I need a new knife to EDC...

TheDandyLion

TheDandyLion

Joined
Mar 27, 2013
Messages
764
Well I was looking at my EDC system today and decided it was a bit too redundant, I like carrying 2-5 knives on me at all times, that varies if I'm in the woods, working, at school, or just around town. When I'm at school I can only carry one knife with a 3> inch blade (Buck bantam BBW) but everywhere else I usually carry my BK-11 in my pocket and a KA-BAR Dozier hunter. I realized that all of these have almost the same blade size (3") that said I'm not a big fan of this kind of redundancy so I am now in the market for a new mid-size folding knife.

Lets start with the things it CAN'T be/have:
-Traditional, They look pretty but I don't like them, never will.
-Wood handles, Just like traditionals they look better that they preform (in my experience).
-Fixed, Like I said I already have a BK-11 and don't want to EDC another fixed blade.
-Over $140, I'm on a budget after all.
-Frame locks, I wand something a little more sturdy for hard EDC use.
-Recurves,more downfalls than benefits.
-SERRATIONS! I Hate them!

What I would like it to have:
-Lock, I would like to emphasize this. It needs to lock. I just can't do slip joints, I have tried and I failed.
-Liners again for durability I prefer them but if he handle is strong enough than I would put up with not having them.
-A blade no shorter than 3.5", I think I made it clear in my intro as to why.
-A blade no longer than 4.5", I don't want to carry to much of a behemoth.
-Good steel, a big deal for a good EDC.
-And finally some way to deploy one handed. This is a must, a thumb stud is the minimum but I would like an auto/assisted.

I hope there is something with these parameters,
Thanks,
~Jake
 
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Cold Steel Recon 1

If you are willing to go down to a 3.45 in blade Benchmade griptillian.(you can get a D2 blade)

A really cheep option would be a Kersaw Tremor

I have never heard of a modern style folder in carbon steel D2 is the closet they usually get.
 
I just got a 3 Zero Tolerance Knives the other day and I'm very happy with all 3 of them,I would go for a ZT0566 if I were you it comes pretty sharp out of the box and the blade is ELMAX steel,I know it's a frame lock but I don't think your going to have to worry about wrecking a ZT knife any time soon.

I have seen them on ebay sell brand new for $140.00

I also recommend the ZT0560 and it is a really nice knife as well but it is a bit bigger then the ZT0566 and I could see that being a turn off for some.
 
Sounds like a Manix 2 would fit the bill. No thumb studs but you can flick it open really easily. Great ergos, s30v, ball lock, grippy G10, blade size is right, liners no down side really other than maybe hollow grind depending on your preferences. Black one is stealthy.
 
Spyderco Para 2. S30V goodness, G10 scales, compression lock. The blade is a hair under your minimum (3.438") but you may love the knife so much you won't care. If not it would be easy to resell.
 
cards94 said:
:confused:
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Why the confusion? "MO' KNIVES MO' BETTA'"

Sounds like a Manix 2 would fit the bill. No thumb studs but you can flick it open really easily. Great ergos, s30v, ball lock, grippy G10, blade size is right, liners no down side really other than maybe hollow grind depending on your preferences. Black one is stealthy
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I do like the look of the Manix 2 but still the blade is a bit short and I didn't really mention it but I don't mind the "spydie hole" and I like hollow grinds. I did't mention this either but I don't like coated blades most of the time, the reason for not mentioning this is because I don't mind stripping or sanding a finish. If anything I like the XL version.

Or have you considered a balisong?
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I thought about it but I don't feel like learning a skill as complicated and dangerous as Bali-flipping.

Caly 3.5 zdp189
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Blade a bit too small for this position.

The spydie military doesn't look too bad, a bit pricy though.
 
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I don't think you should rule frame locks out, there are some really good ones out there. Other than that, the only tricky part about your requests is the preference for a carbon steel blade. Not many modern folding knives (one hand opening, clip, etc.) have carbon steel blades. The Gayle Bradley and Contego have M4 blades, but they cost around $170.

Here are some I think you'll like:

-Paramilitary 2
-Stretch in Aogami Super Blue steel
-Hogue EX03
-Griptilian or Mini Griptilian
 
I'd go with PM2 as others have said if you're amicable to the idea, otherwise the Benchmade Adamas 275 really comes to mind given your criteria.
 
RevDevil said:
No confusion. Not better unless drawing attention to yourself is your game. Two I can see but 5, now that is just attention hunger syndrome, unless you are a chef of course.
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Usually when I carry more than three knives on me I'm in the woods or working (I help maintain a farm and endangered plant species grove so a lot of outdoors work)
 
Franciscomv said:
I don't think you should rule frame locks out, there are some really good ones out there. Other than that, the only tricky part about your requests is the preference for a carbon steel blade. Not many modern folding knives (one hand opening, clip, etc.) have carbon steel blades. The Gayle Bradley and Contego have M4 blades, but they cost around $170.

Here are some I think you'll like:

-Paramilitary 2
-Stretch in Aogami Super Blue steel
-Hogue EX03
-Griptilian or Mini Griptilian
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After thinking it through for about 2 minutes I have decided that I don't mind a good stainless.
 
para 2 is great, endura is also great. At school I carry and love a sage 2 right at 3 inches. Or a kershaw skyline for the value.. so many choices
 
TheDandyLion said:
I do like the look of the Manix 2 but still the blade is a bit short and I didn't really mention it but I don't mind the "spydie hole" and I like hollow grinds. I did't mention this either but I don't like coated blades most of the time, the reason for not mentioning this is because I don't mind stripping or sanding a finish. If anything I like the XL version.
Click to expand...

Manix 2 XL is nice it is a DLC blade though (DLC is really durable though if that is what your concern is) it is FFG as well which I think is nice.

You can get the Manix 2 in a plane blade if you don't what DLC.

Super leaf is another nice choice if you want a larger knife with a polished blade and compression lock, you can still get them on clearance at a really fair price.

I would also consider a Military, very light, fast opener, 4" blade, liner lock and full flat ground S30V. The handle is incredible offers lots of different ways to grip the knife for a variety of tasks which it sounds like would be a nice feature for your line of work.
 
Kershaw S30V Blur - 3.5" blade, S30V steel, liner lock, thumb stud opening, assisted-opening
Kershaw JYD II - 3.63" blade, CPM-D2 steel, liner lock, flipper opening
Kershaw SpecBump (discontinued, but still can be found) - 3.63" blade, CPM-154 or S30V steel, stud lock, flipper opening, assisted-opening
ZT 0200 - 4" blade, 154CM steel, liner lock, flipper & thumb stud opening
Benchmade Griptilian - 3.45" blade, 154CM steel, Axis lock, thumb stud opening
Benchmade Barrage - 3.6" blade, 154CM steel, Axis Lock, thumb stud opening, assisted-opening
Spyderco Endura4 - 3.4" blade, VG10 steel, back lock, thumb hole opening
Spyderco Caly 3.5 - 3.13" blade, VG10 steel, back lock, thumb hole opening
Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 - 3.08" blade, S30V steel, compression lock, thumb hole opening
 
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