Looking for a good EDC folder?

Great advice in post #10 above... I heartily second the wise advice... If ya like the old timey look; its hard to beat the recommendation on the Queen lockback hunter... I've got one in green micarta that i love... The downside is that they come very poorly sharpened... Mine sharpened up well after a couple of hours of workin with a pile of diamond stones... They are a great knife... I like to carry them in a pocket sheath in my hip pocket...

leroy
 
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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+1 :thumbup: This is my suggestion, too, given your price point. There are some framelocks in your price range, but not liking liner locks, I don't know how you'd feel about a frame lock. The Bucks will work fine for you and be easy to maintain in the field as well.
 
A Kershaw Knockout might do the trick. Although it is speed assist it is a framelock with a nice size package. Also the Kabar Dozier folders are pretty tough and very cheap. Cold Steel has been mentioned and the American Lawman or Recon 1 series would do the trick too. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
JDX said:
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!
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I suggest the Cold Steel Recon 1, I own one and you get a lot bang for your buck especially with its 4" blade.
 
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Nothing wrong with the Blurs..

Buck 110 is a classic too if you like the traditional type knives.

Cold Steel Recon 1 or American Lawman are great bang vs buck choices.

I'll add the Kabar Mule (<$50). I've had no problems with mine and if you have a big hand like I do, the ergos are great.
 
Clearly we need to get the OP together with all of us, pile up our knives and various ropes and leathers, crack open some beers, and have at some cutting. It's a hot day here in Colorado, so everyone's invited to my place! :)

Zieg
 
fatheadhill said:
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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Yessss the Avispa. It was designed to be a folder to take into the woods, anyway. Large blade, centered point for those who like to make bow drills or bore holes, AUS-8 keeps a decent edge but can be sharpened on a rock if need be. The handle design is super simple, easy to clean, and disappears in the pocket. I've been carrying mine no matter what else I'm carrying.
 
Kershaw Cryo 2 does it for me. Frame lock, 3.25 inch blade, blackwash option (which I always love with a knife), and it's usually around $30-40. The original Cryo is a bit smaller if that's too big for you &#128076;
 
I just got a Cryo for $25 on amazon, and it works well for what I do with it. Pretty strong and sturdy. A little heavy, but not terrible.
Also a Kershaw Leek could be a good one.
 
Kershaw leek it is sleek I call it my gentle man knife for when I dress up other than that I am a sog and benchmade fan
 
I have had several of the ones mentioned here, but its hard to beat the Kershaw Knockout.

Its light, slim, ergonomic, lots of blade for its size, 4 position deep carry clip, and its USA made. kershawguy.com has the blems for $45 right now.

He also has the new ELMAX Blurs for 99 that are pretty awesome.
 
BradT85 said:
I have had several of the ones mentioned here, but its hard to beat the Kershaw Knockout.

Its light, slim, ergonomic, lots of blade for its size, 4 position deep carry clip, and its USA made. kershawguy.com has the blems for $45 right now.

He also has the new ELMAX Blurs for 99 that are pretty awesome.
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I've been eyeing the knockout for a while, but I was only finding them for around $75. I'll have to check out kershawguy again. Been a while since I looked there
 
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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+1 on the Native 5. Love mine. Thin profile, carries well, and a great steel. EDC along with my ZT 0550.
 
I don't understand when you say you are interested in the Blur but don't like liner locks, because the Blur has a liner lock. But anyway, I own a Desert Sand Blur and it's a great knife. The assisted feature actually fits the design of the knife quite well, since the thumb studs are angled and aggressively jimped, making it almost like pressing a button to open it. I have removed the torsion bar on it before, and the detent is fine without it, if you want it non-assisted. I was able to flick the knife open without any wrist flicking action, but I put the spring back in since I was tearing up my thumbs deploying it without it, since the thumb studs are so rough. I've handled a Blackwash Blur before also, and the black aluminum has a very nice matte finish. That combined with a nice stonewashed (personally I love stonewashed blades) S30V blade, and it would make a fine knife. Only negative thing I'd have to say about it considering what you're gonna be using it for (cleaning/skinning game) is the rubber inserts can be hard to clean when dirty, which might be a problem for you if you get the knife bloody or something.

I would also highly recommend the Ontario RAT 1 since you want a folder for hiking/camping. I find it very comfortable in the hand (I have small hands), it's got nice steel especially considering the price, the blade shape is nice and FFG, and it's as smooth as butter to deploy when the pivot is oiled. It is a liner lock though, but I haven't had any problems with it myself.

Here's my Blur (sorry for the poor quality). If you want something pretty, it's a great looking knife.
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Oh, and the RAT:
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While Spydercos are currently my favorite knife brand due the high value for the price and the great functionality, the rec for the Griptilian was a good one. Very tough and good outdoors knife.
 
I vote for PM2 - best lock, great ergos, good steel, FFG

Spyderco Delica

Benchmade minigriptilian (note that the mini is fully lined while the full size only has half liners). Such a nice knife for under 100... Probably because it has a slightly less sexy steel.
 
I love the BM griptilian, great blade and lock design and great steel. It is hollow ground and while that isn't the toughest grind available, I haven't had any problems with mine.

The spyderco military is a fantastic blade but the tip can snap off under hard abuse. Again, I haven't had any problems with mine but my brother did with his.

Take a look at the BM 111h20 folding dive knife. Modified sheepsfoot/drop point blade, flat saber ground, axis lock, non serrated, and it uses BMs version of H1 corrosion resistant steel. (N680). Which will be great for cleaning game, as it stains much less readily when cleaning game but still holds a great edge. The BM triage is another one that is similar and comes with a webbing cutter that could be used as a gut hook but the handle seems a bit flimsy.
 
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