noobie looking for a new edc

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dougiefresh181

Joined
May 26, 2015
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I'm in the market for a new blade and I'm wondering what you guys think about either of these. I'm looking for something that can take a hell of a beating, cutting boxes, hose, wire, wood and plants and some light prying, bit I also want something easy to open, and that looks good. I'd also prefer polymer grips but that's optional. I'm looking at the Gerber swagger drop point assisted and the Kershaw cqc-7k, leaning towards the cqc because I've had so many good experiences with Kershaw. I'm also open to other suggestions, but I'm a poor college student, so I don't want to go too far over $40
 
Pry with a folder.. I'd advise against. If you want the tool to match your needs, get a small fixed blade like an Izula or Becker with serrations. You'll be in the same price range. They disappear inside the waistband and carry lighter than a folder in a pocket. Just my .02

Edit: If you are stuck on getting a folder.. look at the Cold Steel Recon or Code series with the Tri-Ad lock for a tough budget folder. Have 3 sizes and 3 styles.
 
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I agree with Hawk45 about the small FB for your use. You can even carry it in your pocket like a folder if IWB carry doesn't suit you. From your list though, if I were going to get one or the other, I'd go with the Kershaw. I've owned other models from both brands and I just prefer Kershaw's ergos, QC, and overall functionality.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I was looking at fixed blades for a little bit, but I don't know about their legality in New York and I'd rather not have one hanging off my belt all day, so I'm stuck with a folder for now
 
Look at the Kershaw Oso-sweet and the Ontario Rat II. Both meet your criteria and are great knives.
Rich
 
dougiefresh181 said:
.... I'm looking for something that can take a hell of a beating, cutting boxes, hose, wire, wood and plants and some light prying, .... I'm looking at the Gerber swagger drop point assisted and the Kershaw cqc-7k, leaning towards the cqc because I've had so many good experiences with Kershaw. I'm also open to other suggestions, but I'm a poor college student, so I don't want to go too far over $40
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Welcome. Forget the Gerber. You can do better. The Close Quarters Combat 7K tanto? Not my cup of tea, but I don;'t do much close quarters combat.

I suggest a Kabar Dozier Folding Hunter. May styles, great knife. Comes in at about 20 bucks. I have the "Large," which I highly recommend...I don't know if its made anymore.

I'm sure others will chime on about the Ontario RAT-1, which is very nice, and will set you back about 40.

Leave the prying and wire cutting for the proper tools. :thumbup:
 
Benchmade Griptillian makes a good daily carry user. Like said above, prying and knives don't mix.
 
I would recommend to avoid doing any prying with any folding knife, just get a cheap mini prying tool like the Gerber Shard and hang it on your keys, they cost under $10 and will save your knife from almost certain destruction. Then you can go with a Kershaw Cryo II (bigger blade than the first Cryo), should be $40 or even less.
 
Oh, good lord. Pry with the thing if you want to. If you break it, which is unlikely, you're out maybe $40. Light prying never hurt anything. And I've yet to meet the folding knife that didn't do better at prying that one of those keychain tools. And I have several. On my keychain. And they suck. In my experience. Best use for them is opening a beer.

I heartily endorse the Rat 1 and the Rat 2. Also the Esee Zancudo and the Enlan EL-01. All are inexpensive budget knives that will do what you need. The Rat 1 and the Enlan are both larger than the Zancudo and the Rat 2. The Enlan is quite beefy, actually.
 
I dunno, I've seen people injure themselves when prying after the tip breaks and the rest of the knife goes into their hand. Best case scenario, the blade becomes loose after a few tries. I guess it all depends what "light prying" means.
 
Esee Izula pocket carry. Tougher than nails, unbeatable warranty.
 
NeilB said:
Oh, good lord. Pry with the thing if you want to. If you break it, which is unlikely, you're out maybe $40. Light prying never hurt anything. And I've yet to meet the folding knife that didn't do better at prying that one of those keychain tools. And I have several. On my keychain. And they suck. In my experience. Best use for them is opening a beer
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I quite agree, unless youre prying a door off its hinges or something stupid like that, I don't see why its so terrible. I imagine OPs talking about prying in the sense of the lids off paintcans or something of similar use. A good folder (and I mean a good 40$ folder) shouldn't just snap...unless you pick the gerber, in which case it probably will
 
People have already mentioned the RATs, but I'll also throw out the Kershaw Injection (3.0 or 3.5, depending on size preference) for around $30. It won't do as well as the Kershaw Emersons for prying, but I take care of light prying with a Gerber shard (anything bigger and I go get a prybar).
 
Considering your location, in NY, I would think seriously about avoiding any knife that locks or has an assisted open. And also in that vein, if you want a folder that could stand up to some prying, the best option I can think of also is a non-locking knife, it's a friction folder. You can pick up a Svord Peasant for half of your budget. It folds, it does not "lock" though the thing is not going to close on your hand because the tang is held in place by your hand.

Svords are a little big in the pocket, but in your situation, I think one might be the best option.

Edit: I want to be clear, when it comes to avoiding a locking or assisted open knife in NY, I am not thinking so much about what is legally permissible technically, as what is less likely to get you harassed/tackled/beaten by the cops. The NY political climate around knives scares the bejeesus out of me (I actually wrote a blog post about how much the behavior of the NYPD worries me deeply). When I visit friends and family, NYC is one of the only places I go where I just don't carry a knife at all. It bugs me to have to go without such a vital basic tool, but even as a white guy who has no trouble with police I am scared of the NYPD. I don't want to get shot just because I have a knife clipped to my pocket for opening boxes.
 
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Ontario Rat model 1. Or if you wanna go heavy duty tough get a cold steel like others have said. You could also look at the numerous kershaw's in your price range
 
For 40 USD I would get an Ontario RAT Model-1 (25/30 USD) and an Opinel INOX No.08 or 09 (<15 USD).








And for a little bit more I would also a get a Victorinox. A Climber or Farmer for example.








For comparison a Victonix Climber and an Opinel INOX No.09 with my three Millies

 
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