"Nice" EDC like BM690?

tradja

tradja

Joined
Feb 10, 2006
Messages
1,176
I've been looking around for my first good EDC, and like most knoobs, have boggled my brain with the decision. I've read endless reviews, made a nusiance of myself at all the local shops, endlessly handling multiple knives.

I was down to a new 551 Grip in 154cm, but the feel of the handles and lack of burly liners has left me a little wanting. And to be honest, the "look" is just a bit too pedestrian. As sad as this sounds, I don't want to buy a $100 knife that can be mistaken at first glance for $9.99 folder. Thus no FRN Spydies. I did see a micarta Caly Jr on FleaBay that had a good look.

After handling, I really like the design, action, size and classy materials of the BM690, but the limited lefty functionality is a turnoff. I like a somewhat "contemporary" look in a knife, and want to avoid more traditional, "Grandpa" knives, and don't want to get too "Gentlemanly" or small. Most of the Blue Box BM's that I've handled are nice, but aside from the Grips, I haven't found one that I really like the handling and look of. I haven't been able to handle the H&K14200 or BM943, but they have the kind of modern elegance that appeals to me. They might be a bit big for my EDC, though. The BM773 seems great, but if only it was a tad bit bigger...

I feel like I'm overlooking some good options and manufacturers. If I was looking for a folder that had:

* "nice", or classy materials/look (wood/CF/aluminum/etc),
* contemporary (for lack of a better word) design,
* around 3.75" - 4.5" closed
* lefty-useable (not necessarily fully ambi),
* pocket clip,
* preferably premium steel, 440C or better
* max $100-$125 used/internet,

...what are my options? Thanks! (No Sebbies, please :) )
 
What about a Spec Bump? Maybe it's to big for you but is modern, cool looking, G10 and CPM154 or S30V, assited opening (great for lefties), and one othe highest end knives from Kershaw.
I forgot, It's in your price range brand new.
 
I had looked at the Spec Bump. It does fit my requirements, but the design is a bit too mall ninja* for me, and I'm avoiding a black blade. Just shy of 5" closed is somewhat large -- I think around 4.5" closed is about all I'd want in my pocket all day. Thanks for the good suggestion!

* - When I was a teen, I was totally a mall ninja, so as an adult recovering mall ninja, I am very self-conscious about this.
 
Over the last two months I've bought several BM knives in the 85 - 125.00 range and imo they are probably the best production knives I've ever handled.

I also bought a regular sized Grip on sale for 47.00 and I was pleased with that as well, but there is defiantly a " cheaper" feel to that knife as compared to the more expensive blue class knives. Of course that's my opnion...

The HK Tactical Folder is a very nice knife, I don't have one , but I do have a 420 Resistor and plan on getting the Gravitator. I don't think anyone is ever going to mistake one of those for a cheap knife.

Go to www.gpknives.com and browse the "sale" tab, they have the HK on sale and a few other interesting models.

I've found their prices to be great even on "call for price" items. Also call for availability on the sale items. They've been sold out of a few items I've tried to buy in the past, but they usually have most of what's advertised.

Good Luck...
 
I was thinking about BM943 too, but after I saw and handle it I decided that it is kind of small. It feels much smaller than BM551 or 520. It is not big knife at all.
It is on sale at gpknives for $90, but only combo edge.
R
 
bh49 said:
I was thinking about BM943 too, but after I saw and handle it I decided that it is kind of small. It feels much smaller than BM551 or 520. It is not big knife at all.
It is on sale at gpknives for $90, but only combo edge.
R
Click to expand...
Hmmm...I was looking for a mid-size, pocketable knife, somewhere between a grip and a minigrip. I had hoped that the 525 would be good, but it was a bit too chunky, pocket unfriendly, and seemed like a lot of handle attached to the blade. Thanks for the BM943 size impressions, a old-steel closeout BM943 PE might be a contender.

Other choices?
 
If the 710 is too big, see if you can find a 705. There are still some floating around.
Failing that, I'll second the motion in favor of a 707. It's the next generation of the 705, redesigned so it stands alone instead of being a 'mini.'
Also check out a Spyderco Kopa. It's a sweet little knife, in your price range, and I think it will appeal to you because of its wide variety of handle materials. Chances are, even if you manage to find someone else carrying a Kopa, they won't have the same one you do. :)

Peace.
Alex.
 
How about the BM14210? There's a review of it here.

Retails for around $100, 2.95 inch satin blade, 154cm steal blade, g10 handle, full liners, and axis lock.

It's pretty much sold out everywhere though so you probably have to wait a bit before ordering one.
 
I know you said that you aren't interested in any Spyderco FRN handled knives; but you are doing yourself a disservice NOT looking at the D'Allara 2 drop point!! The ball bearing lock is awesome, and can be used by a rightie or a lefty.
 
Maybe the BM 960 in D2 steel--comes in red and silver--if you can grab one for that price range...
 
:thumbup: I will second the 960 in D2. I picked up a silver one and it is very nice. The tough part is deciding red or silver:D . Steven
 
the new sog:
look under "do you miss the jess horn" post for the pdf catalog. I have no idea what it will cost.
 
another vote for the lone wolf harsey T2 - with coccobolo wood handle - this is one beautiful solid knife ! - check it out !
 
There is a T1 due out soon too with Cocobolo scales, but they only make them with part serrations. Another wood handle offering by Lone Wolf is French Walnut.
 
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