Best EDC for under $100

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handiman115

Joined
Nov 21, 2012
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Hey guys, just joined the forum tonight, so I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but I'm looking to spend $60-100 on my first good knife. I have been doing a lot of reading and have read good things on the griptilian and delica and maybe the blur..?

Any thoughts? What other ones should I consider on my budget? What's the best first knife?

Thanks!
 
There are so many good "first" knives. The Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Skyline, and Benchmade mini Griptilian are all solid contenders from the "big three" American knife companies (production folders.)

Personally I think a folder with a blade around 3" long is ideal for a first folder. This size is legal most places, compact to carry, and gives excellent tip control for fine tasks.
 
The best intro folder depends on desired size and intended use.

For a larger knife fit for rural carry in jeans or fatigues, consider a Benchmade Grip, Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Kershaw Leek, or Spyderco Gayle Bradley. All can be found for around $100.

For a smaller knife fit for urban carry in slacks, consider a Spyderco Sage 1 or Benchmade Minigrip.

All things considered, the best value (and most versatile) knife is probably the Paramilitary 2. However, if I had to pick, I'd be tempted to find a Gayle Bradley around that price range. It's hard to beat the steel (CPM-M4), fit and finish, and beautiful carbon fiber scales of the Gayle Bradley!
 
Well, I've made it my business to stump for Columbia River Knife & Tool, so here goes.

The CRKT M4 series is a clean-looking knife, without a lot of bumps and notches. It's designed by Kit Carson, a well-reputed maker. There are a couple of handle material choices, but they are natural materials (wood and bone). If the design really speaks to you, I'm sure you could get it changed out for a synthetic material.

The Ripple, by Ken Onion is also worth a look. It comes in two sizes and two different colors. The Ripple's blade runs on a pair of bearings instead of washers, making it faster to open than any assisted opener I've ever seen.

I've also come to respect some of Cold Steel's offerings. The Micro Recon 1 kicked my Mini-Griptilian out of my pocket, and is the only no-clip knife I've ever had that I could carry comfortably. It's never going to replace a fixed blade, but it cuts like a much bigger knife.
 
So many options in that price range.... here are a few of my favorite

Kershaw Skyline
Kershaw Blur
Kershaw Zing
Spyderco Paramilitary
 
+1 on Kershaw Leek
+1 on Spyderco Gayle Bradley
+1 on Spyderco Endura/Delica

Ontario RAT model 1,
and if fixed blade is permitted, a Spyderco Moran.
I haven't own it yet but I am really tempted about Coldsteel Tuff/ Mini Tuff. I started to like wharncliffe blades!
 
Oh man... so many good knives to choose from. Let us know how many you decide to get!

Personally, I'd go with a Delica 4.
 
Another vote for a Manix 2. Out of all my folders, the Manix series from Spyderco outshines them all.
 
It's got flair and it's got kahunas. Great knife!

http://www.boker.de/us/fixed-blade-knife/boker-plus/outdoor-knife/02BO266.html

02bo266.jpg
 
Varies depending on what you want. Para 2 is probably my top all-around edc, but it can be a pain to find one right now. If you're dealing with office tasks and cutting largely manmade materials the Yojimbo 2 gives you that great wharncliffe blade. Looking for a stupidly tough knife with decent, easy to sharpen steel? Check out an American Lawman or Recon 1. Right now you can get a CPM154 Blur if A/O is your thing, very well made and a unique design. Kershaw Speedform 2 gets you Elmax, Griptilian gets you the Axis lock, if you're one of those that's very weight conscious and A.G. Russell Featherlite or Al Mar Ultralight might be good options. Any of those choices should serve you well, it just depends on what your priorities are.
 
I would piggy back off what others say and say look into Spyderco, Kersaw, (some) Gerbers and Ontario. Look at their websites you will find too many knives you like. The trick is to narrowing it down.
 
Get the kershaw LTD edition Blur. It has everything good the Blur has, but with CPM-154 steel
1670SPPRlarge.jpg
 
handiman115 said:
Hey guys, just joined the forum tonight, so I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but I'm looking to spend $60-100 on my first good knife. I have been doing a lot of reading and have read good things on the griptilian and delica and maybe the blur..?

Any thoughts? What other ones should I consider on my budget? What's the best first knife?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Everyone should have a SAK of some kind, imo. The alox ones are especially nice. Pick one up, carry it, use it and you'll see just how darn handy it can be... :thumbup:

Good luck, OP! :)
 
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