Looking for the Perfect EDC Knife (for me)

Q

quine

Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
154
Hello everyone, this is my first post here.

I'm looking for some suggestions on my quest for my ideal knife. I am open to production or custom knives. If you think custom is the way to go, though, please suggest a specific maker/model - I am having hard time navigating the numerous custom designers.

Requirements:

1. Stain-resistent or stainless steel - VG-10, S30V/S35V, ATS-34/154CM - any of these would be fantastic, though VG-10 seems the most versatile for my limited, everyday uses.
2. Not scary looking - I want to be able to pull this out in front of people without non-knife people thinking I'm a lunatic.
3. Legal - I need the blade to come in under 4", and I'd be more than happy with something closer to 3".
3. Dressy - I'll be wearing this with a suit, typically, and I'd like it to look clean and in-step with the rest of my ensemble.
4. Secure locking mechanism - I need the knife to use an axis lock, or something similar, or a fixed blade.
5. Under $300 - The cheaper the better (under $200), but I'm willing to shell out a little more for something truly beautiful and unique.
6. Natural finish on the metal - I'm fine with any texture, but no coating.

Preferences:

1. If the knife is a folder, I would like an auto or assisted opening (I've already checked the laws in my state).
2. I am looking for a white/natural, textured canvas or linen micarta for the handle. I am open to metal and carbon fiber, as well.
3. I'll probably wear the knife IWB or horizontal on my belt in the small of my back, so keep that in mind. I'll probably need a custom leather sheath.
4. If it's fixed, it needs to be full-tang.


Right now my biggest lead has been the Spyderco Street Beat. It seems pretty much perfect, but it's a little big in the blade (length-wise), and maybe a little thick on the handle. Nevertheless, I really like the handle design. I also like the Boker Pry Mini, though perhaps a little full in the belly, and not the steel or handle I'm looking for. Something in between these two in size and shape would be my ideal fixed-blade.

I'm thinking fixed-blades are the way to go, given their significantly lower price point against the mentioned type of folder. I also trust their stabbing ability (piercing sheet metal, prying). I might not be subjecting the knife to that kind of work every day, but I'd like to have the option. That said, I would be happy to explore any folder you guys can think of that meets my needs.

This will be my one and only knife, and I want to have it on me everywhere I go.

Thank you in advance, and please ask for clarification if I missed something!
 
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Interesting, and thanks for all the detail you provided. Elmax and M390 are also good steel options for you.

I'd avoid the Zero Tolerance ones, by and large, on the "scary to non-knife people" criterion. Most Spyderco folders tend to scare the non-knife people as well, although you might look at the Manix 2 if you're in the mood for AXIS style locks.

Ritter Griptilian with cuscadi or Wilkins scales comes to mind, but it's not assisted. Then again, it's AXIS, so it opens PDQ. Classy looking, with the stonewashed blade and custom handle, AXIS lock, etc. Might be a good option. Should be under your price point, depending on the cost of scales.

The stainless steel bit disqualifies most of the really good production EDC fixed blades I can think of, excepting the Blackjack necker, which is 154CM. Get some custom scales and leather sheath made for that, and it might fit the bill. Although, it's probably going to be scary to non-knife people.

You probably can't do much custom for a folder if you've got your heart set on AXIS style locks and that particular price point. If you want to go fixed, however, there are plenty of makers who could help you out. I'm not sure what fits your style best, so I'd say pop into the Knifemakers market forum on here and see if you can find some styling that you like.
 
Like CrimsonFalcon said, thanks for the detail. Anyway...
Here's a list of EDC fixed blades I made. Arno Bernard, Bark River, Blackjack (already mentioned,) Blind Horse, Boker (Vox design,) Burt Foster, and Charles May all make knives that fit your requirements. The Browning Deterrent might be something to look into, too, though it's more tactical.
And the Protech Brend 2 or 3 are automatic, super classy, and come in a bunch of different handle options. If you want an automatic, they're the way to go.

ETA: The knives I listed from the makers I suggested are all around, or under, 7" OAL. If you're willing to EDC something larger than that, Arno Bernard, Bark River, and Charles May make knives between 7-9" OAL, too. They're too big for me to EDC, which is why I didn't write the models down, but they might be fine for you.
 
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Maybe check out a Benchmade 470 Emissary. Seems like it meets most of your folder requirements within your target budget...
 
Kershaw Cryo. Stonewash the handle and blade and you've got one very cool assisted flipper. Plus it's price can't be beat. Buy 2!!!
 
I would like to second Bark River Knives (with the caveat that I havent owned one). They apper to be high quality and good looking blades. Check out their EDC line up for something that would probably fit what you are looking for. I also believe one of the retailers is offering a damascus Esse Izula right now, which has the natural look you are looking for, though the handle choices are more limited.

jstrange
 
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I don't have this knife but I think it looks cool. The Kershaw Echelon. I love my other Kershaws, though. You could also consider the Piston. It is large but very light for the size. It has become my main EDC.
 
Get a Bucklite folder and a Bud Nealy Aikuchi fixed blade and yer done!
 
One comment: if you want to be sheeple friendly I wouldn't get a fixed blade. Pulling out s fixed blade from behind your back will certainly frighten people more than pulling a small folder from your pocket and opening it discreetly. Even an assisted folder could raise eyebrows and cause some concerns. I'd go for a smooth folder, unassisted, if you're going to be using it at work...
 
timberweasel said:
Maybe check out a Benchmade 470 Emissary. Seems like it meets most of your folder requirements within your target budget...
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Agreed. Though on the "not scary" front, I've personally found assisted-opening knives are not always the best choice. Some people get jumpy around them (probably associating AO or auto with weaponry.) Maybe a non-issue, but something to consider.
 
Kershaw Leek is the knife I use for 98% of the tasks I have. Carrying also ZT 0780, Benchmade Subrosa or 710 and Leatherman Charge.
If you need larger blade consider Subrosa - very nice knife if you will not use for a long time - to slim handle
 
Thanks for all of the replies everyone!

Based on the suggestions, I'm looking into the BM autos/assists, and the Blackjack necker (which seems to be the perfect size).

I agree with the point about fixed-blades generally looking scary, though I'm hoping that I can keep at as an option if I'm wearing a suit (and the knife is small and gentlemanly). Suits seem like generally non-threatening attire. I also feel like I can't beat fixed blades in bang-for-buck value, and they are the most capable for piercing.

On the other hand, I really like the idea of flipping open a knife, though that might be scary too, as some mentioned. My primary concern with a folder, by far, is the strength/use of the locking mechanism. I don't want to put my hands in the path of the blade to open or close the knife. I also don't want to worry about the knife collapsing against my fingers when I'm pushing into something. For example, if I'm stuck in a situation where I need to open a can of soup with a knife, I want to pierce the metal can without fear. I wouldn't think twice about using a fixed-blade in that way, but a folder would give me pause. Is this a legitimate concern, or are modern locking mechanisms reliable enough that a failure is exceedingly unlikely? Moreover, even if failure is not a concern, would this be considered "abuse" for a folder?

Thank you again!
 
swissarmyknife.jpg

:D
 
I think a great choice for you based on everything you said would be a Spyderco Sage2.
 
singularity35 said:
I'm kinda suspecting too that you mean stabbing a person but that you're trying to word yourself around that. I hope I'm wrong about this though.
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Hah, you are! I promise I'm not looking to stab anyone. I carry a gun, and I'm squeamish enough just thinking about having to use that.

As for the link - fair enough. I guess I don't have as much to worry about as I think. I'm guessing using a knife to that end wouldn't constitute "abuse", then? I don't want to screw up my only knife.
 
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