I need some recommendations for a good edc knife

R

ryan7195

Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
21
Hey everyone. I am looking for an edc knife and need some suggestions. I am am aviation student so money is really tight so I would like to keep the cost to a minimum. I would like one with fairly good blade steel that can be sharpened to a razor edge pretty easily. I usually like larger folders with somewhat thin grips.

Here is a list of features that it must have:
Good locking system that has very little to no play
Non serrated
Can be quickly opened with one hand and be possible to close with one hand
Durable

Here are the features that I would like bit aren't necessarily:
Non spring assist flipper(if it is spring assisted it needs to have a strong spring and some locking mechanism to keep it from opening in my pocket)
Tip up right hand pocket clip
Good lifetime warranty
Doesn't look too tacticool

Thanks in advance! :)
 
The ZT0452 seems to fit your needs. You can choose ti or cf, 4.1" of S35V steel, tip up, kvt bearings (non assisted), easily opened and closed with one hand!
 
wtlj said:
The ZT0452 seems to fit your needs. You can choose ti or cf, 4.1" of S35V steel, tip up, kvt bearings (non assisted), easily opened and closed with one hand!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, although that is a really awesome knife that I would LOVE to have, it is out of my price range. I am looking for one with a street price of less than $75. Thanks again
 
CRKT lake 111 z can be had for $20, little locking lever is conveniently located right where your thumb can access it and comes just a hair over 3"... Nifty little design in a cheaper knife. I'm a huge fan of crkt's for budget blades.

Kershaw leek has a lever too, but its at the rear, not as convenient. It can be had with a better svandik steal, bit its also a bit more expensive in the $40-50 range.
 
The Kershaw Thermite is an amazing knife that fits your needs and is low-cost. I batoned one through a small tree last summer as a test and apart from a little later lockup and dulling the edge it performed very well and sustained no damage.
 
ryan7195 said:
Thanks for the reply, although that is a really awesome knife that I would LOVE to have, it is out of my price range. I am looking for one with a street price of less than $75. Thanks again
Click to expand...

Buy once, cry once, you won't regret a purchase for a quality knife! You could buy a cheapie now that will serve you well, then treat yourself to a nicer knife when you graduate aviation school!
 
You can get a Cold Steel American Lawman or Recon 1 for much less than $75 in AUS8 steel. There are no stronger folders. I particularly like the AL. I have a Mini Recon 1 I keep in my bug out bag because they are so strong and reliable. Also, the CODE 4 from Cold Steel does not look tactical but has the same lock. It is very thin and easy to carry.
 
ryan7195 said:
Good locking system that has very little to no play
Non serrated
Can be quickly opened with one hand and be possible to close with one hand
Durable

Here are the features that I would like bit aren't necessarily:
Non spring assist flipper(if it is spring assisted it needs to have a strong spring and some locking mechanism to keep it from opening in my pocket)
Tip up right hand pocket clip
Good lifetime warranty
Doesn't look too tacticool
Click to expand...


http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Manix-2-Knife-Dark-Blue--23409

spyderco-c101pdbl2-2.jpg



Seriously.
You won't be disappointed and it checks off every box on your list.
 
I would recommend a CS code 4 or and recon or a voyager, other than thos a manix would do great! Stay away from garbage liner locks if you're looking for hard use, Ive had a liner lock fail to operate properly just be cutting thick cardboard, no thanks.
 
While the Manix 2 is a great knife, you'd be hard pressed to find even a used one for under $75.

I recommend a Spyderco Delica. It can be had in several different steels, all excellent. It doesn't scream MALL COMMANDO when you pull it out, it's light and thin, disappearing in your pocket.

You can get one in black, or orange, or gray, purple, or green. You can get it in VG-10, ZDP189, or Super Blue (harder to find). You can get a plain edge or combo edge (don't underestimate Spyderco's serrations). You can get it saber ground or with a full flat grind. You can even get it with an Emerson wave on it, if you feel so inclined.

All that for under $70 with shipping. Seriously, the Delica is in contention for world's best EDC folder.
 
Schrade SCH602Ti. If you don't mind heavier the SCH303 and 304 are big sturdy and dont cost as much as the 602. Both lines have great steel.
 
Spyderco Stretch VG-10 $76. , zdp 189 $104. Ergonomics can't be beat. Check them out @ Knifeworks
 
Last edited:
Spyderco Delica, Native, Stretch, or Endura
- if your hands are large+, you'll prefer the Stretch and Endura
- else you'll prefer the Delica and Native

The Kershaw Skyline is a popular EDC. It's a flipper and thin.
 
Thanks everyone! You all have been very helpful. After looking into all the suggestions I am leaning towards the manix 2 xl, it is a little more $ than i was planning on spending, but I think its exactly what I'm looking for. Some day I will get a ZT, but not for a while haha. Thanks again
 
Ontario RAT Model 1 can be found for around 25 USD! Best <30 USD folder on the market in my humble opinion.



 
Here's one I strongly recommend for you that I believe falls into all your categories - the Kershaw Piston:

[video=youtube;Lx3hFuwFvKw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx3hFuwFvKw[/video]

ryan7195 said:
Hey everyone. I am looking for an edc knife and need some suggestions. I am am aviation student so money is really tight so I would like to keep the cost to a minimum. I would like one with fairly good blade steel that can be sharpened to a razor edge pretty easily. I usually like larger folders with somewhat thin grips.

Here is a list of features that it must have:
Good locking system that has very little to no play
Non serrated
Can be quickly opened with one hand and be possible to close with one hand
Durable

Here are the features that I would like bit aren't necessarily:
Non spring assist flipper(if it is spring assisted it needs to have a strong spring and some locking mechanism to keep it from opening in my pocket)
Tip up right hand pocket clip
Good lifetime warranty
Doesn't look too tacticool

Thanks in advance! :)
Click to expand...
 
Based on your needs and parameters, Cold Steel's line up is hard to beat--great lock, upgraded steel, reasonable prices.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top