New EDC Knife suggestions?

T

Tyrant Realm

Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Messages
6
Hello all,

I've been checking reviews on different knives regarding everything from steel/handle materials/locking mechanisms/etc. for quite some time looking for a new knife to replace/upgrade my Tenacious.

My Spiderco Tenacious has been my favorite knife I have ever owned in every aspect but 1, blade steel. It is the lowly 8cr13mov, which is acceptable but I find myself re-sharpening it after every task. Which is why I'm looking for an upgrade.

Some of the best knives I've come across are things like the: Spiderco Paramilitary2, SOG Vulcan, Spiderco Stretch 2, and Benchmade Griptilian. They are all lacking in 1 or more regards to "my ideal knife," which should again be noted would be a Tenacious made from VG10+. An example would be the Para's shorter cutting surface of 3 5/64 compared to the Tenacious's 3.38, the FRN handles of the Stretch 2 & Griptilian compared to G10, and the SOG Vulcan seems comparatively expensive at $100 for VG10 and a 5oz weight.

I'm asking; of the above listed which would your prefer, or recommend (not on list)? I know I could look around at all of the knife brands and reviews and make no headway, so I thought I would ask the experts with hands on experience. I don't have anywhere to look at knives in person with no other place than a walmart & a sporting good store to look at.

Some of my preferences are:
Most importantly, its for just EDC, some woods clearing brush, and general things around the house.

`The blade has to be 3.5" or less (legal requirements or else I'd get the regular Military). But I would consider anything less then 3.38 a downgrade. And a fairly large cutting edge, it feels like a waste to have a 3.5" blade with a 3" cutting surface.
`I really dislike FRN (at least the kind on the Stretch/Endura/Delica) compared to G10, I'm sure there grippy, but they look terrible IMO.
`VG10 or similar steel, the highest sharpness ability, with good razor retention (shaving sharp for along time, and decently easy to sharpen).
`A somewhat beefy handle, I have a Kershaw Scamp which is similar in size to a Skyline, and it feels tiny to me.

And probably the most important part; I would like to be able to open and close with 1-hand easily, no need for a wrist flick or anything like that, and no need for anything assisted. I've become accustomed to just using a simple flick of the thumb for a 100% open, no wrist action or anything else involved. The Spidy hole seems to be perfect for that, which is my main attraction to Spiderco's. But, I am open to all brand suggestions.

`I have actually found my "ideal knife," but it won't be out for 6-months or so, and its going to be really pricy which I'll wait for the price to drop. I need something sooner though, to fill the waiting period. Here it is if anyone's curious: (Spiderco Brad Southhard Folder) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71DBFEnuhSw&feature=player_embedded

Thanks for all tips/suggestions,
Jason
 
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Tyrant Realm said:
Does anyone have advice/suggestions?
Click to expand...

That Brad Southard you linked looks pretty nice.

If you want something sooner, maybe give the Spyderco Gayle Bradley a look. I don't own one, but there are many fans of that knife out there. The CPM-M4 will have all the edge retention you desire although it isn't stainless. The blade is also just a hair under 3.5 inches and no choil so a very large cutting surface.
 
I would look at a Manix in 154cm for around 80$ which is the best deal on a knife out there, or the sprint run version with tan g10 and CPM-M4 steel at bentoboxshop.

Also check out the Caly 3.5.
 
Also, broaden your horizons a little bit.
Take a look at knives other than the ones in your specs.
A knife below 3.38" isn't going to be a down grade.
I used to detest small knives, now I love them and they are just as if not more capable than a large knife.
FRN may not look super great online but once in hand, it's pretty great.
Choils are an awesome thing. I love the choils on my knives.

Check out the Spyderco Sage series, I'm sure you'd like them, they're great knives.
The Spyderco Native is great - check out the Native 5.
If you MUST have a large EDC, I say check out the Manix 2 or Para 2.

Another EXCELLENT EDC is the Spyderco Chokwe - one of my personal favorites.

But for something a little more beefy even if they are a little shorter, the Sage 2 or 3, or the Native would be excellent.

I've come to realize all I really need for EDC is my Spyderco Chaparral, and it's quite small.

Look in all categories. The only down grade would be something with worse steel or bad fit and finish in my opinion.
 
Thanks for the posts,
The reason I like/need the larger blades is that I use it for "hacking" tasks, its often my pocket carried machete. When I'm cutting briers the extra reach of the 3.5" (or close to it) is very useful. I know Fixed blades may be more suited to the task, but I prefer having a 1-knife fits all view (I know a blade that fits that is a rarity).

Of the knives I have listed, the SOG Vulcan honestly seems like the closest thing to what I'm looking for, does anyone know if they HT the VG10 to the same degree as Spyderco does? I'm having a hard time understanding why its near enough $100 though, does anyone have experience with the Vulcan? All of the video reviews I find say they love it, just trying to justify the price since another $10 will get the paramilitary2.
 
BladeChick777 said:
Also, broaden your horizons a little bit.
Take a look at knives other than the ones in your specs.
Click to expand...

Somebody finally posts a decent "What knife should I buy?" thread with detailed specifications and your reply basically translates to "You're wrong about all of the things that you want, here are some of my favorite knives!" :rolleyes:
 
I'm trying to do the same thing with a Spyderco Persistence. It was my first Spyderco and I love it, but I whored myself with other models and they all fell short. I finally had to contact a custom maker to build something.

As a stop gap until my custom is finished I'm using a mini Bone Collector from Benchmade. I think they make a bigger version that might suit you. Not a Spyderco and likely a little over $100, but Spydie hole, D2 steel, G10 or Walnut handle, and user friendly Axis lock.

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-Collector-Folding-Knife-Handle/dp/B003NTAVIQ/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_3/181-6696009-8497444

Here is a pic of my mini with my Persistence. Both modded by my added cocobolo scales, but it should provide a good idea of what the larger version would look like next to a Tenacious. Good luck on your hunt. :D

CocoKnivesAlt3.jpg
 
Well, I went ahead and bought a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in all black ($118). Everyone had good suggestions, the Para seemed to be a unanimously good knife across every place I looked. I hope I like it more than my Tenacious, it would be ridiculous if I carried the Tenacious over the Para.
 
I think you will be very happy with it. A Para 2 is one of my all time favorite knives. The S30V will give you that extra edge retention you wanted and I think you will really appreciate the compression lock strength with the types of chores you use your edc for.

Let us know how it turns out.

:thumbup:
 
Jet B said:
I think you will be very happy with it. A Para 2 is one of my all time favorite knives. The S30V will give you that extra edge retention you wanted and I think you will really appreciate the compression lock strength with the types of chores you use your edc for.

Let us know how it turns out.

:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Will do, thanks.
 
I have been using the SOG Vulcan for a few months now and love it. It retains its edge very well and gets shaving sharp fairly easily when you have to touch up the edge (only had to do it once after abusing it for a few days doing outdoor work). The blade can also be deployed very quickly and locks in place strongly with the arc lock. The only downside about it is the pocket clip which I find bends very easily and is a little too large.
 
I'm not saying his specs are wrong. Nor am I saying those are my favorites.
The only one out of any of those that's a favorite is my Chokwe.
What I'm saying is, a lot of us, especially when first starting with knives, pick certain specs and decide that anything different than what we have decided on is a complete and total downgrade when the truth is, if we would just take a look into other knives then our opinions would likely change.
I did the same exact thing when I started out. Had I not finally started looking at other specs and options(by forcing myself) I would still be stuck where I was, and I'm glad I'm not.
I listed knives to check out in his specs, but I also mentioned that maybe he should look at other options as well(considering he's new it's always good to experiment with all types of knives).

Anyways, on topic, I'm happy you picked out one you like. The Paramilitary 2 is a fine knife and I'm sure you'll love it. I just ordered the same exact one(blacked out) yesterday.
 
BladeChick777 said:
I'm not saying his specs are wrong. Nor am I saying those are my favorites.
The only one out of any of those that's a favorite is my Chokwe.
What I'm saying is, a lot of us, especially when first starting with knives, pick certain specs and decide that anything different than what we have decided on is a complete and total downgrade when the truth is, if we would just take a look into other knives then our opinions would likely change.
I did the same exact thing when I started out. Had I not finally started looking at other specs and options(by forcing myself) I would still be stuck where I was, and I'm glad I'm not.
I listed knives to check out in his specs, but I also mentioned that maybe he should look at other options as well(considering he's new it's always good to experiment with all types of knives).

Anyways, on topic, I'm happy you picked out one you like. The Paramilitary 2 is a fine knife and I'm sure you'll love it. I just ordered the same exact one(blacked out) yesterday.
Click to expand...

Yea, mine's blacked out too.
I've messed with smaller knives (granted they were much cheaper), and I've just appreciated the size for my uses. Next blade I get will probably be a Manix or Centofante 3 if the Brad Southford ends up being too expensive/large.
 
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