Choosing an EDC folder

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Corny9

Joined
Jul 26, 2013
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I am going to get a folding locking blade knife for $25 or under, 4 to 4.5 inches closed and 3 to 3.5 inch blade, with a weight of 2 to 3 ounces. It will be used as and EDC knife for self-defense and light utility uses. I am currently looking at the Kershaw Chill, Kabar Dozier Folding Hunter, Bucklite Max medium, and the medium Bantam knife. Just wondering about any experiences with any of these or any other suggestions for an EDC folder like these. So basically Kershaw Chill vs Kabar Dozier Folding Hunter vs Bucklite Max medium vs medium Bantam and any other suggestions
 
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On the off chance you didn't post in the traditional forum on accident, you can get an Opinel#8 (4 3/8" closed, 3 1/4" blade, 1.6oz) for less than $25. A little over $25 can get you a Case Slimline Trapper (4 1/8" closed, 3 1/4" blade, 2.3oz).
 
I'll strongly second the Opinel #8. Choice of carbon or nice stainless.
They go from good to great with a little elbow grease.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28597626/tuning-opinels.txt

I wouldn't recommend the folding Bucklite Max to anybody. I've had 2 and neither lasted a year with moderate to hard use. The flimsy frame and lack of liners is a part of it, but only a part of it.

The Opinels are tougher than the Buck lockbacks, in my experience.
 
Thanks for the responses. However I'm not interested in Opinels because of their lack of being an immediately locking blade. Are there any other suggestions?
 
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I like the Kershaw Chill quite a bit. Very light, takes a nice edge. There is also the Buck Vantage select, though I'm not sure of the weight.

FYI: The Opinel has a locking ring.
 
I like my Dozier because its thin and light. I didn't like the Chill much because of the action.

For that price and duty, I'd pick the Kershaw Volt 2.


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Do you think all these would hold up in a self defense situation? I just want to check and make sure.
 
You are asking a lot for $25 dollars...... If you can expand your budget to around $50 you can get a MUCH better knife. Right around your 25 mark is the rat 1, which is a decent knife but the blade is a little longer that 3.5.
 
If you're looking for general edc with a self defense backup, I'd say it would be worth it to crank up your price point just a touch. You could get a great folder for about $40-$50 and get the best of both utility and self defense.
 
I'm pretty tight on money and I have $25 set aside for a knife and I can't really go much more than that. I live where I never know what to expect and I just need to make sure it would hold up in a self defense situation too.
 
What do you think of the Kershaw Zing Tanto on kershawguy.com ? Just outside your range but exactly what you need and made in USA. Send me a PM or an email i'll be glad to help get you hooked on the Kershaw bandwagon ;)
 
I practically stole a K-Bar Dozier at a gun show a while back. It's quite light, and locks open with an authoritative snap. As an EDC, it it's a useful, solid bargain. For defense, I think I would add $15-$20 into the mix and look for a Spyderco Delica.
 
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