In the market for a new EDC folder

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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First I should probably mention what I would be using this knife for. Which would be everything. Opening boxes, slicing through rope/paracord, fishing line occasionally, stripping wire if I need to, whatever I need it for basically. I don't want to spend more than 50 because if I do, I'll be too afraid to beat the crap out of it, and if I lose it, I'll be pretty pissed off. I have big hands and I tend to favor the larger folder than something smaller.
So far, I have done extensive research and have watched multiple reviews for a few knives that I think would be the most useful for what I need. The only problem is, I'm not a knife collector, I don't know too much about knives, so I would like your help! Now so far, I've been looking at:
-s30v kershaw blur
-spyderco tenacious
-spyderco resilience
-sog flash ii
-buck alpha hunter
-Ontario ultilitac
-Ontario rat 1
-kershaw cryo (a bit small for my liking, but people rave about it)
-cold steel recon

I'm going to completely honest. Considering how much I'll be using this knife, along with how new I am to knives, I will most like never sharpen it. I understand the razor edge will be gone quickly, but as long as it keeps a working edge, it's fine with me.

So any and all advice is welcome.
 
I have the Tenacious, Rat 1, Rat 2, Cryo, Flash 1... Many many others not on your list, but I always go back to my Rat 2 with a lanyard. Acid washed, then stone washed to give a custom look/feel to it..
 
The best out of the bunch you listed, in my opinion, is the Blur. Go check out Kershawguy.com, he might have a blem for a killer price. As for the sharpening part, I would strongly urge you to get some form of sharpener and keep your blade well maintained. A knife is a lot more useful and enjoyable when it is sharp. Plus it is a good time to learn. Meaning it is better to learn how to sharpen on a $50 knife than a $500 knife. A Spyderco Sharpmaker is a good start for a sharpener.
 
Considering the use you will put it through I think learning to sharpen would be the first thing to do. You can find some cheap Arkansa sharpening stones (just add water) - many sharpening tutorials on Youtube. Ceramic rods or diamond-coated plates are also available and quite inexpensive in their portable versions.

For ease of sharpening and more all-purpose utility I would not suggest any recurves or odd blade shapes (like the Blur). A simple droppoint with a decent amount of belly would work well.

I would suggest a model in S30V sharpened to about 400 or 800 grit. Should keep a working edge for a while. That or a simple carbon/softer steel that you can just strop on jeans/cardboard to get an edge back. Get a Spyderco Native/Manix2, Benchmade Griptilian or any number of traditionals. I think they still make Buck 110 in S30V under their customs... you might have some luck if you just browse the knife exchange here and be patient. Sometimes a nice knife shows up used but below 70% retail (not MSRP).

Another option is some of the Cold Steel utility knives like their Tuff-Lite series. A sturdy sheepsfoot blade is just about the easiest blade type to sharpen and would work well for your stated uses.
 
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Second the sharpening... its dangerous to carry a dull blade. It causes you to apply more pressure to cut, resulting in a possible slip or stab to your body or anothers around you..
 
JDX, I just took a look over at Kershaw guys site and he has a blem 1725CBBLK also known as the Junkyard Dog 2 with the composite D2 blade. You said that you like larger folders and you do not want to sharpen it all the time, I really think this would be a perfect fit for you. The pocket clip is not everyone's thing but that can easily be fixed with a grinder. Best of luck on your quest!
 
Im not sure recommending d2 blade to someone who doesn't know how to sharpen is wise...something simpler to sharpen like a SAK would let him touch it up with minimal skill.
 
I didn't know sharpening was so important! You all mentioned really useful tips and advice concerning sharpening, so I will definitely pick up a sharpener! Still a bit unsure of which knife will do me the most justice. Thanks for taking the time to write your recommendations!
 
I used to absolutely suck at sharpening knives. Carried them for years though and always used them for random things. Got my first knife when I was about 5. I've collected them since then.

I finally decided to start investing in much nicer more expensive knives since reading this forum. With that being said, I bought the Spyderco Sharpmaker and the Edge Pro Apex 4 with some aftermarket goodies ontop of it. I decided it was time to learn to really sharpen knives and understanding more how what is going on with an edge and bevels when sharpening. I can now put hair whittling edges on my knives with minimal effort with my two sharpening systems. I have to agree with what the others stated. Having a truly sharp knife is like nothing I've experienced in the past for the past 30 years. I never knew previously is was possible to put a razor blade sharp edge on a knife or even sharper. They just about melt through whatever I need to cut with them with minimal effort and no hand or arm fatigue. Making cuts are are now controlled and feel smooth. It's actually fun watching how your blade just glides through whatever needed some cutting and so easily. So I too would recommend a nice sharpener. For the money, I think the Spyderco Sharpmaker is hard to beat. I think I got mine for about $55 - $60. Some of the guys I work with keep buying one called the Warthog knife sharpener for about the same price and put shaving sharp edges on their knives too. I don't think it puts as sharp as an edge as the Sharpmaker but is probably slightly easier to use. I personally would still go with the Sharpmaker. Having super sharp knives for actual use and work is far worth a $60 knife sharpener investment that you could use for the rest of your life.

My girl Kim just the other night was cutting up some carpet with scissors and I offered my zt 0566 to get to use. She said, "No I like my scissors. I'ma girl."

About ten minutes later she came and asked for the knife. I have it to her. A little while later she came back and said thanks and have it back. I asked her how it did and she said it made it really easy. I figured it did but I just wanted to hear her say it. =P

Sorry for the rant. I'll stop.

Back to your question. Out of those you listed, I have the Recon 1. It was the first knife I bought once I started collecting again. It's a tough knife and very stout. No blade play, and lock up is strong as an ox. The G10 scale I'd the most grippy I've come across yet (which I like, some don't like it that grippy though.) The black finish on the blade will start wearing off with minimal use. I've read if you take it off completely the blade has a very nice finish underneath though, which I plan to strip off one of these days. Right under the pocket clip I'd recommend Samsung the G10 down because it'll destroy your pocket sliding it on and off. It needs to be smoothed out to remedy that problem for your pants pocket sake. It's got a nice size blade but feels light in the pocket and a fairly slim design. I'd recommend it and think it's a nice knife for the money. I do think singe of the others you listed are probably nicer and I know some have what would be considered a higher end type of steel.

With my tastes, I would personally probably go with the kershaw blur. I don't think you would go wrong with most all you listed though.
 
All of Ontario's offerings are incredible value IMO; I've got a utilitac 2 and it pretty much feels like a ZT with basic blade-steel and handle material. F&F, stone-cold rock solid lockup and an incredibly smooth action all rival those of knives Ive paid 10x more on. I haven't tried the Rat models but they seem well suited to the task, and with their flat grinds even letting the edge go some won't be as punishing as more obtuse geometries. That, and they're dirt cheap. $27 for a Rat leaves plenty left over for some kind of sharpening system to keep you keen.
 
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