out of the 5 brands....

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Mar 6, 2012
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ive seen loads of positives on all. but in order from 5 (being "worst") to 1 (best) how would YOU rate (in terms of all around EDC for a little bit of everything)
Spyderco
Kershaw
Cold Steel
Buck
Victorinox
???????????????????
 
Spyderco
Kershaw
Benchmade (KAI and BM tie for 2nd)
Cold Steel

For traditional-
Antique knives
Case
GEC
 
5. Buck
4. Cold Steel
3. Victorinox
2. Kershaw
1. Spyderco.

Of course that's just my opinion. All are great manufacturers, and I have at least one or more of each, but the Spydies get the most pocket time. And I'll take most GEC models over Case.
 
This question gets asked a lot. The main takeaway I have, from the various times it's been asked, is that there really is no top 5. Everyone's opinion is different. The 4 you mentioned aren't even the same companies I would think of when listing a top 5, only two of mine would be the same. Plus, my preferences change all the time.
 
I don't see how anyone could compare $20 Swiss army knives with $150 Spyderco folders.
Or comparing a Buck Stockman with a Cold Steel Voyager. :confused: it just can't be done.

Different styles and prices of knives. My two favorite companies are Case and Buck because I like simple, traditional knives. Others may prefer Spydercos and Kershaws because they like one-handed knives made by companies coming out with new models all the time.
 
Benchmade

....

That is my top 5 brands of companies that are "large". Only company I support, they are in Oregon, my current home state of 15yrs. Never liked Spyderco, Cold Steel is ass... Buck? I think we though Buck was good when in 3rd grade we got to "play" with my friend's father's knife... and Kershaw.. like Spyderco, never got into them.. style mostly. At least they are Oregon too though :) As is Gerber. BLARGH.

One post made the point, top 5, who cares.. we all have different tastes.

I have sent knives back to Benchmade to re-tip, re-sharpened, or replace missing clips/screws. And each time the knife returns as new. I've been buying/using BMs for 14yrs. I'm happy :)

BUT, most of my knives are customs.. so that should tell ya something.. and today I'm carrying a Black Bear Knives metro flipper.. Enjoy the scenery!
 
Tricky question. Benchmade and Spyderco currently produce the most models I'm interested in, I've had the best personal experiences with Kershaw, Buck has a near-legendary warranty and tradition behind them, and Cold Steel makes great value folders and some stuff that just makes me grin and remember that, for me, this is a hobby. So it depends on what I'm looking for, how much I want to spend and how I plan on using the knife.
 
(in terms of all around EDC for a little bit of everything)

That's the key part of your question. For me:

1 - Victorinox - simply because it is an adequate knife for most day to day applications but can do so much more. Personally I carry a Fieldmaster or Super Tinker absolutely everywhere.
2 - Spyderco - great knives. The Para2 is something amazing, but even the $30 Tenacious punches so far above its weight
3 - Buck - wide range of well constructed knives. All the ones I have are excellent and their lifetime warranty is faultless
4 - Kershaw - never owned one but they seem popular
5 - Cold Steel - just never done it for me.
 
Of the companies listed :
1. Victorinox Really hard to beat for all around edc . They have something for everybody .
2. Spyderco I am a recent convert to Spyderco and am super impressed . Very well designed knives in my humble opinion .
3. Buck A good honest company with a wide range of well made products . Hard to beat for the money .
4. Kershaw Another good company with a lot to offer .
5. Cold Steel Never been very attracted to their offerings myself but lots of people like them .
My 2 cents .
Jim
 
It seems you are comparing apples to oranges to grapes to bananas to plums.

I'll say Victorinox is "best" because you can get models that have a toothpick. None of the others listed offers one!
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kershaw - the zt line
spyderco- the military
benchmade- their plasticy handles never felt like it was well built though i knew it was
buck
never will or will own a cold steel tacticool knife
 
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