Finding that perfect EDC folder.

jlfletcher83

jlfletcher83

Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
1,277
I have hell finding an EDC folder that I can keep for more than a week without rotating. I really am on a big push to simplify things and I need to find that one. I thought I had it with the Blade-Tech RIJBAK and also came close with the pro hunter extreme. I tried the Spyderco line and so far the Manix has been my longest carry knife. I carried it for over a year. The Endura and the Delica are fine but lock backs just don't do it for me. The ATR with stainless handle also came close but it was slippery and the clip was a clothes eater. The D Allara drop was good but didn't like the handle. The millie was too big , the para too small. I didn't like the recurve on the Benchmade 710 I loved the original griptilian in 440c but I despise 154 cm so the new one is out. Tried ZT 0300 but it was too heavy. I tried a couple of Emersons but could never get used to the chisel grind. Before anyone says this I looked at a Sebenza and handled it but I do not like tip up. Also I would never in a million years buy a Buck 110. I need honest opinions on a roughly 3.5 inch EDC folder that's tip down and not 154cm or ATS 34. Price is not much of an issue but I would like to keep it under 400. Thanks guys.
 
Try to find a Rick Hinderer XM 18! The other thing to do is buy a Spyderco Millie and send it to STR for a framelock conversion! It is AWESOME! I also like the Benchmade 940 or a 730 Ares if you can find one. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
I personally think that I'll have this problem for a long time and I'm okay with it. I enjoy getting new stuff. But I'd look into customs. For me, the 2 most appealing folders at this point are the Hinderer XM-18 & Yuna Hard 1.
 
BM & MT pics

DSCF0013.jpg


DSCF0010.jpg
 
Benchmade 750 "Pinnacle". Scales are 6AL-4V titanium, tumbled. Blade is ATS-34, 59-61HRC ,3.60 in length with a reverse curve. It is very similar to my Sebenza. I don't think they were produced for very long.
 
Not tip down, but....

I'd recommend the Al Mar Ultralight series. Blades are very sharp out of the box. They are so light and thin you'll forget you are carrying. The Falcon and Eagle are the two larger sizes. The Falcon is a bit smaller than your specs, the Eagle a bit larger.
 
Well, here is an odd suggestion. I got mine in time to throw it, in it's sheath, in my pocket for an in-law of my in-laws Christmas party early last December. When we served slices - or chunks - of baked ham on paper plates, resplendent with fat and grissle - out came my Buck Kalinga Pro folder #419 in S30V. No slicing required - the nearly perfect edge needed less than gravity's help in separating the good from the bad, at the amusement of others. I, the retired college prof, surrounded by blue collar workers, was the one with The Blade. I loaned it to a lady at church one AM to open some LifeSaver packs... as she expertly deployed and recalled the blade - one handed - she exclaimed "Nice knife... good edge... you really want it back?". I was impressed.

Seriously - great build quality. You may not like the 110 - you probably won't like the 419. You did say you weren't fond of an upswept blade. I wasn't either - nor was I fond of liner-locks. This has both - I handled one after getting my fixed K-P #408. I nearly bought it - at full MSRP + 9% s/t, I was that impressed. Great lockup - great feel in the hand. Basic woodcraft is fine - forget the drilling, however. Shaving 'feathers' - skinning bark - notching - all easily accomplished. I don't look forward to re-edging the S30V, however. Still, here it is for your perusal - between it's fixed sibling and, gasp, an '07 Collector's Tin 110 from W-W - $21 on closeout. Yeah, all three were made in Idaho... the sheaths came from Mexico, I believe.

IMG_0456_edited.jpg


Stainz
 
Wow, I'm surprised that has not been a "just get a Sebenza" response yet.
If you willing to spend it, I would take a look at a few of them.

But on a cheaper end if you like the BM grip, there are a few versions that have different blade steels, then are s30v D2, and some that are hard to find in M2. Or try looking at the BM 940 and the Ares series. There are a few SE runs of the Ares that are in D2, M2, and s30v.
Good luck!
 
The knife that edged all the rest of them out for me is the Ritter Griptilian. Since you mention liking the Grip with the exception of the 154CM steel the RG might be worth a look. In addition to the S30V steel, the blade shape is another improvement on the standard Grip IMO.
 
The handle on the D'Allara was comfortable in the hand I just did not like how it road in the pocket.
 
The Kershaw Boa is still lurking out there.

If I ever find my grail knife the retail market will go into a tail spin, my financial security will no longer suffer so, and rivers will probably run uphill. Don't hold your breath while searching for yours.:Dss.
 
I have hell finding an EDC folder that I can keep for more than a week without rotating. I really am on a big push to simplify things and I need to find that one.
Click to expand...

May I suggest something.
When one is looking for something, often times what they are looking is not there, or they are trying too hard.
So don't go into this looking, keep the idea on the back burner, and keep eyes and ears open.

There is a odd deal about all this, still it runs true.
If one goes in to a store, and they have to have a item, that item is out of stock, or they don't carry it.
If one sorta eases in, with this item on the back burner, that item will be in stock, and sometimes one has to trip over the thing as it was right there.


Try something, since you want to simplify, it is not a waste of much money.

Vic SAK Pocket Pal is a simple, light, two bladed knife.
Get one and mess with it. About $13.

Case Peanut, Pen knife, Stockman or Sodbuster Jr, with CV blades, less than $40.
Buck makes similar, like the Companion, and Cadet.

Just a old fashioned pocket knife, no clip, just simple.
Still they surprise folks with what all they find themselves doing with one.

Worst case, these get tossed in a tool box, vehicle for emergency, or given away...
Most folks don't get rid of one, even if they choose to not EDC.
These speak to folks, and grow on them.

You might find another knife, just for some odd reason you grab that Pocket Pal or Cadet, or Stockman and go out back and whittle a stick, cut some twine around tomatoes or cut some cardboard box down for the trash.

Next thing you know you are cutting a apple, maybe some cheese and ...

You own the knife, the knife does not own you.
One gets free and it is nice not having to keep up or worry about knife patterns, or steels, or handle materials.

Danged old simple knife handles the cutting chores, one does mind using it,and it grows on you.

Just my take.
 
jlfletcher83 said:
I have hell finding an EDC folder that I can keep for more than a week without rotating. I really am on a big push to simplify things and I need to find that one. I thought I had it with the Blade-Tech RIJBAK and also came close with the pro hunter extreme. I tried the Spyderco line and so far the Manix has been my longest carry knife. I carried it for over a year. The Endura and the Delica are fine but lock backs just don't do it for me. The ATR with stainless handle also came close but it was slippery and the clip was a clothes eater. The D Allara drop was good but didn't like the handle. The millie was too big , the para too small. I didn't like the recurve on the Benchmade 710 I loved the original griptilian in 440c but I despise 154 cm so the new one is out. Tried ZT 0300 but it was too heavy. I tried a couple of Emersons but could never get used to the chisel grind. Before anyone says this I looked at a Sebenza and handled it but I do not like tip up. Also I would never in a million years buy a Buck 110. I need honest opinions on a roughly 3.5 inch EDC folder that's tip down and not 154cm or ATS 34. Price is not much of an issue but I would like to keep it under 400. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

My honest opinion? From your post it's obvious that no knife will ever satisfy you...;)

This is not necessarily unusual, however...none of my daily carries perfectly satisfy me either...that's one of the reasons I currently rotate among 4 with many more available to select from. :D

You might try ordering a custom based on your specific requirements...

I also see no Kershaw's mentioned in your list of those tried and discarded (the ZT doesn't really count in this case)...they have a broad line of fine knives! :thumbup: Take a look at the Blur, Bump, and Cyclone models for starters, but definitely check out the whole line...

Edit: I almost forgot...what is so horrible about the Buck 110? It's a classic, timeless choice in a workhorse folder. Is that your reaction to the kneejerk responses from many that insist on recommending it as the be-all-end-all for every knife purchase, or does something specific about the knife itself bother you?

Ray :)
 
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