Having doubts about my new EDC knife...

V

Valle

Joined
Apr 8, 2006
Messages
130
First off, I must say I usually carried a small fixed blade in my pocket. The only folding knife that really got into my EDC rotation was a John Greco folding knife that I ended up selling some time ago.

Lately, I have been experimenting carrying an Al Mar Eagle Ultralight. I have found that it is very convenient, since it is so flat and lightweight. I can put it into my watch pocket, and it leaves just enough of the handle sticking out for easy access. I have no problems whatsoever with AUS-8, and since the blade is so thin, it is a breeze to sharpen. The pocket space I freed up by going with the Al Mar has allowed me to better allocate the other things I need to carry, to the point where I am not only more comfortable, but also have easier access to everything. To round it all up, the knife is quite obviously a quality piece, and its F&F is up there with the best production knives.

Yet I can`t shake the feeling I am carrying a glorified envelope opener.

In that case, why should I be carrying it at all? I keep thinking I may run into some task that would be above the capabilities of this knife. I am certain the slightest hint of inadvertent prying would destroy it. To make it all worse, the knife is riveted together, and it would be impossible to adjust the pivot should blade play develop. I am aware that EDC choices are compromises, specially in the way I carry my stuff (pocket carry). I am having my doubts, however, whether I have compromised too much.

Al Mar has released a heavier, thicker Eagle "Heavy Duty" version, but that would defeat the purpose of this knife. Is the Al Mar Ultralight series stronger than they appear? Is there any way to repair the knife in case of blade play? Am I underestimating the UL Eagle?

Help me Bladeforums, you are my only help.
 
a well made, thin knife is usually much more resilient than modern knife users seem to believe. granted this 100% depends on the user and the task. The biggest thing for thin knives in my experience is if it binds up in very hard cuts, causing it to flex/bend can cause it to fail. and like you said, any sort of prying is generally out.

it's definitely much more than a glorified letter opener, and thin blades can handle some VERY forceful cutting. You just have to stay mindful that the cuts are rather straight, and you don't get into more uncontrolled territory.

oh, and many riveted pivots can usually be tightented up with some light tapping.... look up the methods though, you don't want to just nail it with a hammer :p
 
Do you find yourself doing a lot of prying? If the knife does your actual every day tasks well then it is a good choice. You can always throw a prybar in your vehicle if you need one, or improvise something for prying when you need it.
 
Valle said:
(...)Yet I can`t shake the feeling I am carrying a glorified envelope opener.

In that case, why should I be carrying it at all? I keep thinking I may run into some task that would be above the capabilities of this knife. I am certain the slightest hint of inadvertent prying would destroy it. To make it all worse, the knife is riveted together, and it would be impossible to adjust the pivot should blade play develop. I am aware that EDC choices are compromises, specially in the way I carry my stuff (pocket carry). I am having my doubts, however, whether I have compromised too much.(...)
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I think you're overly concerned about things that haven't happened yet. As long as you're using your knife as a cutting tool (and not a prybar/scraper) you should be okay. Haven't had any problems with mine... :)

eagle01.jpg
 
Hi everybody.

goodeyesniper said:
oh, and many riveted pivots can usually be tightented up with some light tapping.... look up the methods though, you don't want to just nail it with a hammer :p
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That´s news to me. Even though this tightening method sounds a little bit... humm.. inexact:)

sideways said:
Do you find yourself doing a lot of prying? If the knife does your actual every day tasks well then it is a good choice. You can always throw a prybar in your vehicle if you need one, or improvise something for prying when you need it.
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No, I do not do that much prying. It guess it comes down to "what-ifs". As in what if I needed to do some prying?

RobertK said:
Add a multi tool to your bag or car. ;)
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Lycosa said:
This. ^
You have a fine folder there. Enjoy it.
rolf
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I already have a multi tool im my car.;) It is rare, however, that I am close to my car in my daily routine.

timberweasel said:
I think you're overly concerned about things that haven't happened yet. As long as you're using your knife as a cutting tool (and not a prybar/scraper) you should be okay. Haven't had any problems with mine... :)
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This may be it. I realise I am concerned about a lot of things that may not even happen. Can´t shake that feeling though. Maybe I should just go back to carrying a small fixed blade, if only for peace of mind.
 
If you are truly in a what-if situation where you absolutely need to use that knife in such a way that would possibly damage or destroy it, you shouldn't care what happens to it after. If it's destroyed, so be it. You were obviously willing to pay the price if you used it in that way and are likely better for it. It's only money.

Not like we're talking about a $600 safe queen here anyway.

I wouldn't hesitate to abuse that knife... but that's just me.
 
I prefer a slicer to a bruiser in my EDC and then I use my multi-tool for heavier duty work. That or you could always out a prybar tool on your keychain.
 
First I have 6 John Grecos including the folder (all stainless well made) whisper, and 3 or 4? non-branded mst and whispers. make that 7 or 8 and smaller knife mini wisper i guess (companion) - john closes out inventory so i picked up few for trade/sale. The wisper is one my favorite low cost fighters. It is my on my short list box of fighters with large voorhis subhilt and very large Deleon subhilt..... lot more.

you should have EDC pocket and EDC for using. I usually carry 3 knive one in my coat on my right is deployment and not used for cutting and in left is cutter. That is me, i am old school knife junky.

EDC I rotate and test knives, stick with low coast qualty:

Buck standard bones is great i have 2, i have crkt large and small auto lock and and manual lock. Kersaw leaks are small but sharp. Nice for small person easy too use.

I test out many EDC onterio is nice too made in twian out of aus-6 i think

The key is how fast it deploys, i like the top flipper and tumb grab but most of mine i deploy by wrist action so the leak assit is really not any faster with the safety.

Key is how fast it comes out your pocket how fast you can find the deplyment device in the case of wrist action fails in real life or death issue. I snap EDC everyday and drive my wife nuts have 10 or more on my desk. I use a cheap one at pig roast and cut it up, people look at that little knife in amazement then give it way if it is 440a.

Fit, and deployment - my EDC for unfimilar places or crowds is always well broken in and almost never used too cut. I want it sharp, fast and easy to deploy.

Cost a $20 too $50 knife is great, unless you want a beast.

So i guess i rather have many then one or two expensive knives. I lost a few that confiscated after long lines. Also keep a 2 inch in my wallet never been caught in change zipper pocket.

I haTe spyderco type deployment, blade bluge hole - like whales blow hole, for me with large hand it is hard too deploy - again i use wrist action - semi serated mostly. I ALWAYS CARRY, I DID IN HOME SALES FOR YEARS ONE IN MY BOX ONE CLIPPED ON MY pocket/side, ONE OR MORE IN THE CAR!
 
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I think your Al Mar can handle most daily tasks without exploding into a thousand pieces. :-) Including folding knives in my EDC rotation was hard at first for me, too. I was used to always having a fixed blade on my belt (living in a rural environment).

Get a simple SAK, a Spartan, Pioneer, Compact, etc. whichever model floats your boat. They are easy to carry, give you an extra blade and some basic tools. For light prying, the flathead screwdriver on SAKs works fine, the awl can be used for scraping and similar stuff. They are affordable and have a great warranty in case you manage to break one.

Anyway, I don't know what you're doing with your knife in your daily routine but it should hold up fine unless you really need to put it through harsh chores on a regular basis.

I wouldn't worry too much about the rivets coming loose either. I've got a ton of knives that are riveted, some of them have been used for years, and I havent had any issues so far. I only had to adjust one or two (check the traditional subforum for info on tightening riveted pivots). Hell, SAKs and traditional slipjoints are riveted (and most have thin blades), and have somehow survived through decades of use. Sure, I prefer torx screws in my modern folders, but I can't say I've had a bad experience with riveted ones.
 
Well there's your problem; you pry with it.
You might try carrying a Leatherman Wave on your belt maybe?
 
Don't stress it, the folder will be fine. Not sure of your particular situation but if you carry a work bag or something along those lines you could always throw a multi tool in there and then if you needed it you'd have easy access. Just a thought.
 
I would suggest carrying your fixed blade along with the AlMar for a while. If you end up using the needing the fixed blade in the next month or two then you can justify carrying it. If not, then stay with the AlMar.


I've never carried a fixed blade in general. I'm pretty hard on stuff and I use my knife a lot at work, but I've been getting by with an old Kershaw Whirl Wind lately. I do carry a leatherman too, but that's mostly for the pliers and sometimes screwdrivers. I also will generally have a small slip joint as well, but that's mostly just for fun. :D
 
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Why do so many people have the impression that riveted knives cannot be fixed if they develop blade play??? Peining over the rivets once a knife gets loose is an old school and very common solution to blade play in riveted slip joints, as well as any other riveted knife. and if those who know about this solution don't use it because they are afraid of making hammer marks on the pins then sandpaper is the solution to that as well :D

Haha anyways, it's not easy to break a flat solid piece of steel, it's not a brittle toothpick, even butter knives can take light prying before bending, I'm sure higher quality steel that has some flex and is softer, like AUS-6, will resist snapping much much more, you should be fine :thumbup: But I do understand what you mean, I prefer to add something more substantial to my EDC, I just like a knife that fills my hand.
 
I just bought the Eagle HD.

Fit and finish were excellent. It was incredibly light and flat, not much different from the Ultralight in my opinion. The reason I sent it back was because the ridged thumbstuds stick out farther than the scales do, and I was afraid it would wear holes in my pocket.

I exchanged it for a SERE 2000, which is an impressive knife. It's not very big, but fills the hand perfectly. Not a bit of blade play, solid lockup that doesn't stick, and a low ride pocket clip make it a very nice knife. It is a little bit heavy, but worth it for such a smooth, clean knife.
 
Valle said:
Help me Bladeforums
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Like me, you are a worrier. You are focusing on things that might happen but, in reality, almost never do. Its a curse. I know.

Consider trying to focus on the reality of the here and now. The Eagle Ultralight is a fine folder for the reasons you articulate, and its part of my rotation as well. Focus on its attributes - super light weight, long blade for its size and weight, smooth deployment, ease of carry, and potential defensive utility. Keep using that sucker until it breaks (it won't) or the pivot loosens up (it won't). Just my view of the world.

 
Thanks everybody for the reassurance. I have decided I will go back to carrying a fixed blade (Boker Krein PSK is in my pocket as we speak), but I will hold on to the Eagle. I will carry it in the occasions the fixed blade would be too obtrusive. For that role, you guys have convinced me it will do fine.
 
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