Need a new edc for work

Shorttime said:
I work in aggregates processing, and our facility is considered a mining operation. You'd think that nobody would care what kind of knives we bring onto property, right?

Well, if I'm bringing it up, there is obviously a reason.

Years ago, somebody from the regional HR office was wandering about in some place that they should not have been anyway, and saw a contractor with a larger fixed blade on his belt.

Not even a company employee: a contractor.

Cue hysterics, shxt being lost all over the place, and a new rule that personal knives must fold, and not have more than 3" of cutting edge.

While I agree that a fixed blade would be the most practical answer (one with a lanyard hole and a very secure sheath), there may be PR ("optics") reasons why the most practical choice is not the "best" choice.

More practicality: OP has already had one knife stolen. Would I take a bespoke knife into a place where theft is a proven possibility.....?
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every time I hear nonsense like this it reminds me that the current shtty state of things is deserved....
it would be amazing if all workers stopped working until all tools are allowed
 
dirc said:
every time I hear nonsense like this it reminds me that the current shtty state of things is deserved....
it would be amazing if all workers stopped working until all tools are allowed
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It got better! My employer is so worried about injuries, they tried to issue us spring-loaded boxcutters. The blade pulled itself back in, unless you kept your thumb on the button. When those ended up in the trash, they wanted us to all carry hacksaws.

We're getting off track. I would like to see the OP matched up with the "right" knife, and it's unfortunate that less practical concerns enter the picture, but this is our reality.
 
Buck 110 (or 112) slim Pro Trx would be another good option. Can take a world of abuse. The only downside is that you have to use two hands to close the knife. They can be opened with one hand, just not closed.
 
A lot of Spyderco can fit your needs
PM2, Shaman or GB2 for exemple

My personal choice has been a GB2
Great work knife

Some years ago I used a PM2 during construction work and it was great too
 
OP, if you liked your Griptillian why don't you just get another one? Nothing wrong with that. If you want something different, then there are a whole bunch of good choices in your price range. Spyderco Manix 2 makes a good work knife.

If you don't need a one-hand opening knife, then I think a Buck 110LT makes a good, inexpensive do anything knife. They're not pretty, not made with any exotic handle materials or super steel blades; but they've been around for a long time; they're pretty much indestructible; easily replaced; AND they're under $30.
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when i was working in construction in the 2000s i carried a kershaw storm and combo edge spyderco endura quite a bit and they both held up quite well. there were quite a few knife guys around the job sites i worked at, i remember seeing a lot of kershaws at the time and would always see this one inspector who carried a silver kershaw leek in his pocket and a kabar tdi on his belt. i would also get asked about what i was carrying too by other workers who were into knives.
 
Jdottinger said:
Spyderco Stretch 2 in K390 might be up your alley. A patina on the blade might deter sticky bandits.
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I second this. I recently bought a second one for a back up. I spent over two grand on fancy knives this past month, and it's the only purchase I was pleased with. I am an electrician, and use my knife in a similar manner as you would on the daily
 
Microtech MSI. Great steel, good ergos, easy deployment and closing. Price is lower than the top of your budget
 
Thank you all for your posts. I've read them all and it's helped me better understand what it is I need/want. There is no reason I couldn't carry a fixed blade, I am leaning towards that now. I loved my griptillian but it was the first decent steel I've had s30v and the scales felt a little blah to me. Kind of plasticky almost like a gas station knife, but with the smoothest action and best blade I've owned. Just want something that checks all 3 boxes. One handed opening is a must if I go with a pocket knife, with a fixed blade one handed draw? is a must. I don't know much about fixed blade sheath but my pistol is one hand draw so I'm sure they have them.
 
JoshFromOk said:
Thank you all for your posts. I've read them all and it's helped me better understand what it is I need/want. There is no reason I couldn't carry a fixed blade, I am leaning towards that now. I loved my griptillian but it was the first decent steel I've had s30v and the scales felt a little blah to me. Kind of plasticky almost like a gas station knife, but with the smoothest action and best blade I've owned. Just want something that checks all 3 boxes. One handed opening is a must if I go with a pocket knife, with a fixed blade one handed draw? is a must. I don't know much about fixed blade sheath but my pistol is one hand draw so I'm sure they have them.
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A small fixed blade with good kydex (or similar) sheath will allow great retention and easy one handed draw. There are some great smaller fixed blades available from great makers, with varieties of steels. I prefer to carry smaller fixed blades horizontally at 10-11 o’clock position, but also have some I wear in a pocket with either an ulti clip or Mummert clip.
 
I run my David Mary riverhawk horizontal at 11:30 left hand draw. (Easily reversed for Right handers) it has a kydex sheath that has great retention. as a mechanic it has never been in the way and I have given it every chance to do so. I was a thick 4" knife guy for a long time but a thinner 3" slight hawkbill has been great for work (I have abused the snot out of it) and I can still carry a folder aswell with no pocket realestate lost. Aside from the turret I also have a griptillian in M4 with G10 scales (I have about 18 in my rotation drawer but those are my current favorites). Either pair excellent with it (often both because I can).
 
Buy one of those dessert warrior knives?

If you didn't know you would think it was a cheapie

There are quite a few reputable companies that do this.

 
I would second what Blues Blues said. Cruwear is a great steel and the Gayle Bradley is a really good knife design. Plus, you can dye the jade colored g10 almost any color you like.
 
I went with a custom crooked river. I can't overstate how much buyers remorse and underwhelmed I was with the purchase. Then I purchased a manix2 and esee 4 for less then I paid for the other knife and am completely disgusted with myself for not listening to you guys before. Not sure if esee was recommended but fixed blade definitely was and the manix 2 is outstanding.
 
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