Need New (budget) EDC

Which knife? Kizer Dukes, Kizer Begleiter, CRKT Maven

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CMcM

Joined
Apr 27, 2018
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I have come here for a bit of help on deciding what my new edc will be. I currently own a Kershaw Leek and really enjoy it, but I am wanting a bit of a thicker/bigger knife that could handle bigger jobs. I have narrowed down a few options that I really enjoy: Kizer Begleiter - Kizer Dukes - CRKT Maven. With the Kizer Dukes I already own a 3" flipper so I feel like I would own 2 of the same knives. The CRKT Maven is a good size, but the steel is a little cheaper. The Kizer Begleiter is a great looking and good size, but it's a little thin. I really enjoy flippers and would really like another unassisted one, but don't know where to go. My budget is around $75. Any suggestions on these three or other knives that fall into the category of a 3.5", hefty flipper, with good steel. Appreciate any feedback.
***UPDATE***
Recommendations for best budget (Sub $100) ball bearing flippers
 
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CMcM said:
I have come here for a bit of help on deciding what my new edc will be. I currently own a Kershaw Leek and really enjoy it, but I am wanting a bit of a thicker/bigger knife that could handle bigger jobs. I have narrowed down a few options that I really enjoy: Kizer Begleiter - Kizer Dukes - CRKT Maven. With the Kizer Dukes I already own a 3" flipper so I feel like I would own 2 of the same knives. The CRKT Maven is a good size, but the steel is a little cheaper. The Kizer Begleiter is a great looking and good size, but it's a little thin. I really enjoy flippers and would really like another unassisted one, but don't know where to go. My budget is around $75. Any suggestions on these three or other knives that fall into the category of a 3.5", hefty flipper, with good steel. Appreciate any feedback.
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Ok first of all cross the Maven off the list because Kizer’s quality is lightyears ahead of CRkTs.

I would recommend the Dukes only because I have heard of someone who had some issues with their Begleiter.

Lastly I want to recommend you save another $25 so you can get a $100 knife. If you want a 4 inch blade check out the Katsu titanium framelocks which are incredible flawless knives for the $100 price. Just search Katsu titanium framelock in google. They are front flippers with great ball bearing actions.

Katsu ti framelocks
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If you can’t save up $100 I highly recommend you also check out Real Steel and Ruike brand knives. They have some great stuff for around $75.

Like this Real Steel Sea Eagle for just under $60
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I really like the Maven, and CRKT knives, in general.

But their heat-treat is not as consistent as other mfg'rs in their price range. In my experience, about 1 out of every 17 CRKT knives just will not get sharp.

If you're willing to take that chance, then the Maven has that same clean, minimalist style as Philippe de Coene's work, or Ray Laconico, who you may be more familiar with.

I have an irrational dislike of blades that run the bevel up to the spine, so the Begleiter is something I wouldn't recommend (yes, I own a Gemini: I'm a Laconico fanboy, too).

I like Lapedog's alternative suggestion of the Sea Eagle: give Real Steel three years, and they will be right there with Kershaw, and CRKT will get eclipsed by (another) company.....
 
Kizer & Real Steel have some nice offerings within your needs. You should also look at Steel Will. They do a couple that might fit what you need.
 
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If you can overcome your dislike of assisted openers I would suggest the Kershaw Link in M390, as it's one of the best values out there. Otherwise, the Steel Will Cutjack is an option as well as the Ruike P801 and Bestech Lion.
 
Another nod to the Ruike P801. I wasn’t expecting much from it, but something about the clean design prodded me into ordering one, thinking if nothing else, I’d use it as a garage beater knife. As it turns out, at less than $30 it’s the most surprisingly good quality budget range knife I personally have had my hands on.
 
While I'm a fan of the belgeiter, I'm not sure it's a "hard use" EDC. I consider it the poor-man's BM 943. It's an amazing EDC knife but I'm hesistant to recommend based on uncertainty over "bigger jobs". In that price range and for that task I do like some of coldsteel's offerings but they aren't fun to play with. They're almost and anti-flipper with the stiffness of the tri-ad lock.

I like the other recommendations.

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Given what you describe, the Kizer Gemini or Intrepid in G10 would be my pick.

However, if you don't mind assisted the Kershaw link in M390 is an unbeatable value.

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Have you looked at the Steel Will Modus? Available in M390 and should be close to your price range.
 
Lurk the Exchange for an Ontario Carter Prime.

Beefy 3.4" D2 blade with a titanium frame lock and fabulous action.
 
Astronaut FX said:
Another nod to the Ruike P801. I wasn’t expecting much from it, but something about the clean design prodded me into ordering one, thinking if nothing else, I’d use it as a garage beater knife. As it turns out, at less than $30 it’s the most surprisingly good quality budget range knife I personally have had my hands on.
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I picked up a p121 and I was really impressed with the fit and finish for the price. I think I might pick up a p801 at some point. The blade shape and design seems much more EDC friendly than the p121 for my daily tasks.
 
take a look at the Kizer Vanguard Velox 2
I've been carrying one since December and am starting to like it a lot

I also agree that the CRKT is not in the same league as the Kizers
 
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