Finally ready to pull the trigger, which of these 3 would best suit the EDC role?

I personally wouldn't consider the 110 for a full-time EDC. No pocket clip and two hand operation.

The other three are really more personal choice. For me the Full-sized grip would be #1 because it is fullsized. Next the lawman and then the delica. Really depends on what your preferences are.
 
My thoughts:

Spyderco Delica 4 FFG w/ FRN scales

Great knife. Made in Seki City with VG-10 steel so you're getting a knife that has good manufacturing and quality steel. Because Spyderco has the CQI (Constant Quality Improvement) parts are not always available. I have also seen/heard that this knife can develop some play with the locking mechanism if used hard. Again, no first hand experience with that. It's a solid knife.

-Cold Steel American Lawman

Another solid performer. I prefer the aesthetics of the Recon 1 over this knife. CS has recently upped the anti with their steel but that has come with a price increase. I'm still torn about whether or not it's worth it to spend almost $100 on a knife made in Taiwan. I know, I know...Spyderco does that. I haven't owned a knife made in Taiwan from Spyderco but I have heard that is their top shelf factory in Tai Chung. Back to the CS; solid knife with an upgraded steel but I'm not sure it's worth it (to me).

-Benchmade Griptillian / Mini Grip

Another great choice. The full size grip is a little fat for some people but it doesn't necessarily bother me. What I like about the full size Grip is that it is relatively light for the amount of knife that you're going to be carrying. USA made, Axis Lock (very robust), and a great steel. Combine those things with Benchmade's warranty as well as blade replacement ($30) and you have a winning package. The full size grip has partial liners but that has never been a problem for me. The knife is tough; plenty of youtube videos to demonstrate that.

The Mini Grip features full steel liners, is shorter, and slimmer. It's a solid knife as well. My old man carries one that I gave him daily. I prefer a bit of a larger knife these days.

-Buck 110 (more for the novelty factor, not to downplay its abilities)


This is a proven knife. For me though it is too heavy, I don't like the steel (but for the price paid it's hard to complain), and I wouldn't carry it because I don't like belt carry and it's too big for pocket carry (for me).
 
I absolutely love my 110...but would never consider it for EVERY day carry. I would go spyderco or benchmade for that - whichever feels better in hand.
 
Never actually looked up the weight of the 110 so thanks to all who pointed that out. I might get the delica in the future, but considering my larger hands, I will go with the full size grip. I like the "spydie" hole that benchmade uses on the sheepsfoot blade. Only question, how is the black coating? Does it scrape off easily? If so the satin finish will be my choice, but the black blade with green handle is the most aesthetically pleasing imo
 
Another vote for the Delica, the Spyder-hole makes it easy to use even if you have light gloves on. The VG10 is super easy to keep shaving-sharp.
 
M0NK said:
The VG10 is super easy to keep shaving-sharp.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. VG10 is one of my favorites. I'll also add that, in addition to easy sharpening, the level of sharpness that I can achieve is pretty insane :eek:
 
Both Cold Steel and Spyderco are great companies you can't go wrong. Benchmade is great too. I'd skip the Buck for now.
 
I'd choose the Delica simply because I don't own a Benchmade knife and I'm comfortable with Spidies. The Delica is in fact one of my EDCs, but I haven't carried it lately. My most recent is the Spidie Kiwi 4.
 
Mini-Grip is one of my go-to knives. Does everything I ask. Look at upgrading to the Doug Ritter version with M390 or S30V. The blade is a little wider so slices very nice. I like the sheeple friendly bright color versions.. Yellow is my prefered. Easy to find and looks more like a toy than a knife. Good for in public.

I've had Delica's and while the do their duty, they don't feel as solid as the mini-grip. I also like the easy one-hand open/close with the Axis lock over the back lock on the Delica.
I'm not doing anything overly hard with these smaller knives so no need for a back-lock.

I have a CS Lawman also, it's a nice knife, but it's big/bulky compared to the other two options. I keep it in one of my backpacking packs as a backup. Again this has a super strong back lock (Tri-ad?) and not a one hander for closing.
 
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Delica or the Lawman. Mini-grip is way over priced.
 
I'd pick between the Griptillian or Delica personally. They are both have excellent EDC properties, but beyond that it would be personal preference for things like handle comfort and blade geometry.

Do you have a brick-and-mortar nearby where you can check how they feel in hand? Personally I think the Griptillian beats the Delica just slightly for handle comfort, but I prefer the FFG of a Spyderco.
 
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