EDC Assisted Open for Defense and Utility.

C

CircaM

Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
14
Hi,
I recently had a thread looking to find an Assisted Open Tanto EDC.
I found that there aren't many options within my price range and to my design liking.
Everyone there was really helpful and I learned a lot from it.

I am expanding my search to ALL assisted open folders.

Here are somethings that I would like:
  1. Non-short blade. (3.5"-4.5")
  2. Wider blade. (Kind of like like Spyderco.)
  3. Hilt Guard. (For preventing hand from sliding up on blade.)
  4. Assisted Open.
  5. Good steel.
  6. Nice grip feel.
  7. G10 handles (Would like, but not necessary.)
  8. Fit into pocket without flippers hitting(in or out)
  9. Non-Awkward pocket clip.
  10. A Pummel (Not necessary but would like one.)
  11. Benchmade (Not required, but I like them)
Needs to also look intimidating.


Uses:
  1. Every Day cutting.
  2. Self Defense. (Slightly more Stabbing than cutting)

Price Range:
I would like to spend ~$40 from independent sellers at a discount.
But prices are likely to be around ~$100 MSRP.

Please let me know any suggestions, looking forward to finding my new EDC here. :cool:

Thank you!
 
ZT 0350 fits every single one of your requirements except for being a benchmade

BM barrage probably does hit all of them
 
Agree on ZT 350. Has s30v steel so won't dull that easily.

Imo probably one of the best value for money

If you don't want to spend that much then
Cold Steel Recon 1, American Lawman or AK 47
 
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In your price range the Kershaw Brawler comes close to what you want. Outside your price range the ZT 400 is VERY close to what you want. I dont think there is a Benchmade that fits your needs in that price range. Good Luck! Kevin:D
 
The zt 0350 or the spyderco paramilitary 2 sound perfect depending on if you want a light weight slicer or a heavy duty tank.
 
You've all given me a lot more option that I would have never found on my own.

I am really liking the Kershaw Brawler and the Cold Steel Recon I.

The Recon I also comes in a tanto, anyone have any opinions on that version of it?
I also noticed a review saying the serration took up most of the blade, anyone notice this?

I would also like to ask opinions on the Benchmade Griptilian 553SBK.
 
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I would recommend Spyderco Endura Wave 4...

Simply put, its fast, light, and sharp.

Check it out. I EDC'd one for awhile and loved every minute of it.
 
If you had posted this a couple months ago the Kershaw G10 Speed Bump would have been perfect, but I think the prices have jumped now. If you had posted a couple years earlier, the Spec Bump would have been even better. :p

There's no way you're going to find a Benchmade that cheap, so you'll have to give up at least a couple of your requirements. Kershaw is the best company out there for assisted opening, and they have their new Knockout model. But assisted opening isn't absolutely necessary, and most people develop a distaste for them over time. Also, combo edges aren't liked by many people because they do give you too little of each blade type to be of much use. If you can give up the assisted opening, the Enlan EL-01 would fit your requirements, and comes in well under your budget. Steel is about as good as Kershaw's 14C28N or Cold Steel's AUS-8 (actually, it's the same formula as AUS-8), it has a flipper, G-10 scales, decent blade size, durable build, and excellent quality for the price.
 
Another one for the ZT 350. They specify the blade at 3.25in but the edge is closer to 3.5.
 
Not to dissuade you from getting a knife (particularly on a knife forum), but I suggest you look into pepper spray for the self-defense part of what you're looking for -- assuming you can't afford and/or carry a gun. You can always carry both. If you haven't discovered it yet, there's a sub-forum here called Practical Tactical you might want to check out.
 
Anyone able to give me their opinion on the Benchmade Griptilian 553SBK?
I have a a short time to get one for well below my budget.
How far off of what I want is it? I want to make sure it is assisted open too.

Also, could I get an opinion on the Recon I tanto blade?

I have done my research, but I would like an opinion of some one more knife knowledgeably then me.

I like them both and I'm thinking about getting one of those two.
 
CircaM said:
Anyone able to give me their opinion on the Benchmade Griptilian 553SBK?
I have a a short time to get one for well below my budget.
How far off of what I want is it? I want to make sure it is assisted open too.

Also, could I get an opinion on the Recon I tanto blade?

I have done my research, but I would like an opinion of some one more knife knowledgeably then me.

I like them both and I'm thinking about getting one of those two.
Click to expand...

In my opinion the griptilian series is a much better knife than the cold steel. Neither are assisted opening but the axis lock on the benchmade allows it to open just as fast as an assisted opener with just a little practice while the triad lock on the cold steel, while very strong, is very stiff to open and close and feels kind of clunky overall. The axis system in the benchmade just has a much nicer, more refined feel. In my opinion the only advantage of the recon 1 over the griptilian is the handle materials. The noryl gtx that benchmade uses is a very durable and practical material for edc but does feel a little cheaper than the g10 on the cold steel. Other than that the bm has, in my opinion, the better steel, better grind, smoother action, a better lock (read more refined, I don't need the cs fanboys jumping onbmy back defending the strength of the triad lock), better attention to detail and much better fit and finish than the cs.
 
CircaM said:
Anyone able to give me their opinion on the Benchmade Griptilian 553SBK?
I have a a short time to get one for well below my budget.
How far off of what I want is it? I want to make sure it is assisted open too.

Also, could I get an opinion on the Recon I tanto blade?

I have done my research, but I would like an opinion of some one more knife knowledgeably then me.

I like them both and I'm thinking about getting one of those two.
Click to expand...

The Benchmade is very functional and should serve you well. It beats the Recon in quality, steel, smoothness, and customer service (remember, it's USA-made and has a lifetime warranty, Cold Steel is Taiwan-made and has a 1-year warranty they don't always honor). The fiberglass reinforced handles do feel cheaper than G-10, but they have the functional advantage of being lighter than G-10, and denting if you drop it rather than shattering like fiberglass can. Also, Tantos look cool, but they really aren't that functional.
 
ok forget my cold steel suggestions, :D Don't know benchmade that well :D
The Benchmade Griptilian 553SBK costs about the same as a recon 1 but is WAY better
 
CircaM said:
Thank something like the Kershaw Speed Bump would be more functional?
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=31
Click to expand...

I like the blade profile on it. All the bumps have been discontinued, so if you think you'll ever want a recurve wharncliffe (I can't think of any other knives that have that blade shape), now's probably a good time to get one. The G-10 Speed Bump is a version of that knife that Kershaw put together to use up the remaining bump parts they had when the discontinued the series. Since you said you like G-10, I'd look for one of those. They're still around from resellers for a decent price.
 
Since you said "all," I'll suggest anything by Darrel Ralph in his Hand Tech Made line. Particularly the AXD, which will be coming out in HTM form soonish, and the Gun Hammer. Probably way outside your budget, but hey. They're gorgeous knives.
 
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