Help me choose an EDC folder

S

stan75

Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Messages
4
Hello everyone.

This forum has been answering my questions for some time now, but today I finally decided to join. I I would like to get an EDC folder that would fit the following criteria:

Purpose: Utility (this is for my Get Home Bag that already has a multi-tool, however I would like a dedicated pocket knife that would be a little more durable and capable)
Top priority: High build quality and durability
Budget: Not limited
Blade length <= 3.0 inches. I live in PA which I AFAIK does not have any limits on a folder length, however I want to eliminate the possibility of violating any of the local laws so I figure that I can't go wrong by choosing that length
Appearance: I would like to avoid tactical looking models. It will be a tool and I don't want any unwanted attention or reactions from other folks if they happen to see it
Action Type: I would like to avoid anything that would be questionable from legality perspective. The speed of deployment is not that important but the ability to open with one hand would be convenient

Please give some suggestions.
 
Maybe a Benchmade Mini-Grip in a nice, bright color? I find orange or yellow handles make people think of emergency gear and not tactical blades.
 
If budget is no problem then ill be the first to say it. You really can't beat a small sebenza!
 
Small sebenza or mini-grip. Here are both (the mini_grip is a Doug Ritter version with custom scales, both you can get the plain ones):

IMG_0183_zps54334c02.jpg


IMG_0099_zps4fe23370.jpg
 
Spyderco Delica, Spyderco dragonfly, spyderco Cat, Spyderco persistence, ontario rat model II, these are nice edc knives with budget in mind, and i think they are all under 3"

bm mini grip is also a nice suggestion.
there is also Spyderco Rocklobster (i call it the folded kitchen knife) and spyderco chokwe, it is a >3" folder tho.
 
I suppose I should put up a picture too in order to further sway you.
image.jpg
If you are worried about people's impressions of the blade may I suggest the small insingo (like the one with micarta inserts) I think the blade profile comes off as much more utilitarian.
 
Spyderco Native5 (or Native 5 110V) really well finished, easy deployment, great ergonomics, feels bigger than its size and its full flat grind ... little not to love. If you go a hair over 3" the new Domino is really sweet.
 
I used to rotate between my small Sebenza and my mini grip. However, since I received my Chris Reeve Mnandi, I have carried it almost exclusively. Of course, I wear a suit to work. If I wore jeans every day, I would probably stick with the mini grip, preferably in M4 steel.
 
Quite a few great suggestions in a short time. Sebenza looks flawless I am just afraid I will baby it too much in effort to keep it in perfect condition. I am actually considering Spyderco Native 5. Looks very solid with a strong wide blade. Looks like I can't go wrong with a mini grip either
 
Also great HK14205 3.4" Blade, if you want something other than a Spyderco

 
All great knives. I think the Native 5 is heavy for its size. I love the mini grip with a sheepsfoot blade and thumb hole in good old 154CM!
 
The Spyderco Sage 1 is a very good value in a 3 inch user blade. Light but sturdy, and good looking. Good s30v steel with Spyderco s good heat treatment. Great fit and finish.
 

Opinel #8 Drop-point 1 by Pinnah, on Flickr

That is a slightly modified Opinel #8. I would be happy to loan it to you to try as a part of my Opinel pass around.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1097460-Opinel-Pass-Around-amp-Walk-About

A word on "build quality" and "budget".

90% of build quality is just perseveration on the jewelry factor. Price is often just a way to confirm to ourselves that we have the ability and good smarts to buy quality things.

The other 10% of quality is sound design and the fitness of incredible design is demonstrated in the longevity of the design. Great designs earn their keep in the face of competition.

The Opinel is one of the original "hard use" folders. Yes, it only costs $15 but it will easily outlast most knives costing 10 times more.

It also has the benefit of being incredibly people friendly and being ideally suited for food prep. But don't let the food prep thing fool you. They are practically impossible to break under normally hard and even abusive use.

They are available with premium wood handles in the $50 range and there are some really stunning ones for more. The #8 is the most popular. I wear xl sized gloves and prefer the larger #9.

In general, I find non-tactical traditional designs to be more people friendly than modern flippers. The traditional forum has lots of good options being discussed. The GEC 72 and 73 are made in PA and are great favorites in that forum. Great options from Case, Queen and Canal Street too.

Good luck with your hunt.
 
tvhaugen said:
All great knives. I think the Native 5 is heavy for its size. I love the mini grip with a sheepsfoot blade and thumb hole in good old 154CM!
Click to expand...

I suppose in relation to its size (or the mini grip) it is a little heavy but at a little over three and half ounces I don't know that he would find that. Sometimes I find it too small but it I can't say it has ever occurred to me that it felt heavy in my hand or in my pocket.
 
Hi, one suggestion is to allow longer blades as well. I've lived in PA; I buy folders for grandkids in PA and have never heard of any blade limit in that state.
That being said, I'd suggest either a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (3.3" blade) or a Zero Tolerance 0550 (3.5" blade) for heavier-duty.
A Spyderco Gayle Bradley is also a winner; 3.5" blade with CPM-M4 blade-steel. Wonderful.
The ZT might cost you $150; the other two can be had for less.
Three of my favorite knives.
Sonnydaze
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top