Looking for new edc.

J

jlm_785

Joined
Jul 28, 2012
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Hi guys, I am looking at possibly purchasing a new edc knife and was wanting to get some opinions. I have been carrying a cold steel recon 1 ( tanto) for a while now and am looking for something different. When I first got it I loved it but as Ive used over the last year or 2 I have come to really not like the tanto for general use and it doesn't seem to hold an edge for long at all. I have been looking at others such as benchmade grip, spyderco manix 2, other models from both brands and even some kershaw's. I have been leaning towards the manix 2, seemed like the perfect knife until i saw a video of it being put through some testing and the lock gave out right off. Granted he was hitting it on a board but my knife will definitely be put through some abuse and i would like to know i could depend on it in an emergency. I have also heard they have fixed that problem since though. I am absolutely open to other options. It has to be a tough blade and i really don't want to spend more than $60-$100. Any advice or opinions would be helpful.
Thanks!!
Luke
 
Ontario Rat-1 or Benchmade Griptilian should fit that niche. Or edc a fixed blade and grab a Becker Bk11 or BK14.
 
If you're looking for something with a roughly 3.5" blade, good edge retention, fairly rugged build for under $100...

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II - 3.625" blade, CPM-D2
Kershaw S30V Blur - 3.375" blade, S30V
Kershaw Carbon Fiber Blur (blem) - 3.375" blade, CPM-154
Zero Tolerance 0350 (blem) - 3.25" blade, S30V
Benchmade Griptilian - 3.5" blade, 154CM
Buck Vantage Pro Large - 3.25" blade, S30V
 
Thanks for the responses! I think I've narrowed it down to the kershaw blur s30, benchmade griptilian, spyderco manix, or American lawman. which do you think would be most reliable?
Thanks!
 
Of the ones you've narrowed it down to the Blur with s30v has the best steel. The next best would probably be the large Benchmade Griptillian with 154CM (not to be confused with CPM-154, thats a powdered version of 154CM). Spyderco's VG10 on the Manix 2 aint bad either. I'd pass on the Lawman. AUS8 can be a hit or miss depending on who is doing the heat treating. Thats probably what your Recon had.

Personally I'd go with the Large Griptillian. I love Benchmade's Axis lock. But really the Blur would be a great choice too. I have a Manix 2 as well and I like it, but the lock became difficult to actuate and it would "stick" after a while.
 
You can get the Griptilian grip and lock with S30V in the Ritter RSK I
either the big one or the mini.
 
If you like assisted then go with the Blur, but if you don't trust assisted and would rather have something that's manual then go with the Benchmade or Spyderco. When it comes down to two, just flip a coin. They're very similar.
 
Well I think I'm going to go with the benchmade griptilian, seems like it will work well for what I need and everyone I have seen who has used one love them! Thanks for all the help and info I really appreciate it!
 
Moxy said:
Spyderco's VG10 on the Manix 2 aint bad either.
Click to expand...

The Spyderco Manix 2 was 154cm, like the Griptilian, and just recently switched over to s30v like the Blur he's considering.

The Blur is a nice knife but for EDC I prefer a knife without a recurve and unassisted. You can take the assist out of the Blur and it does make a buttery smooth manual folder, but I also hate the rubber inserts on the handles. They're annoying and make it hard to put the knife in and pull the knife out of the pocket. They provide a good grip, but really aren't needed.

The Griptilian is an awesome knife, but the handles aren't the best. The Noryl feels different than FRN I've owned and they're very thick and bulky. They do make the knife weigh less but they're big and really thick. They do feel like the scales were kind of an after thought. Great knife, but they should offer other handles.

The Manix 2 is a big beast of a knife without being overly large. It's thick and wide but not too thick. It's actually relatively thin for being such a beast. It has a good steel, slices well with the hollow grind, holds a great edge, tough as nails, can handle anything you throw at it, has a tough and great reliable locking system. Can stand up to any job. Perfect blade length for EDC without being too big. Very ergonomic, it just feels awesome in the hand.

Overall, I would take the Manix 2.
 
I carry a mini grip plain edge. And I love it! It is a solid knife. Quick deployment, solid lock up, easy to sharpen and maintain with my strop and sharpmaker. Plus I don't really worry about beating it up, cause it will take it. You can pick one up for around $70 from bladehq if you call them up. It is a good looking blade too! Keep in mind I also have a sebenza, and some other good quality knives :)
 
My only hesitation with the manix 2 is i have heard it doesnt take much abuse before the lock gives out or starts sticking. I have heard great things about the grip and it seems to be consistent to
 
spyderco Tenacious, persistance, resiliance
kershaw blur, junkyard dog, tension
coast rapid response 3.0 or 3.9 (depending on how hard you are going to use it)
Buck vantage, vantage pro, 110,
Ontario rat 1 or 2


all are very nice and under 75+

or you could get another recon with out the tanto
 
jlm_785 said:
My only hesitation with the manix 2 is i have heard it doesnt take much abuse before the lock gives out or starts sticking. I have heard great things about the grip and it seems to be consistent to
Click to expand...

this is only true when you start to beat the living heck out of it, like splitting wood or digging the blade deep into something
IE using it like a fixed blade
 
Under $100, I would recommend a Cold Steel Recon-1... SOLID working knife, one of the strongest locks in the biz, Aus-8a steel that is ez to sharpen and holds a good edge, several sizes available to suit your needs.
 
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