My First Good EDC Folder?

B

blan

Joined
Mar 19, 2008
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161
Alright, so I tried to do this by searching instead of making a post, but there are so many choices that after several days of not being able to make up my mind I decided to post.

For over a year I have EDC'd a folder in my pocket. Unfortunately it has always been a crappy <$5 one. While they haven't been bad to me, they simply cannot hold an edge. I started off looking for a good sharpener and ended up deciding than I need to get a good knife on top of that. I have really been a quantity over quality kind of guy in the past but I'm trying to change that.

I already decided to get a Spyderco Sharpmaker. But I need your help deciding on a knife.

Wants:
- Liner or Axis type lock. Don't like the push backs which I know eliminates most of the Spydercos.
- I don't think I should start with a ~$100 knife as my first so my budget is $40-$60. If you feel different please let me know. In that high priced category I would probably get a BM710SD2 or BM Nitrous Striker D2.
- I might end up carrying the knife with slacks in the future so bigger knives such as Kershaw Cyclone, Kershaw JYD II might be too big.
- Plain edge spear-point.
- Good edge retention. Granted... coming from $5 Chinese blades I would probably love the edge retention on anything remotely good quality, but that's why I'm asking the experts.
- I would prefer something Made in the USA but I understand that at the lower price ranges it might be beneficial to drop this requirement.
- Pocket Clip

Help!
 
I have been EDC a kershaw blackout for about a year now and I love the knife, it gets used countless times at work every day. But I find the assisted opening to be useless. Also it seems to scare people.

Axis locks are just as fast and smooth. spydercos can be opened real quick as well.

my suggestion is to forget the assisted opening deal, I think its just a gimmick.
 
Let's go with the obvious choice, within your criteria: Benchmade Mini-Griptilian.
Although, it would be well worth your while to investigate the Ritter Mini-Grip. For around $100, you get a fantastic knife, a substantial upgrade over the standard mini-grip model, which is saying a lot.
 
Benchmade 530.

Axis Lock, very light and thin, can be had in plain edge, and can be found online for 60-80. I carry one every day, and I love it. Holds an edge very well, lightweight, and affordable. Can't go wrong.
 
I rather have a knife over 3". Is there a reason people have mentioned the mini-griptilian over the griptilian? I'm guessing it is not the price difference at it is only $7. Does the bulkyness of it increase much?
 
To me the 530 is the obvious choice. It is lightweight so it is great for slacks, a spear point blade, and the Axis lock you request. I don't know what kinds of knives you've handled before but the 530 is Benchmade's lightest and thinnest full-sized (you can get your entire hand on the handle) knife and a fantastic one at that. I prefer it greatly to the Mini-Grip because it is lighter and thinner, and the pocket clip is less harsh on the pocket seams. It does feel less sturdy but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be able to tackle tough tasks. I once cut and pried frozen cookie dough (you may laugh, but it's no easy task!) with mine without even feeling like it'd fail.

Not sure why you don't like lockbacks but Spyderco differs from many of the ones you may be experienced with. They can be opened and closed very easily with one hand. I can close any Spydie lockback one handed blindfolded. If you do decide to try Spyderco I would recommend wholeheartedly the Delica 4 or Centofante 3.
 
If you can get over your lockback hang-up, a Spyderco Native fulfills 3 of your 4 requirements-40 to 60$(40 dollars at wally world), spear point, and excellent edge holding. Nothing wrong with choosing the BM 530 though.
 
I might add that I think the 530 is 440c...someone correct me if i'm wrong. . so a Native with S30v should give you a higher performing steel to consider. Just an idea.
 
Yep. Benchmade mini-Griptilian model #556 or #555HG If you decide to get one make sure it is the newer 154CM steel and not the 440C version. The 555HG should only be available in 154CM.
 
The latest 530 is in 154CM. But I'd pick S30V over 154CM anyway, especially at a lower price.
 
blan what is your understanding of an edc folder? Does your concept of an edc folder include its potential use in a defensive capacity? I'm just curious.. Spend that little extra is my humble advice, why cheap out if you are serious about knives in the first.
 
You know in the "For sale" section by dealers there is a thread of Discontinued Spydercos. While you may not want Spyders due to the lockback, one of the Spyders is not a lockback. I fully recommend the D'Allara.

The D'Allara (Plain edge and Combi edge available) is a ball-lock. I do not personally own one (yet) but the idea of a ball-lock is interesting. Specifically the difference between Axis and Ball locks (other than the obvious ball vs. pin!) that is the springs.

I think the spring of the Spyderco D'Allara is more durable than the spring of the Axis lock. Anyone feel free to offer a different view on this cause I'm still researching. At approximately 55USD and with VG-10 it is a beauty. Get it while there is some left!
 
Check out the new Kershaw R.A.M. due out any day now. The lock is similar to the Griptilian (I have one) but this knife looks more rugged !

There's nothing wrong with the speedsafe knifes, I like the combination of a flipper with seedsafe. (See the Scallion or Cyclone, both awesome knives)
It's an easy way to open a knife one handed. I just hold the knife down by my leg if there's sheeple present so it wont scare them.:cool:

Here's a video of the original design by Grant and Gavin Hawk who's design Kershaw is using.
:)

.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXJzP4CF7ZI
 
Cotherion said:
You know in the "For sale" section by dealers there is a thread of Discontinued Spydercos. While you may not want Spyders due to the lockback, one of the Spyders is not a lockback. I fully recommend the D'Allara.

The D'Allara (Plain edge and Combi edge available) is a ball-lock. I do not personally own one (yet) but the idea of a ball-lock is interesting. Specifically the difference between Axis and Ball locks (other than the obvious ball vs. pin!) that is the springs.

I think the spring of the Spyderco D'Allara is more durable than the spring of the Axis lock. Anyone feel free to offer a different view on this cause I'm still researching. At approximately 55USD and with VG-10 it is a beauty. Get it while there is some left!
Click to expand...

The Spyderco D'Allara is fantastic, and I love the ball bearing lock. I don't have an Axis lock-equipped Benchmade to compare it to yet (I do have a Griptilian on the way, though), but I can heartily recommend the D'Allara. Outrageously smooth opening and closing with a rock solid lockup. It's also pretty big, but I don't mind that. Of course the Benchmades are extremely popular...

The Kershaw Blurs are fine liner locks (my main EDC is a Blur, with the D'Allara my alternate). The Kershaw Speed Bump (I prefer the model with the black aluminum scales) is also at your price point, or the Spec Bump with better steel and textured G10 is available in that higher-priced ~$100 range. The Bumps are great knives, with a solid innovative lock called the Stud Lock.

Looking back over your preference list, blan, I see you specified a plain-edged spear point, so my suggestions miss the boat in blade shape, but I'd suggest checking them out anyway...a true unmodified spear point may be a somewhat limiting choice...;)

There are lots of great choices out there...good luck! :D

Ray :)
 
If I were you, I would go with a full size griptilian, a 551.

I have been edc'ing the mini version of that knife, the 556, for the last month or two, and believe me this series has everything you need, at a low price.

The axis lock is incredibly smooth, mine locks up perfectly like clockwork, with no play whatsoever in any direction. You get a great high end steel, a comfortable handle with a nicely sized guard in front of the index finger, and a well-designed pocket clip.

All you really sacrifice to keep the low price point is a lack of "best of the best" materials (Ti liners, G-10 handles, S30V blade, etc.) While I appreciate these things, from my experience they really don't make that much of a functional difference over stainless liners, FRN handles, and ATS-34 blade steel.

The 530 looks like a great deal, too, but personally I don't find the mini-grip to be too bulky, and I prefer to have more of a finger guard than the 530 offers.
 
I just bought a grip. It was a hard decision for me between the grip, and the mini, but I opted for the full size grip. It carries very well, you don't even know it's in your pocket, I'm glad I didn't get the mini. I like the full size handles the best.
 
I have a Grip - 440C steel - and nicely made mechanically - but a horrid edge. I continued to EDC the upper two Kershaws below. Even though they are 440A, they kept their edges longer - possibly just a bad heat treat on the BM.

Anyway, you said $40-$60... so I would stick with one of the Kershaws, if you really cannot stand the lockback. If you can stand the lockback, which I love, then a trip to Wally World for one of the <$40 Spyderco 'Native' knives in S30V will really spoil you. Great build quality - super blade - removeable clip. They also have the Kershaw Blur and Scallion, also made in the USA - except for the Sept '07 and later Sandvik blades. You may not like the serrations and Tanto blade on the Blur they now carry, so further shopping may be required.

Below is a picture of my carry rotation including the knives listed above. The Blur & Scallion were 4+ years old, the Spydie Native S30V ~6 months, and that Leek, a limited run in Damascus, was a couple of months old (It has recently been re-issued - hurry if you like it - they are limited - now ~$75.).

IMG_0310.jpg


There is a frequent carry folder of mine not depicted - a Buck 110 'Folding Hunter'. It is by far the best buy at Wally World - $25! It is large - and a classic - and, a pocketful. Look it over while you are there. Great blade. Please note: A pocket knife to me is a cutter - a device for cutting items. If I need another tool, ie, a pry bar, I'll get one. I carry something louder for protection.

Stainz
 
Your hangup with lockbacks may be due to your long associations with cheapies . The Spydercos are among the best out there . Try either a Delica or a Native , you wont go wrong . Low end ( under $100.00 ) liners can be dangerous . Another good an cheap option (in a framelock ) is the Boker trance . The Spyderco endura is another contender , it didnt become a cult classic without reason .

Chris
 
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