looking for a ~$40 EDC

I've tried several knives in the sub $40 range. Of the ones I have tried, the best is the Benchmade Monochrome.
3 1/8" framelock
N690 blade. Takes a very keen edge and holds it on the order of VG10. Holds an edge better than 8Cr13MoV.
Good fit and finish. Very thin in the pocket. Very secure in the hand
Runs in the low to mid $30's. With shipping, it'll end up being about $40.

Other knives for which the total price is less than $40 that I've tried and liked are:
Byrds - I have a Flight - runs in the $20's online
KaBar Doziers - regular and Large also runs in the $20's online.
 
You guys are great... not to compare, but on Knifeforums, I got 3 answers (2 from the same person) without a whole lot of advice :rolleyes:

Right now I'm probably going to go for the Native, as I can't find anything wrong with it.

Just two questions:
(nobody answered this) 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.

And, what's the worst that could happen if the tip of a Leek breaks off? I could grind it down again, or I could get a new blade. Right? The Leek is really the ultimate size and shape (and it has a safety!) for what looks like a useful knife that disappears in your pocket.

Thanks!
:cool:

<edit>
If anyone could post a pic of any Leek and a Native together for size comparison, that would be fabulous. :thumbup:
 
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Both of my framelocks have a ball bearing that fits into an indentation on the blade.
My single liner lock stays in place by friction.

Can't answer on the broken tip. I've never boken the tip off of any of my knives. I'd probably buy another knife.

Add:
BTW, Welcome to Bladeforums.
 
benplaut said:
You guys are great... not to compare, but on Knifeforums, I got 3 answers (2 from the same person) without a whole lot of advice :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Not too cool of a statement!

Here was my reply on the other forum, the other person "without a whole lot of advice" :rolleyes:

08-10-08 08:50.36 - Post#1601040
In response to benplaut

The SS Delica is nearly a fixed blade when open and I carry it everywhere, also seems made for my hand. I also have a Subcom folder, that thing has done everything I have asked of it without drama. The Native may be sold as it is a bit over the 3" blade limit in many areas I travel, great blade steel though.

It would be great to handle those on you list. If that is not possible you can do what I do and build cardboard mock-ups.

I liked a lot of Leeks until I had the thumb stud go under my thumb nail everytime I tried to open one. That had me running to Spyderco.

:rolleyes:
 
cbb said:
Not too cool of a statement!

Here was my reply on the other forum, the other person "without a whole lot of advice" :rolleyes:

08-10-08 08:50.36 - Post#1601040
In response to benplaut

The SS Delica is nearly a fixed blade when open and I carry it everywhere, also seems made for my hand. I also have a Subcom folder, that thing has done everything I have asked of it without drama. The Native may be sold as it is a bit over the 3" blade limit in many areas I travel, great blade steel though.

It would be great to handle those on you list. If that is not possible you can do what I do and build cardboard mock-ups.

I liked a lot of Leeks until I had the thumb stud go under my thumb nail everytime I tried to open one. That had me running to Spyderco.

:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I mean... out of three replies, only one had good info.

Thanks! :p

(You can't win for trying, eh?)
 
I have heard nothing but ggood things about the Skyline and the Ice Storm. I've carried linerlocks loose in my pocket before, and nothing has happened. Heck, an AO Gerber is the only knife I have ever had open in my pocket.
 
Benchmade Monochrome N690 blade steel, very nice knife in that can be bought for under $40 by shopping around.
 
powernoodle said:
Second, the Leek has a delicate blade that is good for slicing but not a whole lot more.
Click to expand...


The Leek is way stronger than you would think. I have stood on the blade of a Leek on concrete and tried pulled up w/ 2 hands to try and get something to break. Now, of course it's still off-centered, but it still fires fine!
 
Hey, that's why I frequent both forums! :)

If you haven't bought it yet, go get the Native in S30V from Wal-Mart...if they still have 'em. I love mine. It's my favorite EDC right now and sharp as a lazer beam. I know, not a lot of information, but what can you do? ;)
 
I think I've decided, finally, on a Delica 4. Everything about it seems perfect, except the look. The look is also the only part that is completely subjective, so I'll just get over it.

Over the Native, I'm liking the SS liners, screw (instead of pinned) body, and nicely sized bump to rest my thumb on.

Again, thanks for all the help :)
 
I absolutely love my Native. It's thin, it stays sharp, and it looks good. Only issue I have with it is some small chipping, but I really abuse mine, so it's to be expected.
 
babakanoosh45 said:
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
Click to expand...

+1 I've got a CaraCara as well. Tough as nails, razorsharp and doesn't break the bank in any way.

I used it on a camping trip last week, gutted fish with it, sliced food, cut rope and wood and still very sharp with only a very quick trip on a whetstone to get it razorsharp again.
 
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