EDC for newbie

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kirkg

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Mar 28, 2010
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Not been lurking here long, but I need some feedback on a EDC for a new guy in the $50 - $100 range. If there's already a good area to explore on here with this info, please guide me in the right direction.......

Otherwise, this is what I'm considering so far:

Mini Grip
Kershaw Blur - maybe too big?
Delica - not sure which one

Other Benchmade's?

Thanks
 
Do you have a size you are thinking about? From the ones you are looking at they look to be medium-small knives.

I would suggest the Griptilians and the new Bone collector. The Bone collector has a large and small size, has G10 handles, and the AXIS lock. I also really like the Rift, but that is out of your price range.

Also look at the Manix 2. A ton of knife for the money. I also really like the Stretch and Caly 3 in the Spyderco line. You can get the stretch and caly 3 with great ZDP steel at the upper end of your price range. Otherwise the VG10 models are great as well and a little cheaper.

I also really like the Kershaw RAM and the Buck Vantage pro.
 
Regarding Spyderco, the Delica is a classic with good allround performance but these days there are interesting other ones as well:
- The Stretch is a bit longer than the Delica and loved by many. The standard VG10 version should be within budget.
- If you want a sturdy heavy duty EDC, you can't beat the Manix 2.
- If you edc needs are more "gentlemeny" then the Centofante 3 is really special, and a terrific slicer with its thin blade.
- If you shop around, then you can find the Sage 1 in your price range: a splendid and luxurious EDC. If you prefer backlocks then the otherwise similar and splendid Caly 3 may just be within budget if you shop around.
- Regarding Delica, full flat ground ones are beginning to come on the market - FFG is where Spyderco really shines!
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Do you have a size you are thinking about? From the ones you are looking at they look to be medium-small knives.

I would suggest the Griptilians and the new Bone collector. The Bone collector has a large and small size, has G10 handles, and the AXIS lock. I also really like the Rift, but that is out of your price range.

Also look at the Manix 2. A ton of knife for the money. I also really like the Stretch and Caly 3 in the Spyderco line. You can get the stretch and caly 3 with great ZDP steel at the upper end of your price range. Otherwise the VG10 models are great as well and a little cheaper.

I also really like the Kershaw RAM and the Buck Vantage pro.
Click to expand...

I forgot to list the RAM, glad to see you like it. You're right, looking for a medium knife size, plain edge. Steel is very important. I have some nice Japanese kitchen knives that I take care of on 1000 and 4000 grit stones. I want something that is not too hard to get a razor sharp edge, but stainless.

That Manix 2 looks interesting, surprised I have not seen it mentioned...
 
You can get a lot of knife for 100 bucks. A BM grip comes to mind, as does the manix 2(I'd take this hands down over the delica, which doesn't particularly wow me).

I also noticed some people mentioning the Buck Vantage Pro. I consider this to be the Chevy Camaro of knives. The performance is ok, but the build quality doesn't leave me trusting and for that reason I would not recommend.
 
Kershaw Ener-G or OD-1
Spyderco Delica4 plain VG10
Mini Griptilian

other knives Ive hears good things about

Buck Vantage Pro
CRKT Drifter
Cold Steel American Lawman with Tri-Ad lock
 
Try starting with a good, moderately priced blade -- it will give you a chance to explore what you like without too much of a risk.

See the thread comparing the Persistence (about $30) and the Sage I (under $90, street.) Each is under 3".

One of my favorite EDCs is the Cat at 2.5" (and under $50.)

Each of these is outstanding in its own way -- and fun to own.
 
Gonna throw a curveball out there, but have you considered an Izula as a small fixed blade EDC?
 
So many wonderful knives to choose from.

I'd start with a mini Presidio Ultra or Mini Grip. Benchmade's axis lock knives are simply fantastic. Gotta have one of those. If you want a sleeker, more elegant model, the 707 Sequel is a jewel of a knife.

As FlaMtnBkr suggests, the Bone Collector is another excellent choice in full or mini sizes that I'd lean toward as well.

If you want something a little larger than those models, the 551 Grip is a fantastic choice and still fairly easy to EDC. Fairly inexpensive, too, for a medium sized axis lock knife.

In addition to BM axis knives, there are some great Spydercos you should seriously consider... Persistence for <$30 is an easy recommendation. Or the Sage 1 for around $80. Both are perfect for comfortable EDC. If you want to go larger, as mentioned earlier, the Manix 2 has developed quite a popular following. There are other good models as well, but those would be ones I'd lean toward.

And the third major maker whose models s/b considered is Kershaw... the Leek is extremely popular. I'd vote for a Leek or a Shallot. The Blur is a good choice as well if you want a larger size.

Sooner or later you'll probably own all of these models anyway, so where do you want to start? ;) Enjoy your shopping expedition... this is so much fun.
 
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kirkg welcome to the forum. this is the place to be if you want to learn & see great reviews.check out the new flat grinds in spyderco enduras & delicas. these are high quality & great cutters. if edcing is new to yourself take in consideration the thin bevels on these models , great for slicing but do'nt do twist cuts.
 
DennisStrickland said:
kirkg welcome to the forum. this is the place to be if you want to learn & see great reviews.check out the new flat grinds in spyderco enduras & delicas. these are high quality & great cutters. if edcing is new to yourself take in consideration the thin bevels on these models , great for slicing but do'nt do twist cuts.
Click to expand...

I'm having trouble finding the "flat grind" enduras and delicas. Can anyone tell me specifically which models they are or how they are listed?

Thanks for all the feedback. Now, if I could only decide! Too many excellent choices.
 
for a large selection of spyderco flats go to "knives shipped free" .i may get erased here ,mods do'nt like advertising in this section.
 
Hey there. Of course, I would go with the mini grip, you'll love it. Or, how about the Sage 1 or the Caly 3?
 
In medium large knives (my favorites for EDC) try Spyderco Endura, Buck Vantage Pro, or Kershaw Lahar. Great size, great steel, great ergos, great companies. Can't go wrong with any of the three.
 
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