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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Questions for you pros. Newbie searching for EDC, Specs listed
- Thread starter K-Tex
- Start date
There's a number of sites that sell grip and mini grip scale kits. You could even get custom ones from cuscadi or something. Only downside to the replacement scales is that they will almost CERTAINLY cost as much or more than the knife itself. On the other hand, a lot of the aftermarket scales do go quite a way to making the knife feel more solid, and they will usually thin out the profile in your pocket.
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Oh the blade is not too thick, it's a really strong folder so long as you don't expect it to be a fixed blade. It slices awesome. I was just nitpicking as some of the BM knives have thinner grinds are a tad better at slicing. That said it would be perfectly fine to get the Skyline too, it's the perfect size in that perfect wheelhouse like the grip of EDC folders that are not too big and not too small.
And this is coming from someone who is not a fan of most Kershaws. I've had the OD-2, Leek, Skyline, Fixed Skyline, Blue, Cryo, Chill, Crown and JYD. The only Kershaw that I think is incredible is the Skyline. The RAT 2 is also awesome, same wheelhouse as the Skyline and Grip! There's a lot of nice knives with 8CRMov13 steel around too but if you are working the knife everyday you might have to sharpen it a bit more often which could bother you, I dunno. In any case, Rat2, Grip, and Skyline have reputations that are beyond reproach for good reasons.
I don't know how I ended up doing it, but I carry 2 EDC's. A 4" Trapper slipjoint and a little 1040T Old Timer which I'm going to replace with a Peanut soon. Peanuts are really handy, they have a whole lot of blade about 2 1/4" for such a tiny knife, much like the little Kershaw OD2, Spyderco UKPK/Cat/Ambitious/Salt/Dragonfly.
And this is coming from someone who is not a fan of most Kershaws. I've had the OD-2, Leek, Skyline, Fixed Skyline, Blue, Cryo, Chill, Crown and JYD. The only Kershaw that I think is incredible is the Skyline. The RAT 2 is also awesome, same wheelhouse as the Skyline and Grip! There's a lot of nice knives with 8CRMov13 steel around too but if you are working the knife everyday you might have to sharpen it a bit more often which could bother you, I dunno. In any case, Rat2, Grip, and Skyline have reputations that are beyond reproach for good reasons.
I don't know how I ended up doing it, but I carry 2 EDC's. A 4" Trapper slipjoint and a little 1040T Old Timer which I'm going to replace with a Peanut soon. Peanuts are really handy, they have a whole lot of blade about 2 1/4" for such a tiny knife, much like the little Kershaw OD2, Spyderco UKPK/Cat/Ambitious/Salt/Dragonfly.
PigmonkeY, didn't know how much scale cost, man thats shocking. cchu518, thanks to you and simioh for being easy with me. My only experience with an EDC that I liked was a index flipper, it is just so effortless. I am pumped about the BM mini-grip, I will just need to get used to it, once it comes in. I just looked hard also at the Delicas. A bunch of y'all suggested it. I found a good price on one. I realize there are loyal fan bases to certain brands, but if you have an objective view, have y'all what would you consider between these two (BM mini-grip or Spyderco Delica)? I've got my opinion, but I wanted to hear from y'all.
Locutus D'Borg
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I bought mine from another member. The scales are Allen Putnam and I think they are sold on Blade HQ, but I'm not sure on that. Wilkins and Cuscardi also make sacles, as does fellow BF member Keyman (you can visit his profile and leave him a message).
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Spydercos are a whole 'nother beast! Spydercos and Benchmades are the top two big brands for a reason.
Spydies are easily the most ergonomically handled knives on the market. You just have to find one that fits you. I've never owned a Delica. But I've had a Tenacious, UKPK, Endura, Ambitious and I forget what else at the moment. They cut like nobody's business. That said I personally don't like lockbacks. I'm either going to use a slippie or an easy one hander. I would suggest going out and playing with a few to find out what handle size you like. If you play with a really sharp fully sharpened full flat ground leaf blade on one Spyderco than you have pretty much tried them all. They all cut ridiculously well. That said I always go back to preferring axis lock knives. I just like thumbstuds to be honest. But you have to give Spyderco its just deserves. They have sick blades that come razor sharp out of the factor, is the most perfectly utilitarian and have great ergos once you find the size that you like. Spydies are really all practically the same. You can also buy them used for pretty cheap on the forum except for the Titanium ones which I've never handled. For kicks google a CRKT Apache S2, its a fun knife with Ti scales and cool ATS-34 steel its what 154CM steel is now. They sometimes can be found for cheap ($30) and is in that perfect right around 3" blade size EDC.
They have a cheaper made in China line with 8CR13Mov steel (quality is excellent) that will have one counterpart or another with a made in the US of Japan version that has better VG10 steel. VG10 steel is nice and very similar to 154CM, which is a step above 440C which is one of my favorites even though most people don't like 440C. That said 8CR13 hones to super sharpness quick it's like Aus 8 roughly and doesn't hold its edge as long. Which I don't care, because you can sharpen up an 8CRMov13 blade in about 180 seconds from start to finish. A couple swipes on the medium and some work on the fine stone and its back to hair popping sharp again.
The linerlock Spydercos are awesome, the full flat ground blades slice awesome and there is a model with a handle size that someone will find to be perfect. I'm looking for another Spydie to play with right now, I might try to get another UKPK with a leaf blade if I can find it I traded one out and I miss that knife, should've have kept it.
Spydies are easily the most ergonomically handled knives on the market. You just have to find one that fits you. I've never owned a Delica. But I've had a Tenacious, UKPK, Endura, Ambitious and I forget what else at the moment. They cut like nobody's business. That said I personally don't like lockbacks. I'm either going to use a slippie or an easy one hander. I would suggest going out and playing with a few to find out what handle size you like. If you play with a really sharp fully sharpened full flat ground leaf blade on one Spyderco than you have pretty much tried them all. They all cut ridiculously well. That said I always go back to preferring axis lock knives. I just like thumbstuds to be honest. But you have to give Spyderco its just deserves. They have sick blades that come razor sharp out of the factor, is the most perfectly utilitarian and have great ergos once you find the size that you like. Spydies are really all practically the same. You can also buy them used for pretty cheap on the forum except for the Titanium ones which I've never handled. For kicks google a CRKT Apache S2, its a fun knife with Ti scales and cool ATS-34 steel its what 154CM steel is now. They sometimes can be found for cheap ($30) and is in that perfect right around 3" blade size EDC.
They have a cheaper made in China line with 8CR13Mov steel (quality is excellent) that will have one counterpart or another with a made in the US of Japan version that has better VG10 steel. VG10 steel is nice and very similar to 154CM, which is a step above 440C which is one of my favorites even though most people don't like 440C. That said 8CR13 hones to super sharpness quick it's like Aus 8 roughly and doesn't hold its edge as long. Which I don't care, because you can sharpen up an 8CRMov13 blade in about 180 seconds from start to finish. A couple swipes on the medium and some work on the fine stone and its back to hair popping sharp again.
The linerlock Spydercos are awesome, the full flat ground blades slice awesome and there is a model with a handle size that someone will find to be perfect. I'm looking for another Spydie to play with right now, I might try to get another UKPK with a leaf blade if I can find it I traded one out and I miss that knife, should've have kept it.
Didn't check this thread for a day too long!
I think with some elbow grease (construction guys should be best at that!) you can make some G10 scales to your liking. Don't think they're particularly hard to work with, other than the dust they create!
You can jump on some G10 slabs for under $10 I believe, or drop $50 on a pair of glow kirinite from usaknifemaker. Moonglow is on the list too, at $50 for 5" x 12". Really cheap IMO.
Light wise, I'm getting my first light soon! A little pricey (okay, very pricey to be honest), but it's gonna be a neat light.
A V10R Ti + with modifications, bringing the grand total to just under $450, shipped.
I'm modifying it with the help of a member on CPF (candlepowerforum in case you're wondering). I'm having the body modified to look like the much pricier Haiku and also have the entire light stonewashed. The battery compartment will be enlarged to fit a 18500 cell which adds 50% more runtime.
It doesn't have a fantastic runtime to boot, but it looks like a stunner.
If you want something that works and just that, I'd suggest brands like sure fire and jetbeam. You'll be able to find something. If you want throw, maybe consider a zoom light? Lenslight seems pretty awesome, though they cost more than a pretty penny. You might want to give us a budget to start with, as well as lumens vs runtime or battery preference. Otherwise, you'll end up with options ranging from $9.90 Chinese lights to $-insert ridiculous-amount- customs like a Damascus Tain Zenith that is completey useless to your applications.
PS: mods, feel free to correct my acronyms or remove them. Not sure if mentioning other forums/ webpages are appropriate.
I think with some elbow grease (construction guys should be best at that!) you can make some G10 scales to your liking. Don't think they're particularly hard to work with, other than the dust they create!
You can jump on some G10 slabs for under $10 I believe, or drop $50 on a pair of glow kirinite from usaknifemaker. Moonglow is on the list too, at $50 for 5" x 12". Really cheap IMO.
Light wise, I'm getting my first light soon! A little pricey (okay, very pricey to be honest), but it's gonna be a neat light.
A V10R Ti + with modifications, bringing the grand total to just under $450, shipped.
I'm modifying it with the help of a member on CPF (candlepowerforum in case you're wondering). I'm having the body modified to look like the much pricier Haiku and also have the entire light stonewashed. The battery compartment will be enlarged to fit a 18500 cell which adds 50% more runtime.
It doesn't have a fantastic runtime to boot, but it looks like a stunner.
If you want something that works and just that, I'd suggest brands like sure fire and jetbeam. You'll be able to find something. If you want throw, maybe consider a zoom light? Lenslight seems pretty awesome, though they cost more than a pretty penny. You might want to give us a budget to start with, as well as lumens vs runtime or battery preference. Otherwise, you'll end up with options ranging from $9.90 Chinese lights to $-insert ridiculous-amount- customs like a Damascus Tain Zenith that is completey useless to your applications.
PS: mods, feel free to correct my acronyms or remove them. Not sure if mentioning other forums/ webpages are appropriate.
The Griptilian has a better grip (hence the name), in my opinion because the handle is rounder, but that makes it a little bulkier in the pocket. The Delica is the opposite, flat handle, yet still comfortable to hold and use. I'm not a dedicated fan of either brand, and if I had to chose either the Delica or mini Griptilian with the sheepsfoot blade, I would go with the mini Grip.
simioh, thanks for the honest opinion for the mini-grip. Getting just what the thread is about, professional opinions. Sigmazxcs, sound like you are in to flashlights. I have a landscaping and lighting business and use headlamps, b/c of hands free operation. I've got about 8 of the Coast H7...not bad. My first real EDC small light was a Fenix LD20...I liked it so much, I gifted about 3 of them. I have since lost mine. Can you find a recurring trend here? Lost my blade and my light. Starting over. Off subject, but I have never been to a knife show. I am now interested in attending one in central Texas when one comes my way. cchu518, so what's your choice? sounds like you are sway more toward the BM. Locutus D'Borg, those aren't knives, that is art! I have never seen knives like that. Those are incredible. Thanks for the view. Y'all take care, taking kids with me to the Zoo, taking my Leek. I told y'all I bought this thing on sale at a hardware store and was going to take it back, but I needed to cut some things and now here I am with 5 knives now. I was just looking for ONE, EDC. Thanks to all of you, see what you created.
By the way for a light, I was thinking within the $80 range. I just like the 1AA since they are compact and batteries are easy to find. I will use the Low for when I don't need too much, Med most the time, and High when I really need it, maybe around 350 lumens? Portability and throws. I wouldn't mind about 3-400'. If that won't work in a 1AA then maybe a 2AA. Thanks again, especially about the knife love.
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I don't have a clear favorite, I just like knives! And out of the affordable sub $100 best buy knives. I did something sick over the summer I basically went through Nutnfancy on you tube's entire best budget EDC suggestions.
I kid you not, off the top of my head in like a 6 month time frame, I bought or traded a leek, drifter, skyline, skyline fixed, UKPK, CRKT Lake, CRKT tribute, two minigrips, endura, getting a delica, tenacious, ambitious, chill, OD2, Opinel, four different slipjoints, Pinnacle 750, mini-presidio, SAK Tinker Deluxe stayglow, SanRenMu 710, cryo, and I know there are some more that I'm forgetting or were forgettable, some knives I literally got in the mail, held it and put it up for trade or ebay not two minutes after getting it LMAO!
I had only gotten into knives in like March of this year and things got out of hand quickly. I was basically obsessed with finding out which is the top budget under $100 knife on the market.
Out of all those I kept a grip, some slipjoints a mini presidio, have an ambitious. Wish I kept the Skyline for certain as well as the UKPK. Kept the CRKT Drifter which I love as a $12 knife its awesome. Oh and after the great NYC blackout I gave an FBI agent and his family a ride from the brooklyn bridge home, he got stuck near Yankee stadium and he months later gifted me a sure fire. Nice little flashlight but its too pricey and doesn't use normal batteries. No matter what happens I now know that I will always have a slipjoint as I like them, a big one and a small one, I'm about to order a peanut. I will keep that Drifter no matter what and I will always have an Opinel. Grips like mine with the stud are pall bearers of high standard for low money, just like the skyline and most Benchmade and Spydercos the last two are a little pricier but you get a lot better knife for the extra $30 you put in.
All said and done, I don't like most kershaw except the Skyline. Most Spydercos and Benchmades are awesome and people just nitpick about stupid things. In terms of being a knife and cutting things Benchmade and Spyderco are awesome and that's the moral of my knife journey. That said being in construction try an Opinel 9 or 10 if you want to try and beat the crap out of a knife. They cost like $12, don't cut your finger off after sharpening. The carbon blades are thin and sharper than anything you have outside of a sharp chef knife.
This is currently my regular EDC rotation, I carry slipjoint as I work in an office in NYC. And the other ones I use for around the house. The mini presidio has a thinner blade than the Grip which is in my emergency car kit. If something happens to my car like a blown hose I don't wont to depend on some cheap no name piece of junk to cut a hose for me. I'm sure in 5 months this will change too.
I kid you not, off the top of my head in like a 6 month time frame, I bought or traded a leek, drifter, skyline, skyline fixed, UKPK, CRKT Lake, CRKT tribute, two minigrips, endura, getting a delica, tenacious, ambitious, chill, OD2, Opinel, four different slipjoints, Pinnacle 750, mini-presidio, SAK Tinker Deluxe stayglow, SanRenMu 710, cryo, and I know there are some more that I'm forgetting or were forgettable, some knives I literally got in the mail, held it and put it up for trade or ebay not two minutes after getting it LMAO!
I had only gotten into knives in like March of this year and things got out of hand quickly. I was basically obsessed with finding out which is the top budget under $100 knife on the market.
Out of all those I kept a grip, some slipjoints a mini presidio, have an ambitious. Wish I kept the Skyline for certain as well as the UKPK. Kept the CRKT Drifter which I love as a $12 knife its awesome. Oh and after the great NYC blackout I gave an FBI agent and his family a ride from the brooklyn bridge home, he got stuck near Yankee stadium and he months later gifted me a sure fire. Nice little flashlight but its too pricey and doesn't use normal batteries. No matter what happens I now know that I will always have a slipjoint as I like them, a big one and a small one, I'm about to order a peanut. I will keep that Drifter no matter what and I will always have an Opinel. Grips like mine with the stud are pall bearers of high standard for low money, just like the skyline and most Benchmade and Spydercos the last two are a little pricier but you get a lot better knife for the extra $30 you put in.
All said and done, I don't like most kershaw except the Skyline. Most Spydercos and Benchmades are awesome and people just nitpick about stupid things. In terms of being a knife and cutting things Benchmade and Spyderco are awesome and that's the moral of my knife journey. That said being in construction try an Opinel 9 or 10 if you want to try and beat the crap out of a knife. They cost like $12, don't cut your finger off after sharpening. The carbon blades are thin and sharper than anything you have outside of a sharp chef knife.
This is currently my regular EDC rotation, I carry slipjoint as I work in an office in NYC. And the other ones I use for around the house. The mini presidio has a thinner blade than the Grip which is in my emergency car kit. If something happens to my car like a blown hose I don't wont to depend on some cheap no name piece of junk to cut a hose for me. I'm sure in 5 months this will change too.
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This is a Spyderco slipjoint believe it or not. I want to get another one with a FFG leaf blade. I traded this one out but wish I had kept it.
Here's an ambitious, tiny footprint with a lot of useful sharp blade. This and a Rat 2 would be like no brainer small knives to get. They're kinda cheap like under $30. And they cut awesome.
Here's an ambitious, tiny footprint with a lot of useful sharp blade. This and a Rat 2 would be like no brainer small knives to get. They're kinda cheap like under $30. And they cut awesome.
Haha, I'm starting out in the world of lights, so I've still got plenty to learn. I may or may not have a good recommendation! At your price range, I'd prefer to stick to a sunwayman. They have an extender in case you need a AA battery instead of the smaller cr123/16430. You can get the non titanium version for a much lower price than mine since mine is Ti. Otherwise, check out HDS clicky lights. I've heard they are plenty good; not overpriced and still hell of a reliable and useful light at that price.
And before I get off topic on a knife forum (which I already have. I'm sorry Mods!)
And if you wanna see some eye candy blades, I'd suggest you spend some time on some pages like arizona custom knives. They have quite a few fancy blades, none of which you'll want to lose. And if you just want to settle on ONE EDC here, I can say you've pretty much came to the wrong place and landed yourself in a nasty position with your wife. She'll be questioning where your money had went and probably some cursing and swearing will occur due to the onset of knife obsession.
Welcome to bladeforums.
I'm just scaring you. Although truthfully, you'll end up with more than 1 knife. But YMMV with each knife, so it's your call which to keep and which to go. But don't doubt it; the BM will probably stay because it pretty much takes all the shit you can throw at it and stay in a reasonably good shape. It won't be LNIB, but it won't look like the rear of a rusty old truck either. You should probably try all the knives people have recommended here and see what works best for you! Although I'd advice against prying with thin blades. Knifes aren't made to pry in the first place, try that with a thin blade and you'll be very disappointed with the "performance".
cchu518,
you the man. thanks for the pics. It really helps to see them all next to each other. I work in the office about half the time. That's why I like the gentleman's look and feel, but need more when I'm in the field? What's your favorite gentleman's or church knife?
you the man. thanks for the pics. It really helps to see them all next to each other. I work in the office about half the time. That's why I like the gentleman's look and feel, but need more when I'm in the field? What's your favorite gentleman's or church knife?
My wife is great. She lets me go get what I need. I am amazed at the beauty of knives. My little boys are now talking. I'll hear one say, "I'm going to get a sheepsfoot", and another will say, "I need a drop point", my oldest will then say, "If you want a stronger one you need to get a fixed blade." they crack me up. It would be so much easier to go to a place and play with the knives to feel the right fit. Maybe thats why there are knife shows. Do y'all know of any big knife shows that travel? or are the big ones a once a year deal in like Atlanta or something? Got lots to learn.
Wow. Great kids I sense! My first kid is due next April, let's hope he doesn't catch my knife bug. Otherwise, the family might not have enough for dinner!
I think you should keep a look out for knife shows. I know there's quite a few and one of the most anticipated is blade show (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I think Americans are extremely privileged when it comes to knives.
You guys can own them, make them, carry them and have knife shows to try them.
Here in Singapore, you can't make them (or maybe because no one tried), cant carry them even if you own them, and can't go to knife shows because the airfare to America can probably get me a custom or two before I even enter the show.
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I think everyone will have a different idea according to budget I have purchased stuff over a $150 but I'm more comfortable in the $50 and under range to be honest. I have other uses for cash like my mortgage and reptiles lol.
But I've gifted three of these gentlemen's folders and they all loved them, it was designed by the late Frank Centofante after one of his own designs for CRKT. It's called a Tribute and they come in two sizes. A 2.8" blade and a 3" plus. Micarta handles and sharp for $26!
Other fan favorites are
Buck 309 3" Open
Case Peanut
Case, GEC, Colt (not in the same league), Boker, Queen all make them. I actually am just selling a Schrade 1040 and a Buck Yearling and a Boker right now trying to figure out if I want to get a Peanut or the slightly longer but much narrower Tribute 2 above. It's really going to differ between people's tastes though.
Some might argue your Leek is the perfect Gent's folder! A lot of folks actually.
But I've gifted three of these gentlemen's folders and they all loved them, it was designed by the late Frank Centofante after one of his own designs for CRKT. It's called a Tribute and they come in two sizes. A 2.8" blade and a 3" plus. Micarta handles and sharp for $26!
Other fan favorites are
Buck 309 3" Open
Case Peanut
Case, GEC, Colt (not in the same league), Boker, Queen all make them. I actually am just selling a Schrade 1040 and a Buck Yearling and a Boker right now trying to figure out if I want to get a Peanut or the slightly longer but much narrower Tribute 2 above. It's really going to differ between people's tastes though.
Some might argue your Leek is the perfect Gent's folder! A lot of folks actually.