knife for tired old man (pictures appreciated)

[Roadracer_Al]

A Mora is a "scandi" grind, which is a low flat grind, which would normally suggest the blade is more "wedgy" ...... but Moras have relatively thin blades, which make them pretty decent cutters.

As you can see, there is a tradeoff between blade thickness and the height of the grind - the higher the grind, the more acute the angle, and more slicey. Conversely, if you leave the grind line at the same heigh but thicken the blade, the grind angle becomes less acute, and more wedgy/stabby.

However, the more wedgy the blade, the harder you can abuse it before it complains.

Also, think about kitchen knives: thin, wide blades, many if not most have full flat grinds in which the bevel is extremely acute, forming a single plane from edge to heel... they're the very definition of slicey, but they would snap like a twig if you tried to baton them through firewood.

 

[Raymond1000]

Many in Tinkering and Maintenance are gear heads. They love fancy systems that are great indoors at a workbench. For a sharpener you can keep in your pocket, you need something more basic.

Here’s some old school sharpening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SEMLu8e34ck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Twduvki8m90

 

[n7titan]

Many in Tinkering and Maintenance are gear heads. They love fancy systems that are great indoors at a workbench. For a sharpener you can keep in your pocket, you need something more basic.

Here’s some old school sharpening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SEMLu8e34ck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Twduvki8m90

Those systems give out professional looking bevels much easier than manual. That being said, manual is easy enough to get a working edge as the videos show.
I carry a sharpening puck my cousin gave to me; I've no idea what brand but it works well and doesn't take much space.

 

[FireCloud9]

Thanks Roadracer!

It's raining blue boxes over here

 

[Roadracer_Al]

Happy days!

 

[FireCloud9]

...Final selection... & winning specifications...​

image hosting 12mb

[table="width: 800"]
[tr]
[td]Spyderco Stretch[/td]
[td]Benchmade Griptilian 550HG[/td]
[td]Benchmade Griptilian 551[/td]
[td]Doug Ritter RSK MK1[/td]

[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Blade Length: 3.5"
Blade Material: VG-10
Blade Style: Modified drop-point blade; Ambidextrous Thumb-Holes
Lock Type: Back Lock
Overall Length: 7.938"
Closed Length: 4.438"
Weight: 3.4oz [/td]

[td]Blade Length: 3.45"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel (550T: 440C)
Blade Style: Hollowground Modified Sheepsfoot; Ambidextrous Thumb-Holes
Lock Type: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.07"
Closed Length: 4.62"
Weight: 3.82oz [/td]

[td]Blade Length: 3.45"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Style: Modified Drop-Point w/ Ambidextrous Thumb Studs
Lock Type: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.07"
Closed Length: 4.62"
Weight: 3.82oz
[/td]

[td]Blade Length: 3.44"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel (550T: 440C)
Blade Style: Wide-Chord Drop Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Holes
Lock Type: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.06"
Closed Length: 4.62"
Weight: 3.82oz[/td]

[/tr]
[/table]



Now on to a new EDC folder objective: (Suggestions Welcome!)

1. Overall Length 7.00" to ~8.5" (Large hand size) |
2. Blade: (3" minimum) 3.25"- 4.00" |
3. Handle: (4" minimum) 4.25"- 4.50" |
4. Weight: < ~4.5oz
5. $75 to ~ $300

Full hand grip | Good pocket clip | Long lasting steel & Good value | (no autos, no tanto or recurve blades) | US / Japan made is preferable but not a deal breaker. Must be legal carry in California.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and recommendations!

 

[n7titan]

I would personally choose the 550HG just for the blade shape. Love that modified sheepsfoot.
Good choices there :thumbup:

 

[FireCloud9]

I would personally choose the 550HG just for the blade shape. Love that modified sheepsfoot.
Good choices there :thumbup:

I bought all four.

That being said, the one I carry daily and like the most is the one you mentioned.

After that, the DR. I like the Stretch though I'm not crazy about the locking mechanism. I'm spoiled after the Axis...

Now I'm looking at these and others that the forum members recommend.

581 Barrage

477 Emissary 3.5

300-1 Axis Flipper

1000001 Volli

890 Torrent

710

 

[GatorFlash1]

Kershaw Cryo or Cryo II might fit your needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh7MPz7lUf4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y44rhV7VpyU



Here is a link to my favorite and current old geezer EDC. It exceeds your budget by 25-50 dollars but is worth every penny IMHO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk0IxU-fuW4

 

[FireCloud9]

Thanks Gator!

I like the Bradley looks and utilitarian design. It's a bit heavier than my specs ( <4.5oz) at 5.5oz, but I'll take a look and see if they have it at the local shop.

Also been checking out some fixed blade knives... Mora,

Fallkniven

Chris Reeve

Ka-bar Becker BK2

ESEE-6

SOG Force

 

[cchu518]

I havn't read through all the replies but foreclosed check out keyman you can Google search him if no one has mentioned. Also Wilkins and cascadi. These are all custom scale makers that can clad your grip in a nice handle just in case the noryl ones that came with the grip don't do it for you.

 

[whp]

I haven t read the entire thread. I agree with your choice of the Griptilians and the Stretch. In your shoes, my next hard look would be at the PM2. Might be the best all around knife you ever buy.

 

[cchu518]

Here's a sample of some of the cool work that Keyman does on scales above.

The GB is hard to open btw.

 

[FireCloud9]

Thanks whp, cchu518,

That looks awesome!

Here's a sample of some of the cool work that Keyman does on scales above.

The GB is hard to open btw.

 

[REK Knives]

Esee's are great knives for the $!

 

[Mgj48]

Benchmade 710. Great ergonomics for a mans hand. Hard to beat with your requirements. Big knife carries smaller.

 

[FireCloud9]

Thanks Josh, Mgj48,


I'm partial to the ESEE-6 and BK2. Maybe both are deserving.

The BM 710 is on my list.... along with a few other knives that caught my attention....

 

[roosterscrow]

I'm not familiar with this knife. What are we looking at?

 

[FireCloud9]

I'm not familiar with this knife. What are we looking at?

5.11 Tactical Double Duty Responder Folding 3.75" Combo Sheepsfoot Blade, Orange FRN Handles (51073)

 

[exmaxima]

I bought all four.

That being said, the one I carry daily and like the most is the one you mentioned.

After that, the DR. I like the Stretch though I'm not crazy about the locking mechanism. I'm spoiled after the Axis...

Great choices! I'll add that I carry my Stretch ZDP-189 90% of the time. I've added custom scales to my 550HG, so at least it will leave the house occasionally (I hated the stock plastic grips), except now it's almost too nice to use---so slick to open/close!! The Stretch is still the perfect size and ergos for my EDC, but the BM Axis lock is the most fun.