Recommendation? Looking for a new EDC folding knife

B

Bilskinrir3124

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May 23, 2021
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So, I'm looking from something to use at work. It'll run into a lot of cardboard and tape and such breaking down boxes primarily, though I would like something that can stand up to mild batoning and other such use if needed. I'm looking at a Garber Fastball, but I figure it's a good idea to ask around before buying something.

My preferences are in no particular order:

3"-4" blade

Flipper opening

A good pocket clip; no preference in shape, but a preference against wire-frame style clips.

Blade style: Wharncliffe, Lambsfoot, reverse tanto, and drop point are all good. I don't particularly like a lot of belly in my pocket knives. And it's not just because I'm bad at sharpening those shapes. That said, a shallow belly isn't a problem for me.

I'm good with most locking mechanisms.

While I am not overly concerned about getting a specific steel, I do want something with a good balance of edge retention and toughness. It doesn't have to be S90V or W2, but something like S30V would be nice.

Made in America s nice, but if it's an import of good quality that isn't a dealbreaker.

EDIT: Forgot budget. I'm willing to go up to $150.

Thanks for the time and help.
 
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Hello and welcome to the forums.

I'm guessing you don't want a utility knife? This is admitted where a good utility knife with replaceable blades shines. Then you could get a knife for EDC that can serve as a backup. I don't know how your workplace is but people don't freak out when they see a utility knife. Ok, let's assume no generic utility knife.

I'd suggest staying away from metal handled knives. If you are going to be handling your knife a lot of work and sawing thru cardboard, you might find G-10 or FRN more comfortable to hold for long periods of time. That also rules out the Kershaw Leek and Bareknuckle too.

Checks all the boxes except for blade shape. One of the few USA made blades that are close. Again, check out the Kershaw Leek and Bareknuckle if metal handles ok.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Knives-Vantage-Pro-Large-Liner--26115

Honestly, given your criteria, your best bet is an import from Kizer, CIVIVI, Besttech, etc.
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Manual...e_sort_asc:asc/filter:blade_style:Wharncliffe

A few I like at or under the Gerber Fastball price
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Littoral-Liner-Lock--85006
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CIVIVI-Brigand-Liner-Lock-Knife--101619
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Littoral-Liner-Lock--85004
 
Cardboard all day will dull your knife really quick.
I agree with a nice utility knife I prefer wooden handle husky.

A edc knife that can handle everything you throw at it I'm biased towards soyderco.
A endura or manix 2 are hard to beat. No flipper tab but a great knife.
 
gazz98 said:
Hello and welcome to the forums.

I'm guessing you don't want a utility knife? This is admitted where a good utility knife with replaceable blades shines. Then you could get a knife for EDC that can serve as a backup. I don't know how your workplace is but people don't freak out when they see a utility knife. Ok, let's assume no generic utility knife.

I'd suggest staying away from metal handled knives. If you are going to be handling your knife a lot of work and sawing thru cardboard, you might find G-10 or FRN more comfortable to hold for long periods of time. That also rules out the Kershaw Leek and Bareknuckle too.

Checks all the boxes except for blade shape. One of the few USA made blades that are close. Again, check out the Kershaw Leek and Bareknuckle if metal handles ok.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Knives-Vantage-Pro-Large-Liner--26115

Honestly, given your criteria, your best bet is an import from Kizer, CIVIVI, Besttech, etc.
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Manual...e_sort_asc:asc/filter:blade_style:Wharncliffe

A few I like at or under the Gerber Fastball price
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Littoral-Liner-Lock--85006
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CIVIVI-Brigand-Liner-Lock-Knife--101619
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Littoral-Liner-Lock--85004
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendations. While breaking down boxes will probably be where the knife sees the most use the longest I've done that is about 30 minutes. I thought about a utility knife, but to be honest I've never used one I liked. I don't know that metal handles will be a big problem. They always seem to jam up just when I need to use them. As I edited in the OP, I forgot to mention budget. I'm good with going up to $150. Also, that last knife in your list looks promising.

Skar said:
Cardboard all day will dull your knife really quick.
I agree with a nice utility knife I prefer wooden handle husky.

A edc knife that can handle everything you throw at it I'm biased towards soyderco.
A endura or manix 2 are hard to beat. No flipper tab but a great knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendations. I've gotten to use a Spyderco. They're great knives. I just hate that circle opening mechanism. Nothing against their build quality or steels. I just don't mesh with the thumb circle.
 
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If you could forgo the flipper requirement the Benchmade 940 is exactly what you’d want. Plus my Benchmades always flipped as good or even better than my actual flippers. The axis lock makes one hand opening/closing a dream.
 
McFeeli said:
If you could forgo the flipper requirement the Benchmade 940 is exactly what you’d want. Plus my Benchmades always flipped as good or even better than my actual flippers. The axis lock makes one hand opening/closing a dream.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll keep it in mind. Thumb studs aren't my preferred opening mechanism, but I might be able to go with it.
 
Finch Holliday might be worth a look. Has a variety of handle materials, great flipper action, strong clip, and nice pointy blade with a straight edge.
-Mike
 
I'd set aside $10 for a decent folding utility knife. You won't have to worry about it jamming if it folds. I'd suggest a Husky (HD) or Kobalt (Lowes) since one is probably close to you + lifetime warranty.

If metal handles don't bother you (I personally don't like them but that is me) then you can get ...
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...-brown-aluminum-handles-knifecenter-exclusive

The above knife $120 + folding utility knife $15 + some extra blades $10 = right at your budget with tax.
Or you could get the last knife I linked earlier for $105. Still on target for budget.

See how the bareknuckle fares on cardboard and you'd always have your utility knife handy to do the bulk of the work if needed. Covers all bases.
 
celticrogues said:
Finch Holliday might be worth a look. Has a variety of handle materials, great flipper action, strong clip, and nice pointy blade with a straight edge.
-Mike
Click to expand...

That's interesting. Going to take a good long look at that.
gazz98 said:
I'd set aside $10 for a decent folding utility knife. You won't have to worry about it jamming if it folds. I'd suggest a Husky (HD) or Kobalt (Lowes) since one is probably close to you + lifetime warranty.

If metal handles don't bother you (I personally don't like them but that is me) then you can get ...
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...-brown-aluminum-handles-knifecenter-exclusive

The above knife $120 + folding utility knife $15 + some extra blades $10 = right at your budget with tax.
Or you could get the last knife I linked earlier for $105. Still on target for budget.

See how the bareknuckle fares on cardboard and you'd always have your utility knife handy to do the bulk of the work if needed. Covers all bases.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I might give give one of those utility knives another shot. Still definitely going to pick up a new knife though. Thanks for the help.
 
I dont recommend this knife often, but I find it to be what you're looking; try the Kizer Sheepdog. If you're looking for utility, dont mind giving up a little blade length, Nifcenter has an exclusive mini-sheepdog in 4V, which is just about perfect in terms of edge retention and toughness.

ZT makes alot of flippers, but rarely the blade shape you're looking for.

Try a benchmade Griptilian, any of the steel is good, I'd stay away from 20CV as I find it chippy. The older ones come in 154CM, which I actually quite like for a good balance of edge retention and toughness.

Mild batoning? Did I read that right? Dont baton with a folder...

...if you insist on it, get a cold steel; but non of them are flippers.

Edit: if you can find it, the benchmade contego or freek in M4 is good too, but not flippers.
 
Sounds like you want something like this -
YdACWO0.jpg

TwoSun TS85, linen micarta scales, liner lock flipper with great action, D2 steel that seems to be done very well. If you look you can get it for about $50 at the worlds largest marketplace on the S American river....Takes some time to get here but its as good if not better than any $200 knife I've ever handled.
 
For cardboard you want thin at the edge. Most are not. But I would look into civivi knives I've seen some with thin edges and they do many flippers. The Two Suns I have had have been pretty thick at the edge.
 
You really need a utility knife for the cardboard, an Esee 4 (or similar) for the batoning and a small flipper for edc.
 
fishface5 said:
For cardboard you want thin at the edge. Most are not. But I would look into civivi knives I've seen some with thin edges and they do many flippers. The Two Suns I have had have been pretty thick at the edge.
Click to expand...
That one measures at .0195 BTE.
 
Except for the flipper requirement the Benchmade 940, as was already pointed out, would fit the bill nicely. Easy to open too. Pull back on the Axis Lock and let it swing out.
 
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