Nice EDC for $500 ?

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
6,642
Yes , I'm looking for a new EDC for $500 (or under).

I've been looking at all kinds of knives between $100 and $500 such as the Microtech DOC , Strider sng , Sebenza , ZT 0350 M390 , various Benchmades and Spydercos.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I'm sure there are plenty of folders I'm overlooking so let me know what your recommendations are and why.
 
Pretty much anything since your budget is so high. Maybe try to narrow it down by what you will use it for because asking a bunch of knife enthusiasts what their recommended knife under $500 is will probably net you about 500 different responses.
 
I would check out a hinderer if I were you. It's a grail and for 50 more dollars you could get one.
 
Spyderco and CRK are my favorite companies, and the Sebenza is my favorite folder. Its a very tough knife with a great straight handle design, and a great warranty. Very compact for their blade size, and made better than any production knife IMO.
Good luck with your search.
 
We need more information to help you towards a decision. What blade steels, grinds, lengths do you like? Is weight a concern for you? What are some of your favorite EDCs now? Are there any "must haves"? The more information provided by you, the happier you will be with the suggestions I think...
 
hazy said:
Pretty much anything since your budget is so high. Maybe try to narrow it down by what you will use it for because asking a bunch of knife enthusiasts what their recommended knife under $500 is will probably net you about 500 different responses.
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Haha good point. I need this one for concealed carry as a primary cutting tool and back up defense piece. I need it to be well-built , strong and dependable. And I'm a stickler for great fit and finish.
 
For a larger hard use knife, look at the exchange for a Hinderer XM-18 3.5" - they have been selling at $500 and change.

For an all round EDC knife that doesn't fill the pocket, I'd vote for a small Sebenza, with or without inlays. I also really like the 3" Hinderer XM-18, too, but they are pretty expensive and rarer than the 3.5".

And for a very usable gentleman's knife, CRK Mnandi with the blade and inlay of choice.
 
Scoticus said:
We need more information to help you towards a decision. What blade steels, grinds, lengths do you like? Is weight a concern for you? What are some of your favorite EDCs now? Are there any "must haves"? The more information provided by you, the happier you will be with the suggestions I think...
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I like S30V , S35Vn , M390. Any high grade stainless appeals to me. I'm fond of the ZT 0550 , BM-HK 14255 , Spyderco Yojimbo2 , Manix2. I prefer frame locks or locks like the Axis and Ball Bearing lock. G10 , titanium , aluminum , CF all welcome for handles. I prefer beefy knives.

The only "must have" is that I want a high quality knife with superb fit and finish and great built quality.
 
I would personally get a nice Strider SMF, but if you like a little smaller you can get the SnG. You could easily get CC or DGG models with that budget.
 
Maybe a Paramilitary 2, or a Military? Three Sisters Forge "The Beast", or as several have already mentioned: Hinderer.
What about a ZT 0777 M390?
 
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All the ones you've mentioned from ZT/Rick Hinerer/CRK are great, one that I would add that I haven't used myself but is on my "soon to buy" list is the Microtech Delta Clip Point, it might be right up your alley ;) Also the Benchmade 275 Adamas is a favorite of mine, but it might be a bit bulky for some people to edc.
 
May need to stretch the budget a little but no other knife will be better for you than a 3.5" XM-18 from the ranch. Graymans SATU and DUA are great other options for a value - and lastly a Praetorian G from Greg Medford is a good choice (they are 600 though).
 
Wolverine666 said:
And I'm a stickler for great fit and finish.
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Wolverine666 said:
The only "must have" is that I want a high quality knife with superb fit and finish and great built quality.
Click to expand...

I will suggest a Sebenza even more so after reading this. You will not find a production knife with the tolerances and F&F of a Sebenza.
They win the Blade Show award "Manufacturing Quality Award" every year, and they deserve it.

The Hinderer is also made very well. I don't care for the handle design, but you may like it. It may help if you have a place were you could hande some of these knives. You won't loose much money on either knife if you decide to sell.

If you are considering a Sebenza you may want to check these out.

[video=youtube_share;4QiEnhA3n0A]http://youtu.be/4QiEnhA3n0A[/video]

[video=youtube_share;Nj6p8p6vfZQ]http://youtu.be/Nj6p8p6vfZQ[/video]
 
Sebenza or Hinderer: you won't go wrong with either. But the Hinderer is a beefier knife if that is important to you. That said, the Sebenza (or umnamzaan) is very strong. In fact, the Umnamzaan may be the CRK for you.

PS: There is a Zaan for sale on the exchange right now for $355.
 
I love my Umnumzaan! And, cannot recommend that knife enough. Second choice would be a large micarta Insingo.
 
Sebenza fits your need except tactical, it is not quick deployment and lacks choil.
Im starting to look at spyderco, they really do make great knives for the money.
I enjoyed that video, buy doesn't explain why ive seen a few NEW sebenzas with overground heels.
 
I find I can't reconcile "concealed" with ZT0550. I have one. It's a beast, very thick in the pocket. I like Scoticus's suggestion about the 0777M390, largely I suppose because that's what I carry. On the other hand, I carry about four knives. Something for every occasion, really. I like to have a traditional in my pocket, too, for those who are concerned about big, fast knives.
 
Personally I would try a Todd begg bodega field grade for 550, never held one but I am very drawn to them.
 
NeilB said:
I find I can't reconcile "concealed" with ZT0550. I have one. It's a beast, very thick in the pocket. I like Scoticus's suggestion about the 0777M390, largely I suppose because that's what I carry. On the other hand, I carry about four knives. Something for every occasion, really. I like to have a traditional in my pocket, too, for those who are concerned about big, fast knives.
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ZT0550 is a big boy. But it conceals just fine in a coat or jacket. I'm a good size guy so it def fits my build. I've carried mine faithfully on my last 10 jobs and it is my "go to" blade.

Scoticus and D'borg , you both make good points. CRK and Hinderer both look outstanding. I find the Sebenza to be much more attractive with inlays as opposed to the plain titanium handle which I find a little blah. The ZT0777 ... Maybe.
 
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