Help choosing an EDC folder

L

Lineman1

Joined
Jul 21, 2011
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110
I was looking at a Zt 0350 as my first choice, even though its a little heavy. Can someone point me in the right direction as to what folder i should get? I have also been looking at spyderco para 2 and benchmade knives, but i dont have very much experience with folders. I prefer fixed blade knives but i want something i can legally EDC without hassle. Also, i can live with serrations but i rather plain edges.
I appreciate any help you guys and gals can give me :)
 
Well, all states have different laws about blade length, so research what you can have on you.

Personally, companies like Spyderco, Kershaw, Cold Steel, Buck, and Benchmade make a great product. I have more Buck and Spydero knives than anything in my collection. I love my Spyderco Para-Military2, and my Buck Vantage.

For fixed blades, that is a bit difficult for me, because I don't carry one on a daily basis. I have heard good things about the Bark River City Knife and Essential EDC. You may like them, I don't know. But it is a very reputable USA company.
 
I'd recommend a Spyderco Endura 4, or the Delica 4 if you want something a bit smaller than the Endura. Both are excellent knives for the money. Strong, simple lockbacks, screw-together construction, very good blade steel and four way pocket clips ( tip up or tip down on either right or left side carry). Spyderco also has very good customer service and quality control. I have and Endura 4 clipped in my pocket right now, and have owned it for a couple of years. It's never disappointed me.
 
I live in virginia, i read up on the laws and it has no real blade length requirements. But im a little bit iffy about EDC'ing a fixed blade (i own esee's and ka-bars). Plus i would rather not draw attention. Sorry if my post wasnt that good, im new here. So pretty much of those companys you listed if i buy a folder from them (and it fits me) it will probably be a good reliable knife?
 
If possible, go to a knife shop and handle what you have in mind before buying. I don't know if it is close by to you, but New Graham Knives in Bluefield, Virginia is a very nice shop, and their prices are pretty good. I've been there twice and they have always been helpful.
 
Thanks for the help melt, i would but i cant seem to find knife shops here. Im in northern VA near fairfax.
 
Is a lineman really going to notice the difference between 4.5 ounces and 5 ounces in his pocket?

Other good options in that price range or near are the Benchmade 710, 943, and Griptilian, Spyderco Gayle Bradley, and Kershaw Speedorm 2. But if you give us some more details on what you want the knife to do, we can point you to knives that you might like better. Do you want a thick, bombproof, hard use knife, or a lighter, easier to carry, better cutting blade? Material preferences? What you're going to use the knife for?

The big three companies are Spyderco, Benchmade, and Kershaw (they also make ZT). Kershaw has the best customer service of the bunch; if it breaks, they'll fix it no questions asked. Their knives are very high value for the price, and their ZT line has some of the strongest folders out there. Spyderco is purely utility; their knives aren't always pretty or accepted in the mainstream market, but they perform where it counts. They have the worst customer service of the three, but that's not saying much since it's still pretty good (and much better than companies like Cold Steel). Their heat treat of their steels is the best of the three, and they tend to make knives that slice well. Benchmade has some very nicely finished products, and their axis lock is excellent. But their heat treat is a little soft, and they can be fairly expensive for what you get.
 
Go to places like Dicks, or even Walmart to at least start handling some different knives. See what feels good in your hand, what pleases your eye. Then start looking at blade material, different locking systems, etc. I'd suggest starting at a mid-price point, maybe $40-$60. As Tsujigiri says, Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw are all good places to start. Good luck, and welcome to Blade Forums!
 
A trip to New Graham Knives would certanitly give you the chance to see, hold, and evaluate the knives you are interested in, and also the possibility of knives you have never thought of. Only problem is it is a 5+ hour drive, and 300+ miles from where you are located!:eek: Make a really nice roadtrip one weekend though.:thumbup::)
 
i would love to, but my weekends are pretty busy. Know of any shops near my area? haha, im still leaning towards the ZT i like the idea of a more solid knife. Havent heard much about this shop but knife works/amazon seem to be out of stock. http://www.botachtactical.com/ke03mablfowi.html Seem like an ok deal? I will probably end up getting more than one type in the end. Thanks for welcoming me and helping me out guys.
 
Check out the Cold Steel American lawman. It's probably the one folding knife I would choose if I had to choose just one.
 
i always try to go to a place like bass pro shops and see a knife in person, you can look all you want onnline but untill you handle the knife you never know if youll like it.

benchmade, spyderco, buck, Kabar, kershaw.. the list goes one all make great edc knives... good luck
 
the ZT will be solid. I have the 0200 and the thing is just a beast. ZTs seem to like making very durable chunks of metal.
 
thats a hard question to answer for someone else. try to get your hands on some knives and see what feels best at the time. Only with use and time will you find whats right for you. I personaly carry a bk11 always. and my fav folders have been . Hogue ex01 dp., emerson a100,bradley alias, BM grips. Good Luck. !
 
You won't be disappointed with the ZT350 - it's my favorite EDC. It's not really that heavy, and is one of the most solid folders you're going to find. Opens with authority as well.
Just for fun, you could always pick up a Spyderco Tenacious (my other edc) too. It's cheap ($ wise), opens quickly and smoothly, sharpens easily (for some reason this is my easiest to sharpen knife; speedwise and degree of sharpness), and also feels pretty solid. It's about the same size as the 350, but has a thinner profile and weighs a little less.
It's inexpensive enough that I would highly recommend getting one, even if you do get something else for a primary edc blade. I think it will give you a good idea wether or not you want to start buying higher end Spyderco knives.
 
Thanks guys, ordered a zt 0350 and im about to order a spyderco tenacious (it sounds like a really solid knife for the price, and at that i wouldnt hesitate to use it)
 
I know you've already ordered, but in future, you might want to look at a small FB in a pocket sheath. Sharpshooter makes some nice pocket sheaths that several different FBs will fit. Everything disappears quite nicely. I carry one in dress slacks to church and it never shows, just sits there until I want it.
 
Understanding your problem of not being able to handle the knives before buying .. it makes getting the 'perfect' one more difficult.

I suggest, if you'd like to try various design & handling, get some Sanrenmus or Enlan/Bee. After trying various models (others got sold or given away), here is what I stay with:
SRM (Sanrenmu) 763 in G10, nice small knife but handle grips is very good.
SRM 710, solid frame lock, I take it as mid size, but grip might be a problem as it's handle is stainless steel. Some models come with coarsed 'inlay' on the non locking slab. It helps.
Enlan EL01 or Enlan EL02, solid large knife with good lockup. EL02 (micarta, quite smooth) is a bit slippery due to smoothness, so I added skateboard tape on it. EL02B might be a grippier one (G10, textured)
Trying to let go SRM 723 as it's so slippery and not good in long cutting session (tried 'shredding' document to thin slips .. )

Since they are cheap to have, you can try many models, and once you know what you like, you can upgrade to better made (steel, handle choice, clip position, etc.) from the major manufacturer.

I found that some liner lock configuration is not to my liking (i.e. too big cutout on non locking slab), frame lock is simpler to clean and dry, axis is fun to flip, well made backlock is not inferior at all, etc. Plus blade grind comparison (flat, hollow, as they don't come in convex :( ), taper (abrupt or smooth), blade tip geometry, strength, etc.
 
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