Need some help picking a EDC, Sub $500

A

Azrukal

Joined
Jul 1, 2014
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So im looking for some other opinions on picking a new EDC knife (zip ties, cardboard etc), ive been using a Tenacious for the better part of a year now. Use to have a para2 but sold it to get some needed cash. Ive mostly worked it down to the Yojimbo 2, another Para2, Small Sebenza 21, Katana. I live in michigan and i keep hearing i cant carry anything above 3 inches, but then the knife laws dont say anything about blade length. I know Knife Laws forum would be a better area to clear that up. Just mostly looking for other opinions on a solid, nice, edc. I like nice things :D
 
Not sure how hard you'll be working it, but I've fallen in love with my Hogue EX-04 wharncliffe.
I do HVAC work and depend on it every day. That thing will flat out CUT and is built like a sexy tank!
I have a couple Para 2s, couple Enduras, Manix 2, Military and some Benchmades.......I find the Hogue in my pocket the most.
I DO love my large Barrage, 581, 940, 943, large Emissary, 477-1........I just gave myself a dam headache......what was the question??
 
If you liked the Para2, there's a s110v with dark blue G-10 coming soon.

If you like "nice things" you'd probably love the Sebenza, however the large would be much more similar in size to the para2. If you go small, consider micarta inlays. While Spyderco makes excellent knives, they are not on the same level as CRK in terms of being "nice things", if you don't believe me just ask Sal Glesser.

The $500 range is a bit of an odd one as it puts you just under custom territory but well out of production. LionSteel makes some nice knives in that range and I've heard good things about the Southard Avo. Of course Strider and Hinderer should be mentioned as well. I always like to point out to newbies that Hinderer knives were insanely popular in the aftermarket for a few years demanding as much as $800 for a 3.5" XM-18, but can now be found anywhere for <$500.

That being said, I would always take a CRK over any of the knives mentioned above for a multitude of reasons. Whatever anyone says about CRK, there's no disputing their excellent value retention and frequent availability on the exchange here so it's very safe to try one out.

IMO, the best way to spend $500 on a pocket knife is either a Sebenza 21 or a handmade traditional-style knife. Hiroaki Ohta, Rick Menefee and Todd Davison are just a few example of makers who offer superb, unique pieces within your price range. If you like stag you especially need to check out Ohta; I've seen many knifes twice the price and half the quality of an Ohta and he provides excellent service and communication.

I'm pretty sure Michigan's knife law is one of those, "intent to harm" laws where pretty much anything is illegal if you have intent to use it to cause harm but if you don't have that intent then there are no length restrictions. So if you're not already committing or attempting to commit a crime then you won't get in trouble for your knife. As a former Wisconsinite, I have trouble imagining a situation where you'd get in trouble for the length of your knife in Michigan unless you are in Detroit and fit a certain profile...
 
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I would go right to the small sebenza. I jumped right from 80-100 dollar knives to 400 dollar customs and haven't regretted it.
 
PM2 in S110V and M4 coming soon as is Delica in HAP40.

If you're really wanting something closer to $500 then a CRK or Hinderer Flashpoint.
 
For that budget my top 2 would probably be a Sebenza or one of the Grayman folders. I think the're the best in that $$ range.
 
The reason I sold my Para and my Para 2 was because when I looked at my rotation and picked a knife I really wanted to carry it was not one of them. It was a Sebenza or an SnG. Then I bought a couple XM-18s. Now the knife I want to carry is an XM-18. Haha. Still though... I would say that a Sebenza really is the overall best knife out there. XMs just speak to me for some reason.
 
Azrukal said:
So im looking for some other opinions on picking a new EDC knife (zip ties, cardboard etc), ive been using a Tenacious for the better part of a year now. Use to have a para2 but sold it to get some needed cash. Ive mostly worked it down to the Yojimbo 2, another Para2, Small Sebenza 21, Katana. I live in michigan and i keep hearing i cant carry anything above 3 inches, but then the knife laws dont say anything about blade length. I know Knife Laws forum would be a better area to clear that up. Just mostly looking for other opinions on a solid, nice, edc. I like nice things :D
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The Tenacious is a great knife, all the knives you mention are also very fine knives.

Have you ever used a Gayle Bradley? It is my EDC and I use it for all kinds of chores around my yard and shop. It might be a little big/heavy compared to the Tenacious but it is a great knife for just over $100. I'm sure it would be acceptable in MI.

Here is a good video from the designer, Mr. Gayle Bradley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk0IxU-fuW4
 
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justsomedude said:
If you liked the Para2, there's a s110v with dark blue G-10 coming soon.

If you like "nice things" you'd probably love the Sebenza, however the large would be much more similar in size to the para2. If you go small, consider micarta inlays. While Spyderco makes excellent knives, they are not on the same level as CRK in terms of being "nice things", if you don't believe me just ask Sal Glesser.

The $500 range is a bit of an odd one as it puts you just under custom territory but well out of production. LionSteel makes some nice knives in that range and I've heard good things about the Southard Avo. Of course Strider and Hinderer should be mentioned as well. I always like to point out to newbies that Hinderer knives were insanely popular in the aftermarket for a few years demanding as much as $800 for a 3.5" XM-18, but can now be found anywhere for <$500.

That being said, I would always take a CRK over any of the knives mentioned above for a multitude of reasons. Whatever anyone says about CRK, there's no disputing their excellent value retention and frequent availability on the exchange here so it's very safe to try one out.

IMO, the best way to spend $500 on a pocket knife is either a Sebenza 21 or a handmade traditional-style knife. Hiroaki Ohta, Rick Menefee and Todd Davison are just a few example of makers who offer superb, unique pieces within your price range. If you like stag you especially need to check out Ohta; I've seen many knifes twice the price and half the quality of an Ohta and he provides excellent service and communication.

I'm pretty sure Michigan's knife law is one of those, "intent to harm" laws where pretty much anything is illegal if you have intent to use it to cause harm but if you don't have that intent then there are no length restrictions. So if you're not already committing or attempting to commit a crime then you won't get in trouble for your knife. As a former Wisconsinite, I have trouble imagining a situation where you'd get in trouble for the length of your knife in Michigan unless you are in Detroit and fit a certain profile...
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Ive considered a custom, but then it would be too nice for me to take to work haha. Really looking for a knife that i can break out in any situation, not worry about it failing on me, have some others be a little envious(show off lmao), carry with me wherever i need to go. $500 is just the amount of money im allowing myself to spend on one or multiple knives.
 
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The only real answer to your question is a small micarta sebenza. Unless you need a flipper then it's the liong mah warrior one. You're welcome, now you don't have to keep looking.. ;)
 
Stretch a little bit and pick up a Lancer2 by LV Knives.

Ray Laconico and Michael Vagnino are two of the best knife makers in the game and collaborated together on the knife. I picked mine up at Blade and I kid you not it has left my pocket maybe for 10 days. I barely carry other knives.

It's just perfect.
 
Just mostly looking for other opinions on a solid, nice, edc. I like nice things
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I would go one of two routes:

1. Spyderco Southard and Emerson Patriot/ or Sheepdog (you have a nice "gentleman's" folder, and a tank. Edc pretty much covered.
2. Full 500 dollars on one knife: Strider SNG or SMF
 
If you have the Sebenza bug go small Sebenza or wait another month for the Inkosi to hit the streets!
 
whitty said:
If you have the Sebenza bug go small Sebenza or wait another month for the Inkosi to hit the streets!
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just looked at the inkosi. if i were planning on getting a small sebby it would be best to hold off for an inkosi huh :p
 
Yo Mama said:
I would go one of two routes:

1. Spyderco Southard and Emerson Patriot/ or Sheepdog (you have a nice "gentleman's" folder, and a tank. Edc pretty much covered.
2. Full 500 dollars on one knife: Strider SNG or SMF
Click to expand...

After selling my sebenza because I wanted something more "over-built". Got an SMF and never regretted it for even a second. Just when I get tired of carrying a big brick-like knife and start to carry emerson almost exclusively the SMF somehow romances it's way back into my pocket lol :D

The Inkosi and 25 look like something I may look into though in the next year or two when I go for another $400-$500 blade
 
Yes, try the SMF. It is hands down my favorite for EDC. Beat out my beloved medfords that were far more expensive plus you can get a nice SMF on here for 400 easy. Most of the "used" ones I bought from the great members here have been brand new in my opinion plus if you don't like it, it will sell fast. I suggest a stone washed one if you go that route and of course CRKs are always a fine choice. Just depends on your likes. Good luck.
 
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