advice on utility folder for EDC?

B

biogon

Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
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Hi, BFites! (is that right?)

I'm a lurker here, and I need a little advice on choosing a new knife, if y'all would be so kind? For reference, I have a Benchmade 690, CRKT M16-02, and an Emerson Mini-CQC7b.

I'm looking for a solidly build mid-sized EDC -- I'm about 5'7", 140lbs, 6.5" wrist (yes, tiny). The mini CQC7 fits my grip well, and I can't imagine using the long handle of an AFCK. I think a 4-4.5" handle is about as long as my hands (and pockets) will fit.

I'm looking for something that's going to be 99% used for mid-duty utility, but able to hold up in heavy-duty. Here are the qualities (and knives) that I like:

- Utility-oriented blade (no more chisel tantos) -- like a spear or drop point, but no Bowie clip points, in the 3-3.75" range;

- Ergonomics, rounded corners, and finger guard like the Emerson Commander/Specwar;

- Tip-down carry (My tip-down CRKT has opened up too many times for me to want to risk jamming my palm into an upturned point :( );

- Strong lock, like the reputation of the Strider or Al Mar SERE;

- Sturdy build; much as I like the Benchmade 690, the stabilized wood is a little too delicate... give me G10 over aluminum or titanium;

- Decent steel (154CM/ATS34 is fine. I'd love the exotics like VG-10, BG-42, just no more AUS-6, please);

- Unobtrusive/inconspicuous looking and able to ride deep in pocket;

- In the ~$150+-50 range for build quality

I've looked at:

- Al Mar SERE2k, Strider Buck Mini-spearpoint, Emerson Mini-Commander (all tip-up)
- Emerson Specwar, TOPS CQT-Magnum (too big)
- MOD CQD MkII (not sure about plunge-lock, maybe too big?)
- Sebenza (too expensive, also tip-up)

Is there anything I'm missing? Am I asking for the impossible? (My dad won't be satisfied until he finds a 3 pound laptop that has a 15" screen and lasts 6 hours on one battery charge...)

Is it possible to tap screw holes to switch the clip on the Mini-Commander or the Strider Buck Mini to tip-down (yes, I know I won't be able to Wave it).

Thanks for your help.

-biogon
 
My recomendation may not be "fancy" enough, but you might want to consider the new M18 from CRKT. Two sizes available, but the smaller size is probably better for you. I'm a big guy, and I like the smaller size over the larger, for my hands.

It has a 3 1/2 inch recurve spearpoint blade, decent AUS-8 steel, tip down carry (w/ a very low ride), an okay liner lock but LAWKS safety, Carson flipper (not only fast, but a lot of fun!), and a great price tag.

It may be a step down, brand wise, but I'll tell you, I am more than pleased with mine. The fit and finish are outstanding, the edge retention has been very good (one month of near everyday carry), and for the price, you really can't go wrong.
 
How about the Benchmade Ares? Around a 3.75" spear-point blade. It's got an axis lock, which is a big step up in reliability and strength from the liner locks you're considering. Don't worry about tip-up or tip-down -- accidental openings in pockets are a feature of liner locks, the axis lock has a spring to help keep the blade pushed closed.

Joe
 
I'll second the CRKT M-18. I have a large and it's a great knife. I also have the ARES and it's a great knife, too. If you want to try the Axis lock for cheap, you can't beat the Griptilian and it has the added bounus of being less expensive than either of the above listed blades. It also comes in 2 blade styles - a sheepsfoot type with opening oval or a drop point with studs. Try Bayou Lafourche for specs and probably the lowest prices.
 
I have to go with the Benchmade axis-lock as well and if your hands are small the 705 sounds as though its made to measure.Second pick for small hands is the 770.
Good luck
Lefty Mike
 
The Camillus EDC would be an excellent choice, and it represents excellent value. It comes with a shade under three inch blade and your choice of 420, 154CM, talonite, or D2 blade steel. It also is a frame lock design like the Sebenza. The 154CM will cost in the neighborhood of $50 to $55.00. Also, the 154CM bladed EDC that I have has a finish on the blade comparable to the Sebenza. Conclusion, close as you will come to the Sebenza at a fraction of the cost.
Big D1
 
Thank you everyone for your most speedy replies!

The problem I've found with all the AXIS knives is that they seem to be universally tip-up carry -- not enough room at the pivot for both the locking bar release as well as clip screws?

Otherwise, I'd have considered them pretty seriously.

I'll also try to take a look at those M18's -- after all, the M16-02 was my EDC until I got the "knife bug"...

:)

Anyone have the MOD CQD MkII? Any good? What's the size comparison with the CQC7 and Mini-CQC7?

Thanks again for all your help, and I await more replies. ;)

-Jon
 
I can vouch for the Ares too, being a proud owner, its a really nice knife and seems to fit your specifications, and the Axis lock is really convenient.
Actually I think some Axis knives have clips that allow for both tip-up and tip-down carry...
 
Originally posted by biogon
The problem I've found with all the AXIS knives is that they seem to be universally tip-up carry -- not enough room at the pivot for both the locking bar release as well as clip screws?
Click to expand...

Jon,

Fair enough! But, if your reason for avoiding tip-up carry is because you've had a liner lock open up in your pocket, let me talk about this one last time. Liner locks have no spring pressure on the blade to to keep the blade closed. There is usually a ball detent mechanism, but it's usually not well-done. Liner locks are infamous for opening up in the pocket.

By contrast, a lockback with a powerful spring, or a powerfully-sprung axis, has some pretty firm pressure keeping the knife closed. I'm not sure if I've ever heard of one opening up in a pocket. In any case, if the Ares or 720 seem right for you, but the problem is that they're tip-up, I'd suggest taking another look.

One last thing, Einlanzer is right, some axis lock knives have both tip-up and tip-down carry options! I just checked my 720, it has both. In fact, it's currently configured in tip-down, because it rides lower in the pocket that way.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose!

Joe
 
I have two recommendations for you. the first one is the CRKT M-18 like the other guys said. the second one is a sure winner.

the Kershaw Boa. this knife rocks. I also have smaller hands and the Boa is one of the top three most comfortable knives I have held. the recurve blade shape is awesome for most cutting chores and very efficient for pulling through material. mine has stood up to a lot of abuse and definately still locks up rock solid and if you ever do have a problem Kershaw has awesome customer service. the Blade steel is CPM440V and is very very good stuff. and last is the Magic SPEED SAFE which is cool as hell. if you're worried about the blade opening in your pocket, there is a safety too.

oh yeah I forgot the Mini Commander is awesome as well and is another one of the top three knives in my most comfortable to use list.

as you can see from the list I love recurve blades for utility.

let us know what you end up with :D
 
From your list here is what I would go with...

Choice 1 - Sebenza
Choice 2 - MOD CQD MKII (Awesome knife for the $$ and lighter than the SERE)
Choice 3 - AlMar SERE 2K

Good luck and have fun choosing!

If you keep an eye on the for sale area you can pick up a Sebenza for well under $300 in lightly used condition.. really can't go wrong!

I've had several MOD CQD's, the full size is way too big, the MKII is the perfect size for EDC IMO.
 
Spyderco Calypso Jr.
great ergos, plenty strong enough, VG-10 blade a little less than 3", tip down, unobtrusive, un-scary.
 
Go with the Emerson CQC-7a. Spear/clip point,can go tip down ,larger than the mini (of course)but, not a BIG knife. MANY options (blade color/style,handle color, etc. Most internet dealers have it for UNDER $100.00 delivered.:D
 
Look at the Smith and Wesson/Taylor Cutlery HRT Magnesium folder . It is desighned by Darryl Ralph and Mark Lamprey , I have been corisponding with both of the desighners . They both asure me that they insisted that these be quality knives or they wouldn't have anything to do with the project . I have one of the plain edged models , black Ti blade . It is a great feeling knife that comes at a ubelievable price (around $50) . I am putting together a extensive review , and as soon as I talk with both of the desighners again I will post it .
 
Originally posted by biogon
Hi, BFites! (is that right?)

I'm a lurker here, and I need a little advice on choosing a new knife, if y'all would be so kind?...

I'm looking for a solidly build mid-sized EDC -- I'm about 5'7", 140lbs, 6.5" wrist (yes, tiny). The mini CQC7 fits my grip well, and I can't imagine using the long handle of an AFCK. I think a 4-4.5" handle is about as long as my hands (and pockets) will fit.

I'm looking for something that's going to be 99% used for mid-duty utility, but able to hold up in heavy-duty. Here are the qualities (and knives) that I like:

- Utility-oriented blade (no more chisel tantos) -- like a spear or drop point, but no Bowie clip points, in the 3-3.75" range;

- Ergonomics, rounded corners, and finger guard like the Emerson Commander/Specwar;

- Tip-down carry (My tip-down CRKT has opened up too many times for me to want to risk jamming my palm into an upturned point :( );

- Strong lock, like the reputation of the Strider or Al Mar SERE;

- Sturdy build; much as I like the Benchmade 690, the stabilized wood is a little too delicate... give me G10 over aluminum or titanium;

- Decent steel (154CM/ATS34 is fine. I'd love the exotics like VG-10, BG-42, just no more AUS-6, please);

- Unobtrusive/inconspicuous looking and able to ride deep in pocket;

- In the ~$150+-50 range for build quality

I've looked at:

- Al Mar SERE2k, Strider Buck Mini-spearpoint, Emerson Mini-Commander (all tip-up)
- Emerson Specwar, TOPS CQT-Magnum (too big)
- MOD CQD MkII (not sure about plunge-lock, maybe too big?)
- Sebenza (too expensive, also tip-up)

Is there anything I'm missing? Am I asking for the impossible?...

Thanks for your help.

-biogon
Click to expand...

It seems to me that one the REKAT Pioneer series folders is exactly what you are looking for.:).
 
Why limit your choices to a knife with just one blade?? If it's true
working utility you want then a multi blade knife is a much better
choice and often much less expensive.

I (and several others here at the forums if you can get them to admit it)
carry a large stockman or a large two blade jack. None of my one blades
are anywhere near as useful and often serve only as backup blades in place of a
fixed blade. The stockman or the jack get used 90% more often than any other
knife I own. That is the measure of true utility.
 
I wouldn't forget the microtech's LCC and SOCOM-E.

I carry a SOCOM-e everyday, the handle is about 4.5 inch, the blade is 4 inch. Everything is rounded, everything is grippy :D . It's really a EDC folder for a long time, since I don't see how the microbar lock should wear. The grind is perfect, fine but strong tip.

I had a LCC, but I traded it off for something cooler, much to my regret.

greetz and take care.
 
How about the Spyderco C68 Centofante Vesuvius. It has a 3 1/8" blade of ATS-34, a modified spear point, a Compression Lock, and it has holes already tapped for tip up or tip down carry. I have one with the blue insert into the left side scale and it is quite a nice looking knife and very smooth. About the only change that I would make to it would be to make the blade of CPM440V, my favorite steel at this point.
 
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