Looking for a new EDC

B

biggie_smalls

Joined
Mar 30, 2017
Messages
7
Hello everybody,

I am looking for a new EDC knife. I started carrying an older Kershaw (don't remember the model, it was OLD though) until I lost it on a fishing trip. Then I bought another Kershaw that was again... lost on a fishing trip. I bought an Alphatek and I've been somewhat impressed with it, but my only complaint is that the knife is quite heavy - I believe it was about 4.2 ounces last I remember checking.

My new knife needs to be a few things. Those are:
  • Under 3 ounces
  • Durable (so likely, no ceramic blades)
  • Blade over 3" long, total length of knive less than 8" long open
  • Under $200, preferably $150 or under
  • Straight edge, drop point blade (no serrations, I have grown to hate them on an EDC knife)
Doesn't matter to me if it's spring assisted or not, but definitely needs to be a folder. I've searched a bit and haven't found anything too impressive.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks and I look forward to being a member of Blade Forums,
Drew
 
I give you credit for coming in and listing your desires/requirements. Have you taken a look at the current Kershaw lineup? Looks like plenty of good options there, without even coming close to your budget cap. (If you want to branch into more expensive knives, I'm sure the suggestions will be coming. I've got a number of modern folders - including some in a price range into which I never thought I would venture - and one of my favorites is a 15+ yr old unassisted Kershaw.)
 
Last edited:
biggie_smalls, Fishing trips and lost knives, seems kind of like marshmallows and campfires sometimes...
I highly recommend a benchmade 940–1501 with G10, which comes in it 2.6 ounces in 3.4 inches of CPMS20CV, if your hands are not extra-large. At this point I am unable to tell the difference between my benchmade m390 knives and this first CPM-S20CV blade. It has a pocket clip of course, but it's small enough that it really is, to me, the 21st century pocketknife. As in, put the whole thing in your pocket without using the clip, but leaving the clip on to help manipulate the knife. The 940–1501 should be good to go for fussing with tackle and lunch and making repairs that require a sharp tool (although an orange Ritter mini griptillian would meet your weight specs but not your blade length specs. Benchmade has tested the design to failure three or four years ago, and came up with 704 inch pounds, So there's really nothing in the way of EDC tasks that you cannot do. I bought mine after watching YouTube's and reading forums and most everyone loves their (various) model 940's. A few guys were reporting 10 to 12 years out, five years out, and essentially since the model came out. I expect one of the kids to make the 940-1501 their pocket knife when I'm gone. And yes, the family has seven benchmades.
 
I would look at the ZT 0450CF. Seems to hit all your criteria. It's probably one of the best flipper out there is terms of flipping action.
 
Thank you everyone for the replies. So far, here are my thoughts:

Kershaws: the Leek and the Skyline seem to be the two models that fit the bill nicely for me (and look pretty good), they are definitely on the list
Kizer Mistral: I'm divided on the color, I can't decide whether it's beautiful or ugly, lol. Other than that, it seems to be a really nice knife at a really nice price
Viper Ten: looks like a nice knife as well, and the weight isn't a huge problem, but when it's combined with that $180 price point I think that one's a no
Benchmade Griptilian: see Viper Ten
Spyderco Endura: I am honestly not a huge fan of the Spyderco knives - the hole at the top of the blade REALLY bothers me for whatever reason
Benchmade 940-1501: Definitely a nice knife with great reviews - but it's a pretty expensive knife, the G10 model is $200 and the carbon fiber is $315, I think it's a bit too much for me to fork over
ZT 0450CF: Again, super nice knife - but the price is killing me. I should've specified in my OP, I basically need the knife to be $150 or less. I thought I wouldn't mind forking over somewhere around $180 or $200 for a knife, but I've come to realize that I do

So, so far it is the Kershaw Leek, Kershaw Skyline, and Kizer Mistral. Plus if anybody comes up with something else that fits the bill. I'm still looking around for other models!
 
Because of your Requirements (weight,blade Length and price) I would say the Spyderco Native 5 is one of the few that meet them, Leaf blade shape though . S35 V steel to instead of Vg10
 
Thanks for the reply Scubie. The main two problems I have with the Spyderco is the $200 price tag (or close to it) and that ridiculous hole at the top (I am sure they have a purpose - but I do not see it and I think it distracts from the look of the knife).

Seems I have found one other contender - a Kizer Duke.
 
biggie_smalls said:
Thanks for the reply Scubie. The main two problems I have with the Spyderco is the $200 price tag (or close to it) and that ridiculous hole at the top (I am sure they have a purpose - but I do not see it and I think it distracts from the look of the knife).

Seems I have found one other contender - a Kizer Duke.
Click to expand...

Hmmm? That sounds high... 87$ off of Knifecenter https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...ife-s35vn-satin-plain-blade-black-frn-handles The Spydie hole makes them really easy to use ...This is a case of do not judge a book by its cover
 
There is the for sale by individuals section here on BF. I've had some good deals on gently used blades, almost always less than retail or MAP rates.
 
If I had a history of losing knives, I wouldn't be looking for an expensive EDC. Or at least I wouldn't carry it on fishing trips. ;)

My choice for an "I might lose it some day" knife would be an Ontario Rat 2. It fits all your listed criteria.
 
I buy other knives and invariably go back to the Spydercos. I really like the ffg blades. I have a ZT 0450 and like it for show, but Spyderco Endura is for 'go.' The Spyderco Native was a good suggestion also.
 
The Boker Plus Anti-Grav is quite the looker for under $100. That ceramic blade is scaring me though so I think I will stay away.
All of the Spyderco recommendations on here have me thinking I need to at least give one a shot - if I still don't like them there's no point in keeping it. I think a buddy of mine has one, I'll ask him if I can carry it around for a day or two and see how I like it.

I'm not worried about losing my knife on fishing trips, because I won't be bringing it on fishing trips. I am ordering a Dexter tiger blade for my heavy-duty stuff, and I now carry wire cutters for cutting line, leaders, hooks, pretty much anything I need it to. I may get another smaller Dexter knife just to throw in my tackle bag though.

I did find a new "dream knife" - A Zero Tolerance 0450CF. It's $180, I might wait until I can either find one on sale new or buy a very lightly used one. It's probably the baddest looking knife I have seen and it meets, if not exceeds, all of my criteria.

The "official" list of knives under consideration are (in no particular order):
  • Zero Tolerance 0450 (normal or CF model)
  • Spyderco Junior
  • Benchmade 940 Osborne
  • Kershaw Skyline
  • Spyderco UKPK
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top