a decision regarding your new knife (congrats!), but for any other prospective buyers, i would definitely second (or is that third?) the Kershaw Leek recommendation. very light, very sharp, and above all else, elegant. it's shape and profile definitely register a 9 on the wow scale, taking into account the speed-safe capability.

i also picked up a CRKT M16-01K (newer EDC version). wow! what a great knife. after carrying a full-size M16 around at work everyday, it seemed weird that this knife would be a light carry. very slim, and a great edge on it. i'm not sure on the general consensus of CRKT's knives 'round these parts (new member and first-time post here), but i enjoy mine very much.

abe m.
 
There are a lot good economical folders out there. I like Sebenza, and been using the heck out of of it. Still holds wicked sharp edge. My Sebenza is about 10 years old, and it has passed 2 ownership. I'm the third one. I'm sure the previous owners have 'abused' the knife, because when I recieved the knife, there were many many uneven deep scratches that could only be resulted in sanding the blade with a stone or stabbing a steel barrel. The lock still locks up perfectly, and there are no chips after such abuse. The action was a little rough, but after I took it apart and polish the washers, its action now is the smoothest among my knives (even among customs like JWS pieces).

If you are willing to pay the same amount of money, get Strider folder. Beat the heck out of it, and it'll still beg you for more :D

For lesser cost, go with Emerson or Benchmade knife. Really really strong.

Am I a Sebenza fan ? You bet, but I'm not biased when writing this reccomendation.
 
I think you'll be pleased with your mini AFCK ! Mine is rock solid, one tough knife, no blade play, blade centered, grinds even, came sharp, smooth action, liner lockup perfect, hope yours is the same ! Let us know :)
 
Moine:

The Sebenza may be more economical in the long run. It may be cheaper to spend $300 now than spend $100 every couple years. You also might want to consider buying a used Sebenza. You could probably find a nice one for about $250-$300 and it would last the rest of your life.
 
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