NOOB here, would like a quality EDC blade

X

xpawel18x

Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
17
Hello, I just joined and this is my first post so please be easy on me.

Here's the deal, currently I have a cheap Gerber Paraframe I folder that I got for $20 at Lowe's. Unortunately, I was terribly dissapointed because of the poor quality. It wasn't even sharp when I got it brand new! I can run my fingers through it without even being worried about getting cut.

So I'm looking for a better blade. I have two outdoor stores near me that sell Kershaw and Spyderco knives. And those look great. But I just don't know what model from those two brands I should choose. So perhaps someone could suggest a model from those two brands. Here are the things the knife needs to be:
- a folder, pocket clip, etc.
- my uses include general uses like opening pesky packages, opening cardboard boxes and outdoor stuff like cutting branches, sharpening sticks, etc.
- I use my Gerber as a combination of outdoor uses when I go hiking, and as a EDC when in urban environments. So I need a blade to replace the cheap Paraframe.
- Nothing too big, blade length should be 3"-4". Not too heavy. I don't care too much about the exact specs but should be similar to the size of my Gerber Paraframe I. Also I have small hands.
- Needs to be able to be smoothly flicked open with one hand.
- Once again, Kershaw and Spyderco look cool to me and are available to me in local stores.
- I go hiking once a week, and the steel needs to be tough and keep its edge and point unlike my gerber's edge that is all deformed after sharpening a few sticks.

That's all. I hope someone can suggest a good blade for me. Thanks in advance.
 
A Spyderco Delica has a 3" blade and the Endura has 4" blade. Both would be good choices but I would buy online from Ebay to get the best price. The Benchmade Griptilian or mini griptilian would also be a good start for a newer knife enthusiast.
 
In addition to the previous recommendations, I'd also recommend the Kershaw RAM and Groove. Both are well built flippers with quality steel.

The RAM uses a unique lock that makes the flipping action extremely fast. The Groove is a traditional framelock flipper with a strong blade shape.
 
tenacious, Delica, Endura, Stretch frn from spyderco

Black out, blur, zing, RAM, Tyrade, and some more from kershaw

lots of others from other companies.

The above knives will do well for what you described and most range from 30-100 bucks. the best thing todo though is to go to the stores and try them all out for how they fit your hand. the steels you want to look for are VG 10, S30V, 154CM, cr13mov(not sure the exact name of it but its on the tenacious) Aus 8 etc.

And yes i did include aus 8 and cr13 because for the money and for the ease of sharpening they are really good bang for the buck.

the other thing that you need to make sure that you have before you get into the high end steels is either a lansky, sharpmaker, or a good set of stones to keep your knife sharp.

good luck
-alex
 
kershaw leek (straight) or shallot (longer, recurve) if you like sleek, slim, assisted open.

spyderco native, delica or take the eventual step up to a military ($130)or manix 2 ($80).
 
I'd look into getting a Spyderco. Great steels, great ergonomics, great customer service. It's almost like a law of physics - once you get one Spydie, you will get more. ;)
 
Spyderco Endura or Delica; Benchmade Griptilian.

If you buy one of the Spyderco's with ZDP-189, you'll be getting one of the top blade steels available.
 
First off, Welcome To Blade Forums!

Now To The Knives!
+:thumbup: for Tenacious. Such a great knife, easy to sharpen, great feel, not too heavy. Great for me since i have pretty small hands too. Definetly worth the $30 i spent on it.
 
I have heard nothing but good about Spyderco knives and would pick one of the suggested ones up. I lean more towards the tactical look in my knives and have been thinking of getting a Millitary to complement my current EDC, a benchmade 710.
I would really like to see a comarison of the two knives too.
 
All good blades mentioned above, one I would like to add is the kershaw JYD II composite blade. It has a CPM-D2 edge giving it great cutting performance and is easy to sharpen, the handle design is also very good, comfortable with extended use.

If you have the money to spend then I would highly recommend the spyderco military or para-millie, they are pretty much the perfect pocket knife. Also full flat ground blades tend to excell at the tasks you intend for the knife.


Because no edge will last forever some sharpening tools would also be a good investment, DMT dia-folds are the first thing that come to mind for camping, hiking and general sharpening. They are very light and effective, you can slip it in your back pocket without it getting in the way and when its time to sharpen they make quick work of any steel.

Good luck in your quest for a new EDC lots of good choices out there.
 
Thanks guys, I've researched every knife mentioned here. :thumbup:

About the sharpening, is it true that I can send a Spyderco knife to them (Spyderco) and they will sharpen it for me for free? Do they do a good job?
 
It is better to learn to sharpen your own knife, that way it is always there and ready when you need it
 
I would suggest either a Spyderco Delica or Endura. They are excellent knives!
 
I'm looking at the Endura right now, and on their site, there are 3 different edges, plain, combo, and spyderedge. What is spyderedge?
 
Sharpening is too easy, no need to ever send a knife back for that. You would end up spending a lot of money for a factory sharpening, something that can be hit or miss in sharpness to begin with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top