Need assistance selecting small, durable EDC folder

M

Mr. Hands

Joined
Feb 20, 2009
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78
I'm in need of a good EDC folding knife that's small and durable and won't break the bank. I don't want anything with a blade any bigger than 3 inches and it needs to have a pocket clip, tip-up, and be made of good steel.

My budget is around $125 max. I also admit I'm a bit sucker for "tacticool" stuff so whatever I get I'd like it to have a touch of "mall ninjery" but no tanto blades or "fighting" knives I won't get any use out of.

I've basically narrowed my search down to three knives-

Extrema Ratio BF1 clip point: I really love the look of this knife. Something about the design really speaks to me and the price is right. Right now this is at the top of my list.

Emerson Knives, possibly a plain edge Mini-Commander or something simliar: I like these knives because they're 154CM, are priced right, have G10 scales and are pretty no-nonsense. Also unlike the BF1 I can get one with a silver, uncoated blade which is my preference because its just going to get beat to hell anyways. Not 100% sure on the model yet tho.

Benchmade Mini-Griptilian plain edge, clip point: I've owned a Benchmade Axis knife before and love the way they lock and work. This is also the least expensive knife on the list but its the most "plain vanilla" to me and doesn't quite hold the appeal of the other knives.

If anyone has owned any of these knives and wishes to chime in with an opinion that would be most helpful. Also some alternative suggestions would be good too (such as a Spyderco, which I've never owned before).
Basically just looking for a small knife I can beat up and not feel too bad about, go camping and with and use for EDC as well.
Thanks
 
Check out the spyderco sage 1, it is a steal right now and it is a superb knife. I have the sage 2 which is a little out of your price range but is pretty much the same knife. The ergonomics are the best of any knife I have ever owned, the s30v blade is just udner 3 inches and is full flat ground and razor sharp. I hear the carbon fiber on the sage 1 is about as grippy as g-10 while quite a bit lighter.
 
how about a benchmade mini ritter griptillian? high flat grind in s30v. a little under $120
 
I don't know much about the Extrema, but I would go with the Emerson over the Griptilian for beating the hell out of.
 
The Spyderco Manix 2 and the Kershaw Tyrade spring to mind in the $80-$90 range. A Zero Tolerance 0200 is a little beefier for around $120. Also maybe the Benchmade 710.

Good luck.
 
You might like the BM 707 sequel if you are considering a mini-grip.. very similar with a nicer aluminum/G10 handle. Or a spydie Caly3..possibly the finest 3" knife in existence.
 
Mini Grip. I have one in D2, and it's great. I don't carry it, since I'm carrying more elegant stuff these days. But I'd seriously suggest the Grip. Plus you would have $60 left over for beer.
 
KnifeTurtle said:
Check out the spyderco sage 1, it is a steal right now and it is a superb knife. I have the sage 2 which is a little out of your price range but is pretty much the same knife. The ergonomics are the best of any knife I have ever owned, the s30v blade is just udner 3 inches and is full flat ground and razor sharp. I hear the carbon fiber on the sage 1 is about as grippy as g-10 while quite a bit lighter.
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jesseaction said:
You might like the BM 707 sequel if you are considering a mini-grip.. very similar with a nicer aluminum/G10 handle. Or a spydie Caly3..possibly the finest 3" knife in existence.
Click to expand...

Both of these Spydercos look very nice. I like the S30V steel. I've been wanting to own a blade in that steel for awhile now. The clip on the Caly3 looks really cool too!
I've also been looking at the Para-Military's but those seem a little big. Also is there an updated version coming out soon too?
 
There are a ton of excellent Kershaws in that price/size range , backed up by one of the best warranties in the business !


Tostig
 
Mr. Hands said:
Both of these Spydercos look very nice. I like the S30V steel. I've been wanting to own a blade in that steel for awhile now. The clip on the Caly3 looks really cool too!
I've also been looking at the Para-Military's but those seem a little big. Also is there an updated version coming out soon too?
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ParaMilitary II will come out sometime this year and will have some "upgrades" like 4-way clip and other things. Not too much info has been released on it, and the release date is still unknown.

Canis
 
The Kershaw RAM is pretty darn cool. The cutting edge shows 2 7/8" on my ruler. It has a neat lock that keeps your fingers out of the blade path. The flipper shoots the blade open with no wrist movement like most flippers. You can get it in all black for the mall ninja in you, although I don't like blade coatings.

The steel is pretty decent. Probably about like VG10 from my experience and will get super sharp pretty easy. I had it splitting hairs without too much work.
 
How about a Stretch C/F w/ZDP-189? Excellent EDC's but for a few dollars more.
 
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I have the Mini-Grip, been carrying it every day for almost a month now. Solid as a rock, dependable and discreet, something I value in an EDC equipment. It may look plain, but that's a plus. For me at least tacticool looks is a hinderance.
 
There's alot of knives that fit your description, and many of them are excellent ones too.

I recommend the Spyderco Delica with ZDP-189 bladesteel. Its ergonomic, slim, well-built and thousands of owners will vouch for how well-designed it is.
The ZDP blade steel cuts like nothing youve seen before, and holds an edge forever BUT is a real pain to sharpen. Unless proficient in sharpening and with a set of diamond stones id get the regular VG10 which is also excellent.
 
I'll second the Delica, but wait for the FFG FRN ones. If you can't wait then get your hands on a Poliwog...it's tough as nails and fits (my) hand very, very well. It just feels built to cut IMO.
 
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