Good assisted EDC

J

jackstraw42

Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
73
Hey everyone...this is my first post, so please go easy on me!

I'm looking for a good EDC folder, that I'd also like to use on fishing/camping trips. I know I want assisted open, a thin profile, about a 3" blade, good edge retention, ease of sharpening, enough corrosion resistance to use it in outdoor situations, good toughness, and partial serrations (negotiable). price range is $50-60, street.

Now...Ive pretty much narrowed it down to four that I found:
SOG twitch XL (AUS 8 - plain)
Kershaw Random Leek (14C28N - plain tanto)
Kershaw Shallot (13C26 - combo)
Kershaw Damascus Shallot, blemish (L6/15N20, 52100, 5160, 203E - Plain)

So I did my HW but I'm very indecisive and I lack the experience to make the final educated decision so PLEASE help! Thanks!

PS...sorry-accidentally posted this in reviews section first time around.
 
You`ve made several good choices....that Damascus blem sounds interesting....do you know why it was kicked from the production line?
 
Another option might be the Kershaw OD-1. Its a flipper available at Walmart (about $40) that is as fast (or faster) as an AO. Framelock with G-10 on the non-lock side.

3295661381_1e6f3aa5fb_o.jpg
 
:thumbup: OD-1

I own a Shallot ZDP, Leek D2, and Tyrade (all great knives!), and honestly the OD-1 opens just as fast, is easier to close, has great ergos/retention, and is an incredible value.
 
Hi welcome to blade forums :D, I would like to suggest another kershaw you may like, the kershaw RAM.

good luck with your choice I am sure you will enjoy which ever one you pick. :thumbup:
 
People who have bought the blem's cannot find anything wrong with them. I looked at the blems myself, couldn't find anything wrong. Some people have EDC'd the damascus blade and have found that it holds up fine edgewise, but that you may have to re-etch it with acid after a while of use. I use mine as a slacks/dress pants knife.

I'd get the random leek if your EDC tasks aren't "heavy" items. It is an awesome knife, but a smidge small for my hands if I was going to use it for long periods. (Cue the shallot) For ~$15 more, it'd be worth it to pick up a limited edition ZDP and S110V shallot for a great price at knifeworks (go check there, if I posted a link, it'd be deal spotting). ZDP for a sick sharp knife for slicing and dicing, the S110V is a Kershaw exclusive brute steel that holds an edge even longer than ZDP (According to crucible, it's a step above the famous S90V), but isn't as sharp as ZDP.
 
Thanks for all the advice. The OD-1 sounds nice. I'll check it out, but I'm already a little overwhelmed!

As for the higher grade steels, I checked out a ZDP shallot and an s30v random leek too, but i figured those would both be a real pain in the arse to sharpen or touch up, especially for an amateur like myself... i.e. i'll probably be a bit of a nutcase about getting the blade razor sharp.

I'm still really considering the damascus (which only has minor scratches), but i have to say, i'm very concerned about the non-stainless. i'm willing to spend the time cleaning it up after a couple days camping or fishing, but i want longevity & I don't wanna do irreversible damage to the blade...especially one as nice as that! That said, I'm not climbing everest anytime soon. Thoughts??

I find it interesting that there are no votes for SOG...makes things a little less confusing.
 
Well I recommend later on you pick up a decent sharpening system, I like the spyderco sharpmaker. As for which knife, I can't help you to much I like them all, but out of the zdp shallot, S30V leek, and the one with a damascus blade I would probably go with the S30V leek. Which ever one you get I am sure you will like it :D :thumbup:
 
jackstraw42 said:
i'll probably be a bit of a nutcase about getting the blade razor sharp.
Click to expand...

While it may take more work initially, a quality steel will hold that razor sharp edge a lot longer. And is easy to keep sharp as long as you don't let it get dull between touch ups.
 
jackstraw42 said:
Thanks for all the advice. The OD-1 sounds nice. I'll check it out, but I'm already a little overwhelmed!

As for the higher grade steels, I checked out a ZDP shallot and an s30v random leek too, but i figured those would both be a real pain in the arse to sharpen or touch up, especially for an amateur like myself... i.e. i'll probably be a bit of a nutcase about getting the blade razor sharp.

I'm still really considering the damascus (which only has minor scratches), but i have to say, i'm very concerned about the non-stainless. i'm willing to spend the time cleaning it up after a couple days camping or fishing, but i want longevity & I don't wanna do irreversible damage to the blade...especially one as nice as that! That said, I'm not climbing everest anytime soon. Thoughts??

I find it interesting that there are no votes for SOG...makes things a little less confusing.
Click to expand...

Kershaw will sharpen for free.

+1 on the sharpmaker.

If you want to do your own sharpening, then an OD-1/RAM is in order.
 
The Blur is a really nice knife, as well as the Avalanche. Avalanche is a little too expensive though...

I would suggest you look into a RAM too. It flips so easily that you really will think it's an AO (but faster). That's not a metaphor, I mean that it really does take LESS effort to flip the RAM than most AOs. But there's more to it than that....it's the best knife in that price range.
 
hwpaintballer said:
Hi welcome to blade forums :D, I would like to suggest another kershaw you may like, the kershaw RAM.

good luck with your choice I am sure you will enjoy which ever one you pick. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

+1 on the R.A.M.

The RAM has quickly become one of my favorite EDC knives. Perfect ergonomics, a secure lock and 'flipper' opening at least as fast as an A/O.

Great knife!
 
thanks guys just one more question...if i get the kershaw damascus shallot and use it for anything besides looking pretty, is it going to permanently screw the blade up? what kind of maintenance would i need to keep it in tip top? again, really nice knife, but the corrosion resistance is low.
 
My Shallot is great. I polished the blade so that the blackened portions were removed. I don't like black on blades just a personal preference. I use the knife a ton and I have had no problems with corrosion. It's always in and out of the cold which is usually a rust accelerator. If you want a Shallot get one. (kershawguy) sells them in the BF exchange. :thumbup:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602604

DSC04897.jpg
 
jackstraw42 said:
Thanks for all the advice. The OD-1 sounds nice. I'll check it out, but I'm already a little overwhelmed!

As for the higher grade steels, I checked out a ZDP shallot and an s30v random leek too, but i figured those would both be a real pain in the arse to sharpen or touch up, especially for an amateur like myself... i.e. i'll probably be a bit of a nutcase about getting the blade razor sharp.

I'm still really considering the damascus (which only has minor scratches), but i have to say, i'm very concerned about the non-stainless. i'm willing to spend the time cleaning it up after a couple days camping or fishing, but i want longevity & I don't wanna do irreversible damage to the blade...especially one as nice as that! That said, I'm not climbing everest anytime soon. Thoughts??

I find it interesting that there are no votes for SOG...makes things a little less confusing.[/QUOTE]


SOG just doesn't have Mafia backing :p Seriously though, SOG makes a good product. My Twitch XL has turned out to be alot tougher than I thought it would be.
It's a wicked slicer and can pass as a gents knife (if you ignore the SOG blazened in the clip). The lock back is very strong and I would say the edge holding is very high compared to the general sentiment one normally hears in criticizm of AUS-8.
It's full of steel and is on the hefty side but I don't even notice it in my jeans where it sinks out of site thanks to the bayonet clip design. I also happen to love the aluminum handles on this model. They don't feel as dainty as some.
I think the SOG line is worth at least a hands on look.
The Kershaws mentioned are great choices, too and I'm a big fan of their products as well. In this day and age of the knife market it's hard to go wrong. And, if you do it can be remedied easily and rather inexpensively.

Gibby

twi22_250px.jpg
Click to expand...
 
PG5768 said:
Another option might be the Kershaw OD-1. Its a flipper available at Walmart (about $40) that is as fast (or faster) as an AO. Framelock with G-10 on the non-lock side.

3295661381_1e6f3aa5fb_o.jpg
Click to expand...

After I read your post, I went to Wal-Mart and bought an OD-1. This is the neatest flipper mechanism I have ever seen. It is faster than many assisted openers, it may be faster than my BM Mini-Barrage, and that is a fast knife!
 
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