Multi-Purpose EDC $300 or under?

Deebo

Deebo

Joined
Sep 29, 2009
Messages
737
Hey everyone,

It's been quite some time since I've posted... or picked up any knives. I've been absolutely swamped with other things in my life. Now though, I get to pick myself up a gift and I'm trying to find the best EDC for $300 or under.

I want something that meets most or all of the following:

- Doesn't take a tremendous amount of work to bring an edge to
- Can retain an edge for some time cutting paper, cardboard, plastic etc.
- Is 4" or under
- Straight edge
- Cannot be an auto

Ideally, it would also have some sort of quick opening mechanism such as a wave form opener.

I appreciate any and all suggestions, thanks!
 
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I would get the Spyderco Southard if you want a flipper or quick open mechanism, though it's on the higher range of the spectrum as far as your budget.
However, all of my manual folders are as easy to open as a flipper and just as quick.
One smooth motion to open the blade isn't too slow either, not for regular EDC.

On the lower range of your Spectrum have you checked out the Kershaw JYD 2.2 and Kershaw Rake? Great knives, D2 cutting edge, both have a flipper and one is assisted, nice liner locks, can slice through just about anything while also being kinda beefy.

My personal favorites for EDC in your requirements are:
*Spyderco Techno - A little beefy folder with a thick blade, full ti handles, CTS-XHP blade steel, nice blade shape, feels good in the hand, a great slicer while also being able to handle heavier use.
*Spyderco Chokwe - A great titanium frame lock in s30v, G-10 on one side for a good grip, long blade gives you enough edge for any regular EDC task, nice wharncliffe blade with enough thickness to stand up to medium duty chores while making a wicked slicer with it's thinner blade. Looks a little odd but feels great in the hand and pocket, a really nice EDC.
*Spyderco Para 2 - This one is a forum favorite. Has s30v steel which is a great steel for EDC and holds its edge for a long amount of time, even longer with light touch ups. s30v will lose it's razor edge over time but keep a good working edge. The blade shape allows it to have just enough belly but not too much. The compression lock is simple to operate and is very strong. Fits the hand like a glove and the ergos are great. To make the deal better the knife is available in a wide array of steels and handle colors, for example; m390, CTS-XHP, s35vn, blue, orange, brown.

^^ maybe check the ones I mentioned out as well.
 
Another vote for the Southard. I just received mine and it is an amazing knife for the $224 that I paid. As BladeChick777 mentioned there are many Spydercos that open just as fast though.
 
Another vote for the Gayle Bradley, you could get two with money to spare. You might be able to get an Alan Davis in your price range as well.
 
Brad Southard pretty well covers it. I'm carrying mine now. can find 'em new now for about $230, I think I saw today on one knife-shop website. I bought two; sold one. Don't need more than one. 204P steel is excellent edge-holding; easy manual flipper, nice blade design and length.
 
In that range I like assisted opening Benchmades like mini-Grips (and you can afford Ritter/Wilkins), or mini-Barrage. For really hard use, Grayman Dua sells at $250 new but they have a waiting list.
 
Yojimbo 2. Send it to me for a hidden wave mod. Problem solved.
 
Honestly, when you get above $120 or whatever, you gain very little if anything in utility as the price goes up. You do get bling, titanium, etc. But if your primary goal is to kill paper, cardboard, etc., I would favor spending $70 on a Whatever, and save yourself $230. JMO. But if you are into coolness and bling, thats perfectly cool. Just don't expect a $200 knife to cut 2x as good as a $100 knife. Just my take on the world. :thumbup:
 
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