EDC under $50

A

aussiek2000

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Nov 14, 2011
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I have recently been introduced to the non-walmart variety of knifes. I started out with a Kershaw Leek, but broke the tip off of it. I work in automotive repair, which is where this knife will be used. Daily tasks include cutting box tape, cutting plastic parts, cutting small wire (22-16 gauge), occasionally prying on gaskets and what not (that's what broke the kershaw). I prefer a 2 3/4-3in blade. Suggestions welcome.
 
Check out the Cold Steel American Lawman: it's a very stout folder that can be had for around $50. Prying with a folding knife is generally discouraged, but if you have to do it occasionally, the American Lawman is probably as good as any in your price range for it.
 
I was a mechanic for 15yrs and I carried a good ol' LB7 (like a buck 110) on a belt sheath and that bad boy did everything I ever asked of it...yes including some prying.
And in the automotive field it developed character rather easily
 
Shotgun said:
Sounds like you need a multitool and not a knife.
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I agree. You should try a Leatherman Skeletool if you're looking for something that won't take up any more room than your average pocket knife but will give you the added benefit of pliers, wire cutters, etc. Mine is about the same size as my Kershaw RAM, just a bit thicker.

You really should not use your knife for cutting wire, even small stuff, or prying, but a Multitool lets you do that stuff without having to worry about damaging the thing.
 
For $50 I'd get a : Boker Trance - wharnie type blade would be ideal for your cutting tasks, I'd get a CE blade for plastic ties, plus the framelock is easy to clean and the G10 should be resistant to any oil or cleaner you use about $30 + a mini prybar $10 with s/h. Knives really shouldn't be used prying. A mini prybar takes up little room and will spare you from breaking blades.

As anyone in auto repair will tell ya, use the right tool for the job. You have enough budget to get both.
 
normally i would never recommend a crkt product but i would have to say a folding razel if youre gonna pry with it... its sub $50.

i highly recommend a multi tool as others have suggested. for cutting wire i would go with a sog powerlock or powerassist. ive had several leatherman with heat treatment issues fail at wire cutting. thank god for their excellent warranty.
 
Yo Mama said:
Spyderco Endura 4
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I respectfully think the tip on an Endura is just too thin for the type of use this guy needs. I own an Endura 3, which with a saber ground blade I'd trust over an Endura 4. However, even on the Endura 3, the tip is pretty dainty.

Nobody's suggested a SAK, but for all these various uses, including "light prying," it would be my choice. Any multi-tool folder that includes a flat head screwdriver or other non-blade that could do light prying.
 
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I imagine you could get a Victorinox Farmer for ~$25, a pair of wire cutting pliers and a small prybar for around $50. If you're going to cut wire or pry things get the right tools for the job.
 
Fanglekai said:
I imagine you could get a Victorinox Farmer for ~$25, a pair of wire cutting pliers and a small prybar for around $50. If you're going to cut wire or pry things get the right tools for the job.
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They sell very small pry bars (about the size of a mid sized knife) for ~$4. I've thought about putting one in my EDC pack, actually, as more of a blade saver than anything else.
 
I have $10,000 worth of right tools for the job. But when I'm holding piece of a car under the rack with brake/trans/diff fluid running down my arm, that means I have my other arm to reach whatever is on my person, usually my knife. I am also occasionally on my back jammed up under a dash. I am not about to unwedge myself, walk to my box, and crawl back into the car. It is easier to reach dwon and flip the knife open and do what needs done. Multi-tools are way too bulky for me to carry or lay on. I throw my keys, and phone in my tool box as soon as I get to work because I don't like having them on me.
 
Leatherman Juice S2. Small multi tool, or even the Gerber Crucial if you want something that wears more like a knife.
 
aussiek2000 said:
I have recently been introduced to the non-walmart variety of knifes. I started out with a Kershaw Leek, but broke the tip off of it. .... Daily tasks include ... occasionally prying on gaskets and what not (that's what broke the kershaw).
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What is it going to take to get you to stop prying with a knife, already?!? I vote for SAK or multitool if you insist on cutting wire and/or prying.

(What I really suggest is getting another Leek (great knife) and not breaking it. :D)
 
Don't take this the wrong way, but it's my money. If I want to pry with it, I'll pry with it. I'm not going to tell you guys how to use automotive tools properly.
 
aussiek2000 said:
Multi-tools are way too bulky for me to carry or lay on. I throw my keys, and phone in my tool box as soon as I get to work because I don't like having them on me.
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If your pocket knife isn't too bulky for you, neither is the Skeletool. As I said it's almost exactly the same dimensions as the Kershaw RAM, which is a fairly small pocket knife.
 
aussiek2000 said:
I have $10,000 worth of right tools for the job. But when I'm holding piece of a car under the rack with brake/trans/diff fluid running down my arm, that means I have my other arm to reach whatever is on my person, usually my knife. I am also occasionally on my back jammed up under a dash. I am not about to unwedge myself, walk to my box, and crawl back into the car. It is easier to reach dwon and flip the knife open and do what needs done. Multi-tools are way too bulky for me to carry or lay on. I throw my keys, and phone in my tool box as soon as I get to work because I don't like having them on me.
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Knives really aren't meant for prying, but if you insist on prying get something like a Zero Tolerance 0350 that might handle it. Of course, that costs more than $50. It's easily opened one-handed, though. You might get a Cold Steel American Lawman. You might even look at an ESEE Izula. Even though it's a fixed blade it's pretty small.

You can pry with the bottle opener/screwdriver blade on a SAK. I wouldn't want to use the blade for cutting wire, but of course that's up to you.

You might also look at some of the Chinese-made Kershaw offerings like the Clash. It has a pretty stout blade and costs ~$20. You can open it one-handed as well.
 
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