Blade noob here with EDC knife questions.

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M4J0R T0M

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Jun 6, 2012
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I'm a complete noob when I comes to blades with the exception of what I've been reading here over the last couple days and what I've seen at the local knife store. I'm wanting to get a new EDC to replace one that I lost. I need some suggestions from you guys with experience.

Here are some of the things I'm looking for in a new knife. I'd like the knife to either be an assisted flipper or an automatic. I'd like a non serrated blade with a drop point profile. G10 handles with a slightly large frame due to my bigger sized hands. Tip up right hand carry is the only clip option I need. The knife would need to handle normal daily duties, cutting open boxes but nothing to rugged or rough, although I'd rather have to much knife than not enough. I'm a complete noob when it comes to sharpening a knife so I'd like the blade to be able to hold a good edge for a while. I'd like to stay in the $100 or less price range.

The knife I'm replacing is a BM auto Mel Pardue (510 maybe) that my dad gave to me. It was a good knife as far I'm concerned. The size was good and the weight didn't bother me. The only thing I didn't like was that the 154CM didn't stay very sharp, but that was probably my fault.

I've handled a ZT0350ts at the local knife shop and really liked everything about it except the fact that it took up a lot of room in my back right pocket which is where it'll be carried 99% of the time. Other than the ZT I haven't handled to many others. Can you guys point me in the right direction?
 
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ZT and Kershaw (same company, different brand names) are the best assisted openers for the money, IMO at least. They also have a ton of models. Best thing might be to go through their catalog and ask about specific knives you see that you like. Kershaw is probably the better bet because most ZTs are over $100.

Here's the Kershaw 2012 catalog http://www.kershawknives.com/pdfs/kershaw_catalog.pdf

edit: Actually here is an online list of all assisted openers http://www.kershawknives.com/searchresults.php?search_by=knifefeatures&search_value=1&brand=kershaw
 
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Kershaw blur s30v Stonewashed blade. Meets your requirements pretty well, great steel, good blade profile. The blur is a good knife for the money
 
If you get a Kershaw SpeedSafe knife, keep in mind they will send you multiple replacement torsion bars on request for your USA-made knife, but if you buy a Chinese-made one you will have to send the entire knife in to them.
 
Thanks for the suggestions and keep 'em coming. Those kershaw lists will also help out a lot. Are there any benefits that's would make AO's better than an auto for EDC, or vice versa?
 
Any other suggestions that would be comparable to the ZT0350? The local store will sell me the ZT $100 OTD. Can the ZT be beat for that kind of money?
 
kicwk said:
http://i.tfcdn.com/img2/ymLilkUAY_J...LdZLzs_Vz01NyUzUd_LVtTQ0djHSyypIBwA*/fyVMtP8A

Benchmade 912 D2 Nitrous Srtyker
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Thanks for the suggestion but I'd really like to stay with either an assisted flipper or an auto. Are there any reasons I should choose one over the other for EDC?

Zach Gulsby said:
I would make sure that autos are legal for you to carry and not just own in your jurisdiction.
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In AL autos are legal to both possess and carry as long you don't carry it concealed.
 
.Keens said:
Kershaw blur s30v Stonewashed blade. Meets your requirements pretty well, great steel, good blade profile. The blur is a good knife for the money
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This is a very good recommendation here, if you want a Kershaw assist this is a VERY GOOD start. It's light, very thin and grips quite well in the hand with the trac-tec inserts. Although it's not a flipper style as you requested, this thing flies open with minimal effort on the angled thumbstuds. Add the S30V blade and I think you would be well covered, definitely check this one out
 
How about the Blade forum's upcoming knife! Its a Kershaw, a flipper and it is about $100 shipped! :)
 
Urban Dweller said:
This is a very good recommendation here, if you want a Kershaw assist this is a VERY GOOD start. It's light, very thin and grips quite well in the hand with the trac-tec inserts. Although it's not a flipper style as you requested, this thing flies open with minimal effort on the angled thumbstuds. Add the S30V blade and I think you would be well covered, definitely check this one out
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I like the looks and size of the blur but it didn't feel quite right in my hand. I don't know if it was the size or the texture or both, I just didn't care for it. Thanks for suggestion though. It's funny that you mentioned the blur because I really wanted to like that knife.

sir_mike said:
How about the Blade forum's upcoming knife! Its a Kershaw, a flipper and it is about $100 shipped! :)
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Now this might be something worth checking into. How well/quickly does it deploy compared to an assisted opener?

My local dealer called me today and said he has a Buck Vantage Force Pro with black G-10 handles, black S30V blade, and the best part is he only wants $35.00 for it. Based on what I've seen online that's a pretty good deal. It seems to get good reviews, what do you guys think, anyone here EDC one?
 
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M4J0R T0M said:
My local dealer called me today and said he has a Buck Vantage Force Pro with black G-10 handles, black S30V blade, and the best part is he only wants $35.00 for it. Based on what I've seen online that's a pretty good deal. He knife see
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Thumbs up
 
The Buck Vantage Force Pro is good choice too, its heavier than the Blur I mentioned earlier. I have the Buck you mentioned as well in desert tan and it's a keeper. Check that one out in person though, there are issues with the blade centering if that bothers you at all. I have 2 and they both were off centered, tighten the pivot and it's centered but hard to flick open. Loosen it up so that it jumps out with the flipper and the blade is nearly touching the liner when closed. Don't get me wrong its a good knife with the materials and the steel, just so you're aware of that issue. I have both adjusted just right and the blade is just a little off which doesn't bother me, it's not touching the liner. Plus dude for 35 bucks that is a bargain!!
 
Urban Dweller said:
The Buck Vantage Force Pro is good choice too, its heavier than the Blur I mentioned earlier. I have the Buck you mentioned as well in desert tan and it's a keeper. Check that one out in person though, there are issues with the blade centering if that bothers you at all. I have 2 and they both were off centered, tighten the pivot and it's centered but hard to flick open. Loosen it up so that it jumps out with the flipper and the blade is nearly touching the liner when closed. Don't get me wrong its a good knife with the materials and the steel, just so you're aware of that issue. I have both adjusted just right and the blade is just a little off which doesn't bother me, it's not touching the liner. Plus dude for 35 bucks that is a bargain!!
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Thanks for the warning. I'll check it out in person before I buy it. The off center thing won't bother me to much, especially since the knife is only $35. To be honest I'll probably get it even if it is off center.
 
kreole said:
ZT and Kershaw (same company, different brand names) are the best assisted openers for the money, IMO at least. They also have a ton of models. Best thing might be to go through their catalog and ask about specific knives you see that you like. Kershaw is probably the better bet because most ZTs are over $100.
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It's not "In your opinion", they are :D

to OP: There are also many good models from Spyderco (Native, Endura, Paramilitary2) and Benchmade (Griptilian, mini Onslaught, Adamas, presidio)
All depending on your price range
 
djjonny said:
It's not "In your opinion", they are :D

to OP: There are also many good models from Spyderco (Native, Endura, Paramilitary2) and Benchmade (Griptilian, mini Onslaught, Adamas, presidio)
All depending on your price range
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I like a lot of those other models but they don't come in a flipper which is a feature that I really want.

I think I've got my choice narrowed down to three knives now, thanks to your suggestions. At my local brick and mortar I can pick up a ZT 0350TS for $100, or a Buck Vantage Force Pro with black and blue G10 scales for $35. My third choice would be the forum Skyline for $100. Of the three, which one? I'm seriously considering getting the Buck and maybe one of the others since the Buck is so cheap.
 
+1 on buck v pro.

of the 3 the ZT0350 is the beefiest but also the heaviest. Very good for abuse and is an assisted opener
Personally for $100 I would rather go for the ZT0350 rather than the skyline

If you do decide to go Kershaw or ZT look up Kershaw Guy in these forums. He often has very good deals;)
 
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djjonny said:
+1 on buck v pro.

of the 3 the ZT0350 is the beefiest but also the heaviest. Very good for abuse and is an assisted opener
Personally for $100 I would rather go for the ZT0350 rather than the skyline

If you do decide to go Kershaw or ZT look up Kershaw Guy in these forums. He often has very good deals;)
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Wow, just looked up Kershawguy and you're right, he has some awesome stuff at great prices. I really liked his ZT0350 in ZDP189. I haven't seen this model anywhere else, is it exclusive to his store? Is the ZDP worth the extra $100 over what I can get locally? What are the main differences between the S30V and ZDP?
 
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