- Joined
- Feb 25, 2001
- Messages
- 6,675
I just got in my Camillus EDC today, so I thought Id spew out a few comments on it. The first thing you notice about this knife is its looks. Its totally non-threatening looking. While technically being a tactical style design, the nicely rounded shapes and smallish size give it more of a pocketknife feel than a tactical feel. This doesnt look like any kind of deadly self-defense folder. Its just a well-designed multipurpose knife. Darrel Ralph described it perfectly when he named it the EDC (Every Day Carry). The EDC is the epitome of the working knife.
The big surprise comes when you open up the EDC for the first time. The solid lock-up reveals a sensational blade shape. The blade has tons of belly, instantly compelling you to start cutting up boxes and other household items. And compelled I was . I instantly starting cutting my UPS box into nice thin strips, easily slicing through the cardboard with the shaving sharp edge. This is the workingmans blade shape. Its meant for doing chores, not just flicking out and looking good. My next chore was my afternoon snack, a nice big orange. Lets just say that the orange didnt have a chance.
The frame lock held perfectly through its initial ordeal. I really like this lock design. Its rock solid, repeatedly passing spine whack tests without a hint of a problem. The lock is actually much stronger than a knife of this size really needs to be. While Im talking about size, Darrel really packed a whole lot of blade into a small package. He didnt waste any room at all. The EDC gives you as much blade as a handle this size could possibly hold. If that means extra room in my pocket for other odds and ends, Im all for it!!!
After all that cutting and slicing, I figured that Id give my nice new EDC a good cleaning. You cant get much easier to clean than this baby. Its a very simple design. Every piece of this knife has a use, shunning away from extra needless pieces that complicate maintenance and cleaning. A small rinse of water and a quick dry was all it took. Everything about the EDC cries of the word simple. The best comparison I can make is to the venerable Mitchell 300 fishing reel. There are lots of exotic reels, with lots of eye-catching features, bells and whistles. All of these features are fun to play with, but I wouldnt take one anywhere far from home. A whole lot of extras add up to whole lot of reasons for malfunctions. The Mitchell 300 is about as simple a reel design as you can get, and always works when the chips are down. The EDC is made in the very same fashion. Its a simple, hard working knife, with no glitzy baubles to get in the way of efficiency.
The simple design does not detract from the looks of the EDC though. The skeletonized handle is tastefully done, and the curves of the handle are extremely stylish. Theres none of that ugly texturized G10 to kill its appeal. Its just slick and sexy looking in a natural sort of way; kind of like a truly beautiful woman who has no need for excess make-up.
My last compliment will go to the great pocket clip. This is a clip that actually keeps the knife in your pocket. While it seems that many manufacturers sell pocket clips as a way of ensuring continual sales, Im confident that the EDC will never fall out my jeans pocket. Once its in, theres no sliding around. The release from your pocket is firm, but doesnt feel like something will tear your clothing to shreads.
All in all, Darrel Ralph and Camillus did a sensational job with the EDC. They set out to make a perfect folding pocketknife that would easily handle everyday tasks. All that great performance and easy maintenance to boot. You cant ask for much better .. except for a Talonite blade, anodized handles, and beautiful file work. Oh yah. Thats why we have Darrel making customs for us.
[This message has been edited by Buzzbait (edited 03-28-2001).]
The big surprise comes when you open up the EDC for the first time. The solid lock-up reveals a sensational blade shape. The blade has tons of belly, instantly compelling you to start cutting up boxes and other household items. And compelled I was . I instantly starting cutting my UPS box into nice thin strips, easily slicing through the cardboard with the shaving sharp edge. This is the workingmans blade shape. Its meant for doing chores, not just flicking out and looking good. My next chore was my afternoon snack, a nice big orange. Lets just say that the orange didnt have a chance.
The frame lock held perfectly through its initial ordeal. I really like this lock design. Its rock solid, repeatedly passing spine whack tests without a hint of a problem. The lock is actually much stronger than a knife of this size really needs to be. While Im talking about size, Darrel really packed a whole lot of blade into a small package. He didnt waste any room at all. The EDC gives you as much blade as a handle this size could possibly hold. If that means extra room in my pocket for other odds and ends, Im all for it!!!
After all that cutting and slicing, I figured that Id give my nice new EDC a good cleaning. You cant get much easier to clean than this baby. Its a very simple design. Every piece of this knife has a use, shunning away from extra needless pieces that complicate maintenance and cleaning. A small rinse of water and a quick dry was all it took. Everything about the EDC cries of the word simple. The best comparison I can make is to the venerable Mitchell 300 fishing reel. There are lots of exotic reels, with lots of eye-catching features, bells and whistles. All of these features are fun to play with, but I wouldnt take one anywhere far from home. A whole lot of extras add up to whole lot of reasons for malfunctions. The Mitchell 300 is about as simple a reel design as you can get, and always works when the chips are down. The EDC is made in the very same fashion. Its a simple, hard working knife, with no glitzy baubles to get in the way of efficiency.
The simple design does not detract from the looks of the EDC though. The skeletonized handle is tastefully done, and the curves of the handle are extremely stylish. Theres none of that ugly texturized G10 to kill its appeal. Its just slick and sexy looking in a natural sort of way; kind of like a truly beautiful woman who has no need for excess make-up.
My last compliment will go to the great pocket clip. This is a clip that actually keeps the knife in your pocket. While it seems that many manufacturers sell pocket clips as a way of ensuring continual sales, Im confident that the EDC will never fall out my jeans pocket. Once its in, theres no sliding around. The release from your pocket is firm, but doesnt feel like something will tear your clothing to shreads.
All in all, Darrel Ralph and Camillus did a sensational job with the EDC. They set out to make a perfect folding pocketknife that would easily handle everyday tasks. All that great performance and easy maintenance to boot. You cant ask for much better .. except for a Talonite blade, anodized handles, and beautiful file work. Oh yah. Thats why we have Darrel making customs for us.
[This message has been edited by Buzzbait (edited 03-28-2001).]
