Need advice on a knife purchase

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AndrewtheHoosier

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Aug 25, 2016
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I'm relatively new to the knife community and am looking for some advice on a knife purchase. I've been looking around for a knife to carry in my edc as a utility blade (to be paired with my tactical blade, which is currently a cold steel broken skull) that is light, has a better steel than 8cr (I'm ok with high quality 8cr with a good blade coating), is sharpenable with a bench stone, adequate handle, simple blade shape, and fully disassemblable. I'd prefer a knife with a blade length between 3 and 2 inches and the ability to wave mod said knife, both of which are flexible. I've found 5 knives that fit within my constraints and I have found all of them for $56 or less, but my price range can flex. I listed each with some pros and cons that I've seen so far.

The knives are:

1.) SOG Flash 1
Pros:
lightweight
Small
Cheap
Good track record (in basic edc role)

Cons:
low quality
Lacking durability
8cr13mov (coated so it's not a huge problem)

2.) Spyderco ladybug 3 lightweight in ZDP-189
Pros:
ZDP-189 (enough said)
Lightweight
Spyderco quality (enough said)
Good size

Cons:
NO POCKET CLIP (huge problem)
No pocket clip = non waveable

*note* I'm considering the ladybug pretty much just off of the blade steal, which I've heard is not super corrosive resistant, and I'd prefer a blade that can handle water so any input on the steel is appreciated.

3.) Kershaw leek in Sandvik 14c28n
Pros:
Lightweight
Sandvik 14c28n steel
Good size
Dependable quality
Good track record
Easy to sharpen blade shape
Plenty-o-colors
Assisted opening
Fully disassemblable

Cons:
Mediocre clip
Low-traction handle material

4.) byrd crow 2
Pros:
Lightweight
Cts-bd1 steel
Good size
Ffg blade with good geometry
Good quality
Easy to sharpen
Waveable (w/ zip tie)
Fully disassemblable

Cons:
Soft steel
Not that great of a clip

5.) Buck vantage pro small in S30v
Pros:
S30v (enough said)
Good size
High hollow grind
Great materials
Easy to sharpen blade shape
Waveable (w/ zip tie)
Fully disassemblable
Deep carry clip

Cons:
Weighty
Highest priced among shown ($55.95)

I also came across the spyderco delica, but I can get the byrd knife for almost $30 less and the buck vantage has a better steel for almost $15 dollars less. I'd still be willing to look into the delica though.

Any input on which would be a better purchase for any range of uses is GLADLY appreciated.
 
Maybe if you could explain to us:

1) What is the difference between a "utility" and a "tactical" blade....what does each one do?; and/or
2) What makes that Cold Steel Broken Skull a "tactical" blade to you?

we could help you better.

That Broken Skull sounds like a utility blade to me. Maybe I'm missing something.
 
Get at kershaw CDC-5k . It has the wave already and is found for about 30 bucks all over the interweb.

Rat 2 ---- I do not think it is waveable, but probably one of the best deals out there. Good quality stuff.
 
A tactical blade in my case is a large blade to be primarily used for emergency self defense. My broken skull is not an optimal utility blade because I cannot choke up on the blade and control the tip of the blade well. I want a utility blade that is smaller for finer utility tasks that require a higher movement precision.
 
The Flash 1 is AUS-8 not 8cr13mov. I wouldn't really call it any better though as far as steel goes. I have one and quite like it.

The Ladybug can be carried on one of these:

tec-accessories-p-7-c-large.jpg


Suspension clips can be had pretty cheap on the Bay as well. You may also want to consider a Dragonfly.

The Leek is one of the best "edc" knives ever made. You don't need high traction in a "utility" knife.

The Byrd Crow is great and BD1 is still a step up from 8cr.

I don't like the Vantage. Never could put my finger on why. Just never found its way into my pocket.

Of the ones you listed, I'd go with the Leek. Love them. If you're willing to search and spend a little more you can find a limited edition in Elmax steel that's a HUGE upgrade from the already great Sandvik steel.

If you want to test drive a SOG Flash 1 I have one that's not seeing much use. I'm happy to lend it to you.
 
SOG Flash 1 = I'm not a fan. I have one I never carry. I don't care for assisted open knives, particularly for EDC tasks. Fit and finish on the SOG can be variable, and SOG AUS8 isn't the best steel.

Spyderco Ladybug = It works for some but not for me; I need a clip. Check out the Dragonfly. In my opinion one of the best small, EDC blades made.

Kershaw Leek = A great utility blade good for all types of purposes. I wish they still had a G10 version, not a fan of steel scaled knives...and...again, assisted.

Byrd Crow = The Crow makes a great EDC knife, but if you're up to $56 USD, you're just a few $ away from the Spyderco Delica.

Buck Vantage = I know this knife has a strong fan club, and on paper it seems to check a lot of boxes, but I've been through a lot of Vantage knives and have struggled to find one with acceptable fit and finish. If you can hand pick one, this could be a winner.

All in all, with your budget, I'd go with something OTHER than the 5 knives in consideration.
1. Kershaw Skyline
2. Spyderco Delica
3. Spyderco Dragonfly
4. RealSteel H6-S1
5. Ontario RAT Model 2 (the Model 1 is probably too big for your purposes)
 
AndrewtheHoosier said:
A tactical blade in my case is a large blade to be primarily used for emergency self defense. My broken skull is not an optimal utility blade because I cannot choke up on the blade and control the tip of the blade well. I want a utility blade that is smaller for finer utility tasks that require a higher movement precision.
Click to expand...

OK...and why can you not cut somebody with any of the knives on your list? :confused: I'm just trying to get a grip on why you would carry a pretty "EDC looking" folder like the Broken Skull (I mean its not a karambit or p'kal knife), only to use it in the incredibly small likelihood that you need it in a SD scenario.
 
I don't think it really matters if you have a grip on the OP's question... or does it?
 
Knifeworks has the ESEE Avispa with a D2 blade in stock right now. If you're on a budget it seems like a fantastic option with good steel, a versatile blade shape and a pretty damn solid track record.
 
I'd like some traction on the handle to reduce the chance of the knife from slipping out of my hands, especially in wet and cold conditions. Although, since I'm looking for a fairly light duty small knife, traction is not a make-or-break.
 
Spyderco Delica4 FFG or Dragonfly2 in FRN handles, VG-10 steel. I find the FRN scales to provide a good gripping surface with traction in all directions.
 
Out of the knives listed, I'd say go with the Byrd Crow, and if you're willing to up your budget a bit, a Delica for sure. Just my opinion though
 
kniferbro said:
I don't think it really matters if you have a grip on the OP's question... or does it?
Click to expand...

It does if I want to provide a helpful answer to his specific question instead of just blurting out some knife because I like it.

I mean I could just ignore what he wants entirely and say something, but that isn't helping.
 
marcinek said:
It does if I want to provide a helpful answer to his specific question instead of just blurting out some knife because I like it.

I mean I could just ignore what he wants entirely and say something, but that isn't helping.
Click to expand...

So you think you're helping?
 
marcinek said:
OK...and why can you not cut somebody with any of the knives on your list? :confused: I'm just trying to get a grip on why you would carry a pretty "EDC looking" folder like the Broken Skull (I mean its not a karambit or p'kal knife), only to use it in the incredibly small likelihood that you need it in a SD scenario.
Click to expand...

I got the tactical+edc carry idea from Nutnfancy initially and he makes the case that a large knife has more reach, cutting edge, and "intimidation effect" in a fight than a smaller edc blade. I don't doubt that any of the above knives can deal a lethal amount of damage to A person, but they would not be a practical choice to play the role, so should it arise. And I know that the chance of me needing to use a knife for that purpose is low, but the broken skull is so light and thin and I have the pocket space, that I'd be mislead to not carry it; just because something isn't likely, doesn't mean that it won't happen and that I shouldn't be prepared for it.
 
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AndrewtheHoosier said:
I got the tactical+edc carry idea from Nutnfancy initially and he makes the case that a large knife has more reach, cutting edge, and "intimidation effect" in a fight than a smaller edc blade. I don't doubt that any of the above knives can deal a lethal amount of damage to A person, but they would not be a practical choice to play the role, so should it arise. And I know that the chance of me needing to use a knife for that purpose is low, but the broken skull is so light and thin and I have the pocket space, that I'd be mislead to not carry it; just because something isn't likely, doesn't mean that it won't happen and that I shouldn't be prepared for it.
Click to expand...

Then why not something more "damaging" as the SD knife? I could see getting any one of your choices as the "EDC" and something nastier and SD-dedicated as the other knife...like a CS Counter Point or Tiger Claw, all the Broken Skull may have is size, and, really, I wouldn't trust Nutnfancy's "intimidation effect" theory.
 
You can buy a factory waved Delica. Just save up a few extra dollars. $72.
 
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