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Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
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EveryDay Carry 5.5 Inch Folder
- Thread starter BlueFalc0n
- Start date
I think a Benchmade 710 D2 makes an excellent EDC, even if it's D2 blade is only 4". I love my 630 Skirmish, too - great carry - but canned over a year ago, so they are hard to find now. I guess that makes the 610 Rukus, with it's 4.25" edged S30V, a decent choice as they were canned at the end of last year and can still be found in some dealer's stock. Here is the Rukus, 710, and mini Rukus:
I think of my Rukus as a 'pocket/folder bushcraft'. My local 'pusher' still has a few of the Rukus family available. Both have a great 'feel' and exude a quality that is comforting these days. The full Rukus has a handle that is very comfortable in my medium+ hand - and would be comfortable in a larger hand, too. Not a 5.5"-er, of course.
Stainz
PS Just to make sure... the Rukus is big - that 710 is no slouch - and is my choice for many EDC chores.
I think of my Rukus as a 'pocket/folder bushcraft'. My local 'pusher' still has a few of the Rukus family available. Both have a great 'feel' and exude a quality that is comforting these days. The full Rukus has a handle that is very comfortable in my medium+ hand - and would be comfortable in a larger hand, too. Not a 5.5"-er, of course.
Stainz
PS Just to make sure... the Rukus is big - that 710 is no slouch - and is my choice for many EDC chores.
bladefixation2
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,391
Spyderco Police is another big folder you could consider.
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 1,534
Yes, its true. In Texas, we can't carry a blade longer than 5.5". But we can carry a handgun with whatever length barrel you wish. 
Like the others said, try Cold Steel.
Like the others said, try Cold Steel.
I live in South Texas and I carried a Benchmade LFK 5.2 inch partial serrated blade. Bought it for 70 dollars and it IS a great knife.
I currently bought a Ka Bar Mule, with the G10 scales, 4 inch blade and planning on a cold steel and Columbia River knife (undecided yet) all 4 (2 I named mostly) are great folders for Texas. I really like Tanto partial serrated with black knives, but the non tanto on the BM Is awesome. No matter what knife you go with, you will love them.
BM LFK (Discontinued but can be found for about 80)
Features
•Machined Aircraft Grade Aluminum w/ Santoprene Overmold
•Corrosion Resistant Materials
•Ambidextrous Opening
•Textured Handle
•Country of Origin: Import
Specifications
•Blade Length: 5.20"
•Blade Thickness: 0.118"
•Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
•Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
•Blade Style: Clip-Point; Ambidextrous
•Weight: 6.70oz.
•Clip: Tip Down, Reversible, Black
•Lock Mechanism: Locking-Liner
•Overall Length: 10.25"
•Closed Length: 6.70"
•Sheath Material: Nylon Pouch w/ Velcro® Closure
KABar Mule G10 (For about 25)
Specifications
•Blade Length: 5-3/8" This is Wronge
•Overall Length: 9-3/8"
•Closed Length: 4" This is Wronge
•Blade Shape: Tanto
•Edge Angle: 15 degrees
•Steel: 3CR13 SS
•Lock Style: Lockback
•Grind: Hollow
•Handle Material: Black G10
•Weight: 0.55 lbs.
•Made in China
I currently bought a Ka Bar Mule, with the G10 scales, 4 inch blade and planning on a cold steel and Columbia River knife (undecided yet) all 4 (2 I named mostly) are great folders for Texas. I really like Tanto partial serrated with black knives, but the non tanto on the BM Is awesome. No matter what knife you go with, you will love them.
BM LFK (Discontinued but can be found for about 80)
Features
•Machined Aircraft Grade Aluminum w/ Santoprene Overmold
•Corrosion Resistant Materials
•Ambidextrous Opening
•Textured Handle
•Country of Origin: Import
Specifications
•Blade Length: 5.20"
•Blade Thickness: 0.118"
•Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
•Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
•Blade Style: Clip-Point; Ambidextrous
•Weight: 6.70oz.
•Clip: Tip Down, Reversible, Black
•Lock Mechanism: Locking-Liner
•Overall Length: 10.25"
•Closed Length: 6.70"
•Sheath Material: Nylon Pouch w/ Velcro® Closure
KABar Mule G10 (For about 25)
Specifications
•Blade Length: 5-3/8" This is Wronge
•Overall Length: 9-3/8"
•Closed Length: 4" This is Wronge
•Blade Shape: Tanto
•Edge Angle: 15 degrees
•Steel: 3CR13 SS
•Lock Style: Lockback
•Grind: Hollow
•Handle Material: Black G10
•Weight: 0.55 lbs.
•Made in China
powernoodle
Power Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2004
- Messages
- 11,974
Thats what I was going to say. While you could go up to 5.5", the Military's 4" is plenty good for just about everything. Are you really going to be cutting an 11" block of cheese that requires a 5.5" blade to circumnavigate? Probably not. But what really sells the Military is that it is so thin that it rides easily in your jeans pocket for everyday carry. Consider that you will be carrying this sucker month after month, maybe year after year, and while a big honkin' Rukus is fun to carry, eventually the comfort and ease of carry factor takes on increasing importance.
Along those same lines, the Police 3 would also be an excellent choice. Built tough, yet nice and thin for EDC, and has a back lock.
Military:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2010
- Messages
- 7
Well guys and gals,
I headed down to a gun shop today to buy the wife a S&W .38 Special and I'm so glad that I didn't run out and order these off the internet last night. I know understand what many of you were stating about how large a 5.5 inch blade could be. For an EDC it wouldn't be practical whatsoever and if I ever did pull it out for Everyday use, I'd probably scare most people at work with it. I'm not looking for that. The larger folders he had (5-6") just seemed to cumbersome and impractical for EDC.
Sooo,
Decreasing down to 4.0 inches for an EDC. The gun shop owner did offer me 20% discount off the knives he had in stock (probably because I've just spent about $1500 in his shop the last week). I honestly believe the internet is where the best deals are to be had on knifes and I'll continue to look. Thanks for all your help and I'll keep you posted on my search.
I would ask that someone help me out with picking the right steel. I'd like something that doesn't have to be resharpened that often (under $200)
I headed down to a gun shop today to buy the wife a S&W .38 Special and I'm so glad that I didn't run out and order these off the internet last night. I know understand what many of you were stating about how large a 5.5 inch blade could be. For an EDC it wouldn't be practical whatsoever and if I ever did pull it out for Everyday use, I'd probably scare most people at work with it. I'm not looking for that. The larger folders he had (5-6") just seemed to cumbersome and impractical for EDC.
Sooo,
Decreasing down to 4.0 inches for an EDC. The gun shop owner did offer me 20% discount off the knives he had in stock (probably because I've just spent about $1500 in his shop the last week). I honestly believe the internet is where the best deals are to be had on knifes and I'll continue to look. Thanks for all your help and I'll keep you posted on my search.
I would ask that someone help me out with picking the right steel. I'd like something that doesn't have to be resharpened that often (under $200)
If you get the Darrel Ralph MAXX, go for the clip point rather than the stiletto blade. Don't talk up the self defense angle. It connotes the specter of a WEAPON. Tell anyone who asks that you fillet a lot of watermelon, wedding cakes, and loaves of Italian bread. I heard of a guy who was pulled over by the police. He had a ball bat on the floor in the back seat. They asked him what it was for. He said self defense. He was arrested for posession of a weapon, and they impounded his car (used in the commission of posession). Go figure.
Are these the same thing?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DRHTMDDRMAXX55SATINM
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2007
- Messages
- 4,984
Are these the same thing?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DRHTMDDRMAXX55SATINM
The Camillus Cudas were collabs with DDR IIRC. His Maxx are the real thing.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2009
- Messages
- 38
Welcome to blade forums!
You have gotten some good advice thus far. I am glad that you were able to visit a local shop and realize just how big a 5.5" folder feels. I think your decision to focus your search around the 4" mark is the right move in the long run.
The remainder of this post will be dedicated to categorizing some of the selection criteria you may have not yet considered. I will make some suggestions along the way. We're off...
Weight:
Your initial post mentioned that you wanted a lightweight blade to carry on a daily basis. With a 4" blade you are going to be toting a bit of weight around. In my opinion, you want to look at knives that are under 5 ounces. Anything over this mark begins to get tiresome for EDC. The closer to four ounces you can get the more comfortable it will be and the less likely you will be to leave it on the dresser.
Handle material/texture:
Some handles are highly abrasive and some are much smoother. You are probably going to want something in between so that the knife slides in and out of clothing easily but still offers decent traction.
My favorite handle material is probably G10. It generally offers good traction and chemical resistance for minimal weight. FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) and micarta are also good options.
Lock type:
The most common lock types are liner lock, back lock, axis lock, compression lock, and frame lock. Each have different attributes and actuation methods. Try to experiment with each of them next time you are at a dealer. If you are left handed, you will want to steer clear of liner and frame locks.
Steel/grind:
This is a complex subject. I would recommend staying with a high grade steel like CPM-S30V, 154CM, 440C, AUS-8, or VG-10. There are many others, but these are all safe bets. My favorite is CPM-S30V as it has amazing edge retention and takes a fine edge.
The grind is a very personal choice. I prefer flat grinds but also like a properly executed hollow grind. A full flat grind would be my suggestion here. I think you may be happier with a plain edge as a sharp plain edge can do anything a serrated edge can do IMO. Plain edge will also be easier to sell/trade if you ever need to do so.
Care/maintenance:
Folding knives have moving parts and corrosion/wear sensitive materials. Many people do not think about this when purchasing and carrying a blade. At a minimum you will want to get some lubricating oil for the pivot/edge and some sort of basic sharpening system. You may also want to consider some tool(s) for disassembly, pivot adjustment, clip relocation, etc.
Spyderco and Benchmade blades both come with lifetime sharpening services. If you pay post to and from the factory, the company will sharpen, lube, and clean your blade for you. This may be a good option if you only have one knife and don't want to bother with sharpening and cleaning your blade. I of course recommend doing it all yourself but I am a knife enthusiast.
Clip/carry method:
Examine your chioces in detail and see if they offer a movable clip. The clip can often be relocated for tip up/down carry and left/right handedness.
Model suggestions:
Spyderco military- 4" blade, 4.25 ounces, CPM-S30V, Full flat grind, grippy G10 handles, liner lock, obligate right hand tip down carry, $125. Available in many blade/handle varieties including bright orange
Spyderco police G10- 4.4" blade, 5 ounces, Vg-10, Full flat grind, grippy G10 handles, back lock, four way adjustable clip, $125. Available in black only.
Benchmade 710- 4" blade, 4.5 ounces, D2 semi-stainless steel, grippy G10 handles, axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $115. Available in black only. Stay away from D2 steel if you live near the ocean.
Benchmade 930- 3.6" blade, 3.00 ounces, S30V steel, smooth G10 handles, axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $125. Available in beautiful black/blue milled handle only.
Benchmade 940- 3.4" blade, 2.9 ounces, S30V steel, anodized aluminum handles (nice chalky grip), axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $125. Available in dark green only. A simply amazing folding knife.
Good luck with your choice,
John
You have gotten some good advice thus far. I am glad that you were able to visit a local shop and realize just how big a 5.5" folder feels. I think your decision to focus your search around the 4" mark is the right move in the long run.
The remainder of this post will be dedicated to categorizing some of the selection criteria you may have not yet considered. I will make some suggestions along the way. We're off...
Weight:
Your initial post mentioned that you wanted a lightweight blade to carry on a daily basis. With a 4" blade you are going to be toting a bit of weight around. In my opinion, you want to look at knives that are under 5 ounces. Anything over this mark begins to get tiresome for EDC. The closer to four ounces you can get the more comfortable it will be and the less likely you will be to leave it on the dresser.
Handle material/texture:
Some handles are highly abrasive and some are much smoother. You are probably going to want something in between so that the knife slides in and out of clothing easily but still offers decent traction.
My favorite handle material is probably G10. It generally offers good traction and chemical resistance for minimal weight. FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) and micarta are also good options.
Lock type:
The most common lock types are liner lock, back lock, axis lock, compression lock, and frame lock. Each have different attributes and actuation methods. Try to experiment with each of them next time you are at a dealer. If you are left handed, you will want to steer clear of liner and frame locks.
Steel/grind:
This is a complex subject. I would recommend staying with a high grade steel like CPM-S30V, 154CM, 440C, AUS-8, or VG-10. There are many others, but these are all safe bets. My favorite is CPM-S30V as it has amazing edge retention and takes a fine edge.
The grind is a very personal choice. I prefer flat grinds but also like a properly executed hollow grind. A full flat grind would be my suggestion here. I think you may be happier with a plain edge as a sharp plain edge can do anything a serrated edge can do IMO. Plain edge will also be easier to sell/trade if you ever need to do so.
Care/maintenance:
Folding knives have moving parts and corrosion/wear sensitive materials. Many people do not think about this when purchasing and carrying a blade. At a minimum you will want to get some lubricating oil for the pivot/edge and some sort of basic sharpening system. You may also want to consider some tool(s) for disassembly, pivot adjustment, clip relocation, etc.
Spyderco and Benchmade blades both come with lifetime sharpening services. If you pay post to and from the factory, the company will sharpen, lube, and clean your blade for you. This may be a good option if you only have one knife and don't want to bother with sharpening and cleaning your blade. I of course recommend doing it all yourself but I am a knife enthusiast.
Clip/carry method:
Examine your chioces in detail and see if they offer a movable clip. The clip can often be relocated for tip up/down carry and left/right handedness.
Model suggestions:
Spyderco military- 4" blade, 4.25 ounces, CPM-S30V, Full flat grind, grippy G10 handles, liner lock, obligate right hand tip down carry, $125. Available in many blade/handle varieties including bright orange
Spyderco police G10- 4.4" blade, 5 ounces, Vg-10, Full flat grind, grippy G10 handles, back lock, four way adjustable clip, $125. Available in black only.
Benchmade 710- 4" blade, 4.5 ounces, D2 semi-stainless steel, grippy G10 handles, axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $115. Available in black only. Stay away from D2 steel if you live near the ocean.
Benchmade 930- 3.6" blade, 3.00 ounces, S30V steel, smooth G10 handles, axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $125. Available in beautiful black/blue milled handle only.
Benchmade 940- 3.4" blade, 2.9 ounces, S30V steel, anodized aluminum handles (nice chalky grip), axis lock, left/right adjustable clip, $125. Available in dark green only. A simply amazing folding knife.
Good luck with your choice,
John
Last edited:
If you work on a federal installation they usually have knife length restrictions that are much tougher than your state restrictions. You might want to check into that. Military bases are < 3" for instance with some federal buildings are < 2.5".
imho the best 5.5" around for edc is a darrel ralph maxx, i like the stilletto blade the best, or a cammilus cuda maxx which is almost the same thing (i have both and the are really really close, in everything but possiblly F&F, a lot closer than i expected).
like i said the stilletto looks best and if ya are worried about it looking like a weapon why are ya packing a 5.5" folder, a bowie maxx is also pretty "weapon-ey" FWIW anyway?
i edc'd either a ralph stilletto maxx or a cuda maxx stilletto for a couple of yrs, back in the late '90s and early '00s, the maxx is thin and lite and packs as well as a lotta 4" folders, i dont usually carry anything over 4" nowadays,
like i said the stilletto looks best and if ya are worried about it looking like a weapon why are ya packing a 5.5" folder, a bowie maxx is also pretty "weapon-ey" FWIW anyway?
i edc'd either a ralph stilletto maxx or a cuda maxx stilletto for a couple of yrs, back in the late '90s and early '00s, the maxx is thin and lite and packs as well as a lotta 4" folders, i dont usually carry anything over 4" nowadays,
batosai117
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2007
- Messages
- 5,463
Remember, in Texas the State law is 5.5 inches, but depending on where you live in Texas, you could have a city ordinance limiting the length even further. Such as my hometown, Corpus Christi, State says 5.5 inches, but city ordinance is 3.5 inches. It also depends on the individual officer's discretion and what you are doing and reason for carrying it, etc....
So play it safe and keep it reasonable for EDC. I'd put my vote on a Spyderco Military. Excellent knife and the best liner lock I've ever seen/owned.
So play it safe and keep it reasonable for EDC. I'd put my vote on a Spyderco Military. Excellent knife and the best liner lock I've ever seen/owned.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
- Messages
- 326
In an earlier post you stated that you wanted the knife primarily for protection.
Then what about the Spyderco Civilian?
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60
Click on the link below if you haven't seen its blade shape before. If you just take the blade out, the bad guy will probably head for the hills. Nobody would ever want to get cut with such a wicked blade.
Although it is not to be used for regular chores as it will void the warranty (the tip is very thin so it can break off easily).
It's too much of a bad ass knife not to own, even if you don't edc it
Then what about the Spyderco Civilian?
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60
Click on the link below if you haven't seen its blade shape before. If you just take the blade out, the bad guy will probably head for the hills. Nobody would ever want to get cut with such a wicked blade.
Although it is not to be used for regular chores as it will void the warranty (the tip is very thin so it can break off easily).
It's too much of a bad ass knife not to own, even if you don't edc it