Please help me pick a new EDC

frogger42 said:
I've been browsing the on-line knife stores and I REALLY like this one.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM930P

I may have to just save up.
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I had my heart set on this one too, started saving up for it and everything. Then I went into a knife store and they had one there. That did it for me, it was actually way smaller then I thought it was. Just something to keep in mind if you haven't seent one in real life, it's a pretty petite knife really. Of course that may be what you are looking for.
 
I recommend either the Spyderco Delica 4 or Benchmade Mini-Griptillian 556. Both under $60 at a reputable on-line merchant, such as New Graham Knives. They each use what I regard as favoured blade steels: VG-10 on the Delica 4, 154CM on the Mini-Grip. They're both well-made and a comfortable carry. The Delica 4 is probably the simpler of the two locking mechanisms, has a somewhat slimmer profile, and the clip positioning is more flexible. The Mini-Grip is more convenient, for some, to one-hand-close; some feel its handle is grippier, and I prefer the blade profile. I think it'd be hard to go wrong with either choice. If you want to spend even less: Consider the Boker Trance. I don't care as much for the AUS-8 blade, but I have to admit it's a capable knife, and I'm pleased with it.

The screws for the clips on any knife are prone to loosening-up over time. A small amount of Loctite 222 (purple) or clear nail polish should keep them in place.
 
For a long time I carried a Kershaw Leek, and it never had any problems. There is a G10 scale / S30V steel model that would be my choice for EDC, if I didn't decide to stop carrying assisted opening knives.

Since then, I've been carrying a Kershaw Skyline, which is a very good little knife... even lighter than the Leek, but with a much more robust blade. I highly recommend it, as it's hard to get anything made in USA and of this quality for the price (under $35).

The Spyderco Tenacious is a great knife (just got it), and is substantially beefier and feels more solid that the Skyline. It is, however, thicker, 2X wider, and 2X heavier.

The Kershaw JYDII is also a solid choice... with an ugly clip...
 
How about a Spyderco Delica? It doesn't have as high-end steel as the Native (VG-10) but I think it's a bit lighter, has approximately the same sized blade, is also a really solid lockback, and there are lots of options.

There are FRN or G10 handles, Emerson Wave or not, VG-10 or ZDP-189, plain edge, combo-edge, and fully serrated.... they are fantastic knives.
 
In addition to the above recommendations (of which I like the Delica most), there is one incredibe bargain knife you have to check out: the Browning Icestorm is a very cheap $26.99 here and it's in fact made by Mcusta (actually it is in essence the same knife as the much more expensive Mcusta stingray). Solid yet smooth and really nice VG10 steel. It's one of the best knife bargains I know of.
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If this isn't your style I would recommend the Spyderco Delica (at least double the price though).
 
Frogger, from what I understand from your post, you've had 3 knives in several years. I'd say with regular use the sort of wear you have experienced is somewhat normal, atleast for that price range and I'd say higher priced folders aren't immune to such problems either.

You seem to have liked your Spyderco and that would seem like to logical line to follow. Loctite will certainly help with loosening screws but wear on locks and pivots is something that even the high priced ones suffer from after years of use.
 
This is my EDC.

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3086

I carry it on my belt. It gets used many times a day for all kinds of stuff with no problems whatsoever. I tightened the thumb stud once after a couple years. I paid $80 -90 for it and worth every penny. I carry it horizontal on my belt right over my right pocket flap forward. I can get it out one handed fast and easy and back in the same. It is extremely well made IMHO. I seriously ask anyone looking for a reliable trustworthy tool to consider this one.
 
Well, after a lot of research, I just ordered this knife...

http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6900

I have had very good luck with Kershaw's customer service and the only issue I ever have had with my other Kershaw knives has been the torsion bar. This one is not an assisted open so there is no torsion bar. The reviews I read were great. I'll give it a try and if it is as good as I think it will be, I'll probably order a second one to have as a spare in case I lose it. Thanks for all the great advice.
 
Nice knife Frogger. Good choice.

It's difficult to really go wrong with a Kershaw, Spyderco, benchmade etc. They are all good for the most part. Just pick one that fits your needs and budget. If for some reason you end up not liking the ergonomics , or something, they are fairly easy to sell if kept in good condition.

If you keep them, you will find it's harder than you think to wear one out. Sure, you can break one with abuse, but using it as it was meant to a knife like you picked out will last you for years. In other words, you will need to start thinking up excuses to buy more as wearing out won't cut it more than once or twice with the spouse. :) Good luck with it. I think you're gonna like it. Joe
 
Good choice with that knife! When the urge hits again, and it will, take a look at the Kershaw Ram. It has the new G&G Hawk sliding lock that is very, very tough. Tell us how you like the NRG after it arrives.:thumbup::D
 
I really appreciate the heads up on the Ice Storm! I received two Gerber Air Rangers yesterday, which I'm quite pleased with BTW, and I'm still waiting on the Ice Storm (ordered on your recommendation). If it turns to be as good as you claim, I'll be ordering a couple more as gifts! I have made many purchases based on testimonials I've read here, and I haven't been disappointed yet!

My EDC rotation consists of a Leek, Falkiniven U-2, Delica, and now a AR as well. I have a sneaky suspicion the IS will be joining in the rotation when it arrives.
 
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> My EDC rotation consists of a Leek, Falkniven U-2, Delica, and now a AR as well. I have a sneaky suspicion the IS will be joining in the rotation when it arrives.

I have a Leek, U2 and Delica as well and I think you will find that the smooth operating Ice Storm will be a proud addition to your set. After you get it you will probably check out Mcusta's product range!
By the way, don't you agree that the U2 is a superb gentleman knife?
 
By the way, don't you agree that the U2 is a superb gentleman knife?[/QUOTE]

I totally agree. Over the many years I've been collecting/accumulating knives, my main focus has been on fixed blades, however, I have always carried a "medium" (3-3.5") sized folder, and the U-2 is one of my favorites.
 
Dagon said:
In addition to the above recommendations (of which I like the Delica most), there is one incredibe bargain knife you have to check out: the Browning Icestorm is a very cheap $26.99 here and it's in fact made by Mcusta (actually it is in essence the same knife as the much more expensive Mcusta stingray). Solid yet smooth and really nice VG10 steel. It's one of the best knife bargains I know of.
cdnn_2019_1444554

If this isn't your style I would recommend the Spyderco Delica (at least double the price though).
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That is really something! $27 for a vg10 bladed knife made by MCUSTA. That is a real nice knife for small money. Very good recomendation, thanks Dagon.
 
My everyday knife (mon - fri) is the Boker Subclaw. Darn near indestructible and handier than... (lost train of thought). Well,...it's handy. Weekends I flipflop between a Kershaw Leek (all stainless, non-serrated) and a Spyderco Delica (foliage green). Whatever your choice, a little preventative maintenence can solve a plethora of problems.
 
Before I carried mine for a while, I would've recommended the Byrd Cara Cara in G10. However, this knife is just gigantic. So whatever the next smallest step down in the Byrd line, is a great EDC. These knives are unbelievably well built for the price. The steel is 8Cr13MoV, which is basicall a chinese clone of AUS-8. Which means that edge retention isn't awesome like VG-10 or ZDP-189 or CPM-S30V, but it's easy to put an edge on it. Hey, it's better than 440C. It's a lockback and I have the model with the G-10 handles, which is just awesome. However, the blade is pushing 4" and this is a large, heavy knife. It gives me piece of mind when walking into my murder mart for a Soda, but other than that it's a bit big.

So I'd steer you towards the Byrd Meadowlark G-10, which is a lockback with a 3" blade, or the Byrd Raven G-10, which is also a lockback but with a 3.5" blade. I'd really like to get my mits on a Flight G10 but haven't ever seen one yet. The Meadowlark and Raven are both pretty conventional designs. These knives offer amazing value for the money, are rock solid, and I think look good. And you might as well get the G-10 handled version - it's not much more expensive (I think it's $10 full retail, which turns out to always be less when you buy it) and it's better than the light feeling FRN or the tacky stainless.


Also going to throw out the obligatory "How about a Griptilian?" and "save your money and get a Sebenza! (LOL)."

Kershaw's non-assisted models are great, too. a JYD I is a frame lock with Sandvik steel, the only downside to which I've found is that you need to pay more attention to avoid corrosion. The ergos on the JYD line are great, they have a flipper and the JYDII has a HUGE liner lock, completely rock solid, very thick blades, a good worker. The Skyline is a bit small for my hands but your mileage may vary.

Also, Maybe a standard VG-10 Delica?

and to be a complete oddball, try and find yourself a Browning Ice Storm. aluminum handles, VG-10 blade, razor sharp, neat clip that's integrated into the liners (so it won't come loose on you!" and they're cheap. And light.

If you are trying to pick the perfect knife before you buy it, I would recommend seeing if Youtube user "cutlerylover" has an opinion on it first :-P seriously, watch some of his reviews, they cover most of the important topics for ECD, and he's reviewed a LOT of knives, from a BM Monochrome to a custom Strider, etc etc.

anyway, sorry for rambling. James out.
 
Very nice selection frogger! Get your flipping technique down, and it will open as fast if not faster than a SpeedSafe! The ENER-G's are great slicers!

For your next one that fits your criteria, take a look at Kershaw's Mini Cyclone (or the full-sized model). There's a nice feature about it...you can turn the SpeedSafe off if you want! There's a web site that is selling them for $ 25 ($ 34 for the big one) plus shipping!
 
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