Looking for a new EDC, and I have a ton of questions

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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Hello all, my name is John, I'm a 22 year old college student and I've been using knives as every day tools since I was 16. It all started with a piece of crap knife I picked up from a flea market! My first "real" knife was actually a Spyderco Resilience and Kershaw Cryo II G10. I've sold those, and my collection as of now includes:
Fixed Blade
Mora Bushcraft Black
Kabar Mark 1 partial serrations
DPX Gear HEFT 4

Folders
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto
Zero Tolerance 0350
Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Spyderco Delica 4 ffg
Ontario Rat 1
Buck 110
Kershaw Blur S30V
Victorinox Fieldmaster 2

So I'm looking to add to this small collection. And would like something either Benchmade or another ZT such as the 0566. I just don't want to get a knife that won't get pocket time because I have a knife in my collection that is pretty similar to it. Any suggestions?
Are serrated knives useful as edc? Or smaller fixed blades?

EDIT: My budget is less than $250. Preferably much less, unless an argument can be made to justify spending that kind of money (I'm a college student don't forget).
Average edc tasks include slicing through burlap, fabrics, ropes and cordage, cutting up cardboard, slicing through plastic (at my job, everything comes on a pallet and is wrapped in this heavy duty shrink wrap like plastic). I have no preference on steel, but I'm hoping for something better like vg10, 154cm, s30v s35v etc. as long as it's superior to Aus 8. I liked those steels to learn how to sharpen my knives, but that's it. I like all lock types, imo they all have their pros and cons. Handle material? I don't like aluminum (such as the blur) it's just too lightweight and I like heavier knives, makes me feel like I can abuse them. the blade size has to be under 4 inches for legal purposes. I prefer between 2.5-3.5 inches, but it's not a deal breaker for me.
 
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What's your budget? (probably the most important question)
What're your normal, every day tasks you ask of your knife?
Do you have steel, handle material, lock preferences?
Do you have size parameters you'd like to stay within?

Serrations are kind of job specific depending on the materials you tend to cut through. For most EDC tasks, I'd venture to say that plain edge gets the job done and I have a feeling most would agree.

Smaller fixed blades can be really great for EDC. I have an ESEE Izula with G10 scales I carry from time to time. I tend to lean more on the side of folders for EDC but I like variety and to change up what I'm carrying and how I carry.

As you can see, you've got questions, but they only create more questions. Specifics help a ton in these situations.
 
Benchmade 810 Contego is not like anything on your list.

Neither is an Arno Bernard (fixed)
 
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xjzhx said:
What's your budget? (probably the most important question)
What're your normal, every day tasks you ask of your knife?
Do you have steel, handle material, lock preferences?
Do you have size parameters you'd like to stay within?

Serrations are kind of job specific depending on the materials you tend to cut through. For most EDC tasks, I'd venture to say that plain edge gets the job done and I have a feeling most would agree.

Smaller fixed blades can be really great for EDC. I have an ESEE Izula with G10 scales I carry from time to time. I tend to lean more on the side of folders for EDC but I like variety and to change up what I'm carrying and how I carry.

As you can see, you've got questions, but they only create more questions. Specifics help a ton in these situations.
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I always forget that..sorry about that, and I'm comfortable under $200, but if you can make an argument, I'd spend up to $250
 
xjzhx said:
What's your budget? (probably the most important question)
What're your normal, every day tasks you ask of your knife?
Do you have steel, handle material, lock preferences?
Do you have size parameters you'd like to stay within?

Serrations are kind of job specific depending on the materials you tend to cut through. For most EDC tasks, I'd venture to say that plain edge gets the job done and I have a feeling most would agree.

Smaller fixed blades can be really great for EDC. I have an ESEE Izula with G10 scales I carry from time to time. I tend to lean more on the side of folders for EDC but I like variety and to change up what I'm carrying and how I carry.

As you can see, you've got questions, but they only create more questions. Specifics help a ton in these situations.
Click to expand...
I edited my post, thank you for the reminders
 
Also noticed no true "large" fixed blades...

Knifecenter currently has the KaBar/Becker bk5 (Magnum camp) on sale for $60.

Pick up one of those along with a Benchmade
810 contego
Crooked River
908 Stryker
950 Rift
Or a
Pardue 531 (slicer)

All completely different, and different from what your currently carrying, but all worthy of challenging the current lineup for pocket time.

And you give both your folders and fixed blade collections a nice boost with a new face in the crowd worthy of using time, while staying under the $250 mark!
(for 2 great new knives instead of just one)...
 
A lot of suggestions of Benchmade. The Axis Lock is pretty sweet and definitely worth giving a try. A lot of good things said about the 940 series. I have a 581 Barrage and it's a stellar knife although I took the assist out of the pivot as I prefer my knives to not be assisted open. Anyway, Axis Locks are pretty slick. And different compared to your current collection.
 
BM 940, already mentioned, would be a good choice for sure. But also consider the ZT 0770CF - it's under appreciated, IMHO:

 
I like all the suggestions above. If looking at ZT consider the ZT0801. Based on what you had it seemed an all Ti frame lock needs to be in your pocket!
 
I believe that a double EDC ie great, and alobg those lines would suggest a smaller spyderco fully serrated, preferably a hawkbill shape. That would really tear through cardboard, rope, etc. but im not sure it would do well on the stretch wrap pallets come wrapped in. A fully serrated knife is excellent for handling all kinds of rough tasks you face often. I myself am a traditional fan, and carry an opinel for rough and abusive cuts and usually a stockman for everything else. But I am looking into buying a mini grip plain edge or a fully serrated spydie of some sort to create a perfect EDC. I suggest getting a small traditional pocket knife for situations where knives might be frowned upon or intimidate people unless you live in a knife friendly area.

Connor
 
Average edc tasks include slicing through burlap, fabrics, ropes and cordage, cutting up cardboard, slicing through plastic (at my job, everything comes on a pallet and is wrapped in this heavy duty shrink wrap like plastic).
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That practically screams for a highly abrasion steel ground somewhat thin. The ZT 0562 in either standard G10/Elmax or CF/204P would be a great fit. The Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight with S110V blade would probably be another great choice that's far more budget friendly.
 
I would have to +1 the ZT 0562CF that a couple of others mentioned. I'm biased because it's what I carry most of the time but I am fanatical about what I buy and which tool is best for the job. I have some great knives for carrying as conversation pieces but the 562 is both useful and a respectfully cool knife. Best part is you can be pretty tough on it and if it gets ruined, you can find a replacement for $180 on forums or eBay.
 
Given the OP's job tasks I'd consider an Emerson Commander or Mini-Commander. I like the ergos, especially wearing work gloves, the G-10 is grippy, the slightly recurved blade eats up shrink wrap, card board etc. like nothing and maintenance is cake. It'll be a lifelong friend.
 
Have you considered a Buck custom shop 110 or 112? Either comes in under your budget. With the 110 you have a choice of the standard 420HC or S30V. I 'm not sure if S30V is an option on the 112.
Grips available include wood, buffalo horn, stag, G-10.
 
Take a look at the Benchmade 710-1401. It's just under 4" with a 3.9" blade of M390. The handle is G10 over stainless liners, so there is a nice weight and heft overall. It also comes in at under $200. I had one a while ago and sold it; I have since considered a replacement.
 
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