Best Production Folder Value for EDC

IMHO, the Camillus EDC in 154cm for under 50.00. That knife has a lot to offer for that price range. The Spyderco Native is my second choice. There are less expensive knives that are ok also, but for me, these best combine top notch features/with a great price.
 
I can't order 'em so I'll just spew em:
Any Spyderco FRN model (Endura, Delica, Native, Calypso Jr., Dragonfly, Cricket, Meerkat, Dyad Jr., etc.)
Camillus Enhanced EDC
Outdoor Edge Zytel Magna
Kershaw Scallion, Whirlwind, and Blackout
 
I agree with YoungCutter about the Kershaws, including the Blackout. I've had a Blackout for a couple of years and have given several to friends. I don't carry mine anymore (moved on up to MT's BM's and MOD's) but everyone I've given one to still does, and they all see pretty heavy daily use. And even though my tastes have gotten more refined I still can't bear to part with it. It was a heckuva deal for less than $60.
 
For high value, my vote is for the Victorinox SAK Tinker. With a little care, you get a lifetime of daily use.
 
It would depend how you define value. Any Victorinox SAK will provide a lifetime of use, for a reasonable price.
The BM710HS and Sebenza are more expensive, both both are durable, sharp and strong.
I think the best value in an EDC comes from buying one you really like and stick to it. People who won't pay $300 for a Sebbie, but have a drawer full of kershaw and CRK&T knives crack me up. Buy quality and only cry once.
Chad
 
Originally posted by chad234
People who won't pay $300 for a Sebbie, but have a drawer full of kershaw and CRK&T knives crack me up. Buy quality and only cry once.
Chad
Click to expand...

I happen to be one of those people (though I don't have any CRKTs, but lotsa Spydercos!), the reason for it is simple, I'm not ready to settle down with a single knife for EDC, I enjoying buying, trying, and carrying new and different knives, that's part of the fun of collecting. If I was just a simple fellow who wanted one folder to do it all for years and years I'd probably buy a Sebbie, as it is I'll probably buy one somewhere down the line when my income gets a little better, until then, I am enjoying my brand new Kershaw Scallion and Spyderco VG-10 Endura and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
Also, are you insinuating that CRKTs and Kershaws are "non-quality"? I think they are pretty dang good in the quality department, particularly for 1/6th the price of your Sebenza. I wish I was rich enough to look at Kershaws and CRKTs as crap the way most of us look at Frosts and flea-market chinese autos, but unfortunately I fall into a middle class like most people, who can't always afford the absolute finest. If it's any reassurance though, I bet there's some dude with some very nice Kit Carson, Darrel Ralph, and J.W. Smith folders looking down on your Sebenza as "non-quality".

Only fools think everything is relative.
 
YoungCutter....................:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

As stated, a Sebenza can be afforded if you can afford numerous "other" knives.:rolleyes:

As far as looking "down" on a Sebenza.......whatever!:rolleyes:
 
YoungCutter - I think that you have to read Chad's words in the light of which this thread was intended. We are talking about an EDC. If you have a drawer full of knives and carry different ones every day, then none of them are every day carry knives.

Those of us who quest for that perfect every day carry knife (though some prefer variety over ultimate quality), often end up in an initial purchasing frenzy, and reget it later. We buy a million inexpensive knives, trying to figure what we most admire in a knife, and then look back at what the learning has cost us monetarily. The numbers can be staggering.
 
Forgive me if I seemed a bit hostile.
I just hate it when people make generalizations in a hobby like this, it can sometimes seem like elitism. My attitude is to each their own, and that really shouldn't be a problem.
 
YoungCutter - I completely understand. Bragging rights is one of the chief premises of the collecting elite. ;) This is coming from a guy who owns the highly coveted Sebenza, but also loves his inexpensive Camillus EDC. You can get a whole lot of knife for very little money. It's just the wonderful attention to detail that costs a zillion bucks. :D
 
Originally posted by YoungCutter


I happen to be one of those people (though I don't have any CRKTs, but lotsa Spydercos!), the reason for it is simple, I'm not ready to settle down with a single knife for EDC, I enjoying buying, trying, and carrying new and different knives, that's part of the fun of collecting. If I was just a simple fellow who wanted one folder to do it all for years and years I'd probably buy a Sebbie, as it is I'll probably buy one somewhere down the line when my income gets a little better, until then, I am enjoying my brand new Kershaw Scallion and Spyderco VG-10 Endura and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
Also, are you insinuating that CRKTs and Kershaws are "non-quality"? I think they are pretty dang good in the quality department, particularly for 1/6th the price of your Sebenza. I wish I was rich enough to look at Kershaws and CRKTs as crap the way most of us look at Frosts and flea-market chinese autos, but unfortunately I fall into a middle class like most people, who can't always afford the absolute finest. If it's any reassurance though, I bet there's some dude with some very nice Kit Carson, Darrel Ralph, and J.W. Smith folders looking down on your Sebenza as "non-quality".

Only fools think everything is relative.
Click to expand...


Youngcutter,
I seem to have struck a nerve. That was not my intention. I do however stand by my statement. I'm sorry if you don't agree with it, but I can can live knowing that you and I have a differing opinion on the subject :)
I have owned several CRK&T knives, they were all great knives for the money. I gave them away to people who needed them, and they use them everyday. I have also owned several Kershaw knives. Again, all given away. I wasn't implying they were crap.
Spyderco, Benchmade, AL Mar, Microtech, etc all make fine knives. My full size Calypso is one of my most prized folders.
The question was one of value. To me, spending $300 once to have a knife to carry and use for a lifetime is a bargain. If I ever need to sell it, I can have it refurbished and sell it for about what I paid for it, total loss like $80. That is a bargain.
I am not an elitist by any means, in fact I am a quite poor civil servant. While working my way through college, I lived so far below the poverty line that homeless people would toss me change :)
Sorry if I offended you, and I'm glad you enjoy your knives. That is all that counts, that you enjoy them. I don't have very many knives, but those I have are the ones I use and enjoy. I am not a collector, and I am not a snob.
In any event, take care and stay safe. May your days be filled with peace and joy.
Chad
 
Originally posted by chad234


In any event, take care and stay safe. May your days be filled with peace and joy.
Chad
Click to expand...

Now that you've kissed and made up, let me chime in here ...

There are many great values out there, with some fine examples coming from CRKT, Kershaw, Camillus, Benchmade, and CRK among others. Some of us just can't come up with the outlay to afford "the ultimate," and are forced to select from what's available in our price point. Thank God I have some decent blades now, because a Vic Classic is out of my price point...LOL.

A few that I've experienced that made great EDCs:

Camillus 154cm EDC,
CR small Seb Classic,
Benchmade 705 and 905,
Kershaw Chive,
Benchmade Griptilian,
Spyderco Delica, and my personal favorite;
Victorinox Soldier or Pioneer.

Quite the mix of price points, huh?

Mike
 
My quest began with the Camillus EDC, but I'm still looking for one I can handle. I thought it would be a good supplement to the Wave I carry every day (which, to be honest, is probably sufficient). In the meantime I've handled the following ~4" folders in the $100 to $140 range.

Spyderco Calypso--This one looks and feels the best IMO, but the one I handles was serrated and I want a plain edge. (I know this knife is discontinued, but I think I can find a plain edge version).
Spyderco Police--Nice, but not as nice as the Calypso.
BM AFCK (liner lock)--This feels great, too.
BM 710 in M2--Nice, but I wish the blade were uncoated.
BM 750--Cool knife, but for the money, I'd rather get an 860D2 or 710 in M2.
Spyderco Military--Impressive, but it didn't feel as good in my hand as the other knives.

Of these I liked the Calypso and AFCK best. The 710 also appeals to me because it is more compact than the Calypso and AFCK. Anyone know a place in or around Seattle where I can play with the AFCK Axis-lock and maybe a Sebbie and an EDC? Last time I was at the Pike place Market, there was a place that sold Chris Reeve knives (they had samples of the one-piece range on display). There's a surplus store downtown that used to have a pretty good knife selection as well.

P.S. I agree about Victorinox and the Wave. My favorite Vic is the Outrider which can be had for $43.21 HERE. I just got my dad a Wave/tool adapter/leather sheath combo for $79 including shipping HERE :cool:
 
Best production folder value for EDC:

Nearly all Victorinox and Wenger SAKs.
The Leatherman Micra.
Many Spyderco knives, especially the FRN models (Delica, Endura, Native, Calypso Jr, Merlin).
Nearly all CRKT knives.
Schrade Old Timer pocket-knives.

Sebenza?
IMHO, overpriced for what you get.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I like how everyone qualifies the quality of CRKT knives with "for the money". While this is true, I think CRKT's would be great even for twice the money they are great knives. They have less slop than nearly any other off -the- shelf brand I've handled BM's included. Let's start saying they are great knives and end it there!!:D
 
Chad,

It's all good, just one question though.
How can you be a knife guy and not be a collector? It's soo irresistable :) :) :)
 
Because of where I work, my EDC has gotta be discreet...it has become a CRKT Contrail which is a very nice little folder for a very reasonable price (never been quite sure whether to call it a "liner-lock" or a "frame-lock").

My personal value/quality favorite EDC would be my AFCK.

I have a Spyderco Native on the way...it also impressed me as a potentially high quality for low price knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top