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EDC advice?

L

Lucky Bob

Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
956
I was thinking about getting an automatic, but I decided against it based on lack of legality in these parts.

So, now I'm hoping for suggestions on EDC knives, considering that I have fairly small hands, and don't want to spend more than $150, hopefully less than $100.

So far, I've looked at Cold Steel (http://www.coldsteel.com/tilites.html, http://www.coldsteel.com/recon1.html) and Spyderco (haven't been able to make up my mind!). I've also had good experiences with Kershaws (My Leek is my current EDC, and my Blur is my Big (folding) Knife), and Benchmade has been highly recommended.

Also, random question: how does the Cold Steel Triple Action work, on a mechanical level? Looks to me like it opens in half, pivoting at the butt end.

Thanks for the advice, and the explanation! (even if they have been asked before! :D)
 
Yep, that's about the Triple Action works.... one pivot at the butt, and the blade pivot where you'd expect it to be. Couple of reviews floating around I think.

What exactly would you use your EDC knife for? For lighter work I doubt you can beat the Spyderco Centofante or CLIP-IT (Delica and Endura) series. If you're looking at higher price levels than perhaps the Kopa or Kiwi folders? If you prefer a more hand-filling handle the Dodo is a good choice, or the D'Allara folders.
For the heavier stuff the Chinook 1, 2, and 3 as well as the Manix series should be good.

Of course, you should examine the BM 710, 705, and 690 at the very least.
 
"Lighter work" sounds about right... oh yeah, I forgot to add, due to NYC laws (don't get me started!) I need a sub-4" blade, and most of my current blades hover around 3".

Isn't the Manix HUGE?

EDIT: forgot to add... I'm generally biased against back-locks, all of my earlier folding knives were back-locks, and they were over-stiff, or released in use, or were just uncomfortable. I'm willing to give them a shot, but please keep that bias in mind.
 
The mini manix is about 3.25inches, full size is around 3.8

I like the Ontario RAT folders, that might be something to look at
 
well a couple of contenders would be, spyderco native, spyderco delica4, spyderco endura4 if it is legal. I also like the buck 889 but it is somewhat large. good luck and tell us what you decide, we're nosey. later ahgar
 
Lucky Bob said:
EDIT: forgot to add... I'm generally biased against back-locks, all of my earlier folding knives were back-locks, and they were over-stiff, or released in use, or were just uncomfortable. I'm willing to give them a shot, but please keep that bias in mind.
Click to expand...

It's worth another look. Cheap lockbacks are difficult to open one-handed, and traditional lockbacks (like a classic Buck 110) have the release lever placed inconveniently for one-handed closing, but a properly made modern lockback with a Spyderco hole opener will open and close just fine (may take some working to smoothe out the action on the steel handled models).

If you want a folder, you'll definitely get more for your money in a Spyderco than in a Cold Steel. _Particularly_ if you're willing to pay $100.
 
At around the $100.00 mark, the Spyderco Paramilitary is a sweet knife. Great steel. Great lock. Great scales. The knife is superbly flickable, and a ton of fun to play with. The only real downside is that it does not provide deep pocket carry. If that isn't an issue, it's a great value.

 
I recommend the Buck Mayo TNT. I just got mine yesterday, but I took it to work with me and it got a TON of use.

It is very light, and is fairly small- making it good for EDC and smallish hands, but isn't a mini-knife by any means. It is a full-size knife that is slim and long-enough and not "huge". I like to use large folders when I am wearing jeans and a belt, but when I have shorts on I need a smaller folder. The Buck Mayo TNT is small enough and light enough to take with me in shorts, but it is also large enough to make me lust after it. It's great for EDC without being cute.

Built by Buck in the USA, designed by Tom Mayo, an S30V blade heat treated by Paul Bos, and a titanium framelock. If that isn't a who's who and what's what of the knife industry right now, I don't know what is.

The fit and finish is good for the price, as compared to Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw etc... but the action is more like a Sebenza.

The final bevels aren't perfect, and the bevels on the holes in the frame are a little rough. But these flaws are not any more than I find on every Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw etc... They do keep it from being as good as the Small Sebenza, IMO, but I think the knife is a great less expensive alternative to it- especially if you don't care about these minor and purely cosmetic flaws.

Lock-up is good, the opening action is, again, very smooth, and the knife feels great in my smallish hands. The holes give it good grip, and the little lips at the top of the frame above the pivot act as thumb and finger ramps, or mini-guards.

Ira Woods and Sons sells the Buck Mayo TNT for 145 *shipped*. Shipping is free and unless you live in their state, there is no tax.

The only downside I might see for you is that, while the knife is easy and smooth to open and close one-handed, the action is pretty tight, so it isn't a knife that can be flicked. I am sure the pivot can be loosened to a degree, but I think the knife is made more to function with tight but smooth action, much like the Sebenza, and not with very loose action such as with the Axis lock (for example). So if you are looking to flick open (and closed), this knife may not be the best choice. If you just want one hand opening and closing, well, this knife feels like butter.
 
Benchmade 525. I just got one, and it's awesome. Great blade shape, handle is extremely comfy. Its purpose is to provide me with a slightly smaller carry option (as opposed to the Benchmade 710 or Emerson CQC-10 I usually carry). If you have smaller hands, it'd be perfect. I have large hands myself, but it's still feels just fine.
 
Seriously look into Benchmade. I think the 940 is the perfect EDC. THat would be over $100.

Look at the BM Griptilian RSK--Doug Ritter's take on the Grip axis lock.
I second the 525.
The BM axis lock is the way to go!
 
I think Benchmade's Griptilian is very hard to beat as an EDC blade. If you want something smaller, you can get one of the Mini-Griptilians. They have a great handle design, smooth opening action (you'll love AXIS locks), excellent blade steel (154CM) and great blade designs. I like the 550 for utility work.

I second the recommendation of the Paramilitary as well, this is probably my favourite Spyderco. It's just awesome, and you can get a deep carry pocket clip from STR (a member of this forum). You might want to look at the Endura 4, butt ugly but a great knife for an amazing price (around $40!!).
 
I saw you were interested originally in an auto. You might want to look into the assisted openers. Kershaws Bump, and Spec Bump are great knives, and the Camillus Cuda Dominator is another one. They may tend to be on the larger size, being over 3", but they are still less than 4" and don't feel huge.

I'll also put in another vote for the Benchmade 940, and Buck Mayo TNT. Slimmer, with lots of edge. The Benchmade Mini Skirmish needs a look, as well.

The Cold Steel Ti Lite is a neat knife, but may tend to draw more attention from people, as it does look mean. If you don't mind the thick dagger grind, it makes a great EDC, with fun written all over it.

Daniel
 
Spyderco is a great value for the money.
Ihave carried a delica, 60-70 ish dollars, as my edc for 6 years or so. lately I have been carrying a spyderco salsa. really great. When I need a large folder I carry an endura.

I have owned a military and they are great. They open faster than an automatic and they are legal. Crazy laws! I love manuals, Autos are over rated.
 
I too am particularly fond of Spyderco knives myslef!! I have 2 in my pocket as we speak; an Adaventura & Spin. I own: Pacific Salt in yellow, ZDP Calypso Jr., CF Miliatary, Delica 4, D'Allara DP 2, Adventura, and Spin. And there are so many more that I want!! You can not go worng with Spyderco!
 
fallkniven u2 is a small, nkp friendly knife. very unobtrusive. perfect for light cutting chores. and legal in most places.

Pete
 
Lucky Bob said:
...oh yeah, I forgot to add, due to NYC laws (don't get me started!) I need a sub-4" blade, and most of my current blades hover around 3".
Click to expand...
Some of the 4-inch knives out there really aren't four inches. Lots of companies keep their blades just under. I hate recommending CRKTs, but they've got a couple of tanto folders with 3-inch blades and others somewhat shy of 4-inch blades. The CRKT Desert Cruiser also is a tough knife that opens very quickly (as fast as some autos). Even if you don't have time to open it, you can beat someone almost to death with it.

I also like the Cold Steel Recon folder, which is now being made with AUS 8A blades. They have very strong locking mechanisms.
 
I have had, or have knives made by all the companies (except the Buck TNT).
I stay away from the cold steel stuff. I don't see the refinement or quality in the cold steel knives. Spyderco or Benchmade just can't be beat. (Please forgive my spelling)
 
Daniel Dorn said:
I saw you were interested originally in an auto. You might want to look into the assisted openers. Kershaws Bump, and Spec Bump are great knives, and the Camillus Cuda Dominator is another one.
Click to expand...
My two EDCs are a Kershaw Leek and Blur... both Onion assisted knives. Thanks for playing :p
 
For around $100 dollars you can buy a good Benchmade or Spyderco that will dump on 99% of most knives in this price range. Axis locks are fantastic, Spyderco has the best lock back in the business. Both offer the new super steels, just pick the design that floats your boat. I favor the Spydercos just a little more due to the amount of research and testing that Sal puts his knives through.

I'll also second the Paramilitary
 
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