Looking for my next 10 year EDC! Help Wanted!

1

14wntr

Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Messages
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Way back sometime in the late 90's I bought my first long term EDC. The Emerson CQC-7 I believe. Based on my then interest in Richard Marchinko's Rogue Warrior books and all things "Tactical" Not really liking the original stonewashed blade due to rusting, I sent it to Benchmade and had them swap out the coated blade you see in the pic. As you can see in the pic, it was heavily used.
After carrying the CQC for many years, I wanted a change.
In 2011 I contacted Dave at Protech and he sold me the TR-3 you see in the picture. I carry and use this knife to this day and it has NEVER let me down once!
Enough history. I am now looking hard for my next 10 year EDC and am not on as tight of a budget as I once was.
I am not sure how to list my wants and dont wants but here goes.
ANY suggestions and help is VERY appreciated!!

Wants:
Under $900
Top Level to Custom quality, at least as good as the ProTech
I much prefer an Auto
Side Opening
Drop Point or similar (very versatile and usable)
Satin or Stonewash Blade
Top Tier Steel better than 154CM
USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, EU makes
Deep carry Rt hand Pocket Clip preferred
Premium bolsters or scales

Do NOT Want:
Anything China made
Over $1K
Tanto or stiletto blade
Tactical Knives
Any OTF fired
Huge branding or billboarding on the blade
Trendy Colors

Picture Here
 
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That's a tr3, great blade in every way. I regret getting rid of mine. Protech is a stand up amazing company.
 
Spartan Blades Zelos might work. It has a little bit of a thumb ramp, which might be a deal-breaker.

Give Freeman Outdoor Gear a look, also. His 451 button-lock is supposed to be an excellent knife, though I don't know what steel he's using, these days.

Benchmade makes a couple of button-lock autos, but again, not sure what steels they use.

I'm on my mobile, so posting pictures is impossible, right now. Too bad, because the Zelos is a nice knife.....
 
You can get titanium or steel handled Protechs for well under your max if you don't get one that's overly embellished. They'll be much more solid than your old aluminum handled one, and won't look as jinky with age.

Not sure what you mean by "tactical" though. Most autos, including your old TR-3, would be considered by most of us to be "tactical" in style (and use, of course).
 
So many knives out there so your preferences should help narrow it down. There’s a recommendation i have but it’s canceled out by at least one of you guidelines. If you dont mind I’ll throw it out there because they are quality knives, you never know.

Hogue
They makes great USA made knives. Especially for the price. Auto side opener and manual versions. I think they’re all 154cm but their heat treat makes it hold up well. Some do consider them tactical looking.
 
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I would suggest Socom Elite Auto… It may not completely check all your boxes because it doesn’t have deep pocket clip and it looks little bit “tactical”.
My choice was tanto but their drop points look much more civilized and the knife is built like a tank.
‘it’s larger than your current Protech I believe but it does have great ergonomics and it’s not that hard to carry.

NFnaQ4.jpg
 
Might I suggest you check out A2 knives. A collaboration between two brilliant South African knifemakers Andre Thorburn and Andre van Heerden. They are sold exclusively by Blade Gallery.
They are absolutely fantastic knives currently produced in M390 and a host of other top end blade steels.
These are full custom knives and the action, fit, finish and workmanship is superb. Here are a few pictures.......



 
14wntr said:
Way back sometime in the late 90's I bought my first long term EDC. The Emerson CQC-7 I believe. Based on my then interest in Richard Marchinko's Rogue Warrior books and all things "Tactical" Not really liking the original stonewashed blade due to rusting, I sent it to Benchmade and had them swap out the coated blade you see in the pic. As you can see in the pic, it was heavily used.
After carrying the CQC for many years, I wanted a change.
In 2011 I contacted Dave at Protech and he sold me the TR-3 you see in the picture. I carry and use this knife to this day and it has NEVER let me down once!
Enough history. I am now looking hard for my next 10 year EDC and am not on as tight of a budget as I once was.
I am not sure how to list my wants and dont wants but here goes.
ANY suggestions and help is VERY appreciated!!

Wants:
Under $900
Top Level to Custom quality, at least as good as the ProTech
I much prefer an Auto
Side Opening
Drop Point or similar (very versatile and usable)
Satin or Stonewash Blade
Top Tier Steel better than 154CM
USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, EU makes
Deep carry Rt hand Pocket Clip preferred
Premium bolsters or scales

Do NOT Want:
Anything China made
Over $1K
Tanto or stiletto blade
Tactical Knives
Any OTF fired
Huge branding or billboarding on the blade
Trendy Colors

Picture Here
Click to expand...
A Benchmade Adamas Auto would fit every one of your wants except "premium" scales, and edit: and having a stonewash blade. All Adamas blades are coated with a super durable finish.

Drop point, deep carry clip, Cruwear blade, snappy auto action. Might be a winner. I'm not carrying mine today or I'd post a pic.
 
Protech is still the king of side opening autos in my opinion. If you’re not married to an auto I’d look at the following.

Chris Reeve - Sebenza
Strider - SnG
Medford - Midi, slim midi, or Genesis

There’s so many amazing production options under 900 that fit into your category.. maybe get a new protech auto & new manual frame lock.. you’d still be under $900 depending on what you go w/.
 
POCEH KOCEB said:
I would suggest Socom Elite Auto… It may not completely check all your boxes because it doesn’t have deep pocket clip and it looks little bit “tactical”.
My choice was tanto but their drop points look much more civilized and the knife is built like a tank.
‘it’s larger than your current Protech I believe but it does have great ergonomics and it’s not that hard to carry.

NFnaQ4.jpg
Click to expand...
Killer knife! Sweet ass belt buckle bro!
 
Again, the drop point looks much less tactical but everything else will fit probably 90% of your requirements.. I am very happy with this model, I also have the manual version, believe or not, those are workhorses :thumbsup:

OpAuOC.jpg


‘Belt is vintage Ed Hardy, it’s ok, I’m glad you like it… :cool:
 
Heretic makes some knives that seem to fit your criteria. If it were me, I would think really hard about a Diskin dual action, but that may push or exceed your dollar limit.
 
I've been carrying a Benchmade Rukus for way more than 10 years and can't find a better knife. Can't wear it out, either, despite heavy, daily hard use, including lots of chopping. Best knife Benchmade ever made.

I'd also recommend the Spyderco C36GTIP (frame lock Military in G10 and Ti scales, with SS lock insert). CPM Rex M4 HC steel by Crucible. Knifeworks sprint. Only 500 made. Built in the USA using the best materials available.. Spyderco's best knife ever. Ever. Hard to find, but worth it.

2v2agTck3xAWtWs.jpg
 
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