Looking for a new EDC!

N

Nephron44

Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Messages
979
Hey everyone!

I'm new to the forum, although I've browsed quite a bit anonymously ;)

I'm looking for a new EDC/work blade and was wondering if anyone could help me out. Here is what I want/need:

Folding Knife

Tip down carry

NO assist

3-3.5 inch blade

Solid, dependable lockup

Durable enough to handle EDC tasks and work tasks while on duty.

I would like to keep the knife under 100 dollars; I could MAYBE stretch it to 150 for the right knife. I like Wharncliffe blades, but I am not too particular. I really like the look of the 5.11 Strider SMF, but I could never afford that! I have had a Spyderco Delica and Endura, as well as a Benchmade Mini Griptilian, and didn't care for them. I currently carry a CRKT M16-13 Titanium and would like something that feels different and a bit more sturdy.

I apologize for being so particular, but I have been searching for the right knife for so long and I really need help! Thank you to everyone in advance for your help!

EDIT: If you could, please post why you would recommend the knife :) Thanks!

-Nephron-
 
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The best thing I could recommend, at just a hair over a hundred bucks, is a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 folder. You can find various models at any of our BF supporting dealers...
It is a great favorite of many folks here...and rightly so.
Welcome to the Club...
 
Sonnydaze said:
The best thing I could recommend, at just a hair over a hundred bucks, is a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 folder. You can find various models at any of our BF supporting dealers...
It is a great favorite of many folks here...and rightly so.
Welcome to the Club...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply! Why would you say the Paramilitary 2?
 
Welcome!


Zero Tolerance 0566 (easily deassisted)

Spyderco Manix 2 and PM2.

Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 in AUS8 or XHP

Ontario Rat 1, Rat 2

Kershaw Blur
 
+1 for the ZT 0566. It is at the border of your budget, but IMO well worth the money.

I've found the 0566 to be a really great all around blade. I love the steel and I love the blade shape. It's very durable while also being a great slicer. And man is it solid! If you want a sturdy knife, look no further.

And I can definitely attest to it being really easy to deassist.
 
TravisH said:
Welcome!


Zero Tolerance 0566 (easily deassisted)

Spyderco Manix 2 and PM2.

Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 in AUS8 or XHP

Ontario Rat 1, Rat 2

Kershaw Blur
Click to expand...


I heard that some Kershaw and ZT knives do not stay closed very well after removing the assist mechanism.

What are the differences between the Manix and the PM2?
 
Nephron44 said:
I heard that some Kershaw and ZT knives do not stay closed very well after removing them.
Click to expand...

I've been using my 0566 deassisted for the greater part of a year. I can assure you that it doesn't have any problem remaining closed. I would assume you heard this rumor regarding somebody that deassisted what was most likely a budget line, Chinese made kershaw, some of which do not have detent holes drilled in the blade.
 
Chevy454 said:
I've been using my 0566 deassisted for the greater part of a year. I can assure you that it doesn't have any problem remaining closed. I would assume you heard this rumor regarding somebody that deassisted what was most likely a budget line, Chinese made kershaw, some of which do not have detent holes drilled in the blade.
Click to expand...

You are correct in that I did hear it mainly from people who owned a Kershaw Cryo :) how does the ZT lock perform against the PM compression lock?
 
Nephron44 said:
You are correct in that I did hear it mainly from people who owned a Kershaw Cryo :) how does the ZT lock perform against the PM compression lock?
Click to expand...

I have a cryo, pm2, and my trusty 0566. In my eyes the compression lock works just as well as the frame lock, and it'd be largely a matter of personal preference. The compression lock gets your finger out of the path of the blade if that's a worry for you. I'd recommend either the 0566 or the pm2 as a great EDC choice. I prefer my zt, but that's probably due to my fondness of flippers.
 
Chevy454 said:
I have a cryo, pm2, and my trusty 0566. In my eyes the compression lock works just as well as the frame lock, and it'd be largely a matter of personal preference. The compression lock gets your finger out of the path of the blade if that's a worry for you. I'd recommend either the 0566 or the pm2 as a great EDC choice. I prefer my zt, but that's probably due to my fondness of flippers.
Click to expand...

I LOVE the look of the 0566, same general look of my dream knife (5.11 Strider SMF), but if I get comparable quality for a lower price with the PM2 and don't have to modify it to boot, then that's the obvious choice. I will think on it and take any more suggestions in the mean time! Keep them coming, I really appreciate all this help!
 
Nephron44 said:
You are correct in that I did hear it mainly from people who owned a Kershaw Cryo :) how does the ZT lock perform against the PM compression lock?
Click to expand...

Definitely snag a para 2, its just one of those knives that ur always going to wonder about until u finally get your hands on one. Ive had atleast one pm 2 in my collection since i started buying knives and i have never considered parting with it.
 
The Paramilitary is a great knife but the tip is fine. You mentioned tip down carry and I can only assume this is because liner locks and frame locks tend to open in your pocket during rough work. Rather, look at the Cold Steel American Lawman. It has G10, choice of CTS-XHP or AUS8 steels, the strongest lock available, stout blade. It is tip down but it will not open due to the Triad Back lock design. Its bias is to stay closed. Someone mentioned the Mini Recon and this is a smaller, excellent choice with all the same options (plus three blade shapes to choose from).
 
DocT said:
The Paramilitary is a great knife but the tip is fine. You mentioned tip down carry and I can only assume this is because liner locks and frame locks tend to open in your pocket during rough work. Rather, look at the Cold Steel American Lawman. It has G10, choice of CTS-XHP or AUS8 steels, the strongest lock available, stout blade. It is tip down but it will not open due to the Triad Back lock design. Its bias is to stay closed. Someone mentioned the Mini Recon and this is a smaller, excellent choice with all the same options (plus three blade shapes to choose from).
Click to expand...

I prefer tip down due to being stabbed in the hand many times while reaching in to get it, mostly by my Mini Griptilian, which is why I got rid of it. I try my hardest to stay away from tip up carry, and have the scars to show why :P Thanks!
 
Cold steal Code4 in cts-xhp, drop point or clip point.

Great edc steel, one of the best locks in the business, sturdy and stout enough to tackle most any task.
 
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Are there any Kershaw knives that have a ball detent and hole so I can deassist it without having to drill my own?
 
Another vote for the PM2! I personally prefer my Caly 3.5, however, that is carried tip up - though this isn't an issue with the lock back platform. I like the Caly 3.5 better because of the deeper pocket clip, smaller profile in the pocket, yet still has the same blade size and phenomenal ergonomics!
 
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