Looking for the Perfect EDC Knife (for me)

here's an idea: get a spyderco mule, have handle scales and a sheath made to your liking. you'll have exactly what you want and it will fit in your price range.
 
I like your ideas, and when it comes to more "classy" knives, we seem to have some of the same preferences.
VG-10 is a good steel but when I can get s30v instead, I do. VG-10 is perfect for EDC, s30v holds it's edge slightly longer and for some reason I just like it.
Most of my EDC's have s30v.

*On the other hand, for a "sheeple friendly" knife, I wouldn't suggest a fixed blade unless it's tiny. So if you wear a suit I would say a nice classy little folder would be your best bet.
*Assuming you probably don't do a lot of heavy cutting you wouldn't really need a super thick blade. Something that can handle simple to medium cutting tasks should be good.
*As far as stabbing car doors and prying, I don't think any knife is the right tool for this. For prying you're looking for a prybar or something similar, and I can't really imagine any time you would need to stab a car door. These aren't very likely scenarios so you don't really need to factor them in, and if you do, there are different tools for different jobs, and you don't want to ruin your knife.

The axis lock is indeed a good and strong lock. Other locks like Lock Backs are known to be strong as well(they've been around for sooo many years). So you could look into some like that if you're interested. No lock is likely to fail unless you have a faulty knife and/or misuse the knife. However we all have our locks that we prefer.

When I first saw your post my automatic thoughts were "Spyderco Chaparral and Sage 1". The only thing they're missing is the Axis Lock and the Assisted opening. Both are great knives. If you find that those interest you, you may want to also look at the Spyderco Caly 3 CF/ZDP.

I honestly can't think a Titanium/Carbon Fiber/Micarta knife that's assisted with an axis lock. The ones closest to that description would be:
Benchmade Shoki 480 or 480-1 - Nak-Lok but it's pretty interesting.
Benchmade Shori 483
Benchmade Megumi 482
Benchmade Bone Collector Mini - 15030-2 - In Walnut Handles.
Benchmade Opportunist 440
Benchmade Emissary 470
 
Get yourself a pre-loved Sm. Sebenza! No assist or itty bitty springs (axis type) but I personally can't recommend either of those aspects in a knife. Also I would recommend buying USA or at least in-house made (not out sourced!).
 
I'm kinda thinking you should just get yourself a hefty knife that you like, and not sweat the sheeple. Most of the time they don't notice pocket clips, and many of them will freak out over anything outside of a SAK or maybe a leatherman. ZT 550 or 560 might be a good option for you. Or a Cold Steel Voyager with the Triad lock (probably the strongest lock on the market). At the end of the day, I don't let other people dictate my knife purchases. I try to be discreet when I use my knives, but I buy the knives I want, and I'm happier for it.

I'm a big fan of the Darrel Ralph Gun Hammer. Nice and elegant, but a good sturdy knife.

And of course, lots of good tough fixed blades. If you can dispense with the stainless requirement, the Bark River Bravo Necker 2 in 3V is a good buy. So's the Becker BK11 or BK14, the ESEE IZULA, and the Scrapyard Scrapivore.
 
Alright guys,

So I've checked out every knife that has been recommended in this thread, and I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I think, at the moment, I'm probably going to get a Benchmade 470 Emissary. It seems like a good overall fit.

I'm going to continue looking around for a small fixed-blade, but I could probably afford the Blackjack Necker in addition to the Emissary, if I want both.

I may also continue looking for a custom fixed-blade, down the road.

In the meantime, does anyone know of any customization options (e.g. custom scales/anodization) for the Emissary? I can't find anything.

Also, if anyone has any ideas for folders similar to the Emissary in the locking mechanism and assist (other than the Barrage), please let me know!
 
I've yet to find a comfortable way to conceal-carry even a small fixed blade in the office - and I simply will not keep my jacket on all day, so it's not going to cover anything on my belt or in my waistband. What I do now, is carry a small SAK to use in front of people and keep a Falkniven F1 or similar fixed blade in by book bag just in case I, or someone else, might need a more substantial tool. Please let us know how you make out. I'm always curious to hear how others manage in these circumstances.

Jordan
 
The OP is exactly describing a Mnandi. They can be easily found in the For Sale: Production Folders forum in LNIB condition for around $300.
 
BladeChick777 said:
I like your ideas, and when it comes to more "classy" knives, we seem to have some of the same preferences.
VG-10 is a good steel but when I can get s30v instead, I do. VG-10 is perfect for EDC, s30v holds it's edge slightly longer and for some reason I just like it.
Most of my EDC's have s30v.

*On the other hand, for a "sheeple friendly" knife, I wouldn't suggest a fixed blade unless it's tiny. So if you wear a suit I would say a nice classy little folder would be your best bet.
*Assuming you probably don't do a lot of heavy cutting you wouldn't really need a super thick blade. Something that can handle simple to medium cutting tasks should be good.
*As far as stabbing car doors and prying, I don't think any knife is the right tool for this. For prying you're looking for a prybar or something similar, and I can't really imagine any time you would need to stab a car door. These aren't very likely scenarios so you don't really need to factor them in, and if you do, there are different tools for different jobs, and you don't want to ruin your knife.

The axis lock is indeed a good and strong lock. Other locks like Lock Backs are known to be strong as well(they've been around for sooo many years). So you could look into some like that if you're interested. No lock is likely to fail unless you have a faulty knife and/or misuse the knife. However we all have our locks that we prefer.

When I first saw your post my automatic thoughts were "Spyderco Chaparral and Sage 1". The only thing they're missing is the Axis Lock and the Assisted opening. Both are great knives. If you find that those interest you, you may want to also look at the Spyderco Caly 3 CF/ZDP.

I honestly can't think a Titanium/Carbon Fiber/Micarta knife that's assisted with an axis lock. The ones closest to that description would be:
Benchmade Shoki 480 or 480-1 - Nak-Lok but it's pretty interesting.
Benchmade Shori 483
Benchmade Megumi 482
Benchmade Bone Collector Mini - 15030-2 - In Walnut Handles.
Benchmade Opportunist 440
Benchmade Emissary 470
Click to expand...

Oh thank goodness someone did the exact list I was thinking about (except the 440, and bone collector I didn't think of those) but unique this may not be a hard user but you decide its worth it i think. william mchenry edc e10 elder burl handle. I know its d2 and coated but its dressy !!
 
The spyderco sage series knives are all nicely made for a good price. There are several models that each feature different locking mechanisms.
 
my favorite edc blade is a buck gen 5 skinner. it a 3 inch modified skinner blade(perfect for edc) of bos heat treated cpm 154. it is a full tang fixed blade with checkered rosewood scales and a wet molded leather sheath. it is absolutly beatiful and it doesnt scare people. it retals 160 but i got mine from amazon or knifecenter for 90 bucks. you should give it a look it a great little knife.
 
believe it or not i put this thing trough the metal lid of an olive jar a couple of times to see what kind of damage it would do to the edge. i was curiouse cause this is my only stainless blade besides the cheaper version of it in 420hc. it didnt suffer any damage even after prying the screen of my window when i locked my self out one day. paul bos is a master of heat treating steel.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Benchmade 581. It's assisted, m390 stainless steel, classy, and an Axis lock. Blade is under 4 inches. Seems like the perfect EDC for the OP.
 
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