Help Me Choose an EDC Folder

Buck Vantage is what I carry now, it's been a great fit for me. I prefer the wood handled version.
 
I'll second the Emerson CQC-7 if you can find one in your budget. If not, Kershaw makes an Emerson collab---their CQC-6 I think. I've handle it briefly and it seems very nice.

Before you buy at least check out the 4" Cold Steel Ti-Lite in AUS 8 at under $50 or the Carpenter steel upgrade for around $80....it's all in whether the style appeals to you. It's a great knife.
 
I know a lot of folks love the Manix, but I sold mind off because of the "sticky" feeling of the lock release, compared to Benchmade's axis lock. You can find a Griptilian here on the exchange in your budget, which is a damn fine EDC knife with great action both in and out. So many love the Manix so there must be something about it...I would just be sure to handle one before you buy.
 
I vote for the Kershaw Knockout. Which can be found in Elmax. It is very comfortable to carry. Easy to open with flipper and has thumb studs. Just a all around great EDC folder. It is one of the few knives I've owned that if I lost it. I would buy another.
 
Give you a good idea of the Blur in real life, real size;
(For reference, my hand is a bit shy of 4" wide).



Litterally RAZOR sharp straight out of the box.

Definitely a sturdy knife too, no plastic, a solid liner lock (more then most I've dealt with), and if you shop around, somewhere like Kershawguy.com you can get great deals to stay in your budget, incl. s30v for $75; BDZ1 or the standard 14c27n for less, (ELMAX for $100)...

Whichever you choose off your list though will make for a nice new upgraded pocket knife though. All fine choices.
 
jaredrg said:
I just looked at the Kershaw Lahar. The Lahar is the exact look I want. Like the Manix II with the plain black, lightly textured G-10 handles. The blade shape, for some reason, is a little of a turn off for me. Would it be as easy to sharpen? Thanks for the suggestion, exactly in that window of what I'm looking for.
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I can't say if it would be as easy to sharpen, sorry. VG10 is quite common, and I don't think I've ever read any negative comments about it in terms of sharpening. The Lahar blade shape is one of the things that really appealed to me, whereas I don't care for most Spyderco shapes.
 
From your list, I'd go with either a Manix II LW or an Endura 4 FFG. However, in your price range, you should also check out the Cold Steel Voyager series. Here's my Manix II with a CS Large Voyager Tanto - great combination and tons of capabilities:

 
I have almost all these on the list and I have to say if you can get a military for around your price range its a no brainer. If you cant I would go endura, its more blade than the manix 2 (2.8" cutting edge). However I def agree with the cold steel recommendations, you may still be able to find recon 1's for 50 bucks at knifecenter right now.
 
I've decided I for sure want the g10 handles. The plainer(?) and sleeker(?) look really appeals to me. The handles on the Manix 2 lightweight just don't do it for me, but I'm sure it's a great knife.

I'm really looking hard at the Tenacious right now. I think it may be too hard (or I would have to be patient) to find a Manix II / PM2 / Military within my budget. Also, the more I look at the Kershaw Lahar, the more I like it. Any thoughts on the two, maybe comparison. I like the blur except for the handles. Do they make a Blur with solid black g10? And thanks for all the replies and suggestions. For those that care, when I finally decide I will post that and maybe some pics.
 
Lost a bid on a green handled Kershaw Lahar, now looking hard at the Buck Pro Force Vantage. Any difference between these Force Vantage models other than handle color? Thanks for all of the help and suggestions BF members. Still welcoming more input.
 
CS Recon1 is a stout but light beastie.

The Endura is lighter, slimmer, and slicier.

I have the the Ultra lock Recon 1, the Triad lock recon 1, and will likely get the new version in upgraded steel.

the ENDURA won't be as strong, but it will be lighter, and plenty strong enough to cut stuff.

I have a Delica, and would like to get a longer Endura.
 
jaredrg said:
Lost a bid on a green handled Kershaw Lahar, now looking hard at the Buck Pro Force Vantage. Any difference between these Force Vantage models other than handle color? Thanks for all of the help and suggestions BF members. Still welcoming more input.
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Its a good knife, and I don't think there's any real difference between em. Mine is not a "force" just a regular pro, butvsame thing basically, same steel, ergos;

It's not my personal favorite to edc, handle idk, feels a bit thicker then I typically like, but I do like the knife and use it on occasion. Great blade, so Not a bad choice at all IMO.

*(it's an oversized coffee mug just ftr)
 
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Just by looking at it that may be my only hangup (thickness). I'm thinking about the model with blue and black G10.
 
I would see if you can up your budget 20 bucks or find it used and go with the Benchmade Griptillian.. If you cant do that than go with a Spyderco Tenacious or the Spyderco Manix II
 
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