Any help with large EDC folder would be much appreciated!

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Dan30

Joined
Feb 2, 2013
Messages
9
Hey, everyone. I’m new around here and looking to buy a large folder for EDC. Weight is no issue, but money is... and I’ve got the cash for only one. It will be a while before I’m able to buy another. I’ve been looking at the following, and can get any of them for about $40. Looking at plain edges specifically.

1. Ka Bar Mule – my only concern was the lock, and never used a zytel handle
2. Ka Bar Phat Bob – not quite the length I wanted, but looks like a beast + micarta
3. Spyderco Resilience – I’ve heard pretty mixed reviews on it, not familiar with 8Cr13MoV
4. Cold Steel Voyager – seems nice minus grivory handles (having a hard time justifying an extra $20-25 for the G10 Recon 1 or American Lawman)

I want whichever will perform the most tasks well (from cutting packages to "some" bushcraft), maintains a decent edge, and comes out with a working lock. Also, it’s not my top factor – but I would definitely prefer something that could be effectively used for self-defense. I know it’s a folder, but something is better than nothing. A fixed blade is great, but so is a shotgun. When it comes down to it, personal safety comes down to what we can carry – not what is sitting in our house, car, etc. This has left the Voyager looking good at the moment with the Tri-Ad lock and handle design, but that is just from what I have gathered. I like these four, but I am open to any recommendations - but the Recon 1 (at $60) is the absolute top of my budget. $40 sounds much better though…

I would definitely appreciate any and all input. My thanks in advance for your help and for all the info you guys have volunteered on the forum. My apologies for a question you’ve probably answered 100 times. I’ve learned a lot looking through the posts here though!
 
Voyager are very nice for the money. I own the old version and new version of the Recon1. It is very light for it's strength, and the blade profile of the clip point and the spear point is pretty darned useful.

The voyager's are also very light, and the new versions are full flat ground which is a huge plus for me!
 
Can't say enough good things about the Resilience, what have you heard? It's best attribute is slicing imo, for a thick knife it really cuts. Mine is very solid all around, yet a good bit lighter than the Voyager. I adjusted it for no blade play ever, and the blade has stayed perfectly centered over a year now. I had a Rajah 2 and while the tri ad lock is certainly stronger, in testing that wasn't the weak point. The pivot loosened up dangerously despite loctite, which caused the lock to fail while chopping. For SD the Resilience will have a less acute tip, take care sharpening it and it penetrates better than you would think. Both can use the zip tie wave mod. You will possibly get more reach with the Voyager, as it has a longer handle.
 
Thanks for the reply! I am particularly interested here, since you obviously know both knives... Having owned the Recon1 with G10, and seeing the new voyager with flat grind - which of these 2 would you choose if you had to purchase one (and only one) knife at the moment? Again, this will be my one and only (larger knife) for quite a while. The looks of the Recon are fantastic to me. I just want to know that I'm getting more than a visual for my money, and it seems like you might actually prefer the new voyager over it? If $20 will make a big difference, I would rather take that route. Thanks for your time and help.
 
Fantastic. Thanks for your help! The only bad things that I have heard are an unfinished blade (hot spots), as pointed out by Cynic's review. As well, blade play right out of the box. However, your pointing out of an adjustment would clear that up! At that, I've not heard much bad at all. Based on you guys, I definitely will not write it off. And yeah, the Resilience tip doesn't look bad at all. I was reluctant to post anything bad about a spyderco, since I was considering a couple of Cold Steels, and seeing their reputation at times on the forums. I'm definitely not a "brand guy". Wouldn't have mentioned it at all, if I didn't like it! I actually REALLY like a couple of spydercos, but they're about 30 bucks outside my price range. I want a good blade overall for what I can spend. I can get a voyager for $37. The resilience is going to run me about $43. In your honest opinion, would you spend more for the Spyderco?
 
The Ontario rat 1 is good size knife.... $25-$35 or so....it's a very well built knife, made in Taiwan.
 
If the Recon 1($60) is the top of your budget, why not check out a Spyderco Endura(around $60, often less)?
It's large - Durable FRN handles - Nice strong back lock - Slices like a laser - Can be used for all kinds of stuff - And better blade steel than all that have been mentioned.
The Endura makes a very nice EDC. The steel used(VG-10) takes a nice keen sharp edge and holds it for quite a long while. It's also easy to sharpen once it does get dull.
Oh and you can get an Endura either in the saber grind or Full Flat Grind(FFG). The FFG is best for EDC in my opinion, though both would do you well.

It's also available in a multitude of colors.
Great knife, great price, awesome company, what's not to like?
 
The Ontario RAT-1 is a somewhat large EDC blade that can be found for around $30. It's got a 3.5" blade (bigger than the Phat Bob, but smaller than the Mule) and lightly textured FRN handles. The Enlan EL-01 has a beefy 4" blade (same size as the Voyager, but smaller than the Resilience), has G10 handles, and can be had for under $20. Both of these do feel bit more solid than the Resilience (or anything in the Tenacious line). I haven't handled a Phat Bob, Mule, or Voyager, so I can't say much about those.

Ontario_RAT-1_800x317.jpg


Enlan_EL01_800x241.jpg
 
Can't speak for it, but I've had my Eye on the Mule folder for awhile. The fact that it IS a lockback really turns me on to it, I don't trust anything that folds like a good lockback.

But like I said, I have no experience with it.
 
Welcome to the forum Dan30. I have a Spyderco Resilience and have had no problems with it.It was lazer sharp out of the box,lock up was/is perfect.In my opinion I think the spyderco is your best bet .If you ever had a problem with it Spyderco's customer service is top notch.Also check out the Ontario Rat 1 for 25 bucks it is a great knife.check out this thread to see what people say about the Rat1 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1033046-Ontario-Rat-1 . For another big folder to check out ,look at the Boker plus S2.I have a S2 and I really like it.I'm not so sure it would make a good bushcraft knife but it has been surprisingly useful for EDC tasks and is killer in the kitchen.Good luck on your quest.
 
Thanks for your help. I am checking out an Endura at the moment... I like the upgrade on steel - definitely (and the lock)! On the other hand, why did they choose FRN over G10 or micarta? I do not mind some weight - I actually like it with knives. It seems that for everything a company adds, they take something away. I do like this one though and Great reviews... you've got me thinking about this one! Any thoughts on FRN? Not just good or bad, but standing up to micarta or g10? And how does the blade strength (not sharpening ability) stand up to the voyager or Recon1? I like slice and have heard that Spydercos have that in spades, but this thing had better drive through as well! Thanks for pointing this one out though.
 
Thanks flatblack. I appreciate your input definitely! Glad to hear that Spyderco CS is great as well - that counts for a lot. However, if you're a fan of Spyderco (and not trying to put you on point) - but, maybe you can help me with this one... Why are the cheaper steel Resilience knives (not saying they're not good) equipped with G10, however - you step up to the Endura, as recommended by BladeChick - and you get nicer steel with... FRN? Am I missing something? On the other hand, I would not write off FRN, just not impressed from what I've heard about it. Would you suggest an Endura over the Resilience for an extra $20? Thank you for your other suggestions as well. I'll check them out. And thanks for the good luck... feels like I'm gonna need it!
 
Dan, the Endura is a fantastic knife. Through normal use, it should not break. Maybe it you baton through some larger logs it might, but it is fantastic. I think they used FRN because (and I may be wrong here) it is easier to sculpt than G10. Not sure about Micarta. I do know that G10 wears down on it's texture after a while. I notice it on my Skylines after about a week. I haven't noticed any on my Delica (used for over 6 months) or my Endura (about a month old). Out of all the knives presented in this thread, I can say that the Endura is definitely up there. I don't know how it compares to the Cold Steel, but it is better than the RAT 1 and the Resiliance (better steel and lock)
 
Hey Nate! Thanks for the info. I appreciate the insight into the FRN versus G10. I cannot say that I will go with it, but I'm seriously considering the Endura now. Spyderco has obviously built a good reputation, fan base, CS response, and blade. Several people have recommended them, and you and BladeChick specifically are standing up for the Endura. It seems to me that more people are stepping up here for these knives than the Ka Bar or Cold Steel. I could be wrong... but I feel like there must be a reason for that! You guys might have changed my mind, and that's cool. Thanks for your time and help.
 
Depends how much you want to spend, I'd get the Voyager clip point if you want to spend around $40 and the Endura FFG if you want to spend about $60-70.
 
Not a problem Dan.

Cold Steel and Ka-Bar are not bad companies at all.
However all in all every Spyderco(even the China made ones like the resilience) I've owned have had better fit and finish. Spyderco stands proudly behind their knives as well. The upgrade in steel is a nice one.

On the FRN vs. G-10 - FRN Is a bit cheaper and is likely why the Endura doesn't cost $100+.
Don't let that fool you however, FRN is a tough material and can hold up to a lot of use and likely some abuse as well.
FRN also doesn't lose it's grip really like G-10 does(mentioned before).

On the FFG Endura the spine is rounded towards the tip to give you not just a pointy but robust tip.

I have read many reviews of people abusing Spyderco's FRN knives and they just keep coming back for more.
I've seen many hard use videos and tests of the Endura and Delica and they always hold up extremely well.

I think if you go with the Endura - You'll have a knife that will take what you throw at it and always be a reliable companion. I carried and used a Delica for a while and have nothing but good things to say. I've owned and used tons of their FFG and FRN knives and used some pretty hard and never developed any problems. And know that if I did I could always send them into Spyderco and I'd be taken care of.

I am a bit of a Spyderco Lover - but I've owned and used and still own and use other knives. But Spyderco is the brand that has stood out the most to me. Especially when it comes to what you pay for what you get.

Be careful though, your next purchase may be a more expensive Spyderco lol.
 
Dan30 said:
Fantastic. Thanks for your help! The only bad things that I have heard are an unfinished blade (hot spots), as pointed out by Cynic's review. As well, blade play right out of the box. However, your pointing out of an adjustment would clear that up! At that, I've not heard much bad at all. Based on you guys, I definitely will not write it off. And yeah, the Resilience tip doesn't look bad at all. I was reluctant to post anything bad about a spyderco, since I was considering a couple of Cold Steels, and seeing their reputation at times on the forums. I'm definitely not a "brand guy". Wouldn't have mentioned it at all, if I didn't like it! I actually REALLY like a couple of spydercos, but they're about 30 bucks outside my price range. I want a good blade overall for what I can spend. I can get a voyager for $37. The resilience is going to run me about $43. In your honest opinion, would you spend more for the Spyderco?
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I've never handled a Voyager, so I don't think I could make a fair comparison. Looking around, though, the only Voyagers I could find for ~$37 were the 3 inch verson, the larger sizes were more expensive than the Resilience (which has a blade length of 4.25 inches).
 
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