Best EDC for under $200

[gajinoz]

The Soddie is a recent addition to a long list of knives that I have used....and if I had started with it I would not have needed any of the others.

I've discovered that the SnG is great for general work. One of the advantages is it's strength, you can use the handle as a lever and it will cut through electric fencing tape all day without sharpening. Obviously I'm going to be seriously annoyed if a $500 knife ends up in the bottom of a long drop but, generally, I don't play around with my knives when I'm having a crap.

If you ever decide to try something else out, have a look at a Spyderco Native, not too expensive and a good size for the pocket that will also be big enough for almost any task.

The Leatherman is also indispensible as far as I'm concerned. It's only downside is that it the pliers don't cut through high tensile fencing wire too well.


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[no-one]

I had the rotten thing in my back pocket....and from memory that is the very last occasion that I have done so.

 

[champignon_volant]

For less than 200$, you have a good choise, I have a Fallkniven TK3, small but very strong and perfectly finish, the Benchmade mini Dejavoo is very nice at use. A Leatherman is perfect if you want an hanful of tool in your pocket.

 

[littlejohn54]

I have enjoyed the SOG Trident, since it is light for it's size and sharpens well and is fun! It also fits in my hand pretty well.

And, you could buy three for $200!

 

[hardheart]

Like, any decent knife priced up to $200 will do farm work. On a farm, you're gonna have other tools when you need to do something other than cut, you're gonna be able to sharpen when the day is done, you're gonna be able to clean it regularly.

 

[Harayasu]

I think most modern knives that are mentioned will be able to perform farm work and will do it nice. Since you mentioned the $200, I think you prefer a modern knife, but here's just a little thought on a traditional knife.

I regularly helped my father on his farm (growing all kinds of small trees, like christmas trees and such) and always used a Friedrich Herder working knife. It is a simple German made knife with wooden handles and carbon steel blade, it is about 19 cm long and it looks like a Case Sodbuster. It costs about 20 euros, but is strong and does the work for about 15 years now. My father used his knife for a much longer time, everyday.

Knives are very personal, I also have an Adola knife of the sodbuster pattern, but just a bit different handle and I don't like to use it. Since sodbusters are not very expensive, you could try such one and a modern knive, to find out what you like most or use them both.

 

[Stainz]

How about a new Buck - 3.2" with a SS linerlocked S30V blade and contoured G10 scales? I have had my Buck #347 Vantage Pro since March - great value. You could have four for that $200 limit, if you shop around. Of course, the old 'standby' is a Buck 110 Folding Hunter - and you could have seven of those, at the Wally World price. They come with belt sheaths, too.

Stainz