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Choosing New Daily Carry Knives

P

phone_archer

Joined
May 2, 1999
Messages
135
I am looking for some opinions. I would like to replace my daily carry knives - original plain-edge Delica and original combo-edge Endura.

Please keep the following preferences and guidelines in mind.

1-Must be 2 knives - a smaller and larger version of the same model (or so close as to be negligiable), so that I will not be fumbling with different ergonomics depending on which knife I happen to be carrying.

2-While defense is a consideration, these knives will be used for general utility such as box opening.

3-I prefer lockbacks over liner locks.

4-While I have never had a problem with my Delica and Endura, I am concerned that the zytel handle is somewhat light for some of the things I use these knives for. Likewise, the point and edge profile seem somewhat fragile.

5-Price is a concern. Many tactical knives are somewhat hard to find in Canada and with duty and exchange on our dollar we can pay anywhere from 50-100% more than you lucky americans. This is off normal discounted pricing not MSRP. For example the Delica and Endura cost $65.00 and $75.00 respectively.
I would think my upper range would be approx. $150.00/knife - that would translate to around $75.00-100.00 discounted american prices.

I look forward to hearing some of the recommendations.

------------------
Bill (Yes, we carry knives in Canada - we need them to fight off the polar bears and militant Eskimos ;) )
 
How about a Police Model and a Rookie? G-10 or stainless, your choice. Should be able to get either for under $150 Canadian, since you can find them for about $75 and $60 US (steel, G-10 may be a bit more). The blade shape isn't ideal for utility but they're tough as nails and have all the quality you expect from Spyderco.

I'd suggest the Calypso & Jr, too, but they may be a bit light. My sweetie and I just got the pair and they are awfully classy, though. Wegner and Jr are fantastic utility designs, and have linerlocks even a lockback nut might like. Very beefy knives.

I guess I could suggest the AFCK and mini, too. They'd push your price limits, though, and from experiences I've had I'm skeptical about buying a Benchmade without being able to pick from a few in hand; their quality can be highly variable, gems and lemons in the same batch. Oh, right, not lockbacks! Well, give 'em a look, anyhow.

One more idea. Just upgrade to a Delica II / Endura II with steel handles. Then you have the knives you already love in a tougher, snazzier build.

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
I am not certain what your problem with Zytel is, but I have never had any trouble other than the damned Zytel clips. But I agree with Corduroy. Get a Police and a Rookie. They are as durable as you will find and well within your price range.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh
 
Bill,

I think that for the money, you have the answer in your hands. You may want to upgrade to the newer versions of the same knives. If Sal and Co. release a larger Native, you may want to go that route. The standard Native seems pretty strong. The Calypso in its two sizes in stainless, if available, would be good choices as well. I'm not trying to be a Spyderco fanatic, I'm just not very impressed with other offerings in this price/use range.

Later,
Chris
 
Although this isn't quite the same as a large and small version of the same model, consider a stainless handled Spyderco Dragonfly and the stainless version of the Calypso, either Jr. or full-size depending on what size you want.

My own "double carry" when clothing allows is now the new carbon fiber Dragonfly and a Micarta Calypso Jr. Ergonomics on both are sweet, at least for my hands and the visual appeal of both is something I can't describe with words. Maybe my tastes aren't exotic, but this pair really does everything I need it to do without being overly expensive.
 
Perhaps the Voyager series by Cold Steel would interest you. Many different sizes and 2 different tip configs to choose from.
For unbeatable(at least to the best of my knowledge) pricing look up the url:
"www.ultout.com"
Only drawback is the Zytel handles. Otherwise good strong lock-up and super-sharp strong blades.

------------------
God bless!

Romans 10:9-10

"Military" Fans Unite!!
 
Go with the new versions of the knives you have, the new ones are very nice.

------------------
Check out the future possible Spyderco Worker 2000 www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum20/HTML/000224.html

One may want to keep an Eye out for my review of the Bob Kasper designed, Kevin Gentile modified AFCK and interview of Bob Kasper. Sorry about the wait, my review and interview should be online shortly, luckily Spark has graciously offered to do the pictures, look for it right here at BladeForums.com.

Marion David Poff ska Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com

"A journey of a thousand miles begins but with a single step" Lao-Tzu
 
Go for the Gusto...get a Vaquero Grande for the big carry, and an El Lobo or some other Cold steel knife for the small..
smile.gif
...

Seriously though, a Cold Steel combo probably wouldn't be all too bad, you are probably already used to plastic clips, and if you get a Voyager Tanto and a Large Tanto, you will have some pretty tough knives that would be pretty hard to destroy. Price isn't too bad either.

Another option is a Combo Axis/MiniAxis...the Mini is just hittingths storefront dealers now. It has a decent point, but it ain't a prybar like a Cold Steel Tanto..

I am coming around to the utilitarian use of tantos in an urban environment, and especially if I am working shipping and recieving or when mechaniking..

YeK

[This message has been edited by Yekim (edited 10 May 1999).]
 
I know, get a Spyde Civilian and Matriarch pair.
smile.gif
Strange, but oddly compelling
Aaron
check out ADaM Sharps, he is a Canadian dealer, and might be able to get you better prices than some of the US based companies

------------------
aaronm@cs.brandeis.edu
I like my women like I like my knives: strong, sharp, well-formed and pattern-welded!
 
The man behind ADaM Sharps is A. Dale Mclean, and his website is at:

www.nt.net/~admclean/Index.htm

Prices are quite competitive, and while he charges Canadian purchasers the GST, you'd be charged GST and a shipping/handling fee from Canada Customs should they notice your package. Also, since he mails Canadian orders exclusively by XpressPost, you'll get your knives within 2-3 working days, while Canada Customs often delays your packages up to a week.

Ian
 
Go for the Spyderco Calypso and Calypso Jr., they make a fantastic pair. They do not have a very threatening design. You could get the full sized Calypso with a plain edge, and the mini Calypso with a full serrations.
smile.gif
smile.gif
smile.gif
 
I think MDPoff's got it right. When the Worker 2000 comes out, go with it and its baby brother, the "Hired Hand".
wink.gif
Unbelievably ergonomic and comfortable HANDle! Why do you think they call it the Hired HAND?!
wink.gif
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(OK, OK! Just kidding! In the 'present' reality [we have no idea what the future reality is going to be, do we Sal?], go with the Police and Rookie.)
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------------------
Cutting through all the muck,
we get to what's really important.

John 3:3-7

God Bless You!
 
For me, the choice is simple. I would choose Cold Steel Voyagers. They come in 3, 4,and 6 inch lengths. They share a common format. They are rugged and very, very sharp. I have been carrying a 4 inch tanto for about two years with zero problems.

Good luck,

Willie Boy
 
I think the combination of Spyderco's Wenger and Wenger Jr. are a good all around utility combo. The G10 scales can take any abuse you give them and still offer a lighter weight. Although they are liner locks they have a very solid lockup not to mention very smooth to open. I wasn't a fan of liner locks until I held the Wengers. They feel great in the hand. The lowest prices I've found, in U.S. dollars are $88.00 for the Wenger and $72.00 for the Wenger Jr. They might be worth a look.

Take care,
Tom
 

Police and Rookie
or
Endura and Delica

I have both pairs...though I tend to carry two Delica's(one serrated and one plain) or two Rookies(one serrated and one plain). Only carry the larger blades when warranted.

I am a Spydieholic...first step is admitting it...
 
I also think that you have a hell of a pair there. Can I convince you that carrying two sizes of the same model isn't necessary? Provided the basic ergonomics are the same (e.g., both have opening hole, both are tip up or down carry, etc.), perhaps the models don't need to be identical? I bring this up because although you've got a really strong pair there, it can be made even stronger if you'll relax your requirements a bit. For example, Calypso Jr. & Police might be a really nice combination. The Calypso Jr. will outcut the delica for smaller jobs (and be classier looking), and the Police is bigger & stronger than the endura for bigger jobs.

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
Thanks for the suggestions, so far, everyone.

I am going to take a closer look at the Calypsos as well as the Police/Rookie combo.
My only concern (I probably should have mentioned as a preference) is they are 'tip down' carry. I prefer (or maybe its just because I'm more used to it) the 'tip up' carry. I may waive this as a requirement, because it would seem to dramatically reduce my selection.
Joe, I appreciate you comments. What, in your opinion, is the advantage of the calypso jr/police combo as opposed to calypso jr/sr or rookie/police?

------------------
Bill (Yes, we carry knives in Canada - we need them to fight off the polar bears and militant Eskimos ;) )
 
To bad you only want lock backs. You are missing a bet with CRKT's Carson designed M-16 series.

Good Hunting,

ts
 
Bill --

When I carry one knife, I want it to be an all-around great knife. When I carry two (and this is my carry strategy), I like to get more specialized. Instead of a big all-around knife and small all-around knife, I want knives that excel at big or small jobs respectively.

My small knife, I want to be an incredibly good cutter. Because I don't need it to be incredibly strong, I sacrifice strength for incredible edge geometry. The big knife needs the great strength.

The Calypso Jr. / Calypso combination is a fine one, and this series emphasizes maximum cutting ability at some sacrifice of strength. I don't believe the full-sized Calypso is strong enough for hard use, though since you won't be using the knife hard perhaps that's okay. The Calypso Jr., however, excels at small-knife cutting jobs.

The Rookie/Police is a similarly fine combination, though keep in mind the Police has a >4" blade. The Rookie is bigger than the Calypso Jr. and won't cut like the Calypso Jr., but might work fine for you.

I currently carry a Calypso Jr. and Benchmade Axis. Both knives excel at their jobs. The Calypso Jr. is the *best* small-knife cutter I've ever run into -- I call it a "gentleman's scalpel". The Axis is a strong and reliable large folder, with the added plus of the axis lock. 'course, this combination doesn't meet your criteria, since ergonomics are very different between the two knives.

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
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