Blade Noob - First EDC

[Spovik]

Hey all. 35 yo from Maine and I'm starting to get myself a bit better prepared with EDC gear. I had heard of a few brands, but now as I have been researching, my head is spinning and I'm having a hard time finding concise comparisons, or easy categorization on manufacturer's websites.. Since I don't know what I should be expecting, I'd like to start entry level (around ~$50) until I get used to carrying and see if I even stick with it.

The criteria I pretty much am looking for are locking folder, low ride clip, light, and smooth blade. I'd prefer both blade and clip black, but the clip alone will be fine.

The first that caught my eye was the Spyderco Tenacious. This is nearly the ideal style, but the clip leaves too much exposed and it's likely a bit big for me. None of the smaller variants have the blacked option, and I have had a hard time finding replacement low-riding clips.

The second, and one I've almost settled on, is the SOG Flash I Black TiNi. I like the assisted open, but I'd prefer a smooth blade, and would prefer one where the lock doesn't rattle when it's closed. The safety doesn't bother me.

The SOG is pretty much where it's at for me and is as close to perfect as I can find, however, I thought I'd at least throw a line out in case some of you folks with more exposure would have some off-hand suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any blade suggestions. I'd also welcome any other advice or tips anyone wants to throw out.

 

[cpurcell]

Hello Spovik and welcome!
I would suggest looking at the SOG Flash II.

I have one with the polished blade and clip, but it's available with the blackened setup you mention.
I've seen them go for anywhere from $30 - $75, so just shop around and you won't get taken.
I've been carrying mine in my left front pocket for 2 years now and sometimes I honestly forget it's there.
The knife rides LOW in the pocket, has a nice assist, and retains an edge well.

 

[David_Parker03]

I would recommend the Spyderco anyday over the the SOG. While their fixed blades are nice and cheap, their fit and finish on folders is pretty poor. You'll often find a large number of complaints regarding blade-play, where as Spyderco's are usually quite solid.

 

[BladeChick777]

This knife is a little over $50 but have you looked at the H&K Conspiracy - Nice Ti Frame Lock for cheap and it's blacked out.
H&K P30.
H&K Enigma.
H&K Soldat.
H&K Mini Ascender.
H&K Mini Pika.

H&K Knives are made by Benchmade and have what you're looking for.

 

[mkjellgren]

I would stay away from SOG folders to tell you the truth. I'm my opinion, one of the best edc knives of all time is the spyderco delica the current version (delica 4 ffg) is available in several different colors and runs about $55-60. It does not have a low riding clip, but to be honest, on the delica, I wouldn't want one.

 

[user knife]

As posted above, SOG is basically a joke for the price. Make sure to check out the Buck Vantage models. Pick your steel for price but watch out for off center blades. It is a problem Buck "so far" has ignored.

 

[Longtrang]

Pretty much anything from spyderco is good to go. Stay away from SOG.

 

[MasterPisaster]

Spyderco Native FRN can be had for around that price point. Comes with either satin or black finish and the clip is black. Good steel too (better than SOG).

Also, try searching the forums. There are TONS of threads on EDC's for around $50

 

[djjonny]

Another Vote for SC native. One of the bests value for money in the Spyderco range
Don't own and SOG, but read a lot of reviews of blade play problems

 

[singularity35]

Kershaw Skyline?

 

[mctrinket]

Kershaw Skyline?

I second that: and even better how about the bladeforums one!

Go here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Thread-S30V-Blue-G10-90-ea?highlight=skyline

 

[bh49]

Spovik,
Welcome to the Forum.
In my honest opinion two most important things in EDC are ergos and steel. In your price range I would consider Spyderco Native, full flat grind delica or centofante3

Kershaw Skyline?

Excuse me??????????
Chuck,
You can get in serious trouble for this heresy if some of your buddies find out

 

[singularity35]

Spovik,
Welcome to the Forum.
In my honest opinion two most important things in EDC are ergos and steel. In your price range I would consider Spyderco Native, full flat grind delica or centofante3

Excuse me??????????
Chuck,
You can get in serious trouble for this heresy if some of your buddies find out

Hehehe that is true BH but he did say that the Tenacious wasn't for him.Tenacious was going to be my first recommendation.

 

[P2P]

another vote for, no more SOG Folders.

Delica FFG's are wicked awesome.

 

[Spovik]

Thanks for all the suggestions. There are a few brands I hadn't even considered.

The HK's are pretty close to my ideal blade and I hadn't considered Buck since my limited experience with them was always heavy blades, but these Vantages look good.

I guess the follow up question I should ask you folks is if I am being too picky with my expectations? It seems that all these options come very close, but none are 100%.

Spyderco nearly always comes close to what I want, but they either don't have the blade options or always have the high-riding 3-screw clip. Am I being "that guy" who's being a blade snob with unrealistic expectations, or is the perfect EDC pretty much a myth and an endless quest? (Or is that a lie you tell yourselves to keep buying new models! lol)

I appreaciate all the suggestions so far!

 

[singularity35]

Thanks for all the suggestions. There are a few brands I hadn't even considered.

The HK's are pretty close to my ideal blade and I hadn't considered Buck since my limited experience with them was always heavy blades, but these Vantages look good.

I guess the follow up question I should ask you folks is if I am being too picky with my expectations? It seems that all these options come very close, but none are 100%.

Spyderco nearly always comes close to what I want, but they either don't have the blade options or always have the high-riding 3-screw clip. Am I being "that guy" who's being a blade snob with unrealistic expectations, or is the perfect EDC pretty much a myth and an endless quest? (Or is that a lie you tell yourselves to keep buying new models! lol)

I appreaciate all the suggestions so far!

The search for the perfect EDC is precisely the reason for the quest. So in a sense you are correct in calling the "perfect EDC". a myth.

For me though, the para 2 in M390 comes close.

 

[Bake13]

H&K Mini Ascender may be close to what you are looking for. All black, low ride clip, plain edge drop point or tanto style blades are available for well under 50 bucks.

 

[ooitzoo]

I'd get the tenny if its between those two BUT I'd stronly suggest you check out a delica/endura/griptillian.

 

[mkjellgren]

Thanks for all the suggestions. There are a few brands I hadn't even considered.

The HK's are pretty close to my ideal blade and I hadn't considered Buck since my limited experience with them was always heavy blades, but these Vantages look good.

I guess the follow up question I should ask you folks is if I am being too picky with my expectations? It seems that all these options come very close, but none are 100%.

Spyderco nearly always comes close to what I want, but they either don't have the blade options or always have the high-riding 3-screw clip. Am I being "that guy" who's being a blade snob with unrealistic expectations, or is the perfect EDC pretty much a myth and an endless quest? (Or is that a lie you tell yourselves to keep buying new models! lol)

I appreaciate all the suggestions so far!

Well, as you seem to be figuring out, the search for the perfect edc can be a long and expensive one. There really is no perfect edc, just great ones for particular situations. If the height of the clip on some of the spydercos is a problem for you you could always step up your game a bit and fork over an extra $50 and get the sage 1. It has a satin blade but is plain edge s30v steel, has carbon fiber handles, spectacular ergonomics, and a BLACK LOW RIDER CLIP!!!! The whole sage series is great but the sage 1, at roughly $100, is the cheapest and by far the best deal of the bunch...

With that said, is there really a reason you NEED a low riding clip? Considering this would be your first edc, how do you even know that is your preferred clip style? On the types of small knives you're looking at I find having a little bit of the knife sticking out greatly increases ease of access, and once you become accustomed to having a knife clipped to your pocket I'd be willing to bet you don't even notice it. Now, that's not to say there aren't some knives that have too high riding of pocket clips. The kershaw skyline in tip up configuration and the zt0350 in any right handed configuration are two examples. The clip on the spydercos doesn't seem to be a problem for very many people.

In the end though, your best bet is going to be a knife that you like the looks of and is well spoken of by most experienced members. In general, around $50, the two knives that are most commonly suggested are the spyderco delica ffg and the benchmade mini griptilian. I own both and both are SPECTACULAR edc knives (buying either as my first would have saved me quite a bit of time and money).

 

[Shorttime]

+1 to Mini-Grip. Rides a little high in the pocket for you, probably, but overall quality is hard to beat at the price point. Likewise, black clips are a little hard to find.