I'm looking at getting my best friend his first EDC for his birthday, which is in a couple months. He's mentioned many times he's liked the idea of having one of his own (he sees me with my SOG Flash II all the time) so I figured it'd be a good idea. Hopefully you guys can help me find something that fits the bill. I'd like it to be a locking folder for under $50 (I'm military, so if I can get it for under $50 with a discount, that works too), with about a 3.5" blade. Aside from that, the only things that would be nice (but not required) are black coated blade, combo-edge, and assisted opening mechanism. Thanks in advance.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
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.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
First time EDC for my buddy
- Thread starter emeril322
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2013
- Messages
- 3,415
Not sure of your trying to surprise him but my advice is to talk to him about it. Find out what lock type he preferred and what he considered too large and small. Using examples would be the best way.
Last Xmas I gave several people knives, for some of my friends I knew exactly what they wanted but for another I wasn't sure so I bought 3 different knives and let him choose one. He picked one right away but was also interested in another (a mora) so a few days later I gave it to him as well.
Last Xmas I gave several people knives, for some of my friends I knew exactly what they wanted but for another I wasn't sure so I bought 3 different knives and let him choose one. He picked one right away but was also interested in another (a mora) so a few days later I gave it to him as well.
Yeah I really do wanna surprise him, any sorta hinting at the fact it'll be a knife and I'll be bummed by him knowing what I'm getting him (in general at least).
Doesn't hit anywhere near your requirements but look at the Kershaw Skyline it's a very good EDC. It's large enough to fit comfortably in your hand, good size blade, lightweight, good grip, flipper works great (thumb stud is lacking in my opinion). The textured scales combined with the finger grove and flipper when it's opened provides a very comfy and secure grip with almost no chance of your hand slipping up onto the blade so it feels extremely safe to use which is a nice perk for a guy relatively new to carrying a knife as an EDC. I frequently forget I have my Skyline on me till I need it. And in my opinion it doesn't need assisted opening it opens easily on it's own. Out of all the knives I own this is the best one hand opening EDC knife I own and I can't think of a better one in overall package.
If you want a black blade there is the Damascus version that was rereleased just recently which sells for about $50 but keep in mind it's carbon steel and will be prone to rusting if abused. I would recommend the normal stainless version for a first time EDCer.
If you want a black blade there is the Damascus version that was rereleased just recently which sells for about $50 but keep in mind it's carbon steel and will be prone to rusting if abused. I would recommend the normal stainless version for a first time EDCer.
That Kershaw Blur looks pretty slick. I think I actually like the plain edge on it (the serrated is nice, but I'm not digging the scalloped serrated).
Where's the best place to pick up one of these Kershaw Blurs? I see prices all over the place that can vary widely.
Will it have to endure an environment that would promote rust?
If he is constantly in the water and/or goes diving, then Spyderco's H1 steel is great.
If that's not a huge concern, or it won't be a constant deal..
The Ontario RAT 1 is a great EDC knife. 3.625" AUS-8 steel (Comparable to 440B stainless) blade with a pretty decent heat treat. Comes in at around $30. Not assisted, but it does come in a combo edge and a black blade coating. It's very cost effective, as it takes quite the beating, from what I hear.
Spyderco also has some nice offerings, though for your price range.. with something other than 8Cr13MoV steel, such as Super Blue or VG-10.. you'd end up with something along the lines of a 2" to 3" blade.
Unfortunately, I don't know of many assisted knives, and all of the ones that I do, within your budget, are 8Cr13MoV. For your friend, this steel should be absolutely fine, though.
I have heard some really nice things about the Kershaw Cryo, and Cryo II. Both are nice, thick folders, in the event that your friend either likes them like that or would need it like that. 3.25" 8Cr13MoV hollow-ground blade. Unfortunately, it only really meets one (and a half?) of your requirements, aside from budget. It is an assisted folder, though it only currently comes in a plain edge and gray-colored blade. They go for about $35.
The Cryo is pretty much the same, as far as configurations go. The Cryo is a tiny bit thicker and a bit shorter than the Cryo II, and costs about $30. They are coming out with a "BlackWash" finish, as well, which are currently on pre-order, and would meet two of your requirements, aside from the price.
If he is constantly in the water and/or goes diving, then Spyderco's H1 steel is great.
If that's not a huge concern, or it won't be a constant deal..
The Ontario RAT 1 is a great EDC knife. 3.625" AUS-8 steel (Comparable to 440B stainless) blade with a pretty decent heat treat. Comes in at around $30. Not assisted, but it does come in a combo edge and a black blade coating. It's very cost effective, as it takes quite the beating, from what I hear.
Spyderco also has some nice offerings, though for your price range.. with something other than 8Cr13MoV steel, such as Super Blue or VG-10.. you'd end up with something along the lines of a 2" to 3" blade.
Unfortunately, I don't know of many assisted knives, and all of the ones that I do, within your budget, are 8Cr13MoV. For your friend, this steel should be absolutely fine, though.
I have heard some really nice things about the Kershaw Cryo, and Cryo II. Both are nice, thick folders, in the event that your friend either likes them like that or would need it like that. 3.25" 8Cr13MoV hollow-ground blade. Unfortunately, it only really meets one (and a half?) of your requirements, aside from budget. It is an assisted folder, though it only currently comes in a plain edge and gray-colored blade. They go for about $35.
The Cryo is pretty much the same, as far as configurations go. The Cryo is a tiny bit thicker and a bit shorter than the Cryo II, and costs about $30. They are coming out with a "BlackWash" finish, as well, which are currently on pre-order, and would meet two of your requirements, aside from the price.
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2012
- Messages
- 1,764
I myself would pick one up from the very large auction site that starts with an E.
Are the blems really okay? I'm kinda nervous about the thought of getting a blem.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2012
- Messages
- 611
I've bought about 6 blemished knives from Dave. In every case the "blem" was something cosmetic such as a nick in the anodizing on a blur or uneven grind on the swedge of a ZT0550. You lose the lifetime warranty but its worth the money in my opinion. The most likely thing to fail on a Blur would be the torsion bar and Kershaw will still send you those for free. They will also send you a pocket clip or any screws that may get lost/stolen.
Are the nicks fairly unnoticeable? The difference in price seems pretty nice. I think I'm pretty much gonna go with the Blur, it's a real nice looking nice and red is his favorite color, so the red/black combo one seems perfect.
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2013
- Messages
- 2,466
Most people can't even tell why they are blems. And the coating will wear when he uses it anyway.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2012
- Messages
- 611
Here is a picture of my OD blur blem from Dave. The small 1/4" long scratch above the pocket clip towards the center of the handle was the blem. The rest of the wear was earned and I think it looks better because of it personally.
I also got a carbon fiber blem from Dave and the only "blem" I could find was a burr on the thumbstud which fell off on its own after a couple of days.
Here is a pic of that blem.. the small scratch you see on this one was by me.
Captain Howdy
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2013
- Messages
- 986
In that price range the Ontario rat runs away with it as far as I'm concerned.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2012
- Messages
- 611
Just depends on what you're after. They rat is a great value, no doubt. But if you have $50 to spend you can get better blade steel and equal workmanship out of a different knife.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2010
- Messages
- 8,340
+1 on the RAT-1 suggestion - you can get 'em with blades in black or satin, plain or serrated, and in several cool handle colors (black, OD Green, Coyote Brown, and Desert Tan (pictured below)):
Oh, and with proper technique, they are at least as fast - if not faster - than assisted openers! No joke!
Oh, and with proper technique, they are at least as fast - if not faster - than assisted openers! No joke!