Looking for a good EDC folder?

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I usually carry fixed knives with me, but I've noticed I need something smaller that I can use for the random situations I find myself in.

I've been looking at spyderco and kershaw. But I really don't like the design of the spyderco. So with kershaw, I'm looking at the Blur with s30v and like everything about it but the speed assist. But then again, I'm pretty new to folders. What can you suggest?

If it helps, I just need something I can use when I'm hiking/camping or up at my cabin (northern Montana) so I'd like something to clean small game with, clean fish, I need something reliable, and durable. I'd probably use this thing for everything and anything.

My budget is under $100 preferably even less than $75. I am not interested in partially serrated blades. As for the locking mechanism, I'm okay with anything other than linerlock. I just don't like them (probably because I took a chunk out of my finger when I was younger with one)

I appreciate your help!
 
Not sure what you mean when you say that you "don't like the design of the Spyderco ". Are you talking about a particular knife, or general trends with their products?
 
How about a Spyderco Native 5? Really nice knife for EDC and the blade design allows for the cleaning game easily as well as all the general EDC uses.
 
If you like the Blur, get it. You can remove the torsion bar and use it unassisted. Detent will, in my limited experience, be a little weak, but not too much so.
 
RBid said:
Not sure what you mean when you say that you "don't like the design of the Spyderco ". Are you talking about a particular knife, or general trends with their products?
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I'm going to sound like a bitch, but I just mean I cannot stand how it looks. I know it doesn't matter whatsoever for the functionality of the knife. But I'm picky with my knives hah
 
22-rimfire said:
How about a Spyderco Native 5? Really nice knife for EDC and the blade design allows for the cleaning game easily as well as all the general EDC uses.
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Wow, that's a great recommendation, I might go with that one! For some reason, the tenacious, delica and endura all bother me. (Usually aesthetics don't bother me)Thanks man
 
Cold steel american lawman is mine! The aus 8 is a great all around steel, especially how i use it. Yes its no super steel like s30v but its good in its own right!

The blade length is perfect for edc (about 3in of cutting edge) it has a finger choil for detailed cuts.
The hollow grind is amazing for slicing an dicing and the lock can take any abuse you decide to put it under!!

I got mine for a little less 60$

Only con is i dont like the coating on the blade!!
 
Many don't like Cold Steel for a number of reasons (their hucksterism, their foreign manufacture, to name two), but their prices are good and their tools are solid. The Mackinac Hunter has a lot going for it (despite the wafer-thin scales) and it comes with a pocket clip (Buck-like sheath is extra). At under $60 (under $50 for the nail nick w/o thumb stud) it might fit the bill for you.

Zieg

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Definitely nothing wrong with the Blur you've been eyeballing, but here are a few other suggestions...

ESEE Avispa(~$30) nice frame lock design is thin in the pocket so it carries well yet packs a fairly substantial blade. Been carrying mine for a couple weeks now and really like it. I was going to recommend Ontario RAT-1(designed by the same guys as the Avispa), but it's a liner lock.

BM Griptilian(~$100 new) can be found of the BF exchange in your price range. Super solid lock, good blade steels, comfortable to use and carry, just a tough design overall. Can't go wrong with a Grip.

Spyderco Military/Para-Military - also can be found on the exchange for a little bit more than what you've got budgeted, but well worth it. I didn't care for the looks of Spyderco knives either, but once I handled them my mind changed quickly. They carry very well in pocket, handles are comfortable to use, action is smooth, lock is super solid even on the Military's liner lock, and Spyderco's S30v is great IMO. Give em a shot!

+1 for the Cold Steel American Lawman recommended above! Nice tough knives!

For your price range and uses, I'd probably recommend the Avispa and then order yourself a Mora for another ~$15 or so. You'll have both bases covered and still have money left over!
 
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A traditional that I really like for EDC is the Northwoods Madison barlow. It's thin and rides in the pocket much more comfortably than the length suggests. They tend to run a bit over $100 at Knives Ship Free, but it is a good one. There are a number of frame locks that Great Eastern makes that would work. Some people find a little blade wobble with the frame locks. The Queen Mountain man (D2 steel) is another great woods knife and thin. Like the Madison, it rides in the pocket easier than the length suggests.
 
A Buck 112 or even 110 might be what you're looking for. Inexpensive, American made, and with a lifetime warranty. They cost 40 and 30 dollars respectively.
 
There is a LOT out there. Many great designs and some more purpose intended than others depending on the needs. Over the years I've started to go more for traditional styling or knives with character. As mentioned, there are so many good knives out there, get one with some uniqueness not like everyone else has, this is where traditional designs come into play. And if they were good enough for your grandpa, should be good for you.

With that being said, there are lots some great cookie cutter blades for your needs. Cold steels are tough knives. The BM Griptillian is an all-star outdoorsman knife. The Spyderco Para2 (I like the Military better, but it's a liner lock). SACs are great.

Think about your main needs and find a blade shape that meets those needs. Don't get caught up thinking you'll need a beast of a folder for that .001% chance you'll need to split logs or cut your way out of a cave with your folder in a SHTF situation. Think boxes, food prep, pocket real estate, weight, ergonomics.

Wow.. that was all over the place. Anyway, best of luck.
 
155440 said:
A Buck 112 or even 110 might be what you're looking for. Inexpensive, American made, and with a lifetime warranty. They cost 40 and 30 dollars respectively.
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These are my most often used folders, but they are still not as light in the pocket as I thought the OP might have wanted. Still, I would put them at the top of the list.

Zieg
 
I agree with Hawk45- The griptillian or mini grip would be a good folder that are around your 75 dollar mark- used even a little better. If you wanted to change the scales later on down the road you could get custom if you liked the knife. Also the resale is a plus if you dont like it you will most of your money back if not all. Plus the axis lock is one hell of a lock. I understand the thumb hole isnt for everyone on the spyderco's , plus with knives like the native it all depends on when/where it was made - you may end up with a dud.
 
The first time a saw a spyderco, my first thought was, "GOO! That's ugly!" Now I have about six of them and hey are awesome knives. That said, everyone has their own personal tastes and I definitely respect that.
A buck 110 I would think is the way to go. You can usually find the standard version for around $30. Bump that up to $60 or $70 and you can get the cabelas Alaskan guide version in s30v. Bucks s30v is a phenomenal steel. It gets sharp and stays sharp. I have a custom 110 with s30v and it's a tanks
 
The Zieg said:
These are my most often used folders, but they are still not as light in the pocket as I thought the OP might have wanted. Still, I would put them at the top of the list.

Zieg
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I assumed since he normally carries fixed blades, the belt pouch wouldn't be much of a problem.
 
-Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian

-Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (you have to like the look of this one) Over $100 but worth it

-Spyderco Manix 2 light

-Sog Flash 1 or 2

-Sog Aegis

These are all fantastic EDC knives. I think the Paramilitary 2 is the best for what you need. It's over $100 ($130) but well worth the money! It's looks awesome, has a compression lock, g-10, S30V steel, and a great handle and blade shape.
 
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