Hopeless search for an EDC 4+ inch folder.

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Dec 4, 2021
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63
Update:

Reminded by Mister Coffee that I can always carry TWO knifes instead of one. Now all I need to do is to grab a K390 Dragonfly to go along with my SOCP or Makora II.

The problem was not in the list of available knives, it was in my way of thinking.

Thank you all very much.

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Original post:

Man this is a hard one.
I've been searching for an EDC-able 4.1 - 4.6 inch folder for literally several years. Every once in a while I'd boot up BladeHQ and KnifeCenter, set the parameter, and scroll through. Up till now, still no luck.
I'd greatly appreciate it if you're willing to share your experiences, help and insights on this one.

Looking for:

1, Non-auto. I have stuff like Microtech Makora II and Cypher and Protech Large Don. They're really nice knives and I love them. However, I find it unthinkable to "launch" and use them as a cutting tool whenever there's anyone around me. Too menacing.

2, Useful edge geometry and blade style, for a cutting tool. I carry and love my Benchmade 391 SOCP folder. It's unbelievably compact and lightweight. The 4-way clip holes is a HUGE plus. The axis lock is really nice. However, its blade style and edge geometry makes a decent weapon, but a sub-par cutting tool. Also the D2 steel, meh. If Benchmade ever made a PM steel flat-grind SOCP that would be the perfect choice.

3, Proper ergonomics. I owned a Spyderco Military s110v. Let's just say I'm not a fan of the "fat butt" of its handle, the sub-par blade-to-handle ratio, and the massive and painful liner lock cut out.

4, Compact and light weight. I also owned Cold Steel 26 AGST 4" and 26 AGSTX 6" (26sp in black coated XHP steel). Their handles are SO thick and tubular making them impossible to EDC in my back pocket. Also their fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired.

5, Preferable locking mechanism. I have my eyes on the ZT 0452 for a long time, but never pulled the trigger due to the Ti-handle (I strongly prefer non-metal handles) and frame lock. Same story goes for the Spyderco Native Chief. For a blade this size I'd surely want one-hand fast deployment.

6, No need for blade toughness. All I ask for this EDC folder is cutting, slicing and (I hope I never need to) stabbing. I always carry one of those EDC pry bars that open half-cut coconuts and beer bottles exceptionally well.

In short, if there ever was a
Benchmade flat-grind SOCP, or a Spyderco 4.5" PM2, or a ZT 0452 w/ non-metal handle, I'd shut up and buy them all.

Let me know what you think! Thank you all very much!
 
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2, Useful edge geometry and blade style, for a cutting tool. I carry and love my Benchmade 391 SOCP folder. It's unbelievably compact and lightweight. The 4-way clip holes is a HUGE plus. The axis lock is really nice. However, its blade style and edge geometry makes a decent weapon, but a sub-par cutting tool. Also the D2 steel, meh. If Benchmade ever made a PM steel flat-grind SOCP that would be the perfect choice.

Duly noted. But I don't even know the 391 SOCP is in my pocket. Whereas carrying a Police 4 feels like a second iPhone by comparison. This being the case, I'd be comfortable carrying an additional knife for cutting — a Delica 4, for example.

Good luck in your search.
 
Duly noted. But I don't even know the 391 SOCP is in my pocket. Whereas carrying a Police 4 feels like a second iPhone by comparison. This being the case, I'd be comfortable carrying an additional knife for cutting — a Delica 4, for example.

Good luck in your search.
That's actually a really, really good idea. How come I never thought about that? The weight and pocket footprint of SOCP and something FRN, combined, would still be less than a lot of metal-handled large folders out there.

Now I'm on my hunt for a Dragonfly K390.

Thanks a lot!
 
Just a few ideas…

Fox - Citadel Deimos
Microtech - Socom
Spyderco - Yojumbo
Southern Grind - Bad Monkey
Boker Magnum - Miyu
 
Your bullet point #1 is nonsense. You can't be looking for a 4"+ folder, but also say that caring about what sheeple think is preventing you from using an auto...

Spyderco Police G10
SOG Pentagon, or Spec Elite
Hogue EX01
Microtech Socom Elite
 
Ah, I couldn't see any of the text after "preferable locking mechanism" in your first post because I'm using dark theme and you set it to black text, otherwise I wouldn't have recommended the Chief in the first place.
 
Your bullet point #1 is nonsense. You can't be looking for a 4"+ folder, but also say that caring about what sheeple think is preventing you from using an auto...

Spyderco Police G10
SOG Pentagon, or Spec Elite
Hogue EX01
Microtech Socom Elite

Good point. I was thinking it wrong.

I could always carry and use a smaller, public-friendly cutting tool along with conceal-carrying a 4"+ auto.

Still a mystery how come I never thought of that.
 
There are some Harsey designs out there over 4 inches. White wolf , CRKT and Fantoni. The white wolf knives are very expensive these days. The CRKT is probably not the greatest quality. The Fantoni’s seem pretty nice.

Curtiss F3 large is my edc - it’s roughly 4 inch blade. I love it.

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