EDC folders for dummies

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MartinQ

Joined
Aug 11, 2010
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So I'm looking for a good EDC folder...I'm not partial to any one company or design, just need something that cuts well consistently and isn't a pain in the a*s to sharpen (I'm a complete noob), which means good steel. Actually, I don't really know exactly what I want...So tell me!

I've been looking at the Benchmade MPR - M390 "super"(?) steel, 2.9" blade, 5.5 ounces, G10/titanium handle, $200. Would that be too small to be functional?

A couple of SOGs also caught my eye -- the Arcitech CF and Stingray in particular. Some on this forum say they're overpriced but I have tried some friends' SOGs (Tomcat 3, Vulcan) and really liked the ergonomics.

Locks are really important to me, I want a lock that locks tightly, easily and for a long time.

Budget = $350.

thanks in advance for your replies.
 
Hello,

The MPR is definitely not to small for EDC. It would be quite a pain to sharpen due to the fact Benchmade knives often come with un-even bevels. You might even have to reprofile one side. For the price range you listed, you have very many options. for the $100-$200 range I would look at Spyderco's higher end full flat ground options. Definetly look at the Paramilitary two. If you have $350 I think that you should get a Chris Reeve Sebenza.
 
First off, I would stay away from sog folders.

Are you looking for a fancy folder or something that will work well? How are you with sharpening?
If you WANT to spend $350 on a folder I would recommend a Sebenza and a Spyderco sharp maker for sharpening it.

If you want something that is a better value then we will need to know more about what it is you want. Tip up or tip down carry? Do you even need a clip? Do you want to go custom, production or semi-custom? Size range? Do you like choils? What type of blade grind do you prefer? What kind of materials will you be cutting? Handle material, extra grippy? Smooth handle? Bolsters? Lock type? etc

So let us know what it is you like and we can make some proper recommendations. :D
 
Given your budget I would also say Sebenza. I don't have one, but if I had $350 I would. I just don't get what people see in that MPR. It is super fugly. Seriously.
 
Blade length is something you need to decide. My main carry always has a 3.5-4 inch blade, and a good size handle. I am not bothered by the weight, and feel it adds a lot more utility to the knife.
 
If you're looking for something that's easy to sharpen, quality steel, that is strong, light on maintenance and holds a good edge, go with AUS8. People are very quick to knock this steel but I'll tell ya, it's a real performer. Get some wet and dry sandpaper, 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit (89 cents a sheet at the hardware store) and that's all you'll ever need to maintain a razor edge on an AUS8 blade. Check out the RAT 1, Columbia River Lightfoot, or Kabar's Dozier line. You don't have to spend alot for a quality edc knife.

SOG's folders flat out suck. I went through a Trident and a Flash 2 in 2 week's time working in the sand in florida- the actions get gunked up so fast they become useless. I was so unhappy with those two knives... their fixed blades are great though.
 
To respond to ac1d0v3r1d3, I do prefer tip down carry. The rest, I don't know, unlike many here I haven't handled a ton of knives and as I said, I don't really know what exactly I want.

To edcgearreviews, (warning: if you are allergic to noobs do not the rest of this paragraph) can you explain exactly what you mean about uneven bevels? I know nothing about grinds :eek:

My main criteria is blade shape, not length. As long as the blade isn't TOO big.

I didn't really see any big SOG criticisms until I joined this forum. Is is just safe to say that they are outclassed by Benchmade, kershaw, and Spyderco?

I'll check out the Sebenza.
 
Take a look at the spyderco sage 2. Titanium frame lock with 3 inches of S30V steel blade. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a sharpmaker with it.
 
MartinQ said:
To respond to ac1d0v3r1d3, I do prefer tip down carry. The rest, I don't know, unlike many here I haven't handled a ton of knives and as I said, I don't really know what exactly I want.

To edcgearreviews, (warning: if you are allergic to noobs do not the rest of this paragraph) can you explain exactly what you mean about uneven bevels? I know nothing about grinds :eek:

My main criteria is blade shape, not length. As long as the blade isn't TOO big.

I didn't really see any big SOG criticisms until I joined this forum. Is is just safe to say that they are outclassed by Benchmade, kershaw, and Spyderco?

I'll check out the Sebenza.
Click to expand...

Also check out the CRK Mnandi, if you are looking for a small non-threatening blade.
 
I also prefer tip down. What kind of pants do you wear? Jeans? Slacks? Carhartt? This will play a big role in your selection. Also, will you be using this knife for a trade? Or is your line of work not one where you'll be needing to cut more than the odd thread or open a letter?

In an "office" environment (where you'll be wearing a suit or slacks) I would suggest one of the smaller spyderco's. For the kind of work I do, I like something with very aggressive G-10 handles and/or finger grooves, like the new cold steel Recon 1. (for everybody keeping up with my recent posts, did you really think I'd pass up the chance to yet again shamelessly plug my new favorite folder?) :D
 
MartinQ said:
I didn't really see any big SOG criticisms until I joined this forum. Is is just safe to say that they are outclassed by Benchmade, kershaw, and Spyderco?

I'll check out the Sebenza.
Click to expand...


First, Yes its very safe to say that. SOG's quality isn't up to par, and their quality for the dollar is a joke. They are far to expensive for what they offer, their arc lock will work for a while, but will not lock up tightly, and the springs and action do get filled with crud after a while. The AUS8 they use is also far too soft with their heat treatment. Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw are far better even with their knives that cost half as much.

The bevel usually refers to the grind that makes up the actual edge on both sides. Primary grinds are what creates the main angles which lead to the edge bevel.

The three primary grind styles include; Hollow, Saber, and Full Flat Ground. All have their strengths and weaknesses but in general the more acute of an angle on the primary grind the better the blade will be at slicing, where as thicker bevels are more robust for prying but suffer at slicing through things like cardboard.
 
I see you mentioned the SOG Arcitech and Stingray. There are many forumites that are of the opinion that SOG doesn't give good value for the money. I have found that the SOG folders made in Japan are a very good value and provide near custom quality. The Architech and Stingray are two of those Japan made knives.

I can recommend them both from personal experience.

In addition, I see that you have experience with the Vulcan and the Tomcat which are both made by SOG's Japanese maker. You can use that experience to determine the quality.
 
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MartinQ said:
To respond to ac1d0v3r1d3, I do prefer tip down carry. The rest, I don't know, unlike many here I haven't handled a ton of knives and as I said, I don't really know what exactly I want.

To edcgearreviews, (warning: if you are allergic to noobs do not the rest of this paragraph) can you explain exactly what you mean about uneven bevels? I know nothing about grinds :eek:

My main criteria is blade shape, not length. As long as the blade isn't TOO big.

I didn't really see any big SOG criticisms until I joined this forum. Is is just safe to say that they are outclassed by Benchmade, kershaw, and Spyderco?

I'll check out the Sebenza.
Click to expand...
Hello,

Uneven bevels are when one side of the blade is ground to a different angle than the other. If you are ok with spending a little bit of extra cash and you decide on a Benchmade, you can send your knife to one of the many talented sharpeners on the forums. After you get the bevel set and polished by one of them, you can buy a strop (a piece of leather, often mounted on wood) and some green compound (chromium oxide suspended in wax) to hone the edge and maintain it at a hair-splitting sharpness.
 
You can get a heck of a nice folder for $350. Try a Spyderco Persistence or Tenacious to start. They can be had for around $40-$50 new.

-Freq
 
But honestly for your first quality EDC knife, I would go with a popular knife with an excellent steel and some sort of plastic handles. In my humble opinion, spending big bucks on a knife when you do not know exactly how you want to carry your knife (tip up/ tip down). You cant really go wrong with a Spyderco Endura in a full flat grind. The Benchmade Mini-Griptilian is also a decent option, but mine came from the factory with a crap edge and stripped screws. I have even seen one in my local dealer with a burnt tip, meaning the heat treat on the tip of the knife was ruined from the factory. Also, they are a little bit overpriced, Spyderco offers much better values in my opinion. They also have better customer service (I emailed Benchmade twice, they never got back to me) and Spyderco got back to me every time. Also, in my opinion Spyderco has tighter quality control. I am not trying to bash Benchmade, but these are my experiences. I do think that Benchmade has some excellent designs, and the excellent axis lock is probably the main reason I have continued to buy knives from them.
 
A friend of mine bought the Kershaw Skyline. For $30-$40 bucks this knife rocks! It is extremely lightwieght and has a razor sharp factory edge. If I were you I would look at some of Kershaws knives.
 
Ok..if this is gonna be your first folder....I wouldn't spend $350, Especially if your not even sure you know what you want or need ;) If I were you I would get myself a Spyderco Delica or Endura (depends on what size blade your looking for) & get yourself a Spyderco Sharpmaker. These 2 knives are great knives & won't let you down :thumbup: I have 2 Enduras & 1Delica, great knives for the money spent !
 
I agree with coaldigger...try some knives that cost less and that might help you determine what you like/dislike in folder and hopefully narrow it down until you find the ONE (which I'm forever looking for!) :o
 
Pssh, If you want something rock solid get a ZT300-302 series, for like ~200 ish and save some coin...or just spend a SLIGHT bit more and get a Strider SNG/SMF. Either way since you mentioned that Benchmade I'm guessing you want a tank. Both of those lock up like bank vaults
 
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