EDC Budget Folder

M

mjdukefan23

Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
98
I'm looking to buy a decent folder for edc. Id like to keep it under 40 dollars but might be willing to pay a bit more if really needed. It must be one hand opening and i'm looking at some assisted models(but that's not necessary). Blade length should be around 3-3.75 inches. Any help if greatly appreciated :D

Some of the knives I've been looking at so far:
Kershaw leek
Byrd Raven
CRKT m16 edc
Sog flash II
Spyderco Delica
 
You can't go wrong with either the Leek or the Delica. Try to handle both to see which feels better in your hands.
 
You're also right around the price of a Kershaw Mini Cyclone, if you want a little bigger knife than the two mentioned above. Add a little more, and the Blur comes into the picture as well. Both are SpeedSafe AO with 13C26 steel.

Cruise around here and feel free to ask any questions you want! But be warned: some of those guys that hang out there are nuts! :D
 
From your list. Delica 4 w/ VG-10. Simple as that. About your best bang for you buck, with a very serviceable design, and VG-10 is about my favorite small folder steel.

Your list is all 3" ish blades, so I'll add the BM Mini Griptilian to it.

Someone else can tell you better on larger blades.

Good Luck.
 
Can't beat the Kershaw Storm for a cheaper, tough as nails folder. It's got decent steel, it's thin, almost all metal and it locks up with a frame lock that's very well designed. I've used a lot of knives for hacking brush off trails and it's the first one that costs so little, that has not developed a bit of blade play from this daily use. You can buy one for less than 40.
 
THE SPYDERCO NATIVE FROM WAL-MART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stress enough the quality of this knife. I recommend it over the Delica (which is also an excellent, high-quality knife which you should choose if you don't go after the Native ;)). My reasoning for this is for several simple reasons.

1. It's made in the United States of America, whereas the Delica is made in Japan.

2. It has a blade of CPM S30V. Where else can you find such a high-quality blade steel for such a deal?

3. The performance. The FRN handles are very comfortable, well-rounded, and ergonomic. They make the knife a pleasure to use. The knife comes wickedly sharp, easily shaving hanging paper, cardboard boxes, and arm hair with what you'd expect from a Spyderco---a $180 Spyderco. The hollow-ground blade cuts well and also pierces well because of the slight, unsharpened "swedge" grind at the rear of the blade. It opens smoothly and efficiently with the typical ease of a SpyderHole. The lock is strong and stands up to hard use. More importantly, the heat-treat on the steel is excellent. I have used it to cut things (usually on accident :D) that have made other S30V knives in my collection chip and removed dried pant blobs from a metal door---as a substitute for a putty knife---I recently painted and it's still in great shape. It's just as good of a work knife you can find, and it rides nice in the pocket or in the waistband because of its round edges and thin profile.

4. It's only a Wal-Mart trip away, or a visit to their web site. If the former applies, you don't have to pay shipping but only a little gas money (hopefully your Wal-Mart is close enough it doesn't take $8 in gas to get there).

God bless.

KATN,

Wade
 
i'm carrying a CRKT M-16 that cost me roughly 30$ .. and i've got a spare one. and i'll buy another if i see it cheap. or two more.

i don't love it but i like it a LOT. real sweetheart of a cheap knife, and losing one is a lot less scary for 30$ than 150$ .. :)

bluntly ergonomics matters more to me EDC than edge retention, i know how to, and will, keep it sharp by default.

if you can't sharpen a knife it'd matter a lot more. the CRKT M16 has some of the best ergos i've ever found in a folder.

The Native doesn't suck, is a short heavy blade compared to the CRKT, has better steel but is less likely to be preferred if self defense is any part of the equation. As a utility knife, low maintenance, it's better, but again by not all that much. I own Case, CRKT, Spyderco, Gerber, Kershaw, and various other blades.. and will buy others without concern if they are ideal to every purpose..

if you want a POCKETKNIFE.. I have a Case XX 70's Big Coke Bottle that I claim is ideal, one blade big ol' granpa knife.

if you want the EDC knife, get a fast clicker and let it be your sixth finger..

if you actually CUT THINGS ALL DAY.. get the native, it's sensible and won't be as offensive as the CRKT..

the BYRD stainless models are enduring as heck. they have lousy ergos. i bought a pair of Pelican stainless to prove it. Good knife, sucks to carry it. WORKS good, will last forever, absolutely worth more than the price tag.... but it's not fun. the FRN models might be closer to copasetic, but HOLD one a while before you make up your mind.

not ready for prime time is my verdict, ymmv.

Case XX is as good a carbon steel as you need, but if you'ld rather a fancier steel, VG-10 is ok, and S30V ain't wrong, and D-2 I always liked.. but sharpenability goes down as edge retention goes up. you want to take it to a diamond rod every month or touch it up daily? matter of preference..

if you want a hard user, that's gonna shape different than an infrequent one.. but do NOT get wrapped up in blade steel hype. you'll lose it before you wear any modern knife significantly. fancy steel is a huge come-on 99% of the time, darn near ANY steel works pretty good...
 
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Another vote for the Native. I wasn't a huge fan of the VG-10 version I had, but the Spyderhole and ergos of the Caly 3 I have make me feel more fondly about it.

$40.00 for S30V? Get the Native.
 
Spyderco Centofante III / VG-10 steel
Spyderco Delica 4 / VG-10 steel
Spyderco Native / CPMS30V steel (U.S.A.)

I have all three of these knives. They're all very good quality knives and in the same price range. ($50.-$60.)
I get the most use out of the Centofante. It's thinner blade makes it a great little slicer,(sharp!) but it's probably not as durable as the other two knives.
The Native has the highly regarded S30V steel, but the handle is a bit small for my liking. If I could have only one of the three, it would probably be the Delica. Very good steel and very good ergonomics. An all around good EDC.
You can also get the Delica with ZDP-189 steel, but that will cost an extra $25. or so.

If you can get the Native for only 40 bucks, DO IT!
 
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Out of the given choices my first choice would be the delica or leek. Personally i'd go with a native or or benchmade vex.
 
Shell out a few extra bucks for a Delica ($50-ish) or Mini Griptilian ($60-ish).
 
I recently got a Kershaw Skyline. Amazing value for a U.S.-made knife available for around $30 or so.

-- Made in USA :thumbup:

-- 3.12" Sandvik 13C26 blade -- good stuff that takes a super fine edge

-- Grippy G-10 scales

-- well-executed liner lock

-- phosphor-bronze washers

-- very slim, light (2.3 oz.), and easy to carry

-- tip up or tip down carry

Available from the dealer that sponsors Bladeforums:

ks-1760.jpg
 
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I just now got one of these Boker M Type folders and it seems REAL NICE! G10 handle and a FRAMELOCK. It is very flat and I really like the blade style. You might want to check one out. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :D
 
kda89508 said:
I just now got one of these Boker M Type folders and it seems REAL NICE! G10 handle and a FRAMELOCK. It is very flat and I really like the blade style. You might want to check one out. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :D
Click to expand...

Boker M-type is a great knife for the price range given. 440C steel (known as the "super steel" before 154CM came into the picture), 3 5/8" blade length, great ergonomics, and something you won't mind beating the crap out of.

If you go a little higher, I would recommend a Cold Steel Voyager. There's several blade configurations: tanto, clip point, 3",4",5", partially serrated, fully serrated, plain edge....you can really pick and choose on the voyager. It's my favorite EDC right now, VG-1 steel (not VG-10, big difference). VG-1 is a lot like AUS-8, but this is stamped with a "made in japan" logo. Great knife for the money. I have the 4" clip point plain edge version and it's awsome. Very light 3.6 oz, and it's like having a one handed buck 110 with a zytel handle. If you need a pic, just look at my signature, it should be there for a little while.
 
I keep on recommending it, for less than $30 (if you shop around) you can get the Browning Ice storm which is made by Mcusta, and actually it is almost the same as their katana and stingray series. VG10 blade and excellent craftsmanship, really a bargain at the price!
 
I'd say spend the money and purchase a Benchmade mini-Griptilian or standard size Griptilian. Shop around for better pricing.
 
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