Best EDC Knives?

[N8N]

I've never cut drywall with a pocketknife nor do I think I would unless absolutely necessary. That stuff tears up utility knife blades super quickly.

 

[Vinnypb33]

Hmmm see this is the problem haha there seems to be no such thing as the perfect edc folding knife especially not unless you're willing to throw in about 300 dollars or more

 

[o4tg]

Hmmm see this is the problem haha there seems to be no such thing as the perfect edc folding knife especially not unless you're willing to throw in about 300 dollars or more

Realistically, unless you have a pretty uneventful life, there is no one perfect EDC. That's how the addiction begins. Next thing you know you have about 50 knives spread out on a table smiling over them like they were money. Then you get online and see another one you like, you blackout, and then the next thing you know you get a box in the mail a few days later.

 

[Vinnypb33]

Can anybody explain to me the basics of whats good im qualities of a knife and what isnt like idk what frn and ffg and blade hardness necessarily equate to...yes im a noob i appreciate all the patience you guys have shown me and im grateful for your insight and knowledge

 

[Vinnypb33]

My addiction to knives is kind of already starting but i want to make safe and well spent purchases id hate to get beat on the first knife i order, my grandfather was a hunter and used to talk about knives all the time which is why ive grown fascinated with them he recently passed and one of the last things he told me was to get a good knife and the essentials its something every man should have and know about

 

[o4tg]

Can anybody explain to me the basics of whats good im qualities of a knife and what isnt like idk what frn and ffg and blade hardness necessarily equate to...yes im a noob i appreciate all the patience you guys have shown me and im grateful for your insight and knowledge

FRN is fiberglass reinforced nylon. It's basically a pretty cheap plastic, but it's gripiness all comes down to how the grip panels are designed. Much better than normal plastic, but still not the best. It does lack the natural stickiness quality G10 and micarta seem to have, but low end G10 is pretty terrible too.

G10 is a (sort of) version of fiberglass known as Garolite in industrial applications. It's very tough and grippy, and also looks really cool if done right. The G10 on most Chinese knives is pretty terrible since they use too much resin to keep the cost down.

Blade steels is a huge can of worms. I suggest reading here, but remember there are many more variables. Heat treat is a big one and a major factor on cheaper knives. With out a good heat treat, even the best steel.might as well be aluminum.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Steel-Chart-Comparison-EDC-Knife-Blades-v5-3

 

[Vinnypb33]

So g10 is what i should look for in terms of knife handles?

 

[o4tg]

So g10 is what i should look for in terms of knife handles?

Yes, but it's far from the most important factor. The Utilitac II I recommend comes with FRN but it's grippier than most FRN handles. The only handle material I won't buy are metallics like aluminum and others. Having worked construction and autobody, metal scales turned me off since they get hot and slippery in the heat, and downright painful in the cold.

Keep in mind materials don't make something a good knife. I have a US made Buck Vantage Force Pro that uses beautiful G10 and S30V steel, yet is one of my lowest quality knives.

Since you're new to knives, I honestly recommend a few lower end knives rather than one $80 knife. Get to know what features you like, then make an informed decision. If you do take that route, stick to reputable brands like Ontario, Kershaw, Spyderco, and the like. While big names, I avoid Buck and Gerber's current offerings though someone will be in to disagree with me I'm sure.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Realistically, unless you have a pretty uneventful life, there is no one perfect EDC. That's how the addiction begins. Next thing you know you have about 50 knives spread out on a table smiling over them like they were money. Then you get online and see another one you like, you blackout, and then the next thing you know you get a box in the mail a few days later.

Sounds like a joke, but it happens. I get up the next morning and I can see where I fell asleep with my fingers on the keyboard. Sleeping pills like Ambien will do that to you, and make you raid the frig at 3 a.m. besides. I get, literally, to the point where I can no longer read the screen and I'm still typing. I don't learn easily...

to the OP...if you will go online and look through the catalogs of Spyderco and Kershaw, you will find three tons of lower-priced folders that will make you happy...for a while.

 

[Vinnypb33]

Any specific models you suggest 04tg?

 

[Gollum]

Just buy a Spyderco Tenacious for $30, EDC it for 6 months, then report back your findings.

 

[Vinnypb33]

Yeah sonny ambien is heavy stuff

 

[Vinnypb33]

Ok so i'll pick up a utilitac 2 and a spyderco tenacious

 

[fetzer85]

Any specific models you suggest 04tg?

There's loads of cheap EDC threads here if you do a search.

 

[N8N]

Hmmm see this is the problem haha there seems to be no such thing as the perfect edc folding knife especially not unless you're willing to throw in about 300 dollars or more

Now you're getting it

The good news is that there are some good knives available in the sub $100 and even sub $50 price ranges so even if you don't find the perfect knife you can end up with a good, serviceable one. I'd pick up one or two of the less expensive ones that you are considering and use it/them for a while and find out what you do/don't like about them before buying a really expensive knife.

 

[Vinnypb33]

Thanks guys haha i appreciate all the help i'd still like to keep the forum going for others who also need the advice and expertise what are your personal edc knives right now?

 

[o4tg]

Any specific models you suggest 04tg?

Ontario Utilitac II.
Ontario RAT.
Kershaw Skyline.
Kershaw Cryo if metallic scales aren't an issue.
Kershaw Knockout if metallic scales aren't an issue.
Spyderco Tenascious if you absolutely have to have a Spyderco.


Are there any stores that sell knives close to you? The best deals are usually online but you can get a feel for some at least. I also tend to avoid Boker and CRKT due to bad experiences. Lots of knives people recommend are 8CR13MOV blade steel which is a Chinese steel. While definitely useable, I find the steel to be quite a bit lower on the scale than AUS8 even though the ingredients are relatively similar.

 

[o4tg]

Ok so i'll pick up a utilitac 2 and a spyderco tenacious

Sounds like a good start. There are lots of options in the Utilitac series so make sure you get the blade style and handle style you want. I wear gloves on patrol so I like the coffin grip but the traditional swell might be more fitting. Blade HQ has the best Utilitac prices I've found after shipping, but their Tenascious prices are on the higher end of the spectrum.

Oh, and don't forget to post pictures and your initial thoughts when you get them!

 

[Quiet]

Vinny, the one knife that sticks out to me when thinking about what you want

- Strong
- Folder
- Half serrated
- Tanto
- Fairly inexpensive

Is this knife:

(( not a paid BF Dealer ))

I have this exact knife, and for the money, it's amazing. Plus, the ergonomics of the handle are just...it's a whole lotta knife for the money. I would recommend the mid-size model. The large is like, a foot long when open.

 

[Vinnypb33]

04tg of course haha i'll probably order them right after xmas pictures will be posted thanks for the suggestions