Best EDC knife for under $200 ???

Biginboca · Nov 13, 2011

I was looking at the hest 2.0 folder today and it seems to meet all the stated criteria. I wonder why no one mentioned it yet?

zippofan · Nov 13, 2011

Thanks to this thread now I'm looking at a bunch of new knives...since I have too many watches and Zippos

dustyzz · Nov 13, 2011

The Hest/f 2.0 is an awesome knife, I've been edc-ing one for 3+ months... I think some folks here are a bit reluctant to talk about DPX Gear products because of the issues with that plagued the 1.0 version and the fallout from the dustup that happened with Mr. Pelton (DPX Gear owner).

/dusty

whetrock · Nov 13, 2011

The ZT200 is the way to go IMO.

Chris "Anagarika" · Nov 13, 2011

cziv said:
You're not serious are you? BEST for under $200?

Since no criteria given, as starter, nothing wrog with them. Once OP kniws what he actually likes (design, lock, blade shape & grind), the rest of his fund can go to the right one, it Goes by assumption OP doesn't know yet what he'll like best.

If I have 200$ on knife, I'll get CS XL Voyager Tanto & Spydie Millie (well, that's a bit over in total).

OrdnanceBubbaUSMC · Nov 13, 2011

Max 3.5 in. blade I would say Spyderco Native FRN or Paramilitary, Cold Steel American Lawman or Hold Out III, and the Benchmade 943 is a very sexy, slim knife that I have a feeling you would like a lot. They will all be plenty tough for most people with American Lawman having the thickest tip if you think you might need that.

SleepyBadger · Nov 13, 2011

I recommend a Kershaw skyline for a folder (I prefer the damascus version) and for a fixed blade I carry a Hargis EDC right now.
Both are low key and well made.

statmonster · Nov 13, 2011

Hogue/Elishewitz EX01 - strong, rugged, easy to carry

Nikkogi · Nov 13, 2011

In my opinion, the best EDC knife is the Benchmade Mini Ritter Grip. I own a Sebenza as well and the Ritter Grip is just amazing! The axis lock is superb!

cziv · Nov 13, 2011

Nikkogi said:
In my opinion, the best EDC knife is the Benchmade Mini Ritter Grip. I own a Sebenza as well and the Ritter Grip is just amazing! The axis lock is superb!

I'll buy you a new Ritter Grip for that Sebenza if you're interested. Coated or stonewashed? Small or large? Let me know.

Keyman · Nov 14, 2011

I wouldn't take a Sebenza in trade.

cziv · Nov 14, 2011

Keyman said:
I wouldn't take a Sebenza in trade.

That's good because I wouldn't offer ya one.

Nice aftermarket handle! :thumbup:

5.56 · Nov 14, 2011

Um cziv, I think thats a Gold Class ^^

I could be wrong, I didn't know they made a Ritter

cziv · Nov 14, 2011

5.56 said:
Um cziv, I think thats a Gold Class ^^

I could be wrong, I didn't know they made a Ritter

Yeah now that you mention it - it does look like the gold class Grip. Looks like he swapped out the regular blade for the Ritter blade. That's an expensive griptilian there. I still don't like them.

kawr · Nov 14, 2011

cziv said:
Yeah now that you mention it - it does look like the gold class Grip. Looks like he swapped out the regular blade for the Ritter blade. That's an expensive griptilian there. I still don't like them.

I like the grip alot but im with you. I wouldnt trade my seb for a $400 grip ^^

Keyman · Nov 14, 2011

To each his own.
M4 steel, Ritter blade shape, Axis lock, CF scales and Nickel plated hardware....that's what does it for me.
Trust me, this Grip is a lot of things...But regular is not one of them

dcmartin · Nov 14, 2011

statmonster said:
Hogue/Elishewitz EX01 - strong, rugged, easy to carry

Was given one as an EXO1 as a gift and i find it to be my go to knife for a lot of things.
I also noticed
1: Incredible handle to blade ratio (almost perfect 50/50)
2: USA MADE
3: The blade is very similar in size/shape to my Hinderer XM-3.5
4: The edge is polished from the factory (at least mine was)
5: Great button lock system for opening and closing + a lock making it a fixed blade (sort of) if you so desire..
6: My personal favorite with this knife would have to be when you carry it in the "tip up" pocket position, because of how the handle tapers
it gives off the visual signature of a MUCH smaller knife.

Best of Luck with your decision!

madchild1 · Nov 14, 2011

Any ZT

jazub · Nov 14, 2011

Benchmade 940. I finally tried one and it rules! Good luck with your selection :thumbup:

cziv · Nov 14, 2011

jazub said:
Benchmade 940. I finally tried one and it rules! Good luck with your selection :thumbup:

Agreed that it's one helluva fine folder. I agree with NutnFancy when he said that any company making folding knives could learn something from this model - (a paraphrase but pretty close).

Here's one of my two:

More great EDCs:

My EDC - just over the $200 range though