Help needed finding a good EDC knife

A

Alteran

Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
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First of all: I'm not sure if this is the right forum, if it isn't then please redirect me. Sorry, I haven't been on BF in a while.

Alright then. I am looking for a decent, cheap EDC knife. Now, when I say cheap, I mean absolutely less than $100 Canadian, preferably closer to $50. For the time being, I just don't have the money for a higher-end knife. I have a few knives, but none are exactly what I need for EDC. My Vic OHT is nice, but it's too thick and heavy, and there is no clip.

I need a knife that is easy to use, durable, sharpens easily, holds an edge at least reasonably well, locks, and falls within the price range given. One handed opening, a plain edge and a pocket clip are big bonuses. I am a big fan of ti, but I doubt I'll get any for my price. I live in Canada, and would prefer to be able to get it locally (Toronto) or from a Canadian online dealer. But that is not completely necessary.

I am looking at the benchmade monochrome as one option. It is well priced, and I can get it from The bass pro shop in Vaughn (close). Spydercos also interest me.

It should be non-threatening, as I don't want to draw attention. It will only be used for pretty light duties. Opening packaging, boxes, letters, maybe a bit of food, and if absolutely necessary, self defence. Don't worry, I know not not mention that if asked about my knife. I also know not to use my knife as a prytool, I've cut myself doing that, and damaged a knife.

If you've read all of this, then thank you! I'm not completely new to this, but would appreciate any and all advice.
 
Buck 110 is a great knife. Definitely another :thumbup: for that.

Since your budget is tight, I would also recommend either the Spyderco Endura or Delica. These are flagship models for Spyderco and they can be had for around $40 to $50.

Spyderco also has the Byrd line which has some very affordable, good quality knives. The Cara Cara G10 is very solid and only cost me about $23. Anything from the Byrd line should fit in your budget.

The Benchmade Griptilian or mini Grip can be had for $50 to $70. I have the Grip and find it to be an excellent EDC. The Axis lock is strong and smooth.

You might also want to look at the Kershaw Leek. It has a very slim profile so it rides easy in the pocket and it is an assisted opener which is a great feature.

These are just some of the more common knives out there that most people will agree are a great value for the money. There's a ton of choices so just look around and you will definitely be able to stay within your budget.
 
According to the website I looked at the exchange rate is .95CDN per 1 US. so knife prices should be close to the US posting? Yes?

So if the monochome fits your needs, you would then be interested in 3" blades.

The Spyderco Native or Native III should be in the ballpark pricewise. That's a 3" bladed lockback with FRN handle. Because of the choil, it looks shorter in the hand so it should be non-threatening to the blade challenged. Either runs just shy of $50 US on the web stores.

Spyderco Delica IV in VG10 steel should be in the ballpark too. ~ 3" lockback. Also FRN, but the IV has steel liners. They make a version with stainless steel handles, but I haven't seen an online price for it.

I have a Native III and a Delica III and they both see pocket time as EDC's. (But my Native III sees more.)

Sorry, I'm partial to lockbacks.

There are some nice reviews on Kershaws around. Lotta happy owners. Do a search of the Knife Review forum using the single word "Junkyard".
(Click the search button. select advanced search.)
 
I actually just got A Waved Spyderco Delica 4, to use as an EDC.
I have quite huge hands, so I find it's just a little too small to obtain that secure of a grip, but it is still very nice.
If you don't have massive hands like myself, then I would go for this knife.
If your hands are large, you might want to consider the Endura 4.

I live in Canada too, and so to avoid the hassle of customs, I try as often as I can to order from within Canada.
There aren't a lot of Canadian knife dealers, but the ones I like the best are as follows, in no particular order:
http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/
http://knifezone.ca/
http://swords.ca/

I ordered my Delica from Swords.ca, but I'm not sure if they have any currently in stock. Also, the last time I checked, Warriors and Wonders was also out of stock of the Waved Delica.
They do however, still have plenty of Delicas without the Wave, which in all honesty, I can't say I'm too big on. I'd almost prefer the knife without it.

Anyways, best of luck with your search!
Regards,
Eric

P.S. You can see some pics of my Delica here
And a video here
 
seems to me if you want a knife on the cheap that will do it all you just cant beat a opinel . its lock is a close to fool proof as anything can be .Ill go a bit out on a limb and say that due to the thiness of the blade it they are easy to sharpen and will outcut knifes costing 20 times more. sexy as a post to be sure, but if your looking for a tool look no futher
 
the-swexan said:
seems to me if you want a knife on the cheap that will do it all you just cant beat a opinel . its lock is a close to fool proof as anything can be .Ill go a bit out on a limb and say that due to the thiness of the blade it they are easy to sharpen and will outcut knifes costing 20 times more. sexy as a post to be sure, but if your looking for a tool look no futher
Click to expand...

Ahhh yes.

Here's another :thumbup: for the Opinel. They'll cost you $10 and they cut unbelievably.
 
Oh, the ability to fit into the larger pouch on a mission wallet would also be nice.
Also, is AO legal in Canada?

Right now I'm drooling over the models 705 and 707 by Benchmade. Maybe I could save up for a bit longer...
 
Get a Kabar Dozier lockback in AUS-8 and call it a day.
-Vince
 
The 705 has been replaced with the 707, it has a wider blade and thinner aluminum handles, I actually think it is an improvement over the 705 but it is probably higher than the price you mention. The small griptillian drop point has a similar blade shape and is much cheaper. I also recommend the Spyderco Delica, Dragonfly, and Cricket.

Also, for everything except self defense you might want to consider a Victorinox: Soldier, Cadet, Recruit, or Spartan GREAT knives for not a lot of money. Also any WR Case Stockman or Trapper is hard to beat.

Reason I suggest some slipjoints: you might want to check on knife laws in Canada if anything they are probably less friendly than in the US. In some areas it is illegal to carry a blade of a certain length, or to have assisted opening, or to have a blade that locks open, or to carrying it with the clip showing. I have no idea about Canadian knife laws but it would be worth your checking on.
 
From what I've seen, there isn't a length limit, and locks are fine. One hand opening is fine, but autos as well as "gravity knives" and "flick knives" are completely illegal. Our laws are much more restrictive when it comes to self defence and weapons. No push daggers, or most things that are strictly weapons. Tools are accepted. And if it is a (legal) weapon, it is absolutely illegal to conceal it.

And the 705 and 707 are both over my limit, but it might be worth waiting and getting them in a month or two. I have heard stories of people's monochromes becoming loose and weak without any real damage done to them. So, where could I get the 707 if I decide to do so?
 
My recommendation is to look up local dealers in toronto by going to both benchmade and spyderco sites and looking up their dealers.

Then go to that local dealer and handle a bunch of spydercos and benchmades (my two fav companies that will have knives in your price range.

I would recommend the delica/endura series from spyderco or the griptilian series from benchmade

two other big name companies that will have knives in your price limit are kershaw and crk&t both these companies make nice nives and some lower end stuff. Its my personal opinion that you cant go wron with spyderco or benchmades BLUE class. If you wanted to go red class (monochrome) id get the vex
 
I don't think you could go wrong with Benchmade, the axis lock is great. Kershaw would probably be my second choice, but most of them are linerlocks.
 
I haven't found any Canadian dealers with the 707. Well, I found one, but it had black coating and serrations. And it cost $162 Canadian. That's not far off retail (about $5 CA more), but A.G. Russell has it for $110 US, or $115 CA. Some place called bestknives.com has it for $105 US, or $110 CA. Has anyone dealt with that last site? Do you know if it's any good?

Also, the Griptillian seems like it would be a bit big for EDC. I'm looking for a smaller, flatter knife. Otherwise I could use my OHT.
 
I just handled the Benchmade 707 and Mini-Grip today for comparison...

707:
Slimmer Handle both width and depth-wise.
Wider Blade
Inlaid with G-10 (? I forget)
Grip was mostly rectangular and boxy

Mini-Grip
More grip to hold on to
Rounded shape on handle
Hole on blade for opening

Since the Mini-grip comes in 154CM too (finally) I'd say it's the better deal especially considering the price. The handle is a bit more comfortable (even though it may not ride as flat in one's pocket) to grip.

The axis lock alone is well worth the price... I love how you can flick it open faster than an assisted open-er by just holding the axis lock down (and it closes with a flick of the wrist too!)

Hope that helps.
 
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