looking for a ~$40 EDC

B

benplaut

Joined
Jul 5, 2008
Messages
23
I'm looking to start carrying a more serious blade than a SAK, somthing with a ~3" blade (no more than 3.5, 3 is perfect). Looking at PE, one hand opening/closing knives that will be carried loose in the pocket. No real preference on blade steels--I sharpen my SAK once a month, use it every day, and it has been been too dull for my needs.

First, one question--for knives with a liner or framelock and no AO, what keeps the knife closed in your pocket? Is it only tension, or does something snap the blade back into place if it opens a tiny bit? I'm worried about knives opening in my pocket, because I don't intend to use a pocket clip. Lanyard holes are a big plus.

the contenders, so far:
Kershaw Leek: the tip looks like it might break, but the knife is the perfect size.
Kershaw Mini Cyclone: Don't really like the handle shape, and no safety (can turn AO on or off, though).
Kershaw Needs Work: I like the blade shape, but the handle design is kinda odd.

Spyderco Native: Slightly chunky, but a nice fat blade.
Spyderco Delica: Chunky, but everyone seems to love it. Slightly over budget.

Benchmade Mini Grip: Slightly over budget, but everyone loves it.

SOG Twitch II/XL: Looks interesting...

Boker Hyper: CLB is from my island, so that's a big sentimental plus. I love the blade shape, just not sure about the question above.

Boker Subcom/Wharcom: It could probably do everything I need, to be entirely honest.

--
ANY suggestions would be great, just around a budget of ~$40 or less.

Mahalo!
:cool:

(cross posting to knifeforums)
 
Get the mini grip. I abused and beat the crap out of mine for a couple years and it was still fine. The axis lock is probably the coolest and most innovative lock in the knifeworld in a long time. Plus the grip is dirt cheap.

I've never had a kershaw but have never heard any bad things about them. I do have a Spyderco Caly 3 and it's absolutely amazing so I'll assume all their knives are great too.
 
The Delica is not chunky at all. It's as thin as... a twig on the red carpet in hollywood. I carry it tip-sideways (clipped sideways in my wide pocket), and I don't even notice it's there.

I would highly recommend a Delica, if you can produce an extra $10.

If not, the Spyderco Native is also very good (might still be available at Walmart for $40).
 
A couple of random thoughts. I'm not sure you can get a mini-grip for $40 or so shipped. Second, the Leek has a delicate blade that is good for slicing but not a whole lot more. The Native is built like a tank, and would be my choice. Consider also the Kershaw Skyline - one of best bargains out there. There are a couple of good Skyline reviews here at BF if you'll look for them.

So I say Delica, Native or Skyline, with the Skyline being the least spendy. :thumbup:
 
Any one of these three knives in this photo would do. But I would really recommend the G-10 Cara Cara by Byrd (spyderco)... One Tough great feelin knife and it comes Crazy Sharp!!!!

DSC01616.jpg
 
Take a look at the Kershaw Storm, decent steel, thin and very tough frame-locker, can be had for under 40 at discount stores. Walmart carried it but it was a combo-edge so I ordered one plain edge and it's held up great and opens/closes easy with one hand. Great cheaper knife IMO. (big plus it's made in the USA!)
 
DSCF1322.jpg

I just got this Case Caliber Linerlock a week ago. It's light and strong, anodized aluminum, 2 1/8" blade. The pocket clip comes off.
 
babakanoosh45 said:
Does the Walmart Native have S30V? I thought they were a 440 grade steel???
Click to expand...

I got both of mine from WM and they are CPM S30V. Get one from there while you still can. WM is not going to stock them anymore, they are already out of them on line. Great knife for the price.
 
BABA 45: "Does the Walmart Native have S30V? I thought they were a 440 grade steel???"

IT SURE DOES COME WITH S30V AND COMES RAZOR SHARP OUT OF THE BOX.

MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE GO WITH A DELICA OR NATIVE. I HAVE HEARD GREAT REVIEWS OF THE MINI GRIP (WAS THINKING ABOUT ONE MYSELF) BUT SPYDERCO HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN AND ALWAYS DELIVERS.
JUST MY $0.02

SPARKYMARK86
 
Sypderco Tenacious is a very good knife for that price or less. Its size and blade shape appeal to me very much. For a little more cash a Griptilian is very hard to beat. The D2 551 is in my pocket as I type this note.

100_0178.jpg
 
I got a Spyderco Native III on ebay for $42 shipped, thats the best 42 bucks I have ever spent. Its a heck of a knife with VG-10 steel. Thats my suggestion.

-frank
 
Have you took a look at the Kershaw JYD?
Great knife with a good 3" beefy blade.
You can have one shipped for under $40.
 
The S30V Native, the Delica and the Kershaw JYD are all excellent knives. The mini grip is just as great although a bit over budget.
 
In that price range, next to the Boker Trance, you really cannot go wrong with the Browning Ice Storm. It's in fact a much more expensive Mcusta with another name. Really unbeatable value at $26.99 here. It is a very high quality knife, one of the few real bargains in this industry! I'm sure that everyone who has one will agree.
With the $13.01 difference with buy a nice bottle of wine and enjoy it with your significant other!
 
Dagon said:
In that price range, next to the Boker Trance, you really cannot go wrong with the Browning Ice Storm. It's in fact a much more expensive Mcusta with another name. Really unbeatable value at $26.99 here. It is a very high quality knife, one of the few real bargains in this industry! I'm sure that everyone who has one will agree.
With the $13.01 difference with buy a nice bottle of wine and enjoy it with your significant other!
Click to expand...

Had my eye on those for a while, but can't seem to find a supplier that ships to Europe:grumpy:
 
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