My search for EDC Perfection

Rhyno37

Rhyno37

Joined
May 27, 2012
Messages
291
Hey guys, I currently have a ZT 0550. I'll start off by saying this is one of my favorite knives so far, but I don't think it's too optimal for EDC. It's built like a tank, but thick and heavy, I've tried carrying it and it bugs me. I've already had a Spyderco Para-military 2, Ritter Grip, and some other spydies. I haven't found the knife for me yet. Here are some things I'm looking for:

Over 3" blade, no larger than 4", 3.5 is optimal
Not overly thick, more of a thinner knife
Plain, satin blade

Other than that, it's hard to say exactly what else I want. I'd like a knife with a flipper, but those are few and far between. I've been looking at Emerson's, and really like the look and size of the horseman but have been reading Emerson have very thin liner locks that wear out quick. I then looked at Microtech, and LOVE the look of the Select fire and Socom Elite. I then read that Microtech's CS is horrible now, and their knives are on the downhill slide. Looking for suggestions here and input, thanks!
 
Perhaps a Kershaw Knockout?
  • 3–4 inch blade: check
  • Thinner than a ZT 550: check
  • Plain, satin blade: check
  • Flipper: check
Another member photographically compares his Knockout with a ZT 551 here.
 
I love my Spyderco Superleaf and Manix 2 for EDC. Leaf shaped blades are great for EDC tasks and the Superleaf is extra thick.
 
Rhyno37 said:
Hey guys, I currently have a ZT 0550. I'll start off by saying this is one of my favorite knives so far, but I don't think it's too optimal for EDC. It's built like a tank, but thick and heavy, I've tried carrying it and it bugs me. I've already had a Spyderco Para-military 2, Ritter Grip, and some other spydies. I haven't found the knife for me yet. Here are some things I'm looking for:

Over 3" blade, no larger than 4", 3.5 is optimal
Not overly thick, more of a thinner knife
Plain, satin blade

Other than that, it's hard to say exactly what else I want. I'd like a knife with a flipper, but those are few and far between. I've been looking at Emerson's, and really like the look and size of the horseman but have been reading Emerson have very thin liner locks that wear out quick. I then looked at Microtech, and LOVE the look of the Select fire and Socom Elite. I then read that Microtech's CS is horrible now, and their knives are on the downhill slide. Looking for suggestions here and input, thanks!
Click to expand...

By thin, do you mean width or thickness of blade? Also, do you have a budget in mind? My personal favorite is the Gun Hammer by Darrel Ralph, but it's not exactly thin. You might also consider custom (or maybe see if you can find a Hinderer?) Sounds like you are looking for a grail knife.
 
I haven't been able to put down my Benchmade 940 since I got it:

IMG_20120101_112816-1.jpg
 
Chris reeves small or large sebenza. Or umnum!!

Good luck on your quest for your holy grail!
 
If you can afford it, give a large Sebenza a try. A Spyderco Caly 3.5 would also fit the bill.
 
My vote goes for the Benchmade Ares in m390 (model 730-1202). Its a KW exclusive, limited to 400 pieces and won't be around much longer. I just got mine in the mail yesterday and could not be more pleased. Hands down the smoothest axis lock folder I've ever handled and feels great in the hand. 3.6" m390 blade should hold a very keen edge for a very long time, sculpted smooth g10 scales over thick, heavily milled out liners give it a very nice, refined feel in hand. Its a very stout feeling knife without feeling bulky or clunky, definitely very well balanced. Just an excellent medium sized edc blade in my opinion.
 
Thanks guys! At the moment I'm a college student, so my budget is a bit limited. I am studying to be an LEO so hopefully I can get an XM18 straight through Rick when I finish! I really do like the looks of the Emerson's. Would the CQC 7 or Mini Horseman be better for EDC? I like the size of the CQC 7 but have never had a chisel grind before and don't know much about them.
 
Finding that perfect knife for YOU takes a lot of trial and error, and what is the perfect knife for us may not be for you. I would often get a knife that I think is my grail, and soon something else pops up that is even better. Once funds permit and you can afford to try out a bunch of high end knives, that's when you'll find that perfect knife.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned it, but if you're on a budget and want a flipper, why not try the zt0560/0561?
 
If budget isn't an issue, you can't go wrong with a CRK Sebenza or Umnumzaan. The Umnum and especially the Large Micarta Insingo Sebenza is my perfect EDC. If you're not looking to spend that much, then I highly recommend the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It's pretty well known as one of the very best fit and finish knives Spyderco has ever produced and it's also known as one of the best values you can get. I consider probably the best value knife I own, and I own quite a few in all price categories. The materials and fit and finish are just insane. The carbon fiber is beautiful and has a great feeling texture/grip. The thick and polished liners are beautiful, as well as the polished stand-offs and I absolutely love the blade shape, as well as the M4 steel. It's probably the closest knife I've had to Sebenza smoothness without being a ball-bearing knife and the lock-up is one of the few knives that is truly solid. Plenty of knives lack blade play, but most don't feel this solid. The liners are very thick and there's almost no relief cut on the lock-bar, so it feels extremely solid and I have more confidence in this knife resisting failure than any of my frame locks. Maybe more than any knife I own. I just can't explain how good this knife is and how much it feels like a custom that's only $150. You just have to hold it. I am still amazed by this knife all the time and I have to say that I probably consider the fit and finish better than my ZT 0560 which cost almost twice as much and probably the closest knife I've seen for under $300 to CRK fit and finish. It does have a decent bit of weight to it, about the same as the ZT 0550, but it's definitely slimmer. Closer to PM2 thickness.
 
Rhyno37 said:
Thanks guys! At the moment I'm a college student, so my budget is a bit limited. I am studying to be an LEO so hopefully I can get an XM18 straight through Rick when I finish! I really do like the looks of the Emerson's. Would the CQC 7 or Mini Horseman be better for EDC? I like the size of the CQC 7 but have never had a chisel grind before and don't know much about them.
Click to expand...

I never studied to be an LEO, just go to an Academy and spend that $$ on a Sebenza!
 
Large Sebenza 21... i handled the small and i dont think i would ever need another knife after that.... thoug the umnum looks good.
 
if you like the tank/beefy thing but want it in a smaller package the BM mini barrage might be for you, it slices just fine :)
 
LVMPDawg said:
I never studied to be an LEO, just go to an Academy and spend that $$ on a Sebenza!
Click to expand...

Haha, I'm actually majoring in Criminal Justice and double minoring in Psy/Soc. I would LOVE a Sebenza but funds don't permit it. I would love a ZT 0560, only thing is If the 0550 is already too large/heavy, wouldn't the 0560 be worse?
 
I just found the Surefire Jekyll and charlie, anyone know about this knife?

Also, the Microtech Selectfire is on sale for $259 at Bladehq. Is this a good knife.
 
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