Reccomendation- Rubust but pocketable EDC

Atakdog

Atakdog

Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Messages
195
I aquired a Zero Tolerance 0560 as a Christmas present and love it; I bet I will still have it in my pocket half of the time 30 years from now. I would like a recommendation for a knife that will be in my pocket the other half of that time in 30 years. Since I recently gave my Kershaw Skyline to a good friend, I have a niche for a medium EDC blade to carry when my 0560 isn't practical. The criteria are:
-Under $180
-3.25 to 3.5in blade length
-Weight under 5oz
-Blade steel made something of the quality of s30v or better
-Moderately thin profile
-Strong enough to withstand utility use (I am aware that that definition varies, I am harder use side)
-No back locks except the Cold Steel Tri-Ad

Things I would prefer but do not need:
-Made in USA (please no argument about this in the comments, I just like supporting my country)
-G10 handle
-No liner lock unless it is on the heavy side.
-Deep carry clip

My current considerations are the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade 940, and the ZT 0566.
 
I had picked up a benchmade griptillian with the g10 scales that has grown on me. (Bone collector series, maybe?) something like that might work out for you.
opplanet-benchmade-bone-collector-axis-folding-knife-plain-edge-green-black-handle-15020-1.jpg
 
Yep, the PM2, or the Gayle Bradley. I have both; love 'em both. The GB is heavier-duty than the PM2.
 
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Another vote for the Gayle Bradley. Excellent steel,cpm m4, thick liners, cf handle, excellent f/f. The only requirement it doesn't meet is where it's made.

A Lot of guys who buy Spyderco's think the non-USA made Spydies are made Better than the Spydies made in USA.
 
Sounds like you want a hogue EX-01 in all g10 handle. its 154cm which is a great steel. its under 5 ounces, the button lock is a brute that can take a massive beating and not blink and eye. Its definitely not as think as a zt and feels amazing in your hand.
 
Another option it the bradley alias 1 ti frame lock with s30v nice thin profile and its a working knife
 
I have a Para 2 and a 940, wouldn't part with either.
If I could only have one of them it would possibly be the Para 2, but I would be happy with either.
 
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the ZT 0350 yet. It weighs a little more than 5oz, but carries easily in the pocket and fits all of your other criteria. Furthermore, since you already have a ZT, you are familiar with the quality already. FWIW, I removed the pocket clip on mine and rides with my keys with no problems whatsoever.
 
I held off on the 940 for lots of years.. recently got one and it is my #1 carry now. I recently got a Sebenza and I'm still having a hard time kicking it out of my pocket. After doing the big overbuilt thing for years, I've found that the 940 is about perfect in weight, thinness, blade length, blade thickness and all quality materials. Good deals are out there if you use the BM codes on most reputable sites at checkout, far less than the posted prices.

After having the 940 for a few months I find the following:
Spyderco's (which I love) are too wide with the Sydie-hole (which I love). The 940 made me realize that I can have pocket space back. And I love my P2 and Military.
The Zt561 carries small for a big knife, but again, it's way too much blade for normal EDC. It's still bad ass and staying though.
CRK.. it's about perfect for a all around blade, the Axis lock is just a bit more fun to play with while sitting around.
 
Kershaw CF154 Blur. CPM-154 is fantastic, the egos are great, and it's smooth and slim.

You're welcome. :thumbup:
 
Reading your post my brain was screaming Para 2. It, along with my ZT560 are my two favourite knives. The ZT350 is also a very sound recommendation.
 
I'd say Para 2, Benchmade 950, or the Al Mar SERE 2000. The SERE is a sweet knife if you can get a good price and its got a deep carry clip. Probably one of the strongest liner locks in production. Love my SERE....but I also love my PM2 and my 950 haha
 
Thanks for all the replays.
I have considered the Gayle Bradley, but the one thing that can't get over that I now think I shoud have put in my criteria is that it dosent really have much traction, especially when it comes to a finger guard. So, another criteria to put in is that the knife must have decent grip, but I am not anal about it as someone like Nutnfancy is; as long as it can stay in my hand when I really need it and dosen't have the risk that my fingers could slip onto the edge I am fine

i have been aware since before i posted this that the PM2 was likely the winner, but you just can't get one nowadays.
 
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