First good edc folder

B

Brsutton86

Joined
Dec 20, 2017
Messages
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Always had cheap $30 pocket knives. I use my knife daily on various things being a farmer. Ready for a knife that holds an edge that's Made in USA. After reading alot I believe I've narrowed it down to a M390 blade. Tryed hard to find a mini grip with 390 but that didn't happen. So got it down to 2 I believe in that 3" range. Kershaw dividend m390 for $85 or Benchmade nakamura m390 for $191. Kershaw handle doesn't look grippy but half price. I'd like to have the axis lock. What would you fellas buy? Thanks in advance.
 
20CV is literally the same thing as M390 basically and you can find a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini Griptilian in 20CV really easily because they are still regular production. You can usually find them for about $120-$130 on the exchange here
 
That being said... the dividend is a great value and the Nakamura is really sweet, but had a couple design quarks that kind of foiled the design for me. If you were to buy even just a baseline Griptilian with plain old 154CM blade steel, you would probably find it significantly better in terms of edge retention compared to what you have been using. It would be easier to sharpen to so don't rule that out.
 
cashville said:
20CV is literally the same thing as M390 basically and you can find a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini Griptilian in 20CV really easily because they are still regular production. You can usually find them for about $120-$130 on the exchange here
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If your heart was set on a mini grip in m390, this is what you want
 
Spyderco M4 Manix Exclusive would be a really good bet at a terrific price. I’m really close to pulling the trigger myself. Benchmade Barrage 581 is M390 and should be pretty much exactly what you’re looking for. I actually have one coming in the mail tomorrow.
Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in Maxamet or S110V

There are honestly so many good options
 
Thanks guys good info, I came to the right place. I have read many threads on here the last week. Now that you all have taught me about the cv20. I'm going to order the mini grip. Now just have to decide if I want a free tee from Smokey mountain, key fob from blade hq, or free engraving from dlt trading. Probably go with the engraving....
Thanks again for the info. Now I'll have a nice carry to go along with a 4 inch fixed stag handle fixed and 10 inch stag handle fixed both with soligen blades from the 60s handed down from my grandfather.
 
If your heart is set on M390, then go for it! Although a Griptilian in 20CV is basically the same thing. Also, did you know that M390 is an Austrian-made steel while 20CV is an American-made steel?
 
Blues Bender said:
If your heart is set on M390, then go for it! Although a Griptilian in 20CV is basically the same thing. Also, did you know that M390 is an Austrian-made steel while 20CV is an American-made steel?
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I read that when i googled the 2 after some posts on this thread. Made it an easier decision. I try to by usa products all I can especially long term items. Surprised I've put off a good knife this long. Lost an old case folder 10 years ago and carried junk since.
 
Blues Bender said:
Do you have any experience sharpening freehand? This info can also help us guide you into the right direction for sharpening gear.
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No not really I have a coarse and fine stone I used on my cheap knives. But I have alot of research to do now, don't want to ruin a good blade...
 
Brsutton86 said:
I read that when i googled the 2 after some posts on this thread. Made it an easier decision. I try to by usa products all I can especially long term items. Surprised I've put off a good knife this long. Lost an old case folder 10 years ago and carried junk since.
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Yep, I hear ya! My stepdad recently bought an El Cheapo knife with the intent to carry it everyday. I let him try my ZT0562 with M390 (a "real" knife) and I haven't gotten it back for weeks:D He loves it!

Brsutton86 said:
No not really I have a coarse and fine stone I used on my cheap knives. But I have alot of research to do now, don't want to ruin a good blade...
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The Spyderco Sharpmaker might be a good start. I have a Spyderco ceramic stone I freehand with, but I started with the Sharpmaker. There are many good options though, diamond stones being one of them. Good luck on your research, and feel free to ask the forum for any advise!
 
Can't go wrong with a Benchmade:)
You should consider the Griptilians 550's. And they are not difficult to sharpen too.
 
Engraved Mini Grip in M390 you say? Sounds like a good idea.

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Spyderco Sharpmaker is usually a really good bet for people with little to no sharpening experience looking for a cheap, simple, and effective system
 
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