Everyday carry... Help!

C

Cedric

Joined
Jan 22, 2002
Messages
55
I'm having a rough time deciding on an EDC, as I'm getting way to picky, the more I read on the 'net.

Here's what I'm looking for:
~2.5-3" blade length (maximal carry opportunity)
~solid locking mechanism
~Max $100 (net price)
~Good quality steel
~ergonomic grip for large hands (subjective, I know)
~basic black preferable (including clip) - less obtrusive peeking out
of a pocket
~hole vs stud opener -- don't care
~not too skinny, not too chunky of a grip, not too skinny of a blade
~prefer not to have a tanto shape

Goals: Cutting of various materials from boxes to paper to opening packages, etc. Nothing too strenuous -most- of the time, though I want it to be "all purpose", just in case.

The contenders, after exhaustive research are:
1) BM 555 mini-griptilian
2) Spyderco Calypso Jr
3) Camillus EDC (love it, but oh, basic black would be nice! :( Boron
carbide?)

4) William Henry kestral carbon - nice, a touch pricy (though I'm worth it, eh? :D , and no clip,
otw...

Anyone with some input. I know, these are VERY different knives, but they all come close.

Oh, and the BM 705/770/spyderco delilca/meerkat/Emerson cqc7a mini/Rifu/most CKRT are out for a variety of reasons.

Thanks everyone!! Oh, and this is my 2nd post here! Whoo hoo.. to be a newbie :)
Cedric
 
Welcome Cedric!

The Camillus EDC is available in an all black version in 154CM. It's a slick, very well made knife. It comes in a few different variations including one in Talonite. Check out any of the major online dealers.
 
Dont have any of those, but would say go with the spyderco. Oh, and Boron Carbide is come awesome stuff.

Just to throw a wrench in the wirks real quick, have you looked at the spyderco Native FRN? Sounds like it would fufill most of your needs/wants.
 
I saw the anniversary version, but it had an eyepopping gold clip. Is there a version with a black clip, or can something (other than spray paint.. shiver) be done to blacken it? I'm an elegance through simplicity kind of guy. :)

Thy spyderco native: It's a bit too long (3 1/8"), and the grind on the spine side just doesn't do it for me for some reason. Thanks for the input though!!

Cedric
 
Boy, that's a tough one.

The Anniversary Edition EDC definitely has the edge in the looks department, and has that black color you're looking for. It also has the edge in the steel department, using 154CM.

The Calypso Jr. is more than good enough, but those smooth stainless steel handles are very slippery. I could never get a good grip on this knife.

The Griptilian has an awesome lock, and a darned good steel. It's definitely a contender for the EDC.

I'd personally do the Anniversary Edition EDC in a heartbeat, but that's just me. I'm just not big on the looks of the Griptilian.
 
Cedric: You will have to do a bit of searching, but there is a way to re-do the clip. I think the company is Brownell's and they make a series of do-it-yourself finishes that you can apply and simply bake it on in a toaster oven. You could modify the clip to your own specs.
 
Calypso Jr. with Zytel handles and VG-10 blade.

It might be an exaggeration to say it's the best sub-$50 small knife. Then again, it might not.
 
Can I suggest the Emerson mini Commander or CQC7?
 
Spyderco Salsa 2.5 inch blade


Not black, but it comes in four fruity flavors: blue, green, tan, and titanium! It doesn't ride deep, but the clip is a wire clip much like the "Q" or Meercat. Super strong Compression Lock, AUS-8 steel, and it's ground to an extrememly thin edge. The fit and finish are outstanding.

Just another option for you to kick around.
 
Around $100 or less:
Camillus EDC
Spyderco Native
Spyderco Delica
Emerson mini CQC-7
Buck mini Strider

Or you can spend the extra $$$ ad go for a CRK small Sebenza.

Paul
 
3) Camillus EDC (love it, but oh, basic black would be nice! :( Boron
carbide?)

You just answered your own question! Buy the basic EDC in 154CM and then simply send it to BodyCote to be boron carbide treated. The cost is very reasonable ($20-$25 most likely). A stock EDC will most likely come off more of a charcoal color, hand rubbing the blade and/or handle slabs down to an 600-800 grit finish would likely bring out more of that killer "black chrome" look.

Good luck and don't settle for less than your ideal ;)
 
(this is my first post : please be indulgent !):)

For less than 100$, I opt for a Delica !
 
Thanks for the input so far everyone! I'm sure you'll all agree that one of the most difficult aspects of choosing a knife is when you can't see them in person. Unfortunately none of my top choices have I seen, though I've seen many different Spydercos, Benchmades, Emersons, Bucks, Kershaws..... so I have -some- idea of what I'm a getting. That and scaling internet pictures to true size to get a better idea. :)

Any more input is always welcome!

Thanks again,
Cedric
 
I like the Spyderco Bob Lum Chinese folder. It's small maybe too thin for your needs. It has Almite coated Aluminum scales, Green or Gunmetal Blue, I chose the Blue. I'm kind of partial to Spyderco! It has VG-10 blade steel, which is quite good.

I've heard good things about the Calypso jr. but I don't own one yet.
 
I appreciate all of your input. I didn't realize until yesterday, when scoping through the forums, that I live in the DC metro area. Well, duh, I guess I knew that before. :) What I didn't know is that one of the largest online suppliers (knifecenter.com) is about 10 miles from my house.

So... EVERY knife I was interested in (and a whole bunch more!!!) were IN STOCK there. I just got a chance to browse, peruse, and fondle to my hearts content. I saw the griptilian, Camillus EDC, various Emersons, Lum spydercos (both green -and- blue -- very pretty!), Wegner Sr., etc, etc... The final verdict?

A benchmade 555 Mini-Griptilian. For those of you that haven't seen it, or have seen the full size, this is a must look at for a 3" EDC. The grip is plastic, yes, but checked for a good grip, rounded, more comfortable in my large hand than the highly respected 705, has a sweet, almost Wegner blade profile, and a silky smooth axis lock. That and a nice price. For an EDC the 440c should do the job nicely as well.

Anyhow, thanks again everyone for your input. My next venture/awaiting is the Spyderco Ocelot. Mmmmm, ocelot... We'll see. Geez, it's always "one more around the corner", isn't it? :D
(looking over his shoulder to make sure his Wife isn't watching).

Cheers,
Cedric
 
See? I told you!

The mini-griptillian is AWESOME. I really need to get me one of them too.

Unfortunately? No, that's not quite the right word...anyway, I have this Obenauf small model 1 that's similar in size. I don't know what I'd do with it if I bought the mini-Griptillian...?

Very cool knife though.

Mike
 
Heh heh, thanks Michael. I can't get over how smooth the action is for such a reasonable knife. :)

Cedric
 
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