Help me pick an EDC Folder.

A

aarong50

Joined
May 6, 2005
Messages
105
Currently the only high-quality blade I own is a Leatherman Charge Ti. I keep it in my truck but is a little heavy to cary in the pocket everywhere. I am looking for a tactical looking knife with a thumb stud I dont care if it is a/o or not but a/o would be nice. Price range - hoping to stay under $100 can probably go $125 max. I was looking at the leek series but unless you buy the more expensive one which is upwards of $150 you apparently get poor quality steel from what I hear on this message board. No spyderco unless it is a model with a thumb stud. I am basically looking for a nice edc that is sharp as a razer blade and holds an edge for a very long time without sharpening. Thanks in advance!
 
Now is the blade of very good quality compared to the leek zpd 189's steel? Is it worth the extra money or will I notice much of a difference in sharpness/longevity of sharpness.
 
I have an S30V Leek. It's a beautiful little knife, razor sharp, and holds its edge. The 3" blade is large enough for general utility and although the 4" handle isn't large in my hand, it is well-designed and I find it comfortable and secure to hold.

Steel used in a particular knife is a complicated issue. Any reasonably good steel will do fine, unless the knife is for survival or tactical use, when you would want a premium steel.

S30V however IS a premium steel. I held off getting a Leek, as much as I liked Ken Onion's designs, until they upgraded from what was a lower grade steel.

ZDP-189 is a "latest & greatest" steel, and titanium framelocks are a favorite of mine, but the price may be overkill for a utility folder. If I didn't have the S30V Leek, I would be all over that ZDP-189, since I have other folders for hard use. :D

There are MANY other choices, of course. For hard work at a decent price, look at the Ontario Randall Folder Model 1. I recommend the Satin Plain Edge Blade.
 
Have a look at my EDC Gear! Why have to choose between the Spec Bump and the ZDP Leek when you can carry Both?! :cool: :D

Spec in right front pocket, Leek in left rear pocket.

P8292362.jpg


P8292364.jpg


I am like a father of a new-born, showing of my beautiful new baby!

Jeremy
 
The rat trap is a very nice knife, at about 160$ its a wee bit over your price range but you might find a used one for less. Great knife! s30v blade, rediculously sharp, sturdy lock up, slim profile, very light. g10 slabs for grippyness too!

swamprat.jpg


This is mine, sorry for sucky pic quality.
 
darkestthicket said:
The rat trap is a very nice knife, at about 160$ its a wee bit over your price range but you might find a used one for less. Great knife! s30v blade, rediculously sharp, sturdy lock up, slim profile, very light. g10 slabs for grippyness too!

swamprat.jpg


This is mine, sorry for sucky pic quality.
Click to expand...
He specifically requested thumbstud instead of holes, going so far as to specifically rule out Spyderco. If he's willing to go above his price range AND have a hole, he should just settle for having the hole in his price range. :cool:
 
aarong50 said:
<Deletion> No spyderco unless it is a model with a thumb stud. I am basically looking for a nice edc that is sharp as a razer blade and holds an edge for a very long time without sharpening. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
What is your problem with Spyderco and its Spyderhole? Have you ever spent any time with a Spyderco knife? The Spyderhole is THE best solution that I have found to a one hand opener and that is the reason that so many people copy it.
 
FullerH said:
What is your problem with Spyderco and its Spyderhole? Have you ever spent any time with a Spyderco knife? The Spyderhole is THE best solution that I have found to a one hand opener and that is the reason that so many people copy it.
Click to expand...


I dont have a problem with Spyderco just prefer a thumb stud that is all.
 
I have found that thumbstuds get caught on clothing and, especially with tip-up carry, cause my knives to open unexpectedly and unwanted. The Emerson Wave is a great idea if that is what you want, but it is not so great when it happens accidentally.
 
aarong50,

My Spec Bump S30V above cost me $95.99 plus shipping on Ebay:thumbup:
My ZDP Leek was purchased through this Forum for $130 shipping included! There are also some on Ebay.

I love my Kershaws and I think they are perfect EDC knives.

Jeremy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top