looking for a small cheap folding edc knife

I would recomend the smaller, M16 Compact by CRKT. I like the lines a lot more on this model than on the larger one. The back swedge looks really nice. The index flipper works just as well as any assisted knife. These are reall winners.
39746.jpg

And then I would recomend the Ken Onion leek, made by kershaw. The steel is something like 440A, but they hold up extremely well. They are assisted to, if that's a big thing for you.
 
ugh. i just received my benchmade monochrome

really nice knife, really nice opening action too

only problem

its too big (and kind of heavy). i wanted something nice and small for edc (and by extension light). like the Mt. Shasta i had originally looked at.

a friend of mine has an M16 with carbon fiber handle and its the perfect size AND incredibly light (which is apparently a discontinued variation?).

so now im still looking for recommendations on a small cheap edc. light would be a plus but small is major consideration :(
 
Let's talk handle material weights. Here is a list of handle materials from heaviest to lightest (my guesstimate).
:
solid stainless steel
perforated stainless steel
skeletonized stainless steel
titanium
aluminum
perforated aluminum
micarta
skeletonized aluminum
fiber reinforced nylon
carbon fiber

The Monochrome would fall under the broad category of perforated stainless steel so it is on the heavy side. If you want to stick with a metal handle and you want to go as light as possible look for a handle made from aluminum with holes in it. You might think that any of the filled plastic handles would be lighter, but in order to be strong enough they usually get bigger or they add steel liners.

I have three knives with three inch blades, a Monochrome, an EDC, and a Calypso Junior Lightweight. Respectively they weigh:

3.8 oz perforated stainless steel
3.0 oz perforated stainless steel
1.9 oz FRN
 
What is the length that you want to reduce? Handle length when closed in you pocket, blade length that might frighten the sheeple, or total length when opened (I can't see any reason to worry about that)? I primarily worry about handle length since I like a knife that is easy to carry inconspicuously. The handle length on the Monochrome is 4.3-inches, the handle length of the Calypso Junior is 4-inches and the handle length on the Camillus EDC is 3.8-inches. The EDC is 1/2-inch shorter than the Monochrome with a very similar blade length.
 
As someone in your position a couple of weeks ago, and relatively new to knives in general, I ended up purchasing the Camillus Cuda EDC in AUS-8 because of the overwhelming positive reviews and recommendations found on this board.

I cannot believe the fit and finish on a knife for under $30 shipped. It's unbelievable. The aesthetics and design of the knife blew me away when I first saw pictures of it, and trust me, I wasn't disappointed when it arrived. Absolutely no blade play. It locks into place perfectly and feels as solid as a brick. Feels great in my hand and the amount of attention to detail really impressed me. Most importantly, it cuts like crazy and the edge has held up wonderfully so far. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with this knife.

I'm really itching for the 154cm steel version now.
 
ZippyDan said:
a friend of mine has an M16 with carbon fiber handle and its the perfect size AND incredibly light (which is apparently a discontinued variation?).

so now im still looking for recommendations on a small cheap edc. light would be a plus but small is major consideration :(
Click to expand...

Just to note, not only is the CF handled M16 variant discontinued, it was NOT a cheap knife when it was out - they were close to double the MSRP, if I'm remembering right.

It's not quite as cheap as you want (I think?) but the Benchmade 530 is unbelievably lightweight, has 440C, and the Axis lock. The most "I forgot I was carrying it" light knife I ever owned. Full MSRP is $90, so they're available around $50-$55. It's Zytel - it's basically a folding boot Griptilian.

Unfortunately it does LOOK like a folding boot knife, which I think is something you were trying to avoid. Oh, crap, you didn't want plastic either.

Ok, let me go READ your original post. :p

Ok. (By the way - the Shasta and the aluminum M16 weigh about as much as the Monochrome, they aren't lightweights either.)

I had a knife I gave to a friend, or I'd offer it to you. if you want your other requirements, AND really light, you want one of the Fred Carter designed folders from Gigand. These.

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/e_through_k/fred_carter_knives.html

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=D9816C

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/gigand/spectrum.html

http://www.ndsproducts.com/gigand.html

Ask in the Knife Exchange here, or keep an eye on Ebay, you shouldn't have any trouble snagging one for $30 or less. Aluminum handles, AUS-8 with a decent heat treat, ground to a nice fine edge, fairly elegant, and very, very light, especially the Spectrums.

I checked and Sparks doesn't have any at One Stop, or I'd just point you there.
 
How about a SOG Blink or a Spyderco Dragonfly. Both fit nicely into jeans watch pocket (Blink fits better because it goes almost fully to the pocket). I just received my Blink few days ago and the assisted opening feature is really nice though it makes a relatively loud ''snap'' sound, when opened, that might scare sheeple and the assisted opening makes it look like an automaticknife when opened. This is not a problem for me because I normally don't have to use my knifes around sheeple. Spyderco Dragonfly is also a very good knife but I don't like the clip design very much. When clipped too much of the knife is visible IMO.
 
Two suggestions:

Kershaw Hawk, #1436, ATS-35, 3 1/8" blade, double liners, pocket clip, G_10 handle, $29 on Ebay.

I also like, (but haven't yet bought) that Centofante III by Spyderco. Said to be extremely sharp and handy. I see them for around $42 discounted.
 
symphonyincminor said:
I cannot believe the fit and finish on a knife for under $30 shipped. It's unbelievable. The aesthetics and design of the knife blew me away when I first saw pictures of it, and trust me, I wasn't disappointed when it arrived. Absolutely no blade play. It locks into place perfectly and feels as solid as a brick. Feels great in my hand and the amount of attention to detail really impressed me. Most importantly, it cuts like crazy and the edge has held up wonderfully so far. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with this knife.

I'm really itching for the 154cm steel version now.
Click to expand...

I just got my Camillus EDC today and I do like the knife too. It seems to be very good quality for the price paid [about the same as above]. I'm wondering what the basic difference is between AUS8 and 154cm? Is it worth having both?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top