Another darned newbie EDC question!

M

mal

Joined
Aug 8, 2002
Messages
20
The last knife I owned was as a boy, and it was an Old Timer. Now that I'm a grown man, with a boy of my own, I've got a strong desire to carry a knife again. Odd, isn't it, the hold traditions have on you. Just feel that a man should carry a pocket knife on him. Especially with cougars on the loose in Canada. ;>
Okay, now for the newbie questions. Knives have changed a lot since I was a kid! What I want in a knife is a folder, single-hand open, non-serrated, good non-slip grip, decent size but not monstrous, so that I can carry in the office without gasps. ;> I live in the D.C. metro region, and believe it or not there are no places nearby that has a good, wide range of folders that I can handle. So I've been reading the forums. I like the idea of ruggedness, and I read that the Al Mar SERE 2000 is a contender. I think that 4.75" closed might be a tad large for EDC (considering that I'm an office dweller). Any suggestions on a rugged folder that might fit the bill? Or am I wrong on the Al Mar SERE 2000 assumption? Thanks. Oh, and one last question, what is recognized as being better, the hole (like Spydercos), or thumb stud? Thanks again!
 
Get yourself a plain-edged Spyderco <a href="http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_info.asp?sts=8%2F8%2F2002+11%3A00%3A57+AM&pfid=C11BK&deptId=1010&mscssid=BQP8HGL7L9479P8KTC1D3JJKH2N78EVD">Delica</a> lightweight. Be sure to get the latest version, with one with VG-10 steel. You can choose between blue or black handle.

With that out of the way, welcome the forum. I understand your situation completely and, you're right, a man <i>should</i> carry a pocketknife on him. I think you'll find a lot of support around here. :D Have you thought about getting your boy an Old Timer all his own?
 
Hi mal!

You don't say what the intended use of your new knife is; that plays a big part in the selection of an EDC. If you'll be using it often during your day in the office and will thereby be viewed by your co-workers you should take into account the "sheeple factor". Only you know how they will react to a knife of any size or shape and what that reaction could lead to.
I own a SERE 2000 and carry it a lot due to the fact it sits so low in the waistband. I'm going to bead blast or knock the shine off the clip so it blends better. I find myself choosing a waistband carry knife from my selection based mainly on how well the clip blends with my slacks/jeans. Anyone else do this?
As to the hole/stud thing, I like both equally, well if the hole/stud is properly shaped and located.
I hope some of this has helped. Sometimes newbies of all sorts feel they don't know enough to ask intelligent questions and to that I say............read below! :):):):)

Larry S.
 
You said that you like the "idea of ruggedness"?...Well, that IS the Spyderco Chinook.:).
 
I too carried an old 'Old Timer' as a boy-has it been that long already?

Anyway, as suggested above perhaps more info as to the intended usage would help a little bit here. I have not personally owned or even held the AlMar SERE but they have gotten rave reviews here at BF. It may be a bit too heavy and intimidating for office use though. Same for the Chinook-rave reviews BIG heavy knife.

However, the Spyderco Delica is a pretty powerful cutter for its size and is available in a plain edge. As to the grip; Spyderco FRN handle patterns have always done right by me in this area. Of course you could get two-one in SS for the office and one in FRN for more rugged applications or in more of a SD role. Heck they are small and light enough carry two.

A couple of others to consider:

Benchmade model 555/556 mini-Griptillion (2.91" blade)
Benchmade model 770 AXIS 'Gent' folders (beautiful knife 2.80" blade)
Benchmade model 690 Folder (another beautiful knife 3.25" blade)

Spyderco Native-very popular and interesting knife
Spyderco Pro-Grips-two models, very utilitarian blade design
Sypderco Dragonfly-looks very sheeple friendly

Of course since you haven't mentioned price range, maybe a trip to

www.bladeart.com

or a few other cusom maker knife sites would be in order. Certainly worth a look.

Don't forget-check out the for sale forum here. There are ALWAYS good deals to had.

Hole vs. Thumbstud? Personal preference rules here. I have both, both have their advantages. For me the Spydie-hole has a slight lead for speed and easy multi-fingered\handed accessability. But this is a very subjective kind of thing. Best advice-get your hands and thumbs on both to see whay YOU think feels more comfortable.

Hope this helps,

Mongrel
 
Hehehehe..... Mal didn't mention any price range. Bring on the Sebenzas and customs!!!!

Okay, okay. I have a few suggestions. My bet is that, for a person used to an Old Timer, the Sere2000 will look like a folding sword. While I like a large folder, they are a bit scary to office coworkers and even owners who are new to tactical knives. I'd go with something smaller at first.

If you have small/medium sized hands, the Camillus EDC is an awesome bargain. The knife is very friendly looking. The blade cuts like crazy. The lock is very strong. The EDC is a masterpiece, IMHO. If you have larger hands, the Outdoor Edge Paragree might do the trick.

If you like the looks of the traditional pocketknife, the Kershaw Double Cross is a beauty. It is a one-hand opener, but retains the good looks of an old style slipjoint. No pocket clip though.
 
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far! Good suggestions, all. I'll answer the various questions randomly. First of all, my first born son is 3 years old, so I don't think he'll be getting a knife anytime soon. Especially since he's fond of throwing things at the new baby. ;>
What do I expect to use the knife for? That's tough, but if I were to be completely honest, I'd have to say "just in case". I mean there are always the occasional cutting job around the house for which I have to dig a cheap steak knife out of the kitchen drawer (can I say that on this forum? ;> ), but really, it's just to have in case I need it. Let's say mostly for cutting, cardboard, rope, whatever, but also in the background (way in the background) would be self-defense. This is very unlikely, but if you're going to carry a knife, make it "utilitarian".
Office use: I don't really expect to use it at the office. It will probably just reside in the front pocket. But the outline of the closed blade will undoubtedly show through, especially when sitting, and if it looks like I'm packing serious metal, I could get the raised eyebrow syndrome. This is not an overriding concern, but a concern nonetheless.
I checked out the Spyderco Delica lightweight -- looks like a contender! The Chinook I suspect would be too large. I'll check out the other suggestions later...even the custom knife link. ;>

Thanks everyone. And thanks for the welcome to the Forum.
 
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far! Good suggestions, all. I'll answer the various questions randomly. First of all, my first born son is 3 years old, so I don't think he'll be getting a knife anytime soon. Especially since he's fond of throwing things at the new baby. ;>
What do I expect to use the knife for? That's tough, but if I were to be completely honest, I'd have to say "just in case". I mean there are always the occasional cutting job around the house for which I have to dig a cheap steak knife out of the kitchen drawer (can I say that on this forum? ;> ), but really, it's just to have in case I need it. Let's say mostly for cutting, cardboard, rope, whatever, but also in the background (way in the background) would be self-defense. This is very unlikely, but if you're going to carry a knife, make it "utilitarian".
Office use: I don't really expect to use it at the office. It will probably just reside in the front pocket. But the outline of the closed blade will undoubtedly show through, especially when sitting, and if it looks like I'm packing serious metal, I could get the raised eyebrow syndrome. This is not an overriding concern, but a concern nonetheless.
I checked out the Spyderco Delica lightweight -- looks like a contender! The Chinook I suspect would be too large. I'll check out the other suggestions later...even the custom knife link. ;>

Thanks everyone. And thanks for the welcome to the Forum.
 
Er, sorry for the double post. I think it happened when I hit "Back", then hit "Refresh".
 
Mal-

I pulled this info off Westlaw. Thought you might like to have the legal facts and interpretation.

"(b) No person shall within the District of Columbia possess, with intent to use unlawfully against another, an imitation pistol, or a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or other dangerous weapon." DC CODE § 22-4514(b)

This defines a knife w/ a 3.0001" blade as a "dangerous weapon".

"DC CODE § 22-4504. Carrying concealed weapons; possession of weapons during commission of crime of violence; penalty.

(a) No person shall carry within the District of Columbia either openly or concealed on or about their person,.... any deadly or dangerous weapon capable of being so concealed. Whoever violates this section shall be punished as provided in § 22-4515, except that:
(1) A person who violates this section by carrying .... any deadly or dangerous weapon, in a place other than the person's dwelling place, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both;"

Yikes!

And in McIntyre v. U. S. - 283 A.2d 814 - D.C. 1971 - Decided Nov. 24, 1971 the court ruled that the lenght of the knife blade was not limited to just the cutting edge, saying "...it appears that the blade in question exceeded the requisite length by a fraction of an inch. Notwithstanding, appellant points out that the cutting edge of the blade measures less than three inches. This factor is obviously irrelevant to the statutory definition of a 'dangerous weapon' for in the hands of a knife-wielder a thrust as well as a slash could have lethal consequences."

"Carrying of knife for legitimate purposes is not prohibited by statute proscribing possession of prohibited weapon, and it is the purpose for which knife is being carried that is ultimate test for determining whether it is a deadly or dangerous weapon. D.C.Code 1981, § 22-3214(b). Mihas v. U.S., 1992, 618 A.2d 197."

"That knife has blade less than three inches in length does not preclude it from being a prohibited "dangerous weapon" when possessed with intent to use it unlawfully against another. D.C.Code 1981, § 22-3214(b). Mihas v. U.S., 1992, 618 A.2d 197."

I hope this information is helpful, and not too confusing.:confused:
 
Buzzzbait mentioned the Camillus EDC. Go to http://www.agrussell.com and take a look at the Camillus EDC in D2 steel that they handle. I understand that this is the only place that this version can be obtained. You won't be dissapointed in the D2.
 
You might also check out the <a href="http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_info.asp?sts=8%2F8%2F2002+2%3A40%3A02+PM&pfid=C28BK&deptId=1010&mscssid=QVL1A2VFH1TA9GA90CL4WR3HRX7PE6K0">Dragonfly Lightweight</a>, the <a href="http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_info.asp?sts=8%2F8%2F2002+2%3A40%3A02+PM&pfid=C62BL&deptId=1010&mscssid=QVL1A2VFH1TA9GA90CL4WR3HRX7PE6K0">Almite Navigator</a>, the <a href="http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_info.asp?sts=8%2F8%2F2002+2%3A40%3A02+PM&pfid=C64&deptId=1010&mscssid=QVL1A2VFH1TA9GA90CL4WR3HRX7PE6K0">MeerKat</a> and the <a href="http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_info.asp?sts=8%2F8%2F2002+2%3A42%3A15+PM&pfid=C71A&deptId=1010&mscssid=QVL1A2VFH1TA9GA90CL4WR3HRX7PE6K0">Salsa</a>. All very good, rugged small knives and quite office friendly.
 
For something thats lightweight I'd check out the Benchmade 350 (Mel Pardue).

Slim design and I find it goes well when I'm wearing dress pants or anything lightweight like that.
 
Ok, I managed to check out the Camillus EDC with D2 Blade, and the Kershaw Double Cross, and the suggested smaller blade Spydies.
Camillus EDC with D2 Blade: Looks very nice! How do steel handles feel, though? They don't seem as if they'd offer a good grip, say, if you're cutting in the pouring rain (it could happen ;>).
Kershaw Double Cross: I agree, beautiful traditional folder, but I don't really need two blades. Just one good one.
Various spydies: These look cool, but I think I want at least a 3" blade. Then there's the metal handle question.
Note to RVO3VOM: Thanks for the info. I don't make it into D.C. that often. Maryland is my primary stomping grounds. I checked out MD's laws and they don't specify a blade length.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am checking all of them out. You're not wasting your time. I wish I could handle the knives that make it on my short list, though...
 
Originally posted by mal
I wish I could handle the knives that make it on my short list, though...
Click to expand...

I think you hit on something there mal. I would suggest you find some b&m dealers who carry the knives you are interested in (you can find this on the mfg.'s sites, or by calling their cust. service rep.), so that you can handle the knives, and judge for your self what you like best.
- Frank
 
Remember to have a sub-3" blade for when you go to D.C.

Once you're used to carrying back in MD, you'll want something on you whenever you go elsewhere.

RVO3VOM, thanks for outlining the laws. Dang, I didn't know that there were such serious penalties. Next time I'll think twice before I slip a folder into my boot before going into a club!

It's a good thing that there's no length limitation in MD. But the problem is that there's no defining line between "tool knife" and "psycho murderer knife", it all hinges on the interpretation of that one word "reasonable". :)
 
Stats on the SERE 2000 give it a 3.6" blade but I have carried the SERE for over and a year and it's hard to believe but it carries so well to be a larger knife, even in dress type pants, but if it's to large I would suggest one of the Spydercos of your choice many to choose from the Meerkat being one of my favorites, it's size is decent the price is reasonable and the "secret" way it closes is a conversation starter but there are many more that would serve your purpose well also.

New Graham Knives
 
Mal,

From a (very recently!) former Marylander, you do have some options as far as looking at these things in person.

1) Chesapeake knife and tool - located in many different malls in the DC/MD area, including Columbia mall, Montgomery mall, and the one in Gaithersberg that escapes me at the moment. They have a small selection, with very high (retail) prices.

2) Knife Center of the Internet - one of the largest online knife sellers is based out of College Park, MD. You can go to the "warehouse" in person and they're quite nice about pulling out your favorite contenders off the shelves so you can look at them. Go to knifecenter.com to get a feel for what they have. They have the EDC, about every Spyderco, Benchmade, Al Mar, William Henry, and Chris Reeves models to fondle, as well as -MANY- others. Their prices are pretty darn good as well.

Please take advantage of these great resources once you have your choices narrowed down. It's quite rare to live so closely to a large internet dealer like that! I know now that I'm in San Antonio, TX, I miss it.

Regards,
Christopher
 
Originally posted by BOK
For something thats lightweight I'd check out the Benchmade 350 (Mel Pardue).

Slim design and I find it goes well when I'm wearing dress pants or anything lightweight like that.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree.
The pardue can be a work knife or a dressy knife. Not too small, not too big. Also, the handle doesn't kill the dress pant pockets like G-10 for example.
 
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