I think it's funny I registered for this forum years back, and never posted, but there's a first for everything.
Good evening forumites. For a long time now, I've been going through knife phases... I'll put days of research into a particular knife, carry it and use it for a while, then lust for a new carry, citing small gripes about the design, and what potential things I want on a knife. The thing is, no knife I've seen yet has served every purpose I desire.
So far, I've burned through the following EDCs:
-Old Buck folder
-Benchmade Ambush
-Spyderco Native
-Boker Subcom
-A 6 1/2" "thrower" that isn't a thrower at all
-Small traditional KABAR (yes, as EDC)
-Cold Steel Mini Pal
-Cold Steel Super Edge
Of course, there have been others, like CRKT 1*'s, Swiss Army knives, and at a point in time, a Cold Steel kukri-shaped machete. I never really found that essential design I always wanted, though. So I've decided, today, I put it all together.
The EDC is just that, an everyday carry. Its purpose is to follow me around as I do things. Whether that be work, home, or friendly visits to Hell, the knife enters my pants and leaves when it's time for bed. The primary purposes will be to open boxes, random letters, packaged food items, skinning (both animals and fruit), and naturally as a self defense option. It isn't my camping knife; that's why I have my stout KABAR and machetes.
Without further ado, my unnecessarily complex list (that is subject to change):
1) Fixed blade
Clearly, I'm starting to lean towards the fixed blade side. They offer much more security in the hand than any folder can, and it's very calming to know that it's not just a circular piece of metal fastening the blade to the handle, as durable as many can be.
2) About 6-7" in length, though shorter could be better
That's about how much pocket I have before you can start to see the knife. I've found this length to be the most comfortable in terms of allowing leverage,
3) Somewhat thin profile
I prefer thin profiles for a nicer grip and better fit into the pocket. However, I don't mean flat, though flat is workable. The little tough thrower I was carrying around was very, very flat and remarkably stood up to the rigors of life.
4) Quick access
I mainly wanted a fixed blade because here in California, automatic knives are illegal (well, past 2"), and I enjoy quick deployment. However, this isn't set in stone; quick open folders that use flippers, like some of the M16s, or assisted opening, like the Kershaw Leek, have caught my eye.
5) Plain edge
It's a shame many good knives come only with serrated/half-serrated edges. I've never been a big fan for obvious maintenance reasons.
6) Durability
I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to durability on a knife. The thing I want least is the tang snapping off, or the blade's edge to wear after poking cardboard. Then again, everyone wants this.
7) Guard
This is where things get tricky. I'm in the market for at least one prong guard on my knife to protect my hand from the blade and for grip stability. Also, in a very unpragmatic scenario, it could prevent another knife-wielder from directly striking my hand. :foot:
8) Plastic(like) sheath
Something about nylon, leather, cordura, and all those materials just feel strange to me, and I can't help but feel it's going to poke me if I run my finger along them. I love kydex and polymers similar to kydex for that sense of security. They also tend to hold knives more tightly than fabric sheaths and allow for quicker draws. They are also more aesthetically pleasing, which brings me to my next point...
9) Not ugly as sin
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and most designs look fine to me, but I'll have issues walking around with a rainbow colored knife.
10) Light
Though definitely not a necessity, it being light is always nice.
Now like I said before, my current carry is a CS Superedge. It's one of my favorite EDCs due to the amazing grip relative to the size, its ability to quickly draw (a small yank and the knife comes out of the sheath in my pocket), ridiculous cutting potential relative to size, a very satisfying sheath, and fantastic edge retention. However, it lacks a guard and the blade utilizes a spaced-out serration.
So I'd like to hear some of your ideas on a suitable knife. Compromise is the name of the game sometimes, so all comments and suggestions are appreciated. And feel free to poke fun at my obsessiveness over the perfect EDC.
Good evening forumites. For a long time now, I've been going through knife phases... I'll put days of research into a particular knife, carry it and use it for a while, then lust for a new carry, citing small gripes about the design, and what potential things I want on a knife. The thing is, no knife I've seen yet has served every purpose I desire.
So far, I've burned through the following EDCs:
-Old Buck folder
-Benchmade Ambush
-Spyderco Native
-Boker Subcom
-A 6 1/2" "thrower" that isn't a thrower at all
-Small traditional KABAR (yes, as EDC)
-Cold Steel Mini Pal
-Cold Steel Super Edge
Of course, there have been others, like CRKT 1*'s, Swiss Army knives, and at a point in time, a Cold Steel kukri-shaped machete. I never really found that essential design I always wanted, though. So I've decided, today, I put it all together.
The EDC is just that, an everyday carry. Its purpose is to follow me around as I do things. Whether that be work, home, or friendly visits to Hell, the knife enters my pants and leaves when it's time for bed. The primary purposes will be to open boxes, random letters, packaged food items, skinning (both animals and fruit), and naturally as a self defense option. It isn't my camping knife; that's why I have my stout KABAR and machetes.
Without further ado, my unnecessarily complex list (that is subject to change):
1) Fixed blade
Clearly, I'm starting to lean towards the fixed blade side. They offer much more security in the hand than any folder can, and it's very calming to know that it's not just a circular piece of metal fastening the blade to the handle, as durable as many can be.
2) About 6-7" in length, though shorter could be better
That's about how much pocket I have before you can start to see the knife. I've found this length to be the most comfortable in terms of allowing leverage,
3) Somewhat thin profile
I prefer thin profiles for a nicer grip and better fit into the pocket. However, I don't mean flat, though flat is workable. The little tough thrower I was carrying around was very, very flat and remarkably stood up to the rigors of life.
4) Quick access
I mainly wanted a fixed blade because here in California, automatic knives are illegal (well, past 2"), and I enjoy quick deployment. However, this isn't set in stone; quick open folders that use flippers, like some of the M16s, or assisted opening, like the Kershaw Leek, have caught my eye.
5) Plain edge
It's a shame many good knives come only with serrated/half-serrated edges. I've never been a big fan for obvious maintenance reasons.
6) Durability
I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to durability on a knife. The thing I want least is the tang snapping off, or the blade's edge to wear after poking cardboard. Then again, everyone wants this.
7) Guard
This is where things get tricky. I'm in the market for at least one prong guard on my knife to protect my hand from the blade and for grip stability. Also, in a very unpragmatic scenario, it could prevent another knife-wielder from directly striking my hand. :foot:
8) Plastic(like) sheath
Something about nylon, leather, cordura, and all those materials just feel strange to me, and I can't help but feel it's going to poke me if I run my finger along them. I love kydex and polymers similar to kydex for that sense of security. They also tend to hold knives more tightly than fabric sheaths and allow for quicker draws. They are also more aesthetically pleasing, which brings me to my next point...
9) Not ugly as sin
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and most designs look fine to me, but I'll have issues walking around with a rainbow colored knife.
10) Light
Though definitely not a necessity, it being light is always nice.
Now like I said before, my current carry is a CS Superedge. It's one of my favorite EDCs due to the amazing grip relative to the size, its ability to quickly draw (a small yank and the knife comes out of the sheath in my pocket), ridiculous cutting potential relative to size, a very satisfying sheath, and fantastic edge retention. However, it lacks a guard and the blade utilizes a spaced-out serration.
So I'd like to hear some of your ideas on a suitable knife. Compromise is the name of the game sometimes, so all comments and suggestions are appreciated. And feel free to poke fun at my obsessiveness over the perfect EDC.
