Noob needs help for EDC!

B

Bcarp22

Joined
Apr 12, 2016
Messages
54
Hey guys,

Thanks for allowing me to be part of this community. I've read through these forums quite a bit but just signed up to start being more of an active participant. I'm a 1911 guy (addict really) and now I'm expanding my horizons to blades. I've always had a general interest but kept my distance since I know what happened when I took my 1911 habit to a more serious level (my wallet got really light really fast)! To that end, I dipped my toe into the knife space with a Microtech Ultratech. Cool knife and functioned flawlessly but it wasn't the right knife for me at the right time so I sold it. That's about the extent of my history with knives.

To my question.......I'm looking for a folder that I can carry everyday. I need something on the smaller side based on how I dress and what I keep in my pockets on a daily basis. I wear jeans to work most days (unless I'm traveling for a meeting, then it's dressed up) but I carry 2 cell phones (1 in each pocket), a front pocket wallet, and my car key. So small would be good. I don't want to go nuts with regards to anything custom or high priced RIGHT NOW as I just want to try and figure out what I do and don't like at this point. For all intents and purposes, I'd like to keep it under $100.

I started taking a hard look at the Benchmade Mini Griptilian but as I continued reading the forums different models from Spyderco popped up as good alternatives. The more I look, the more confused I get. So, what would you guys recommend? I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks everyone for your time!
 
The answer "it depends on your uses" applies here too.

If your uses are mainly utilitarian (read: not for self-defense), then I would suggest to go with a SAK or Opinel. The SAK especially is widely accepted socially, very useful, and a great value, and it will fit within your outfit even if you dress up. For a more general use knife, but still fitting under many circumstances, I'd go with a Ontario RAT2 of a Kershaw Leek...

I have to dress up for work and the Opinel is probably my favorite (plus the SAK in the bag :) )

I'm kind of noob myself but after getting other knives, I've come back to the fundamentals and found that those knives are all that I need. This may well be because of the limitations of my environment and because I try to live a minimalist lifestyle.
 
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Thank you very much. I apologize for not putting the intended use. I guess I'd look for this to fill a couple of roles. It will mostly be used for utilitarian purposes, but I'd like to be able to use it for self defense if I absolutely had to. I carry a handgun daily so while I'm not overly concerned with the knife being a primary defense tool, I'd like to know that in a worst case scenario it could be used in a defensive manner.

My having to dress up for work is pretty infrequent so it's almost always jeans and shorts.......but the are packed pretty tight with the phones and whatnot right off the bat. Thank you for those recommendations, I hadn't even looked at any of those so I'll have a look!
 
I recommend starting with the DPX HEST with D-2 blade for a start. I have a large collection but this is my edc.
 
whatever you pick your tastes and needs will change and you'll end up with something different anyways....or many knives. one or the other. so just jump in and accept the reality.:)
 
Given that your front pockets are full of phones and you wear jeans, have you considered rear pocket carry?

I run a seam 1/2 way up my RRP about 1.5" from the right edges. Holds most single blade folders comfortably.

From here it's a matter of taste and function. Modern vs traditional is the first decision. But you'll need to say more on that front beyond being a 1911 guy
 
jbmonkey said:
whatever you pick your tastes and needs will change and you'll end up with something different anyways....or many knives. one or the other. so just jump in and accept the reality.:)
Click to expand...

:thumbup: ^ has it 100%
 
Sounds like you got a lot of stuff in your pockets already. I assume you want something with a pocket clip.

The mini griptillian is a great choice, but to me it can be a little fat in the pocket for EDC, but that helps with more comfort in hand.

Spyderco Delica is a good choice. A little slimmer, but just as capable. Spyderco makes some really good small EDC type and knives and cover a lot of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs. My only issue with spyderco is the width, the measurement from the top of the blade to the bottom of the handle when closed. To accommodate the spyderhole, Spyderco knives tend to be o the wider side. This can interfere when you go into your pocket and try to get something else out like your keys.

Another more affordable option would be Ontario Rat 2. You cold get 3 for your budget. But they are a good no nonsense EDC knife.
 
Ontario RAT Model 2 :thumbup: would be a great general use knife.
It's not small but it's light.
 
This is massively helpful. Thank you everyone. Let's see if I can take a run at some of the questions/comments brought up:

- jbmonkey: You are very correct. If this goes anything like my 1911 habit I'll end up with a whole lot of knives. Got to start somewhere but I agree with you.
- I had not considered rear pocket carry but I'm not against that at all. Great suggestion.
- I think I lean more toward the modern folders. I couldn't really say why given the lack of experience, it's just where my eye has been drawn and what seems to be a good fit for starters at least.
- I do have a lot in my pockets already so I'd be looking at something with a pocket clip OR something that's fairly thin and can fit in my pockets with everything else. If I find something that's not too bulky I'm confident I can slide it in my pocket next to my phone, especially in the warmer weather when I'm wearing shorts.
- I'm sure there will be tradeoffs I'll have to make between small, slim, and light weight. That's just part of the process I think and gets back to the first point. I'll probably end up trying out plenty of different knives and ending up with a whole bunch.

All of these suggestions are great, including some I hadn't even thought of or heard of. This is extremely helpful.
 
I'm really trying hard not to just push my preferred solution on you. But...

I find that pocket clip carry pretty much rules out using that front pocket for anything else. It just creates something of a barrier to reach past.

Another option to rear pocket carry is watch pocket carry, but this will limit you in size. And another option is traditional holster carry, you get with a traditional Buck 110 or any full sized Leatherman multitool. You have a choice between traditional vertical position and horizontal carry, just like old cell phone holsters. A modern knife with the clip removed could be carried in a holster, just fine.

I find rear pocket carry super easy to live with. Here's a picture describing it, although I've moved the seam a bit to the right. Very easy to do if you can borrow a sewing machine.

Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
pinnah said:
I'm really trying hard not to just push my preferred solution on you. But...

I find that pocket clip carry pretty much rules out using that front pocket for anything else. It just creates something of a barrier to reach past.

Another option to rear pocket carry is watch pocket carry, but this will limit you in size. And another option is traditional holster carry, you get with a traditional Buck 110 or any full sized Leatherman multitool. You have a choice between traditional vertical position and horizontal carry, just like old cell phone holsters. A modern knife with the clip removed could be carried in a holster, just fine.

I find rear pocket carry super easy to live with. Here's a picture describing it, although I've moved the seam a bit to the right. Very easy to do if you can borrow a sewing machine.

Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr
Click to expand...

This idea is actually very appealing. Looks like a simple alternative that would work well for carrying. Now it just brings me back to which knife to carry! Thanks for the pictures, very helpful.
 
Dean51 said:
Ontario RAT Model 2 :thumbup: would be a great general use knife.
It's not small but it's light.
Click to expand...

Or if you don't mind a larger knife, the RAT 1 has a limited edition variant with D2 steel now. Also, check out the Kershaw Leek, Blur, and G10 Cryo.
 
As for knives on a hundred dollar budget...

I would recommend getting 3 knives, each in the $35 range. Make sure each is substantially different from the other in terms of basic design. Carry them and rotate among them to get an idea of what design features you like and what you hate. Experiment with more inexpensive knives and learn your own tastes.

90% of the advice you'll get here is from people telling you to carry what they like. You wouldn't buy shoes or a car that way. Knives are personal. Follow your own tastes.

If you are drawn to modern designs, you might try a decent liner lock, frame lock and lock back. The "ESEE" Zancudo, Ontario Rat 2 and Buck Spitfire would expose you to a range of designs (and grinds).
 
There are a lot of good choices out there. For general EDC and occasional dress I'll recommend the Spyderco Chaparral Carbon Fiber. They're a little over $100 new but if you keep an eye on the Exchange here they can be had for less.
 
The Benchmade 530...

Very slim, very light (under 2 ounces), fits in a jeans pocket like it isn't there, and "dresses up" nicely in slacks and a tie as well.

Great size and utilitarian blade shape. I'm a big fan of the Axis lock and 154CM steel, so those are pluses for me.

Pinnah's right... I'm recommending what I like to an extent... but I'm one of the most knife savvy and modest folks I know. ;) :D
 
The Spyderco Delica. It is nice and thin. You are going to want something that can be opened one handed, not a nail nick. At least based one what I am reading.
 
One handed opening is certainly something I want. What type of opening mechanism (spyderhole, nail nick, or whatever else exists or would be called) will just be trial and error. I know I want to stay with manual for now as opposed to assisted opening or automatic.
 
might i suggest the kizer vanguard series vg-10 blades and g10 scales at a pretty reasonable price or if you are ok with multiple options a higonokami friction folder and a SAK would be good combo for versatility boker plus has several good models across the price spectrum, real steal ... all sorts of options out there
 
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