EDC Utility Folder w/Blade *Under* 3.5" and $100 (street price)

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
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OK, I should have checked first, but I just learned I am violating the Seattle Municipal Code when I carry my spiffy new Benchmade 806D2 there (which is a problem since that is where I reside). See Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 12A.14.010 ("Dangerous knife" means any fixed-blade knife and any other knife having a blade more than three and one-half inches (3 1/2") in length) and SMC 12A.14.080 (It is unlawful for a person knowingly to: . . . Carry concealed or unconcealed on his or her person any dangerous knife). As a result I am researching EDC Utility folders with blades under 3.5"

I really like the Axis lock, so if Benchmade would hurry up and release a mini Axis AFCK (in M2 if you please) most of my troubles would be solved (although RCW 9.41.250 says . . . Every person who shall . . . have in his possession any . . . any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position . . . by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement . . . shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor, which could create problems for many Axis and liner lock owners and some lock back owners)

Back on topic, here are the knives that spring to mind:

Camillus EDC
Mini AFCK in M2
BM 940
BM 720 (but I don't like the blade styles)
BM 705
BM 550
Spyderco Calypso Jr (although I don't want to go much shorter than this)
Spyderco Salsa?

I really like the axis lock, but a good time tested liner lock, frame lock or lockback is fine. I prefer a flat or high saber grind (don't ask me why, but I just don't like the looks of hollow ground knives). I'd like the best steel I can get for $100. 154CM is the minimum spec.
 
First off, let me echo agreement with you...Benchmade, please make a mini AFCK Axis in D2/M2!

With regards to your list, I have handled four of your choices (and own one). Here's my take on them:

  • Mini AFCK: Nice handle ergonomics on this one, much like the larger version. I think that (based on previous searches) liner lock failures with this knife are more common than with the full-sized AFCK. However, that does not mean that failures are a common occurrence...
  • BM 940: I own this one, and have used it as an EDC for a few months now. I like the long, thin blade for cutting efficiency, and the Axis lock is soooo smooth. Some have stated that the steel may have a tendency to roll, although mine has not - see the review here.
  • BM 705: Lots of people seem to like this one, but the handle felt too small for me.
  • BM 550: I looked at this one recently - I'm thinking about picking up one of these myself. I generally don't go for FRN-handled knives, but this one looks decent, feels solid in the hand, has great ergos, and a good price. Blade steel won't satisfy the alloy-addicts, but it's definitely not shabby.

I haven't tried a Spyderco Calypso Jr., but I do carry the large version occasionally. The large version rocks!

My pick - go with either the 940 or 550. Hope that helps!

Matthew
 
IMO, it was going to conflict with a local or state law, I wouldn't carry an axis folder as it isn't worth it. I think that the Spyderco Calypso Jr would be more than sufficient for you cuttin' needs. However, be warned that although the knife is one hell of a slicer, it isn't a folder that you can hack, chop, or pry with. The Salsa is also an excellent knife, but since you don't want too much smaller than the Calypso Jr. it may not be a good knife for you. Have you thought about a Lum Chinese? Nice broad leaf shaped blade with a super sharp flat ground blade of VG-10. The handle is made of green almite coated alum. and it has a nested liner lock. It feels very natural in hand, carries well, and is pretty classy looking. If you still want something alittle more tactical, check out some of the Emerson line. I just got a mini CQC7A (carries well with my mini B :D ) and it is one heck of a great knife with a 154CM blade, chisel grind, G-10 scales, dual ti liners, and a stout liner lock.
good luck,
Matt
 
Check out A G Russel and get the Camillus EDC in D2. For the price you cann't beat it.
 
From your list, the only ones I've handled are the EDC, BM720, and the BM550. I really like all three of these. I only own the EDC and 720, but I can't resist the urge to play with the 550 every time I see it. As far as the 550 goes, I love everything about it except that it's tip-up carry. If they do go ahead an make it reversible, I'll be picking one up poste-haste. As for the BM720, I really like the blade style. Axis lock makes this knife extremely smooth (like pretty much all axis locks) and it's a real sturdy, well-built folder. Unfortunately, as with most sturdy, well-built things, it's a little on the heavy side. That doesn't bother me at all, in fact I was carrying the 720 yesterday, but in comparison to the 550, that's one of the more noticeable differences. The EDC I like because of the recurve. It's a beautifully designed knife. The handle shape is pretty ergonomic, but may be on the thin side for some people. It doesn't bother me, but if you're a "heavy-use" person it may get uncomfortable. The EDC has a very strong ball detent which means the blade shouldn't be opening up when it's not supposed to, but it also means that it is more difficult to open when it's supposed to.

Overall, I would recommend any one of the three, but I would have to say that factoring everything in (i.e. blade style, design, etc.), I think the 550 wins out (which, ironically, is the one of the three that I don't own). Hope that helps.

-Z
 
I'll consider the Lum Chinese Folder as well. I don't like the looks of the Native.

If I had to decide right this second, I think I'd get a D2 EDC. I've researched it in the past and the ball detent would keep me on the right side of any interpretation of Washington's law.

I also like the looks of the 940 and most of what I've read about it.

Why does the Benchmade Ares have to have a 3.6 inch blade :rolleyes:

Honestly, I'm not that concerned about the RCW. I've read you can flip open almost any axis or liner lock with a large enough blade and some lockbacks and I am sure there are lots of other people carrying axis locks in Washington (not to mention all the people selling them). If carrying an axis lock makes me a criminal, I'll be in good company. I'm not one to attract attention to myself anyway--I'm your typical middle aged, medium height, medium-to-heavy build, medium-brown haired, medium complexion caucasion male in business casual attire who hasn't attracted police attention since that traffic ticket several years ago.
 
If you like the Spyderco's compression lock but the Salsa blade is too short, there is also the Vesuvius which fulfils your needs-
Martin
 
Originally posted by diletante
I don't like the looks of the Native.
Click to expand...

I'll bet that you have not yet HELD a Spydie Native in your hand, or cut anything with one. I think they are a very good "EDC" folder, as the FRN models are very "comfortable" and light to carry (and use). Don't let the "looks" of the Native turn you away from it, as they are a very good performer.

BTW...It's nice seeing another "Washington State knife guy" here at BladeForums.:).
 
FWIW, you can find Spyderco Temperence folders here for $100 about once every two weeks.

got mine here, and the blade and handle are awesome. Carried mine in and out of the St Croix river all weekend (4th of July weekend) and did nothing like clean it excet with muddy riverwater. There was no fouling of the knife nor was there any hint of lock failure.

The 440V had nothing but a wee bit of minor surface discoloration, and after four days of use in the river with no anti corrosives, that is something to be impressed with.

The clip, on the other hand, while very secure, blows big time. Too bulky, too oversized, there is NO NEED for the stupid protruding clip nor the "manipulation" holes on it, instead a clip like the Endura/ Delica would be perfect.

This is not me alone. I have an xl sized paw, the friend I was visiting has XL plus hands. He found the clip equally irritating.

If you can handle the clip or if Spyderco finds it okay to make one of these with a proper sized clip instead of a sci-fi looking prop of one, find one of these for sale on the boards even slightly used. Mine held an edge all weekend bain used for everything from ribs to aluminum cans to carboard to paper to wood to...you get the picture.

I also second the G10 or FRN Native with 440V steel. Forget the looks, it is ergonomically wonderful and is a joy to use.

Parker
 
Originally posted by glockman99
I'll bet that you have not yet HELD a Spydie Native in your hand, or cut anything with one. I think they are a very good "EDC" folder, as the FRN models are very "comfortable" and light to carry (and use). Don't let the "looks" of the Native turn you away from it, as they are a very good performer.

BTW...It's nice seeing another "Washington State knife guy" here at BladeForums.:).
Click to expand...

You're right. For some reason the cosmetics of many of the Spydercos just turn me off. Truthfully any of the knives on my list will exceed my requirements. The only ones that have really grabbed me are the Calypso and Calypso Jr. in Micarta.

I like the BM940 a lot. I like the size, locking mechanism and looks--particularly in red--but all the rolled edge posts give me pause.

I like the D2 EDC a lot--like I said, if I had to pull the trigger right now I'd buy the EDC.

I also like the BM550 and Spyderco Calypso Jr. Lightweight well enough but they don't really grab me the way the 940 and EDC do.
 
I'm with Glockman and Parker, Diletante. At least handle a Spyderco Native FRN. This is a great, great EDC. It will feel locked into your hand, can take care of a wide range of tasks, and at around $65-70, you'll have money left over to buy a cool knife accessory (like a Razoredgesystems.com portable smooth steel for keeping your blades cutting well, if you don't already have a portable steel).

From everything I've heard and from my own handling of the knife, I don't think the Lum Chinese would make a great EDC, it's just not versitile enough.

By the way, let me say how sorry I was to learn of Seattle's "dangerous knives" ban. After reading how happy you were with your new 806D2, this just sucks. :mad: I even looked up the Seattle Municipal Code to see if you had overlooked any exceptions to this law, but it's pretty comprehensive and the exceptions are too narrow to allow for EDC.

Regards,

Johnny
 
The "best" EDC folder is NOT a single blade knife. Thinking
outside the box a bit brings me to a knife designed to be pure
utlitity. A knife with a long documented history of service doing
every , and some you can't or don't want to, task you can imagine.

The stockman. A stockman in the 4" to 4 1/4' range will do more
things better and easier than any one blade knife.

No, it's not one hand wonder knife. No, it's not a eye catching
tactical knife either. It is an exceptional utlity knife for way
less that $100.
 
Arkansas state law also requires a blade to be under 3.5". This used to be a bit of a struggle for me, but has recently been solved with the Benchmade 550 Griptilian. Excellent knife, 3.4" blade, great price. Highly recommended :) .

Regards,
Clay
 
How about the Mini Buck Strider ? Slightly over $100, solid built, heavy 3" blade. Meets laws in Washington, Colorado, Delaware,Arkansas and Los Angeles, Ca.:)
guy
 
OK OK I'll handle a Native, but to me an EDC knife is personal. In addition to doing the job it's got to grab you. I'm sure it works great, but IMO the Native is just butt ugly. A G-Shock is arguably a better watch than mine but I don't own one for the same reason. Same with the Stockman--it may do more than an EDC or 940, but it's not my style and either of the other knives will exceed my requirements. I'm leaning toward the 940 (right size and more refined than the 550) and the D2 EDC. Thanks for all the feedback. I need to go back to the cutlery store and handle some knives :D
 
You could always get a BM Ares & take .1 inches off the tip :). Seriously, you could take some of the tip away by sharpening w/ one of the Lansky/Gatco tip sharpeners - inadvertently did that to my BM 350, blade now 2.8 rather than 2.9 - doesn't look bad, functionally better (sharper :) ). Just a thought. Don't forget the BM 551, 770 as far as axis locks go.

Sam
 
Originally posted by diletante
In addition to doing the job it's got to grab you. I'm sure it works great, but IMO the Native is just butt ugly.
Click to expand...
You probably didn't check out other spyderco that looks even more ugly.
I personally have the native. I've handled jjcoolay's too many times and the handle is excellent. I think it looks darn nice, and the fact that it doesn't have a pronounced hump definately have a bonus.
You should check out the Native and Delica. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find them somewhere under $100. I could find both in a discount store in Canada for less than $100CDN. Only drawback for the Native is that CPM440V is quite tough to sharpen. You would want to keep that baby sharp and not let it dull.
BM 705 would be a nice piece too. I've handle it once, excellent lock, excellent blade... no wonder it was already sold next time I went by the store.
 
Originally posted by Flotsam
You could always get a BM Ares & take .1 inches off the tip
Click to expand...

Don't think it hasn't occurred to me. The Ares I really want is hard to find and way over $100--the one with the carbon fiber scales and M2 blade.
 
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