Help me choose an EDC

B

ben6745

Joined
Nov 22, 2008
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18
I previously carried a Spyderco Military, but I've decided it's time to upgrade. The most expensive folder I ever owned was a BM42, but it wasn't practical to carry. Now I'm willing to spend a little more money on a nice folder. $450 is the limit, though cheaper is fine. If so, maybe more than one knife. Here are some general guidelines:

- folder
- plain edge
- nothing over a 4" blade
- decent steel
- needs to lock in some way

Some part of me wants an automatic, just because I'm never had one. Any advice on those would be great. I've considered a Sebenza too, but are they as wonderful as everyone makes them out to be? Any suggestions for a nice folder are welcome.

Thanks, Ben
 
How about a Lone Wolf Diablo automatic? It has both an automatic and manual mode of opening, and they use S30V at 60-61 which is harder than most S30V blades.
 
My advice would be to talk to a maker and have him build you exactly what you want. With a budget of $450 you could have a great custom made that would definately stand out from the pack.
Or you could get a JYDII composite or G10 Tyrade, have it kreind, then have some custom scales made (Dobson comes to mind, he's a great guy and does great work) and have a cool knife that would be unique to you.
Or you could get a Sebenza, even if you don't like it, you could resell and you wouldn't lose much money if at all.
 
Check out the custom makers here. If you stick with the same style as you referenced, you can get a whole lot of knife for $ 450 or less. And it will be made for you. A one-of thing.

I retired my last Sebenza because of the knife I bought from Jason Clark. A much nicer knife for about 2/3rds of the price.
 
I have a sebbie and it's very nice. I just got a JYD II composite that I really like a lot, so those two would be my recommendations. I like the JYD II so much, considering a Gaylean Pro series. I have a couple of autos and while there nice, I don't believe they're all they're cracked up to be.

Jim
 
Could anyone recommend a good custom maker? I checked out the makers here, but it seems they lean towards slip joints. I'd like more of a larger, tactical sort of folder.
 
Get a Caswell EDC.
caswelledc3.jpg


caswelledc5.jpg
 
There are so many it would be unfair to you to name just one. There's Tim Galyean, The Hawks, RJ Martin, JT Clark, Tom Krein, Mark Terrell and a host of others. The list would be to long to put them all here.

Look at the threads in this sub, and when you see something you like, contact the maker. From there, you can look at their web sites, and contact them about making a knife for you.
 
The BM 710 in D2 and 760BK LTi are worth a look:

IMG_3873.jpg


I got these over the last week or so. No, I don't like tanto or serrated blades - that 760 in M4 makes you look past the tanto edge, however - super knife. The 710 has already secured an EDC rotation spot!

Stainz
 
The zero tolerance knives, like the zt 030x series are great, and cost about $236 on most internet sites. They are a design collaboration between Kershaw and Strider. S30V blade, titanium liners, assisted opening that is sweet. They are a little large, but still totally doable for every day carry. If it's too big, they do offer smaller, similar knives like the zt-0350. I would say they are worth a look.

If you wanted to go all the way to $400 or so, without waiting for a custom, many like the Strider SMF, AR, or SNG. Also many like the Chris Reeves Sebenzas. In my opinion the Chris Reeves appear to be more of a gentleman's knife, while the Striders are very tactical looking. Both lock up great and cut great...so I've heard. Just preferences.

For half the price, check out the Zero Tolerance knives.
 
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What's wrong with the Spyderco Military? Or are do you just have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)?
 
motts said:
The zero tolerance knives, like the zt 030x series are great, and cost about $236 on most internet sites. They are a design collaboration between Kershaw and Strider. S30V blade, titanium liners, assisted opening that is sweet. They are a little large, but still totally doable for every day carry. If it's too big, they do offer smaller, similar knives like the zt-0350. I would say they are worth a look.

If you wanted to go all the way to $400 or so, without waiting for a custom, many like the Strider SMF, AR, or SNG. Also many like the Chris Reeves Sebenzas. In my opinion the Chris Reeves appear to be more of a gentleman's knife, while the Striders are very tactical looking. Both lock up great and cut great...so I've heard. Just preferences.

For half the price, check out the Zero Tolerance knives.
Click to expand...

I think that the striders are not as good of a slicer as a sebbie though.
 
Al Mar SERE 2K, I EDC'd one for a couple years, fit/finish is top notch, get 2 of them so you can have one down for repair or sharpening, think to the future. Also does not have sinister name [can be a factor in court?]. VG-10 steel.

ZT 0300, mine has no blade play whasoever, push cuts paper right out of the box. S30V steel. Great warranty and cust. service is highly rated, free sharpening for life.

Strider - the owner is too controversial for my taste, did time in the joint, great knives though. Don't know about the cust. service aspect.
 
MM said:
What's wrong with the Spyderco Military? Or are do you just have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)?
Click to expand...

The Military is great, but it tends to frighten people when they see it.

I ended up ordering a small Sebenza from KnifeArt, I hope they're a reputable dealer.
 
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