Help choosing an EDC... which one should I choose?

O

ocnLogan

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Jul 31, 2011
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Ok, when I first joined up here I had a thread about finding a semi-gentileman folder for under about $30-40. I got tons of input, and it really helped my know what was out there, and what I wanted. The downside was that I didn't find anything that I really wanted.

Since then I have stumbled onto a few more good options for what I am considering, and wondered what you guys thought of the choices I've kinda narrowed it down to. And also, if you can find something else that you just think I would LOVE, then go ahead and post it as well. I'm still looking for something that speaks to me.

I am looking for a blade that is between 2.25 and 3 inches long. I don't want anything tactical, but I need a pocket clip. I prefer liner and frame locks over lockbacks, and won't consider a slipjoint for this knife. I also want the knife to be thin in my pocket. Like, if its over a half inch thick, I won't look at it. I've basically thrown out the buck vantage avid small because it is 7/16 thick if that helps you understand at all. I also would like one hand opening, but no assisted opening. This knife will be used as my EDC blade here at college, and also at the office in business casual settings.

I've narrowed it down to these blades:

CRKT Drifter, most likely stainless because it is thinner. Its a bit largish though at 2.88in (similar problem with the kershaw OD1)
CRKT-Drifter-rechts0991.jpg


CRKT Padoza. Don't like the opening style (prefer flippers and studs to the holes). I also have no idea how thick this one is.
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Spyderco Persistence. I usually hate how spydercos look (again, the opening hole), but this one isn't as bad. Not very business looking though.
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Boker trance. Like how it is small and thin, no sure about how wide the blade is, and it is also a bit tactical looking with those sharp edges.
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So there you go, if you had to choose one of those to EDC in my environment, which one would you go with, and more importantly, why?
 
Have you done your research to determine whether or not it's even permissible/legal to carry any sort of knife on your school campus? These days many schools have VERY stringent regulations regarding knife carry by faculty and students.

If I HAD to choose one of any of these three Made In Red China cheapos it would be the Persistence- I bought one online not knowing it was made in the PRC. It's a very nice, well-made knife. If it was made in the U.S. or Japan it would be a $150.00 knife. I can't take any joy or satisfaction or pride in owning or carrying a knife, however, knowing it was made in a country governed by a totalitarian régime, while my own country has gone down the tubes owing largely, many think, to too many of us buying too many things made in too many countries other than our own, the PRC especially. But I digress.....

In an academic/office environment(what is a "business looking" knife anyway?) you're more than likely surrounded by the sort of folks who view any sort of knife(and much else) with alarm.....sheeple, some calls 'em.......and in such a setting it seems to me you'll be lucky to get away with carrying anything, at least more than once.

Two VERY non-tactical, non-threatening knives you might consider- which are both inexpensive, and made in countries as free as any- would be an Opinel of whatever sort- they are excellent knives....and of course there's always the good ol' SAW- the Swiss Army Knife.....Victorinox in particular makes a plethora of styles, and for all I know they make a "Business" model with a staple remover or some such. Either of these two would be pretty sheeple-friendly...... Good luck!
 
I work on campus as an IT guy, and because of that I am constantly opening packages, and cutting zip ties and the like. The people I work around are also in that area, and are not put off by my gerber paraframe that I am using now. The reason I want it more "business looking" is because when I am doing something like cable management (uses zip ties) for someone important (university lawyer for instance) and pull out my knife to cut the excess off, I want it to fit into the environment.

I like the kershaw skyline, but its a bit large :(. If they made one with a smaller blade, it would already be in my pocket. And I have no experience with opinels, but they look like they are much thicker than I would like to put in my pocket. The whole idea of this knife is to be unobtrusive, and I think that would feel a bit awkward in my pocket.

I know my tastes are pretty specific, and my budget really low, but I can't really move it up at all, because it would mean that many more weeks of eating ramen (doubt my wife would be ok with that). I think I'm leaning towards the Pazoda right now because of its size, and nice deep pocket carry clip.
 
I haven't been happy with any of my CRKT purchases to date. They don't seem to take a good edge, and the lefty chisel grind they use on a lot of their knives is just stupid. Now, take that with a grain of salt, because I've only purchased 2 CRKT knives (M16 and Sting), but neither of them has been as good, in my opinion, as a comparably priced knife from Kershaw, Spyderco, or Benchmade.

I actually have a recommendation for you though--the HK 14650. It's definitely my favorite little knife.

2011-01-28211100.jpg


It's got a liner lock with a ball bearing built into it, so it flies open with a flick. Quick, smooth, the HT on the 8CR13 is really good, and takes a great edge, small and discreet, and very functional. Texturing gives it a nice grippy feel, and it's light and unobtrusive in your pocket. I suppose you may end up removing the blade coating, since I don't know if they make an uncoated version, but honestly, I've never had anyone think it looked scary. It's just small and cute and sharp. You can find it in your price range if you shop around (30 before shipping in general).

-edit- 2.95" blade, 2.2 oz. Should fit the bill. It's described as a low profile knife even.
 
Hey, thanks for the info. I've not heard anything about CRKT and chisel grinds though, so thats news to me. If that is the case though, that would probably take them out of the running. And I know that Gerber doesn't have the greatest reputation lately, but would CRKT be roughly the same level of perceived quality? Just trying to get a feel for them, because I've never handled one. I do have a kershaw (like it), and have handled a spyderco and it was also good.

And about the HK... I'll be honest, I've not ever considered benchmades, because I thought that they were all out of my price range by quite a bit. That particular one seems to fit the requirements all right, but it does seem a bit tactical ... hmm... I'll start thinking about it. I really appreciate the recommendation though, like I said, I didn't even think to start looking at the more expensive brands.
 
CRKT is a good bit better in my estimation than Gerber. I hated my new Gerber knife. Nearly threw it in the trash, actually. I don't hate the CRKT, and carried the Sting for a while. They're good, just not as good as Kershaw, Spyderco, or Benchmade.

I have to say, it's very hard to go wrong with Spyderco. I don't really like the way they look, but they sure make up for it in performance, and they kinda grow on you.

But that little knife I mentioned--let's just say that I STILL really like it, and my usual EDC's include Zero Tolerance, Spyderco sprint, Benchmade Ritter Griptilian, and I just added an HTM DDR Gun Hammer. I paid full MSRP for mine, and it was worth every penny. Pretty much the only knife I've purchased at a retail store that I didn't regret later (outside of the BM Monochrome, which was my first good knife, and I still love it; lost it and immediately bought a new one). It's the only small knife that I have kept to date. In fact, if you get one and don't like it, I'll buy it from you. That's how much I love that knife. There aren't a whole lot of knives I'd say that about.
 
Well, right now I've only got a few blades (2 folders, 3 fixed), and I was given the gerber, and it EDC's better than my Kershaw Blackout, which is why I carry it right now. Its good to know that pretty much no matter what I do though, the blade will be nicer than what I have :).

And I'm with you on the weird looks for spyderco (and worse, Byrd). I just hate how wide most of their blades are because of the thumb holes. I know they're good, they just look (to me) awefull.

And thanks for the offer man, I'll be seriously considering it :).
 
If i HAD to choose from that group it would be the Spyderco but you can buy several differant USA Made Kershaws for that price, Skyline preffered.
As for me, i would carry a box cutter or even a sharpened popsicle stick before carrying anything that has CHINA written on the blade!
 
I like the leek, but its AO if i'm not mistaken, and the kershaw skyline (and zing unfortunately) are both longer than 3 inches. If they made smaller versions of those two knives, I would already own them.

Thanks for the help guys.
 
There's also the LFK, OD1, and Zing. Those are all 3" or under manual folders, for Kershaw. Heck, you can get a Damascus zing for around 65 shipped.
 
You might take a look at the Boker Plus Exskelibur II ($40 at knifecenter.com). I carry this at work. AT first I thought it was too light, but I have grown to like it quite a bit.
 
if you like the skyline but want 3", light, and elegant, pick either the buck nobleman, or the kershaw chill, either will suffice. i own a kershaw skyline (amazing), and have handled the chill. very comprable.
 
Unless someone is actually going to make you pull the knife outof yourpocket and measure it, go with a Delica or the Skyline. Other than that get yourself a box cutter with a retractable blade.q
 
SOG Flash I. It isn't a liner or frame lock, but it's still easy to open and close one-handed. Blade is just under 2.5", and width of the knife is about 3/8". The bayonet clip carries very low, so it doesn't attract attention sitting in your pocket. It also weighs only 1.2oz, which is not much more than a small traditional slipjoint.

Some pics w/ a SAK (Super Tinker) for comparison:

SOG_SAK_length_800x600.jpg


SOG_SAK_width_800x600.jpg
 
I think that if a suit is going to be upset by a knife he's going to be upset my a knife. Whether it looks classy or not isn't going to matter. If you are genuinely concerned about what a fancy-pants suit wearin' guy is going to think of you cutting zip ties in front of him get a pair of dikes and call it a day.

BUT, since this is BLADEFORUMS! I will suggest this, go get yourself a nice slip joint like a Case peanut. It's the most non-threatening non-weapon looking knife I can think of. Use whatever knife you like in the presence of your blue collar co workers and use the peanut when the suits are around.
 
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