Need a good, affordable EDC knife

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ph.s2dent

Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
9
I've followed some of these threads over the last couple of months and decided it was time that I signed up a posted a question that hopefully will get some results.

I've been shopping around for a new knife to carry about and have some specifics that seem hard to meet:
- blade between 2.5 - 3.0 (maybe 3.25) inches (to fit legal requirement and not appear 'intimidating to coworkers'...I work in an IT office in Massachusetts, self-explanatory)
- handle larger than 3.5 inches (i have big hands and hate itty bitty handles)
- pocket clip is a must have and a lanyard loop would be nice
- one handed (take out and put away)
- straight edge (i whittle when bored and away from my precious electronics)
- stainless (better than 420hc cuz that rusts in my pocket...though I do love my buck knives)
- good knife, but not expensive. ($30 - $60 seems fair)
- not 'assisted open'

I'm not the most familiar with all the brands out there, so a brief of what I know

I've gone through several knives, but am looking for a solid locking blade.
- Gerber Perish Birding knife: (looks more like a needle now, no clip, no hole) that I used regularly and love for its size, but it's discontinued.
- Buck 110: (large, heavy, no clip, no hole) great knife, beats wire cutters, but is turning into more of a keepsake.
- Buck alpha crosslock (no clip, flip out a saw at work w/ a skinning hook on top...eyebrows fly) nice knife and saw is handy when camping. the blade is solid, but can rust. something easier on the pocket would be nice.
- I've also gone through a couple swiss army knives and have my ancient old timer floating around a drawer, but those aren't what I'm currently looking for.

I saw the larger Gerber Evo and thought a straight edge might be nice, but it is just a bit large.
 
+1 on the Tenacious! It's become my EDC. I don't have the specs, but it's got a beefy handle for your big mitts. Pretty good steel, and great ergos. Good, sturdy clip and a lanyard hole as well.

EDIT: It also fits into the lower end of your price range, at around $35-40. I've heard nothing but good things about this knife...a great deal.
 
If you find that 420hc actually rusts in you pocket, you might want to look in to the Spyderco Salt series.
 
Spyderco Delica
Spyderco Tenacious
Spyderco/Byrd raven
Kershaw Vapor
Kershaw Storm
Kershaw Skyline
CRKT Bull
CRKT M16 EDC
Benchmade Mini Ambush bm10210
Benchmade monochrome bm10300s
Benchmade VEX bm10750bp
 
enderwiggin said:
If you find that 420hc actually rusts in you pocket, you might want to look in to the Spyderco Salt series.
Click to expand...
+1 on this, didnt even think about that. you can even get the black coated pacific salt now, wont evvver have to worry aobut it
 
Ka-Bar Dozier, blade is 3" long, it runs around $22 online. I'm a lefty so I moved the thumb stud and clip to the other side:
DSC_2541.JPG
 
Kershaw OD-1

Love the Tenacious, but I'd put that in the scary looking category.
 
Spyderco Tenacious/Paramilitary. I'm sure you'd love the para because it's got a 3" blade and a larger handle to go with it.

Tenacious is a little longer at about 3 1/2" but it's a very nice knife. :)
 
I feel like a broken record but here goes:
  • Kershaw Skyline
  • Spyderco Tenacious
  • Spyderco Native 4
  • Kershaw OD-1
 
Since you work in a MA office, the Tenacious may scare the co-workers, the blade is too big and wide and 'weapon-looking'....I know, I know, "Screw'em if they can't take it!" :)

The Kershaw Skyline is probably a better choice.

Just IMO...
 
dru9 said:
Love the Tenacious, but I'd put that in the scary looking category.
Click to expand...

+1 on that, I want a Tenacious but the cutting edge goes all the way to the handle on a liner lock. It looks like superglue waiting to happen.
 
Check out the Byrd line by Spyderco. If you can't find something you like in that line, then I just don't know what to tell you!
 
flashlife said:
Since you work in a MA office, the Tenacious may scare the co-workers, the blade is too big and wide and 'weapon-looking'....I know, I know, "Screw'em if they can't take it!" :)

The Kershaw Skyline is probably a better choice.

Just IMO...
Click to expand...

Then look at the Paramilitary or Delica.

Or go fully sheeple friendly and get a Ladybug Salt. :D
 
Josh K said:
Then look at the Paramilitary or Delica.

Or go fully sheeple friendly and get a Ladybug Salt. :D
Click to expand...

Indeed - some pictures for reference:

Ladybug Salt
DSC01593.jpg


Ladybug Salt next to an orange Military
DSC01581.jpg


FG D2 Para
DSC01812.jpg


FG D2 Para
DSC01813.jpg


FG D2 Para next to a Salt 1 and a Mini Grip
DSC01816.jpg
 
enderwiggin said:
If you find that 420hc actually rusts in you pocket, you might want to look in to the Spyderco Salt series.
Click to expand...

If you find that 420hc actually rusts in your pocket, you might want to get our of your jeans before wading in the ocean. Works for me :D.
 
Yeah...Spyderco...not a fan. The feel, the look, the hole, etc...but all knives are like that...good for some, not for others.

The 'Ontario Rat' suggested looks nice (I do usually prefer a full metal liner), but it's headed in the larger direction.

Surprisingly enough...the Kershaw OD-1 looks almost exactly like my little gerber

These knives look rather decent...
Kershaw OD-1, Benchmade Mini-grip, Kershaw Skyline, Kbar Dozier
- anyone have any experience with it?
- how's it hold an edge and sharpen? (the steel legit?)
- what is this kershaw 'flipper'? just a back stud (no spring)
- I'm looking for minimal internal parts (no assist open for me)...and easy to clean

And unfortunately...if 420 steel is used hard over several (5-10) years...it'll darken as the outside picks up a bit of corrosion, but good oil keeps 'em working. Plus, I haven't heard about this Kershaw steel...where's it fall?
 
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