Comparing knives for EDC

G

GraysonK

Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
153
This is probably gonna sound pretty stupid, but please keep in mind I'm still learning. I'm wondering how one goes about comparing knives with regard to EDC. I mean, I know that it is 95% about preference and what you plan to use the blade for. But I'm having a little difficulty. I love my BM Ascent, but I'm thinking of retiring it because I've discovered that I don't have a great love of the clip-point blade (I think that's what it's called). I actually seem to prefer both the look and function of the drop point. And to add even more confusion, I really like the look of the BM 550 (that modified sheepsfoot just looks nice). Anyway, here's the knives I'm thinking of right now:
BM 550
Spyderco Tenacious (I know some don't like the liner lock, but I don't mind it so much)
Mostly, I find myself pulling out my knife to cut open boxes, cut paracord, sharpen a pencil, shave bark off of branches, cut nylon straps...stuff like that. I've read and watched reviews of both knives and while really, really intrigued by the BM 550, the price of the Tenacious is a little difficult to ignore. Both of them sound like really solid knives. I don't really care about bulk, I don't care if anyone knows i'm carrying a pocket knife. I just want a good, solid knife. I mean, I've already got that in my Ascent, but I'll be honest I just want a new knife. I know a lot of people are really, really enthusiastic about the BM 550. Anyway, I guess I'm looking for a recommendation or some advice on how to decide.
Thanks,
Gray
 
You really can't go wrong either way. I guess in this case it comes down to Ergos. Which one feels better in your hand? Which is more comfortable when applying pressure? which do you feel you have the most dexterity with?
 
I carry small knives at times, but at work it sometimes pays to be able to get my hand a little farther away from what I'm cutting. If I'm helping my people out, I might end up cutting a plastic band that is under pretty good tension. I like being able to move my hand farther back on the handle of my Paramilitary and stay out of the way of that flying band.
 
Which one has the most efficient cutting edge, that is still durable enough for your hardest chore?

Which one weighs less, but is still tough enough for your hardest chore?

Which was is smallest, but will still handle your hardest chore?

Which steel choice is stainless enough, tough enough, and wear resistant enough for your toughest chore, but still able to be sharpened by you?

Which one feels better in your hand?

Which one carries in your pocket adequately?

Which has the more reliable locking method?

Which one is cheapest?

There are a endless number of questions that one can ask oneself, in an attempt to justify the purchase of a new knife. :D
 
Both are great choices. The best way to find out is to get one, use it, and compare it to the Ascent. Most of us end up buying knives, trying them out, if we don't like something about them (blade shape, edge retention, ergos, etc), we turn around and sell them. Yes, you end up losing a little bit of money, but research on the web can only go so far. A knife is a tool, you need to use it. My hand is different then your hand. What fits me well and my cutting tasks might be different then yours. It's easier if you have the opportunity to handle the knives before you buy as mentioned earlier.

If $ is an issue, go Tenacious.

If not so much, go Grip. The steel and Axis lock are fantastic.
 
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