Pick my knife- crowdsourcing an edc

mlanghornes

mlanghornes

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
798
So I'm in the rare position to have money to spend on a knife and nothing lined up on my want list, and I thought I'd give this idea a shot. Basically, I want you all to vote for a knife you want me to buy and carry. The deal is, I'll use it as an exclusive edc for a month, and post updates and thoughts weekly, along with pictures of use on my instagram account (@edcdad) . However, because I drive a cubicle for a living, and like it, I have to set some guidelines.
-- No autos
-- No fixed blades
-- No full size multitools
-- Under 4" blade and under 6 oz weight
-- $250 or less
Those are the only requirements, everything else is fair game. Feel free to suggest multiple knives, I'll let the recommendations go for at least 24 hours (more if no one wants to play) until some sort of winner emerges.
Did something just hit the market that you're interested in, and you're not sure if it's for you? Do you have a favorite and want to give it some publicity? Do you want me to have to carry a gigantic folder to my office job and terrify my co-workers? Now's your chance. Vote now!

3/12 Update: Ok everyone, I appreciate all the great suggestions. In order of votes, the third place spot goes to:
Techno/ZT 808/ZT 450/Benchmade 940/Benchmade 32 (5 way tie)

Second place: Reate Hills/Gas Station "knife" (2 way tie)

First place: ZT 562CF

I'll be ordering the ZT later tonight, look for my first impressions when I get it delivered. I'll update this thread with a link. Thanks for the great ideas, I'm especially intrigued with the balisong idea, and the gas station knife. Maybe when I'm done with the ZT I'll look at one of those next.
 
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Depending if you like overbuilt tanks. I have been promoting the spyderco techno! I've had mine a month or so and it's just perfect for me. Do a search and you will see lots of love for the techno. It has a small blade, but I live in a city where over 3" is illegal. Although I've carried anything I want, since I'm not going to be searched by police. It still feels good to be thrilled to be carrying this knife and it's legal.
Super strong lock up! ZERO PLAY, smooth as glass, and imo looks awesome! I find these smaller knives make more sense than anything over 3.5 " max for edc . Small enough you always have it, capable enough to handle most anything Techno!!
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Another vote for the Spyderco Techno. Or if you want something a little bigger, the ZT 0562CF, 0808, 0801, and 0450. The 0808 and 0450 aren't out just yet, but both look fantastic!
 
I note you haven't stipulated no utter junk... :) ...so let's make this interesting. My vote is you buy and carry the first flea market special you come across that fits your criteria and isn't an outright copy.

I actually have a reason for this beyond wanting to cause you discomfort. You've been a forum member for some time so I'm guessing it has been a while since you discovered good quality knives. I think it would be worthwhile to see how it feels going backwards for a while.
 
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Me thinks you should try a H&K 14715 with d2 steel. I have it's little brother the 14716. These are Griptilian killers.
 
Hmm so many options... Its kinda hard not knowing what you have, but I'd like to see one of the new ZT designs get a try, though they don't all seem to be coming out, and the 452 is over 4".. Have fun though! If the 808 was out I'd say that
 
I'd like to see a long term review of a Reate that's actually used.

All of the reviews I've seen are unboxings, etc... where the owner just opens it and flips it a few times. They look nice initially, but how are they as actual EDC's??? Are they actually built up to snuff enough to be a real user? Or are they just ornaments?
 
Chris Larrikin said:
I note you haven't stipulated no utter junk... :) ...so let's make this interesting. My vote is you buy and carry the first flea market special you come across that fits your criteria and isn't an outright copy.

I actually have a reason for this beyond wanting to cause you discomfort. You've been a forum member for some time so I'm guessing it has been a while since you discovered good quality knives. I think it would be worthwhile to see how it feels going backwards for a while.
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I second this idea. Having to carry a crap knife will make you appreciate the quality knives even more.
 
Creynaed said:
I second this idea. Having to carry a crap knife will make you appreciate the quality knives even more.
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Ok, to clarify, are we talking like a cheapo, Smith and Wesson/new Camillus/Red Head brand? Or the thing at Wal-Mart labeled "knife" that costs a dollar? Cause I'm not sure the dollar one would work for a month...

Aside from that, we have 2 votes for the techno, one for reate, one for the modded mini grip, two for one of the new ZTs, and one for the HK 14715.

As for what I have, I've owned a lot of knives, but I generally sell them if they don't get carried a lot, or if I get bored. Right now I have a dragonfly 2 in zdp-189, a mini grip 555hg, and a blackwash skyline. I have other sentimental ones, but those are the top 3 that get carried.
 
I say go with something simple, like a Svord peasant. No lock, carbon steel, pretty radically different from most modern folders. Could be a fun change of pace.

But if you're looking for a legit modern folder to add to the collection, Benchmade 940.
 
For an office-friendly EDC with some "cool factor" to it, I'd suggest a Kershaw Camber.
 
I'll second the Reate Hills. It really is a nice knife. One of the only (non cosmetic) drawback I've found is the internal stop pin. If it gets to much lint in there it wont open right. This has only happened to me twice in the past few months, so it's not a huge deal.
 
There's a Benchmade 470 Osbourne Emissary, First Production Run, #165/1000 over at Arizona Custom Knives for $175.

I'll give you first dibs before I pick it up myself. :D
 
I would second the ZT 0562CF if you prefer to get something modern and more along the rugged lines.
I would recommend the ZT 0620CF, but it does come in a little above 6oz, so it falls outside of your requirements.

If you're thinking something more "do-it-all", then get a Vic Pioneer/Farmer/Tinker (whatever fits your use best) honestly. I would have not recommended one really before getting one, but they are extremely useful little knives, and are very well-built. Good value for the amount of use you can get for the money IMO as well.

Reate makes a very good knife, so if you like the styling, then you'll like them as well, but I don't have one in my collection, just played with one owned by a friend a few times, so I don't really put it super high on the list of recommendations.
 
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