New here and need EDC recommendation.

K

K3Fallout

Joined
Jul 28, 2007
Messages
13
Hello guys. Decided to make an account to do some research and so far I learned quite a bit. I'm pretty much looking for a folding EDC. So far, all I came up with was:-Benchmade Griptilian
-Benchmade Mel Pardue
-Gerber Applegate
-SOG Trident

If that list seems pretty decent, what would you think is the best out of the latter? If not, I'd like to see other recommendations that look similiar to these choices and are around the same prices. If there are even better ones at a cheaper price then that would be great. There's also the consideration that this will be my first knife and I have some doubts I will do a lot of sharpening. ALSO, I live in San Francisco, California. So that might changes things up a bit. Thanks.
 
K3Fallout said:
Hello guys. Decided to make an account to do some research and so far I learned quite a bit. I'm pretty much looking for a folding EDC. So far, all I came up with was:-Benchmade Griptilian
-Benchmade Mel Pardue
-Gerber Applegate
-SOG Trident

If that list seems pretty decent, what would you think is the best out of the latter? If not, I'd like to see other recommendations that look similiar to these choices and are around the same prices. If there are even better ones at a cheaper price then that would be great. There's also the consideration that this will be my first knife and I have some doubts I will do a lot of sharpening. ALSO, I live in San Francisco, California. So that might changes things up a bit. Thanks.
Click to expand...

First, a cautionary. I, too, went to Bladeforums some years ago, also doing research. As a subject, knives didn't interest me much, but I was looking for much the same thing you were, and assumed people dedicated to bladecraft would provide good insight. It didn't take long, however, before a whole new world opened to me. Eventually I became another damn hobbyist.

That's my sorry example. Be warned.

On topic: it is usual to ask what your use for it will be, but that is something you may not even know, yourself, until you carry for a while. Uses sometimes come up because you happen to have the right tool for the job, which is uncanny, but true.

All the knives on your list are good choices. Since you couldn't go wrong, why not simply choose the one that appeals to you most? That could be what you are looking for, or at least a start.

Have fun.
 
On topic: it is usual to ask what your use for it will be, but that is something you may not even know, yourself, until you carry for a while. Uses sometimes come up because you happen to have the right tool for the job, which is uncanny, but true.

All the knives on your list are good choices. Since you couldn't go wrong, why not simply choose the one that appeals to you most? That could be what you are looking for, or at least a start.
Click to expand...


Yep, I can relate. I fell into that syndrome before. As for the uses of the knife I guess ranging from home use(you know.. like cutting boxes, stuff like that) to survival(whenever I'm with my friends we always manage to find ourselves somewhere outdoorsy); and in case of emergencies, self defense. So the knife I buy will be used for pretty much everything. People have probably said this before but this will probably be my first and last knife for awhile so I want it to last. I've been searching the forums and when it comes to the SOG Trident people have had hits and misses with it. That applies to the gerber as well but so far I haven't seen anyone complain of the griptilian. I'm really not sure how much of a good idea it is to get the mel pardue because people consider it an 'auto' knife and the fact that I live in San Francisco.
 
The Griptilian is not an auto and would be my choice of the 3. GOOD LUCK! Kevin:thumbup:
 
Yeah I know the grip isn't an auto but apparently the benchmade mel pardue is. Either way, I'm pretty much learning toward the grip now but it looks like there's a lot variants.
 
K3Fallout said:
Yeah I know the grip isn't an auto but apparently the benchmade mel pardue is. Either way, I'm pretty much learning toward the grip now but it looks like there's a lot variants.
Click to expand...

Not all Mel Pardue Benchmades are autos. The (mini) grip for one or Ambush, both mel pardue knives, are not autos.
 
Oh, alright. Well thats good to know. Yeah I've been learning about spyderco as well. I haven't really looked into them. If they have knives that look similiar to what I've listed, then I'll take a look.
 
Based on the knives you are looking at, you want a knife with a 3"-4" blade and are willing to pay up to about $125.

As far as I know, SF has no law against assisted openers. The rest of CA does not.

The web price of the 154CM steel version of the Applegate is about $125. I think that's a bit pricey for what you get. Be aware that they also make a version with 425M blade. Stay away from that one.

The BM Grip is a well liked knife, although there have been some users who thought that the handle felt kinda cheap because it is plastic. That's a personal feel and a decision you will have to make for yourself. 3.5" blade. I think some of the models use different steels, but all the choices are good ones. web price is $60-$70. Good boogey.

There's a couple of BM Mel Pardue models. If you are thinking of the 520 model with the axis lock, then you have 154CM steel blade with aluminum handle. Sounds very robust and there have been few reported experiences with anything but top quality from BM. (Can't say that about the other mfg's you are looking at.)

There have been some nice reports on the SOG Trident IIRC.

Of your list, if it was me, I'd go for the Grip or the Pardue.

In that price range, you might also look at the Kershaw Avalanche. S30V blade assisted opener 3 1/8" blade. About $90 online.
 
Really? 125$? I was thinking more along the lines of 80-90 but ok. As for the quality of the handle..well I'll put it this way. the only other knives I've ever held were kitchen knives and crap made in china duplicates from china town. So what people may say feel plasticy and cheap to them may feel like expensive and nice to me. The other question. How is the customer service and WHERE should I buy? I heard some stories about SOG whereas some people sent in their knives to be fixed but ended up just getting replaced.
 
Forgive me for this double post but uh, regarding the grip- How easy is it to flick it out? Easier than the Mel Pardue? I'd just like some comparisons.
 
Get yourself a D2 griptillian or mini griptillian, and a kyocera ceramic steel sharpener.
 
Which Mel PArdue are you refering to? The GRIP IS a Pardue. DO you mean the 530? Or another? If the other Pardue you are refering to has the axis lock flicking it open should be about the same.

Go for the grip.
 
K3Fallout said:
How is the customer service and WHERE should I buy?
Click to expand...

Welllll, the owner of this place:
http://www.1sks.com/
is the owner of Blade forums.

You could also try New Graham.
You could also try AG Russel.

All have excellent reputations for service and customer satisfaction.
 
Which Mel PArdue are you refering to? The GRIP IS a Pardue. DO you mean the 530? Or another? If the other Pardue you are refering to has the axis lock flicking it open should be about the same.
Click to expand...
Wow, really? Alright then I'm sorry for the mixing up. But yeah I guess the 530. Oh and thanks for the place recommendations Knarfeng.
 
Have you looked at the Buck/Strider#889 ?
Sorry,I know it was not one of your picks,IMHO for the price ($47-$51) I think mine is a good EDC.
 
I don't mind if it's not in my choices, I'm open to other suggestions as long as they look similiar to my choices and are around the same price.
 
Mel Pardue is the name of a knifemaker for Benchmade. Tons of Benchmades are designed by him, including the Griptilians, the Presidios, the Ambushes, and the Rants.
 
Bleh. Well alright. A question again. So if a knife is a 'combo' is there some specific tool or way to sharpen them?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top