Looking for recommendations for my first EDC

B

Bob Onysko

Joined
Aug 5, 2018
Messages
6
There are so many companies and so many styles, I almost don't know where to start. If I go to a knife shop, they will only have a small selection of what's out there. So, for now, here is what I'm looking for:

Folding
1/2 serrations / 1/2 straight blade (interested in Veff serrations but have read where they tend to roll over - opinions please?))
Fast and easy opening (flipper, post, maybe spring assisted - (but not Spyderco's hole - I can't get the hang of it)
Makes a good snap noise when opened
Holds an edge well
Don't want to go over ~$100
Closes by itself easily and stays centered

I may change some 'wants' depending on the feedback I get - I'm flexible.
I'm 77 years old so this may be my first and last knife of this sort. On a retiree's budget so cost is an issue. I'd just like to have a good pocket knife.

I'll really appreciate your suggestions and comments.

Thank you
 
You will get a lot of suggestions for the Ontario Rat model 1 or 2. They come in D2 or Aus 8. I would get the Aus 8 since you are also likely new to sharpening. Not spring assisted but easy to open and close. Also quite affordable.
 
Yeah, Rat 1 is my suggestion, and I am much older than you...and have done this stuff for a long time.
 
I’ve had 2 CRKT knives with Veff serration and they cut unlike any other serrated edge I’ve ever used. That being said I really wouldn’t recommend a partially serrated edge.
I’m a Spyderco fan and it’s very difficult not to recommend a Spyderco so just know I’m doing my best to hold back.

Personally I do not like liner locks so I won’t recommend any of those.

You didn’t mention any size parameters, so I’m thinking midsize.

A couple places to start :
Cold Steel Mini Recon Spear point
Kershaw Random Leek / or Leek
 
Something simple, a single blade Boker Trapper, or a Case Tribal lock, or to be different a Case Russ lock in Spear point. Traditional!!
 
CRKT M21-14G, this is the large version wth Veff serrations. There is also a smaller model with Veff serrations; I have one and love it. I've also gotten the PE versions of the large and small; great blades and can be hand at a decent price.
 
Anything with at least one steel liner will get you that pleasing "snap" of authority when it locks open. I remember the Kizer/Gingrich GTi as having quite a sturdy sound.

I'm going to jump on the wagon with the folks who mentioned Kershaw, though. Good value for your money, lots of options, and they get more performance out of that alphabet soup steel than other companies.
 
I don’t know how to suggest a folder without mentioning Spyderco… they tick all your boxes except for the opening hole.

Btw, I would hate if I had to do food prep with a combo edge. Or whittling. Or breaking down cardboard boxes.. I’m sure it’d work but not like a plain edge will. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

I had a combo knife when I first started and I didn’t realize why I hated it until much later in my life. But a lot of people have uses for them otherwise they wouldn’t exist. All I can say for certain is that I don’t like them and that it’s quite possible you won’t either so just be sure that is what you want.

Kershaw makes some cool flippers. Crkt does too.

If you’re willing to wait just a short while to save 168 dollars (and some tax) you could get a Spyderco Mantra 3. That’s one hell of a flipper for the price.

Edit: I also agree with everyone above. Especially those who are recommending the Ontario Rat. I had the Rat 1 one time and it was nice.
 
Not correction in any way, but my Griptilian had combo edge and never had issues cutting anything with it. One thing - it was chisel grind, half the shsrpening angle did it, l guess.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top