One man's journey to find the perfect EDC, a journal.

[itsafire]

Hi good people of BladeForums.com!
I recently, more or less unwillingly, embarked on a journey.
After catching the EDC bug more than a decade ago, I went through a pile of gear until I found out what works for me.
I'm a simple minimalist EDC person. I carry a wristwatch (Sinn 105, which is my only and my forever watch), a flashlight (I do have several, but usually carry something small during summer and something larger during winter), a pen (BigIdeaDesigns TI bolt action pen) and a knife. The knife usually is on the smaller side. Something not too tactical and suited for an office environment.

I have owned several in the past, and want to list those that I deem noteworthy:
Spyderco PM2. I bought it because it seems like you gotta have one if you're into knives. I sold it because it was too big for my taste.

Spyderco UKPK: I had it for a while and while I liked it, I could not get myself to like the FRN scales. That's why I bought a

Spyderco Urban, which I had customized with new scales and a stonewashed blade. Beatiful little knife. I snapped the blade prying a knothole in a board of soft wood.

Kizer Zipslip Titanium: I carried it for a while, but somehow stopped. I think the blade was too fat for such a short length and it was not very slicey. Also, the edge retention was not what I expected from S35VN.

Hinderer Slippy XM: Great knife. Totally overbuilt. Great Quality. I did not like that finger choil-style ricasso bit. The blade was too far away from your fingers when you gripped the handle, but when you put your index finger on the ricasso, the edge of it it would rest on the sharpened blade. Great knife, terrible ergonomics. Also, a bit too much on the tactical side for my taste.

TRM Atlas: Great little knife in terms of everything but the action. Opening and closing it is no fun.


The knifes that made it into my EDC for a longer time, multiple years to be precise:


Manly Wasp:

This is my 'legal' knife. I chose the version with the S90V blade. It is a slipjoint with a sub 3" blade, which makes it legal to carry in most of Europe.
I pick this when I travel. And sometimes I pick this at home, too.
The edge is razor sharp and that S90V has crazy edge retention. I've never babied it and put it to use from day one. It has collected a variety of signs of wear.
However, I do find two hand operation not really practical and prefer something that opens one handed and locks. On top of that, it did close on my once when I tried to drill a hole into a plastic barrel and I'm glad I kept all my fingers.

That's why I looked at several knifes, and finally settled on a Benchmade Bugout, because of the experience with the Wasp, I settled on the S90V version with the carbon fiber scales.

That Bugout essentially ticked all the boxes I had and showed me what I like in a knife.
The list is:
-Steel with good edge retention
-One handed opening, with a 'slow' option, so I can pull it out and open it in front of squeamish people without causing them to jump.
-Locking mechanism.
-A small'ish knife, but large enough for a full four finger grip
-A deep carry clip. Preferred so deep that you can't even see it's a knife.
-A blade shape that will allow me to do essentially everything. I want to be able to make a PBJ Sandwich, cut an apple or break down a giant pile of cardboard boxes, carve a clean edge on a board, bust open zipties and do all that other stuff one uses a knife for.
-A certain fidget factor is not unwelcome.

So I was a happy camper.

 

[itsafire]

....until I did something very stupid:
I was looking for new belts for my belt sander, and I found them online. That dealer had rather high shipping cost and my purchase was falling just short of the limit for free shipping, so I clicked on their shop and found out that on this very day, only a few hours prior to my visit, they had received new stock of several versions of the CRK Small Sebenza. Well, to get free shipping I needed to put one more item in my cart and just for fun, I added the Sebenza. Then the mouse hovered over the place order button and I waited for the angel and the devil appearing on my shoulder. "Do it!" the little devil hissed. "YOLO! If you're into knives, you should own a CRK at least once!". I looked over to the other side. "He's not wrong" the Angel said while scratching its chin. I clicked.

Two days later, a parcel arrived. I took my time unboxing my grail-knife-to-be, but when that last bit of cloth folded back to reveal it in all its glory, I thought "I thought it would be bigger". I put it into my hand and it felt small. Much smaller than anticipated. To operate it, I needed to put it in a certain position in my palm and then bend the thumb further than comfortable. My Bugout somehow rests in that perfect position on its own.
Well, that was a deal breaker. Luckily that shop had a generous return policy, and not a day later, that knife was on its journey back.
However, that had started something. The Benchmade suddenly felt ... less substantial.
My next line of thought was the following: If the small Sebenza is perfect for my taste on paper, but feels too small in person, and the large Sebenza is a little too big for my taste on paper, chances are it's also feeling smaller than that in person and therefore, is just right. Well, Sebenzas are not easily obtained. I looked around for a while, and eventually settled upon buying a second hand 21 from ebay.

 

[itsafire]

A few days later, the Sebenza 21 arrived.

...and what can I say - it's every bit as large as they said it would be.
From a purely ergonomic standpoint it's great - at least the opening and closing aspect of it. I spent several days admiring how simple it is and how well it works.
But I have two issues with it. Issue one is the pocket clip. It's not deep carry, not even close. A large chunk of titanium is protruding from the pocket. However, I'm not alone in my opinion that this is not the coolest thing in the world, and other people that were annoyed with the CRK clip had the means to do something about it - you can easily buy an aftermarket clip and attach it to your Sebenza to get true deep carry.
The second issue however did not dissolve. That knife is too large for my taste. The scales are minimal but also ergonomic and when you grip it, your hand comes to rest in a good position. But compared to my Bugout, the gap between the index finger and the edge is about one inch larger, making the blade appear even larger.
I did try to carry it nonetheless because I like how solid it is.
The fidget factor it brings is also something really special - there is none and that IS the fidget factor. For a framelock knife that runs on washers, it opens and closes so smoooothly, it's insane. No play in any of the components at any time. I now understand why CRK fans are raving about this. Everything about this beautiful no-frills hunk of metal is so wonderful, but the size issue is just nothing I can overcome. I ended up using the Bugout again and listing the Sebenza for sale.

 

[itsafire]

Now left with an itch, I feel like I'm in need of something that scratches it. The mystical 'One and done' knife.
Stop laughing. I've done it before and I will be able to do it again.
Finding a forever knife is an illusion but finding one that will keep the itch quiet for a few years is absolutely possible.

All I have to do is to acquire a lot of them and then sell those that don't make the cut.

 

[SharpBits]

Upgrade the scales on your Bugout. It really improves the feel. Also, maybe the iMamba will work for you? Size-wise it fits between the large & small Sebenzas.

 

[itsafire]

The current contestants:

Sandrin Monza Zirconium

This is one for the nerds. A blade with 71HRC. Made from tungsten carbide. And somehow, it's flexy enough so it won't shatter when you drop it.
You can get the peasant version with a titanium handle, or spend a little more to get zirconium. It's heavier. And you can say 'The handle material is zirconium'.

It does tick most, if not all of my boxes. I ordered one.



Giant Mouse GM11

This is also a limited run, but I found one locally. Titanium framelock, deep carry clip, good size and a non-tactical blade. It's on its way.

 

[itsafire]

Upgrade the scales on your Bugout. It really improves the feel. Also, maybe the iMamba will work for you? Size-wise it fits between the large & small Sebenzas.

Both very valid and good suggestions.

I might consider upgrading the Bugout, but one Issue I have with it is the feeling of the omega springs when operating the axis lock.

The iMamba is on my shortlist, but it's not super easy to get right now.

 

[norcalAF]

If you get a chance, check out a small SHF.

 

[Drop bear]

Hi good people of BladeForums.com!
I recently, more or less unwillingly, embarked on a journey.
After catching the EDC bug more than a decade ago, I went through a pile of gear until I found out what works for me.
I'm a simple minimalist EDC person. I carry a wristwatch (Sinn 105, which is my only and my forever watch), a flashlight (I do have several, but usually carry something small during summer and something larger during winter), a pen (BigIdeaDesigns TI bolt action pen) and a knife. The knife usually is on the smaller side. Something not too tactical and suited for an office environment.

I have owned several in the past, and want to list those that I deem noteworthy:
Spyderco PM2. I bought it because it seems like you gotta have one if you're into knives. I sold it because it was too big for my taste.

Spyderco UKPK: I had it for a while and while I liked it, I could not get myself to like the FRN scales. That's why I bought a

Spyderco Urban, which I had customized with new scales and a stonewashed blade. Beatiful little knife. I snapped the blade prying a knothole in a board of soft wood.

Kizer Zipslip Titanium: I carried it for a while, but somehow stopped. I think the blade was too fat for such a short length and it was not very slicey. Also, the edge retention was not what I expected from S35VN.

Hinderer Slippy XM: Great knife. Totally overbuilt. Great Quality. I did not like that finger choil-style ricasso bit. The blade was too far away from your fingers when you gripped the handle, but when you put your index finger on the ricasso, the edge of it it would rest on the sharpened blade. Great knife, terrible ergonomics. Also, a bit too much on the tactical side for my taste.

TRM Atlas: Great little knife in terms of everything but the action. Opening and closing it is no fun.


The knifes that made it into my EDC for a longer time, multiple years to be precise:


Manly Wasp:

This is my 'legal' knife. I chose the version with the S90V blade. It is a slipjoint with a sub 3" blade, which makes it legal to carry in most of Europe.
I pick this when I travel. And sometimes I pick this at home, too.
The edge is razor sharp and that S90V has crazy edge retention. I've never babied it and put it to use from day one. It has collected a variety of signs of wear.
However, I do find two hand operation not really practical and prefer something that opens one handed and locks. On top of that, it did close on my once when I tried to drill a hole into a plastic barrel and I'm glad I kept all my fingers.

That's why I looked at several knifes, and finally settled on a Benchmade Bugout, because of the experience with the Wasp, I settled on the S90V version with the carbon fiber scales.

That Bugout essentially ticked all the boxes I had and showed me what I like in a knife.
The list is:
-Steel with good edge retention
-One handed opening, with a 'slow' option, so I can pull it out and open it in front of squeamish people without causing them to jump.
-Locking mechanism.
-A small'ish knife, but large enough for a full four finger grip
-A deep carry clip. Preferred so deep that you can't even see it's a knife.
-A blade shape that will allow me to do essentially everything. I want to be able to make a PBJ Sandwich, cut an apple or break down a giant pile of cardboard boxes, carve a clean edge on a board, bust open zipties and do all that other stuff one uses a knife for.
-A certain fidget factor is not unwelcome.

So I was a happy camper.

Have you considered a wharncliff?

 

[Tsujigiri]

I'd say the Arno Bernard iMamba as well. They're easier to get than CRK, at least. They're right in between the two sizes of sebenza and the new ones have a stronger detent that makes them more fidget friendly. They also have more hand finishing than modern CRK. Since you like slipjoints, you could also look at their Rinkhals. Have you looked at the CRK Impinda, too?

At a much lower price, the Spyderco Swayback has a similar action to a CRK and looks somewhat traditional. It's pretty large as well but I think it feels a little more compact than the large sebenza. The Lionsteel Tispine is also right in that in between size and looks pretty dressy.

 

[itsafire]

Have you considered a wharncliff?

I've never found one that I really liked the look of - but I'm not opposed to that idea with a super straight edge.

 

[itsafire]

If you get a chance, check out a small SHF.

There are some minor details about that knife that grind my gears.
Such as the ambidextrous claim on a framelock knife. Okay, you can place the clip on the other side and you can open it left handed - but how do you disengage the lock then?
I am right handed, so that is just something that rides the back of your mind if minor details are a thing for you.
Also, I think the blade is a little too skinny for my taste and the clip is not deep carry at all.

I'd say the Arno Bernard iMamba as well. They're easier to get than CRK, at least. They're right in between the two sizes of sebenza and the new ones have a stronger detent that makes them more fidget friendly. They also have more hand finishing than modern CRK. Since you like slipjoints, you could also look at their Rinkhals. Have you looked at the CRK Impinda, too?

The iMamba IS the obvious choice if you're looking for that medium Sebenza. However, I don't really like flippers. That's why I really need to get my hands on one of those options with washers and no flipper tab, to see how well it works like that. If it is as crazy smooth as the Sebenza this could well be the one-and-done model - but there's the clip.
The Impinda is too pointy and I wanna say the slipjoint spot in my rotation is taken by the Manly Wasp - I'm looking for something one hand operated with a lock .

At a much lower price, the Spyderco Swayback has a similar action to a CRK and looks somewhat traditional. It's pretty large as well but I think it feels a little more compact than the large sebenza. The Lionsteel Tispine is also right in that in between size and looks pretty dressy.

The Lionsteel does a lot of things right - I like the fact that it's carved from a single piece, it has a deep carry clip, the 'slow one hand operation' - but I don't really care for the pattern of the milling, makes it look a bit like old fashioned kitchen cutlery IMHO and the blade geometry is getting too pointy too fast.

In terms of Spyderco, especially designed by M. Slysz, I'd prefer the Spydiechef to the Swayback. I actually really like the Spydiechef enough to have it on my list for possible future purchases.

 

[itsafire]

The GiantMouse GM11 arrived, and it is a beauty to behold, but an ergonomic nightmare.

Let me go into detail.

I've seen unboxing videos on YT, so I knew what to expect. I'm gonna say it now and I will repeat it again: I am an absolute buffoon when it comes to judging sizes through the internet.
However, The GM11 is small. Laid next to the Bugout, the bugout is a little bit longer, but the handles look about the same size.
The action is very smooth, just the last bit before the lock engages feels a bit scratchy. The polished blade seems like a magnet for fingerprints.
The Pocket clip is great, though. I like the Mouse logo.

Let's get to the three major problems I do have with this knife:
1. Holding it. When all four fingers get purchase on the handle, my hand ends up like this:

You see the gap between the cutting edge and my index finger? Me neither. Let's just say this is not very comfortable, knowing that I'm literally less than a millimeter from drawing blood. I need that stuff to remain inside.

2. Unfolding the folder. Spydie-Flicking it works like a charm, but I usually gravitate towards the slow opening option.
However, in my hands, when I want to open it, I get into this position:

In order to open the blade, I need to exert a bit of force to get enough purchase. Newton taught us that this results in an equal and opposite reaction, which means that
the middle finger is pressing down on the lock, locking the blade in place.
There is not enough room to comfortably put it somewhere else and I need it to sit somewhere to counter the pressure of the thumb.

3. Folding it back: When I disengage the lock, the blade falls towards the handle, and there is a lot of momentum but very little time to get the thumb out of the way. The bit that connects to the thumb is sharpened edge.


I guess that some if not most of the issues don't matter as much when your hand size is a bit smaller - my hands are size 10,5.

This knife will not enter a test and/or trial period. I'll flip it first chance I get.

 

[Jbrody10]

I traded a Herman Sting for this Machinewise Sonora and was blown away by this knife:

Production Sonora

Equipped with a robust button lock, and integral titanium handle construction. The Sonora is ready for all your day to day tasks! Designed, Manufactured and Assembled in Phoenix, Arizona

machinewise.store

 

[itsafire]

I traded a Herman Sting for this Machinewise Sonora and was blown away by this knife:

Production Sonora

Equipped with a robust button lock, and integral titanium handle construction. The Sonora is ready for all your day to day tasks! Designed, Manufactured and Assembled in Phoenix, Arizona

machinewise.store

View attachment 2649844

View attachment 2649845

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View attachment 2649848

That is very pretty! The blade reminds me of the Wasp.
...but the way it looks, you can only open it with the flipper, no?

 

[Jbrody10]

That is very pretty! The blade reminds me of the Wasp.
...but the way it looks, you can only open it with the flipper, no?

That is correct. I reread about your slow opening requirement. I work in a professional environment, as well. For me, this knife works great in a business environment. Magnucut/Titanium Integral/Deep Carry/Ambidextrous/Clean Lines.

 

[Jbrody10]

You can lightly flip and it comes out lightly and unintimidating.

 

[Tsujigiri]

There are some minor details about that knife that grind my gears.
Such as the ambidextrous claim on a framelock knife. Okay, you can place the clip on the other side and you can open it left handed - but how do you disengage the lock then?
I am right handed, so that is just something that rides the back of your mind if minor details are a thing for you.
Also, I think the blade is a little too skinny for my taste and the clip is not deep carry at all.


The iMamba IS the obvious choice if you're looking for that medium Sebenza. However, I don't really like flippers. That's why I really need to get my hands on one of those options with washers and no flipper tab, to see how well it works like that. If it is as crazy smooth as the Sebenza this could well be the one-and-done model - but there's the clip.
The Impinda is too pointy and I wanna say the slipjoint spot in my rotation is taken by the Manly Wasp - I'm looking for something one hand operated with a lock .



The Lionsteel does a lot of things right - I like the fact that it's carved from a single piece, it has a deep carry clip, the 'slow one hand operation' - but I don't really care for the pattern of the milling, makes it look a bit like old fashioned kitchen cutlery IMHO and the blade geometry is getting too pointy too fast.

In terms of Spyderco, especially designed by M. Slysz, I'd prefer the Spydiechef to the Swayback. I actually really like the Spydiechef enough to have it on my list for possible future purchases.

If you're left handed, you close a right handed framelock with your forefinger instead of your thumb like everyone else would. I've heard leftys say that they can use a righty framelock as long as they can switch the clip, otherwise it's a no go. Personally I usually don't like seeing the lefty clip holes that I'll never use, but the way they did it on the SHF looks cool to me.

The Spydiechef I'm sure is a great knife, but it doesn't have the contoured handles or polished stonewash blade of the other two Slyz models. And the Swayback has a unique opposing internal stop pin system that makes the lockup feel tighter without changing the action, I haven't seen it on any other knives. It's easy to find deep carry aftermarket clips, and the biggest thing is it's on clearance for under $200 since it was just discontinued, so if you get it and don't like it you can wait and get your money back when the prices jump. I didn't like the design at first but I bought on a whim and found that it cuts exceptionally well, actually might be the thinnest bte spyderco out there.

 

[WedgeAntilles]

If you're left handed, you close a right handed framelock with your forefinger instead of your thumb like everyone else would. I've heard leftys say that they can use a righty framelock as long as they can switch the clip, otherwise it's a no go. Personally I usually don't like seeing the lefty clip holes that I'll never use, but the way they did it on the SHF looks cool to me.

The Spydiechef I'm sure is a great knife, but it doesn't have the contoured handles or polished stonewash blade of the other two Slyz models. And the Swayback has a unique opposing internal stop pin system that makes the lockup feel tighter without changing the action, I haven't seen it on any other knives. It's easy to find deep carry aftermarket clips, and the biggest thing is it's on clearance for under $200 since it was just discontinued, so if you get it and don't like it you can wait and get your money back when the prices jump. I didn't like the design at first but I bought on a whim and found that it cuts exceptionally well, actually might be the thinnest bte spyderco out there.

Southpaw here, and that's nit necessarily true. I close right handed frame locks with my left thumb all the time. It's not hard. I simply use my thumb to pull on the lockbar and my pointer finger to close the blade. In some ways it's safer on my drop shuttier models, as the momentum automatically pulls my thumb out of the blade path rather than pushing into it.

As for right handed clips only, I'll only accept that on right handed knives with strong detents. Hinderer for example, is a no go. I have a couple lefties, but would never carry a righty in my left pocket as it could open. My Arno Bernard iMambas, Koenig Arius, and Grimsmo Norseman all have strong enough detents I can't shake them open, so I'm fine with carrying them "backwards" and operating them.

Or I'll carry one of my 14 lefty CRK folders.

 

[itsafire]

Okay. I'm not a lefty and my southpaw-dexterity is righty-average (in other words, my left hand is clumsy), so I can't really confirm this, but that's not really the issue here.
I promise I will give my best to adjust my bias towards framelock knifes with reversible pocket clips from now on.