Looking for good EDC folder

C

Chance Flambeau

Joined
Nov 23, 2009
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3
I've been shopping around for a good folding knife for every day use, and the sheer number of options available is kind of overwhelming me. I would love to hear about your favourites in this category.

Here's what I'm after:

- Durability. I live on a farm, so I need a knife which will take beatings and last.
- Blade length between 3 and 4 inches.
- Easy cleaning. The mechanism of my current knife (CRKT Van Hoy Snap Lock) fills up with grime too easily, and it's a serious pain to take apart and clean.
- Price under $100. I wish I could spend more, but farmhands ain't rich.


I've owned a couple of CRKT knives, and wasn't really that happy with them (I had my brother's old M16, and a Van Hoy Snap Lock(my current blade) which I found on the sidewalk in Jackson, Miss - that second one is a real cutie, but it's definitely a piece of flash and not meant for real work). I'm sure they're great knives, but they're not for me, so other recommendations would be great.
 
most folders are a pain to clean.

but i would think a spyderco military, which fits all your requirements, is about the easiest to clean folder i can think of.

except a sebenza, which is way out of your price range.
 
Based on your needs, I would definitely check out the Military, as Morimotom has suggested.
 
I like the look of the Spyderco Military. It looks a bit pricey for me, though - $60 is kind of tops for what I can afford.

I do realize that folders are a pain to clean - I just want something with a less convoluted mechanism than the Van Hoy (which has so many moving parts it's kind of ridiculous). I've got a Buck 119 fixed blade for the really tough jobs, so I just need a folder to be more-convenient-to-carry backup.

Been looking at the SOG Flash and Aegis, and would like to see some opinions on those if you've tried one.
 
Look on the exchange here. You'd be amazed how cheap you can get a lightly used Military or Emerson.
 
A simple lockback like a Delica/Endura will handle dirt pretty well.

The absolutely easiest-to-clean folder I've used is the ZT0500. The mechanism (pivot and lock) is completely sealed and the slab construction is very open allowing for easy rinsing. It's tough as hell, too. I've seen cosmetic blems for as low as $110 (I think).
 
Based on what you have said, I would recommend a fixed blade.
They are a lot stronger, easier to clean and don't have any locking mechanisms that can fail.
In the 3 to 4 inch range i would recommend a RAT RC-3.
 
A fixed blade was my first choice too although I don't know the carry laws of where you live. Guessing it isn't an option if the OP didn't mention it.

My first thought was a framelock. I would think those the easiest to clean. Kershaw JYD 1/2, Tyrade?

A good strong folder is the Kabar Mule or Kershaw RAM although not sure how easy to clean those.
 
How long have you been a farmhand? When I first started in construction I thought I would use my folder a lot more than I did. Then when I became a welder I thought I'd use it a lot for some real hard work since I was working on fishing boats and on dry docks. Turns out you really just need a knife to cut stuff, like card board and rope. I'd get a good pair of fencing pliers and a slip joint, maybe a swiss army knife. Or if you really want to splurge, a Leatherman.

But anyway, to answer your original question:
Just off the top of my head
Buck 110
Kershaw Blur, blackout, whirlwind, leek, Zing, Groove, BOA, Shallot, Cyclone, JYD II, etc
Benchmade mini grip, Pika, Vex
Spyderco Native, Delica, Endura, tenacious


CRKT knives usually suck.

-Chris
 
kershaw JYD II CB would be a nice choice or a spyderco endura. Anything with a liner or framelock would be the easiest to clean
 
I'd check out the Spyderco Military, Endura, Police, Native or Tenatious.

A 4" fixed blade might be your best option.
 
Kershaw Vapor/Vapor 2

Framelock, decent blade steel (w/kershaw heat treat), stainless steel handle, open-back design, and kershaw's lifetime warranty to back it all up. At about $20 online, you can get three :D
 
You don't need anything fancy or expensive for farm work. Generations of farm hands have done just fine with Case Sodbusters. If you really want a locking blade, Rough Rider has a decent linerlock sodbuster for under $10 at BladeMatrix. Both are solid dependable work knives with decent steel in the blades and cheap enough to keep a spare. You can spend a whole lot more to get just a little bit better.
 
If you really NEED a folder that will take ALL that you can toss at it, save up your money and buy yourself a ZT 0200.
 
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