EDC knife, under 3", won't break the bank

J

JSEliot36

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Sep 29, 2011
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Hey guys, long time lurker but a new member of the forums and I'm looking for some collective wisdom on my first EDC knife. Up to now I've been relying on my multi-tool knife (usually a LM micra or Squirt PS4) but it's just not getting the job done and it's time to start carrying a pocket knife.

I'm somewhat new to knives and this would be a first purchase for me. I'd be carrying in IL but outside of Chicago so it needs to be under 3 inches. I'm a computer guy in an office M-F so I'd be looking for something non-threatening, unobtrusive that I can deep carry in a cargo pants pocket. I'd prefer to stay under $50 if possible.

Of all the research and reviews that I've seen in different forums and on youtube, the Spyderco Persistence keeps coming up as a favorite value knife. It has a lot of what I'm looking for, so I'm looking for some comparable knives that I can compare it to.

This is a first knife; at this point the type of steel isn't a critical factor for me. I know not to expect a samurai sword for a few dozen bucks. It's not going to see hard use.

Some others that I've considered include the following, but either price or blade length have me coming back to the Persistence:

BM Mini-Grip
Spyderco Caly 3
Spydie Sage series
Spydie Centofante 3

Advice?
 
If you need to be under 3" total blade length, I think the Sage and the Caly3 are both exactly 3" and so may not suit. The Centofante 3 is 3 1/8" total blade length. That leaves you with the Mini Grip at just under 3" -- which is not a bad choice but maybe above your $50 price point -- or the Persistence, which is a nice little knife.

Or does the relevant statute allow for a cutting edge of 3" rather than total blade length?
 
I'd recommend the Spyderco Delica 4 FFG. I opted for it instead of the Tenacious, and I'm glad I did. The Tenacious, Persistence, and other knives in that group are great, but they're basically cheap knives that are trying to be like more expensive knives. The Delica 4 FFG is purely utilitarian: it's lightweight, comfortable, durable, well-made, has a great steel, and uses a handle material that won't show scratches or crack if dropped. Even if you move on to more expensive knives, the D4 FFG is likely to remain a favorite EDC blade.

The Kershaw Composite Blade Leek is also quite good.
 
I second the Delica 4, FRN though. Light, great steel, cheap, and comes in a nice set of colors.
 
You could get a Kershaw blem from Kershawguy. The OD-1, for example, comes in at 2 and 15/16 inches.
 
Delica 4 is a great first knife -- or second or third.

A related choice: Spyderco Salt I. It's Delica's kissing cousin, similar shape with H-1, rust-proof steel, 3-inch blade, a larger Spydie hole for easy opening and titanium clip.

Choice of black or yellow handles.

At 2 oz you'll hardly notice it in your pocket.
 
And to stay on the Spyderco theme, the Dragonfly also fits your criteria. And it's an easier knife for deep pocket carry with its shorter length when closed compared with the Delica (which is also an excellent choice).
 
I'm in a similar situation about blade length and budget, and have been doing lots of looking around.

Try the CRKT Drifter (stainless is a bit thinner and more formal-ish looking). Its got a 2.88in blade, $20ish.

Boker Trance (2.75in frame lock), $30-ish.

Buck Vantage Avid small (2.5in blade, Tip up deep carry clip), $35ish.

Good luck man.
 
Also the Spyderco UK Penknife. Just under 3in., wire clip for deep carry, good steel (BD1 and Gin-1), and also have the advantage of being a slip-joint for better legality.
 
I don't think there's a sub 3" law in Illinois. I think Chicago has a limit of 2.5" and the laws are dependent upon the city or county, not state.

Of the choices you listed, I'd get the Sage. It looks great in an office setting and has a nice low riding clip.
 
s.c. said:
I don't think there's a sub 3" law in Illinois. I think Chicago has a limit of 2.5" and the laws are dependent upon the city or county, not state.

Of the choices you listed, I'd get the Sage. It looks great in an office setting and has a nice low riding clip.
Click to expand...
State laws also have a big factor. I know in Tennessee you cannot carry a knife with a blade over 4in. unless you are specifically camping, hunting, or other rural activity. Similar with Kentucky. If you are travelling somewhere, you have to check the knife laws of the states you are passing through, because if stopped and you have a knife illegal for that state on you, you can be busted. It is unlikely, but still a concern.
 
The laws in Chicago are pretty ambiguous. Bottom line is that if you are not acting like a jerk, Chicago law enforcement isn't going to hassle you. I would be MUCH, MUCH more concerned about what is going to "fly" in your office if and when you pull it out.

Swiss Army knife never raises eyebrows and one with "computer-y" tools on it (or a flash drive) might be a great choice.
 
I would recommend the Kershaw Scallion or Victorinox SAK. I carry both regularly and they can tackle just about anything that I would need to a common-use pocketknife to do. If I need a larger blade or a lockback, it is normally for a more specialized task. If yo ugo with the Kershaw, just make sure the policy don't have any qualms about "assisted opening" knives. Some places are starting to lump these into the switchblade category.

I love my SAK Pioneer with silver alox handle. I had a red one but used (and loved) the knife so much that I replaced it with another one. Clip blade, can opener/small screwdriver/wire stripper, bottle opener/large screw driver and leather punch (which has proven to be the "do all" item on the knife when you need something hard and pointy with a scraper-like edge. Light in the pocket and rather non-threatening.

From experience, I would warn against using any type of pocketknife in a professional office setting. As users, we view knives as unoffensive tools, but not everyone feels that way. I have been in a sticky situation more than once when a co-worker had issues with a gerber ridge I carried to open boxes of office supplies (a straight edge blade under 2.5"). can take for granted that knives are tools (like guns), whereas others can see them as unnecessary and even threatening. As much as I am a proponent of always carrying a knife, nothing in a true office setting needs more than a letter opener or the straight edge of scissors. In the end, it's not worth damaging working relationships, so I keep it tucked away and can tackle anything I need in-office with a letter opener and scissors - the "acceptable" office implements (and actually more threatening to me). :-) Food for thought...
 
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Delica 4... :thumbup:

delica01.jpg


blkdelica01-1.jpg
 
Maybe one of the smaller slipjoints from Case, Buck, Queen, etc. would be more suited to your office environment. They hide in your pocket unseen until you need them and there is a huge variety of patterns and handle scales to choose from. In many cases, you even have the choice of stainless or carbon steel as well.
 
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