Need help finding a new EDC - No rough surfaces!

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drjones

Joined
Sep 6, 2000
Messages
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Looking for a new EDC knife (I know this is the first post of its kind! ;) ).

I’d like to keep it as inexpensive as possible – well under $100, but if you recommend something super-awesome-amazing that I just can’t live without, I maybe could find a way to afford it. ;)

I’d like something rather slim, sleek & compact that I can carry in nice clothes (suits are rare for me anymore, so “nice” for me is nice jeans or khakis), and most importantly; no super-rough surfaces. I’m a huge fan of 20LPI checkering on guns and aggressively textured G10 grips on knives & guns, but I’ve learned the hard way that it really does chew the CRAP out of clothes in a big hurry, especially nice suits & pants with thin fabrics. :rolleyes:

I’d like the blade to be right around 3” or so.

Something like the Kershaw Skyline has really caught my attention: http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Skyli...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1265572579&sr=8-1

But how aggressive is the G10 on it? Too rough for what I'd like?

I really took a long, hard look at the Strider PT-CC, but the lack of a pocket clip is a total deal-breaker, as I need to be able to clip it to a pocket, IWB, something. The price is also a little steep.

Suggestions??

Thanks guys!!!
 
Nah the G-10 on the Skyline is pretty smooth. I was just about to post "KERSHAW SKYLINE!", but then I saw you looked at that yourself.

If you like the looks, the Skyline won't disappoint. Especially at the pricepoint. It's compact, but still a real knife, very slim in your pocket, and has a nice flipper.
 
I'd say the Kershaw Leek fits absolutely all of your requirements. 3" blade, pocket clip, extremely slim and compact, your choice of smooth aluminum or steel handles, and it's one of the sleekest looking blades out there to boot :D. It would definitely not be out of place in a pair of suit pants. Price is well under 100$, I got mine for under $50 CAD with shipping and taxes.

You might also look into the other members of the 'Onion' family from Kershaw - the Shallot, Chive, and Scallion all seem to be very slim and smooth designs as well. The OD1 would also be pretty easy on your pockets, since the clip side of the knife is all stainless steel.

The Spyderco Dragonfly stainless might also be up your alley - it's one nice looking blade! Not as sleek or thin as the Kershaw, but I've heard good things about it.

Hope that helps!
 
You might check out the Spyderco Sage I. It's what I have been carrying as a dress-casual knife.

Scales are peel-ply carbon fiber - they have some tactile grip to them but are not rough.

Blade is under 3 inches, I believe.

They can be had for about $70 to $80 via several e-tailers or here and there on e-bay. I'm not sure what your pain threshold is when you say "well under" $100.

The knife looks great and functions just as well.
 
My favorite EDCs these days are Spydercos. Some of these are not less the $100, but some are less. The carbon fiber Native and Caly 3 are my top two choices. The carbon fiber on both of these is strong, but smoothed and polished. There is not a rough surface on either of these. No chance of chewing the clothes. I think the CF Native is under $100 online. A close second would be either the Sage I or Sage II. The Sage I is under $100, with twill CF scales, some texture, but not nearly enough to be rough on clothes. Third choice would be the Benchmade Mini Dejavoo, having smooth G-10 scales. I got mine for $88 online. Although, the Dejavoo definitely needs the BLUNTRUTH4U mod / fix for the liner lock.
 
If you're looking at the Skyline, I'd like to recommend the OD-1. It's my knife of choice for the type of carry you're talking about. The G10 isn't too aggressive, but I replaced it with polished ironwood burl on my knife. It really adds a "classy" look and feel.
 
How about a kershaw leek, you can find some with aluminum handles and that would alleviate your worries about rough handle materials.
 
Cento4.jpg


These were just discontinued for '10, and can be found for VERY reasonable prices, you can also get the Centofante 3, which has a more traditional blade shape. But the Wharnie blade is amazing. And it's a perfectly THIN blade, too many chunky bladed folders out nowadays. 3" exactly too.

There are a couple things which I count as minor design flaws, but don't bother me. Both of these are only problems if you carry it tip down. The thumb ramp above the spydie hole is quite sharp, if you carry it tip down in your front pocket, it will scratch your hand reaching for your keys/wallet. Also, a lot of them have extra resistance if you have the clip set up for tip down carry, switch to tip up carry and it opens smooth as butter....
 
I just purchased a Skyline :cool: and love it. It is my EDC now,,,,,sharp as a scalpel out of the box, lightweight, flipper design, simple and sleek. I have had no problem with the G-10 scales, love the good grip. The ONLY issue, is the clip. The dang thing is so strong and and I mean extremely tight,,,,it would had torn a nice pair of chinos. I barely could get it removed for deployment after clipping it to my jeans. So out came the torx driver and I removed the clip and just pocket-carry it. From most of the reviews I have read about the Skyline, others have experienced the strong clip design,,,,some remove it and do a little bend-job on it and replace it,,,,,but for now it just rides deep it my pocket. Slim design and light, so no problem there. The flipper works smooth as butter after a couple days of flipping it (break-in) period. Did not have to monkey with the pivot.

Think you would like it,,,just be wary of the clip. I have heard Wally-World may sell them,,,,that might be an avenue to test-drive one before you buy.
 
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If you find a knife you like with agressive G10 just take some 600 grit sandpaper to it. I did that to one and it leaves it with kind of a carbon fibery looking finish.
 
+1 on Leek or Shallot.

I sometimes edc in khakis my ZDP189 composite blade shallot - it is super thin and easy on a pocket.
 
AG Russell Folding Spearpoint, smooth titanium scales with grooves to provide grip without catching clothing, frame lock, 3 inch blade, under 100 bucks, pocket clip.

agrspear1.jpg
 
Thanks for all the replies so far!

Spyderco's have never really "done it" for me, so those are out.

The AG Russell Spear Point looks pretty cool, as does CRKT's knock-off of it (fixed blade though).

I never really cared much for the Leek, but will check out some of Kershaw's other offerings for sure!
 
ETA:
Here's Phillip Dobson's OD-1

3953645326_4ec1e5bb52_o.jpg


Zing:
Kershaw-Zing-Orange-1735OR-600x526.jpg


Shallot:
(ZDP189 composite blade)
1840cbzdp.jpg


Skyline:
(this one is damascus.)
KS1760DAM[large].jpg
 
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