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

Thanks for the help guys, there are some good recommendations. I'm not worried about someone physically taking my blade and measuring it or anything like that, so the reason I want a smaller blade is just because it is easier to carry around, and its all I need to get the job done.

I have looked at the Flash 1 before, but the A/O turns me off quite a bit though, plus the weird lock. However, there really isn't much else in this size category, so I will probably take another look at it. I've heard they have quality and reliability issues though, anyone with experience in that regard?

Also, I've carried around a pair of Dykes before when I know thats what I'm going to be doing. Sometimes I don't know about it before hand though, that, and Dykes aren't the best box openers... (and this is BLADEFORUMS :P). I've looked into getting a slipjoint, but am still wary of having no lock. The bigger issue, is that I HATE having things in the bottom of my pockets. Is there such a thing as a slippie with a pocket clip? Or something that looks similar to a slippie, has a pocket clip, and a locking blade? I would be totally into that.

Thanks for the help guys (even though I'm picky :)).
 
The Drifter's a good affordable choice. For around $50 you could go with a Spyderco Dragonfly 2... it's a great little folder!

edc02.jpg

Top to bottom: Spyderco Persistence, CRKT Drifter, Spyderco Dragonfly 2, Spyderco Kiwi 3.
 
Perhaps the OP can take a look at this folder, it's not exactly great nor is it gentlemanly but this Gerber Mini-Covert might be an option.
Gerber_Mini_Covert.jpg
 
Last edited:
if your in the size range of the flash one, and liked the kershaw od-1 but felt it was a little too big, give a look at the kershaw od-2. I carry one and at its size and simple design, most people never realize i have it, and if they do, they laugh about how little it is.
 
Thin and light are two of the biggest things in my priority list, so I'm not so sure a opinel would work out.

I guess I'm just annoyed that there are hardly any knives to choose from in this size category and style. It just seems like there is a market for these, but noone really seems to make them, with most of the knives being either 3in or larger, or 2.25 or smaller... And also, why are there no slippies with pocket clips, they just seem so dang useful.

I've been looking around a bit more, and have found 2 more knives that I might be interested in. Both made by buck, who I'm not sure about (just never owned one).

The Buck Buckmax small folder. (2.75in blade, and presumably a clip).
21lKXhHjC9L._SS500_.jpg


Buck Lux select (2.5in blade).
31%2B4uhoYNVL._SS500_.jpg


Anyone know much about these? How does 420HC compare to something like 8cr14mov or whatever it is that is used in most of the other blades? Also, how thick are these knives? I'm not so much concerned with weight, as I am how it fits in my pocket.
 
420HC is probably closer to AUS4 or 440A. I don't have any AUS4 knives to compare to, but I've found 420HC to take a sharper edge and is easier to sharpen than 440A. My 440A knives, however, seem to hold a usable edge (not shaving sharp, but adequately sharp) a little longer.

8Cr14MoV is closer to AUS8 or 440B. It's a bit harder than the above. I've got a couple SOGs with AUS8 and a couple CRKTs and a Kershaw with 8Cr13/14/15MoV. Never seen a knife with 440B. This is also entirely subjective, but it feels like the AUS8s can take a slightly sharper edge and hold it a little longer. It's not a substantial difference though.

Here's a chart to compare 420HC, 440A, and AUS4. Here's another to compare AUS8, 8Cr13MoV, 8Cr14MoV, and 440B.
 
I'd recommend the Kershaw Leek, even though you said you don't like AO. AO isn't my favorite, either, but Kershaw will send you new springs for free if they break, and the Leek is a really nicely made knife. Also very thin, made in USA, good warranty, and decent steel (although the composite blade version is better).

But if you're really set on manual and small, take a look at the Böker Subcom Titan. I don't know if that's too small for you, but it's a pretty neat knife. The steel is better than the basic version, and titanium framelock at that price is unheard of.
 
Actually, I like the Kershaw Leek in design, but it is AO, and its a bit large (not really, just not in the size range I am looking for. I love the slim design).

And actually, I like AO, but I just don't like them for the office environment. They just draw more attention than I like.

Also, I've looked at the Titan, but I'm still on the fence about it. The blade is really small, and its a bit of a funky shape. I usually like more slender blades. We'll see though.

Anyway, it seems like 420HC might not be quite what I'm looking for, which is a bummer, because I liked the blade shapes on those last two. Any more thoughts in this department?
 
ocnLogan said:
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.
IMG_2696c.jpg


Spyderco Persistence. I usually hate how spydercos look (again, the opening hole), but this one isn't as bad. Not very business looking though.
41IDP86qjtL._SL500_AA280_.jpg


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.
2120rRr5eBL._SL500_AA280_.jpg


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?
Click to expand...

Out of those, Persistence. Spyderco make quality stuff and their Chinese-made products are no exception. 4-way clip and everything, too.
 
I alternate between a Kershaw Skyline and a CRKT M16-01T . Both great knives with different characteristics.
 
+1 to either Kershaw Skyline or Boker Subcom Titan

I have both and they are both amazing.
 
dude, if you limit yourself like you're doing, you are just going to end up craving a longer blade.

3 inch blades are NOT hard to carry. i feel almost no difference between my mini grip and military, for example.

go out of your comfort zone...you'll be glad you did.
 
Nothing I do in the city requires anything large. The only thing I could think of doing with it that might work better with something larger, is food prep. But I use my kitchen knives when I do that, so its not really a big deal.

And I have at least one >3in folder for when I want it, I'm just looking for something a bit smaller right now.

I think I may post a thread in the buck subforum about those last two folders and see if someone has some feedback on them.

Thanks again for the help guys :).
 
What about a skyline? it is really pretty thin, good blade steel, very unobtrusive blade shape, and generally just a nice knife. i know it is 3 1/8, but it sounds like exactly what you are looking for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top