My perfect EDC?

I think that if you think there is a "perfect" out there, then you will be sorely disappointed.

You will either own many knives, or you will just carry one and put-up with the cons that come with the pros of the knife.
 
I would suggest the Kershaw JYD II combo blade, super smooth opening, D2 edge w/ G10 handle. But, if you're down on the foreign ownership go with the Syderco Manix 2, I like it a lot also.
 
If there's one perfect EDC knife, the rest of the manufacurers will go bankrupt and that one company will be the only one left making knives.
 
I think the OP was on the right track with the Buck Vantage Pro. If he drops it in the field, he's less likely to 'go runnin' for the razors' than if he dropped a Sebbie... :D Toting a lot of gear around can be distracting...

Spyderco Para2 is also a good choice, albeit a little more expensive.
 
Check out the Spyderco Caly 3.5,after 20 years of collecting blades of all sorts,it is my "perfect" EDC(For now).
 
Your requirements are great," made in America by Americans" I think that's what you said. Just make sure if it's Syderco that you actually check the model your buying that it is in fact MADE IN & MADE BY. I will buy ONLY MADE IN AND MADE BY over any USA company that will outsource any day of the week. Money is not the issue but taking care of my own is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyderco
 
I wouldn't worry about Benchmade customer service as they are great and go above and beyond in my experience. Better than Spyderco for the issues that I have had. I like Spyderco knives but haven't been real impressed with their CS.

I would check out a Sage (i like the 3), Manix 2 with flat grind, or the Paramilitary 2 with the last 2 being hard to decide between as they are both great.

I also wouldn't worry about the AXIS lock as it is an amazing design. I don't really want to use a knife anymore that doesn't have an AXIS lock. I wouldn't worry about the claims of springs breaking. There are about 30 people on this website that have reported a problem out of (hundreds of?) Thousands of springs in use over the last 10-11 years. Statistically that is a zero chance of it happening to you. I would check out the Rift from Benchmade. It is my all time favorite design. The Griptilian series and 710 are other classics.

You mentioned edge holding being important so I would avoid the Spyderco Salt series. They will not rust which is great but the H1 steel does not hold an edge at all in my experience. The serrated version will actually hold an edge longer due to the work hardening of grinding them in.

There are lots of great knives out so if you buy from a reputable company you probably will be happy or ask here first if you find a model you like the looks of. Good luck!.
 
I think the para Military 2 is the one for you.
Also, the one tha's in my pocket now is the BM Kulgera... Great knife, fit and finish, and, it's an axis lock !!!

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil
 
I would recommend a Benchmade HK 14205 or 14200. They are discontinued but can be found new on Ebay. 3.4 inch 154CM, stainless blade. Good ergos and easily carried.

The BM Sequel is another good choice as is the 940 Osborne. You will not be dissapointed with a Benchmade or Spyderco for that matter.
 
Another underrated edc is Benchmade Nagara. It´s made in China but it´s a BM so the money will stay in US of A. Blade Length 3.25", Titanium handles, very strong Nak-Lock, high polished and great fit and finish.

Nagara_Winter.jpg
 
A number of posters have recommended the Delica 4, an excellent choice but made in Japan. There is, however, the Spyderco Native, made in USA and in many ways comparable. It meets your requirements, only 2.4 oz, thin and relatively inexpensive, especially for an s30v blade. I have both. Although
between them I tilt more to the Delica, the Native is more than satisfactory as an EDC. Buck Vantage is another fine choice. It weighs in at 4 oz., a bit heavier than the Native, but thin enough to pocket without crowding things too much, and fun! Flipping it open is a blast.

Just as an aside; like you, I am also a (sometimes) traveling photographer and have much the same EDC requirements as you posted. We also share a strong preference for USA-made, but obviously I am more willing to make the occasional exception :o .
 
Thanks for everyone's feedback.

I'm feeling good about the ParaMilitary2, and I'm headed to the store tomorrow to get my hands on one to see if the slipper fits.
 
CWL said:
I think that if you think there is a "perfect" out there, then you will be sorely disappointed.

You will either own many knives, or you will just carry one and put-up with the cons that come with the pros of the knife.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: c'est vrai!!!!
 
kurticepictures said:
Thanks for everyone's feedback.

I'm feeling good about the ParaMilitary2, and I'm headed to the store tomorrow to get my hands on one to see if the slipper fits.
Click to expand...

I believe that Para2 is a very good choice. I love mine. Also I would add sharpmaker to your list to keep it sharp. It is great and easy to use tool. Also US made.
 
I think a Spyderco Stretch 2 fits everything save the "made in USA" bit; alternatively the Para2 you have already considered, or maybe the Benchmade 550 (really slim) or 950?
 
The Caly 3.5 is a great edc. Vitually the same size and weight as a Caly 3 but somehow they managed to squeeze another 1/2" of blade into the knife. (comparison pic below)

attachment.php
 
A very knowledgable friend carries a Benchmade (Osborne ???, I think) and says, hands down the best knife of its type he has ever used. I prefer slipjoints and I think the Buck 301 would work. Their 420HC is tempered to 58-59 and you have your choice of 3 blades.
 
Pilot1 said:
The BM Sequel is another good choice as is the 940 Osborne.
Click to expand...

+1 on Osborne - The Benchmade 94X series has been around awhile, and is well proven. I personally like the 943 with the black alum. handles, and clip-point blade. The Axis is so smooth, and quick on this well balanced knife.
 
I was going to recommend the ESEE-3, but since you need the rust protection, I think the Ontario rat-3, in D-2 steel would be "perfect". It's not technically stainless steel, but it's so close, that you would have to really work at it to make it rust.

EarlFH
 
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