Recommend an pocket knife for EDC

T

TokenKnifeGuy

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Jul 15, 2018
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I've been searching and searching for the perfect EDC knife for me, but I feel like I've hit a wall and need others to suggest things to help me get past it and hopefully find the perfect EDC for me.

What I'm looking for the most in the pocket knife is not being too wide, maybe an inch or less wide, with a pocket clip, and being able to open/close it with one hand. I'm looking for a closed handle length of 4-5 inches, and the weight being less than 6-7 oz (weight is not a problem for me). I have a Native 5 (1.5 inches wide) but it just too wide for my liking and it is a struggle to fit my hand in my pants pocket with it.

I recently got a Rat2 in and it is closer to what I'm looking for, in that it is 1.0625 inches wide. Even a bigger knife like the Rat 1 (1.25 inches wide) is more pocketable to me than the Native 5 (much lighter and thinner). I really like the size of the Rat2, but was hoping to find an alternative to it that uses better materials, that could top at around $150 or less.

I've been looking at the Kizer Fiest, Kizer Sealion, the ZT 0450, but would like something different than those. Also tip down carry is preferred, as is a deep carry clip.
 
I haven't ever had an auto, but it isn't something I'm looking for. Although I would still be open to suggestions. I guess I look at it like the more parts there are, the more chances there is of it messing up. Kinda why I like washers since they are easy to clean and not many parts to lose like in bearings or something as advanced as an auto deploy knife.
 
I wonder how a WE 809 practic would be for you. Seems like a good deal at 0.13 blade stock in m390 for under $150...I have never handled a WE but I think my next purchase will be a rectifier model (which I think would be wider than you prefer and it's in s35vn)
 
0450 is nice but for small hands in my opinion. The action on these are nice but the finger on the lockbar, blade biting my thumb, and ergos are the cons for my medium hands.

Benchmade 940 in any variation or bugout .. Just make sure to buy in person to check qc or order from a vendor here who will check the qc for you.
 
Bit confused as to what you are actually looking for. Rat 1 or 2 are great knives for the money, the D2 version being preferred, and The Feist is a good knife as well. But Size, Shape, Ergonomics, Esthetics... The Feist and the Rat are about as different as you can get in every way, and I own all three. I don't see how the Rat and the Feist are interchangeable in any way and while the Feist is within your blade height specs, it's closed length is below your 4" spec. If you are looking for feist-like only longer and narrower , check out the Real Steel G5 Metamorph.
 
metamorph is an interesting one to look at... I'd personally suggest to the OP to really check out a kershaw leek, in 14c28n. No need to spend triple the $ for a quality slim EDC
 
I'm mainly looking for a knife that isn't wide (around 1 inch is ideal or less), and in the 4-5 inch range. I only mentioned the fiest because of how well it would carry in the pocket not being wide, and ergos and aesthetics wasn't something is at the top of my list. The blade shape isn't as important either but it just needs to be practical. The metamorph is closer to what I'm looking for.

I am actually very interested in the We Practic, but for this thread, I'm looking for something with less width.

The Leek does look pretty good but I would like a higher quality steel.
 
If you like the axis lock I think the benchmade bugout is your best option. Basically the same dimensions as the Rat II but with a deep carry clip and s30v. Also if you'd prefer a flipper and don't mind a wait the Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Gent is a good option (again, almost identical dimensions as the rat II but with a deep carry clip and s35vn).

Of course, if you want a super slim profile you might look into the Benchmade 485 Valet. Less than 1 inch in width, deep carry clip, m390 steel, and very thin blade stock as well. Of course, the handle isn't quite 4inches so it may be a bit small for you, but if you have the opportunity to handle one it may be worth checking out.
 
Victorinox Sentinel Clip: https://www.victorinox.com/global/e...Large-Pocket-Knives/Sentinel-Clip/p/0.8416.M3 (Global site does not offer online sales and thus should be acceptable to link)
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Height: 17 mm
Length: 111 mm
Weight: 78 g

Not an American, so do your own conversions...

Meets all requirements except the 'better materials' part.
 
Does it need to be big? I thought this was supposed to be a pocket knife? I would say look at a Spyderco Chaparral or Delica (several super steel options for this one) for practical edc knives. The Benchmade 531 is nice and slender, too.
 
Other than tip down, your requirements scream Benchmade 940. Good steel, disappears in the pocket, and a great overall performer.

As mentioned the Massdrop Gent could be a good fit as well.
The big opening hole will probably make most Spydercos too tall in the pocket for you, but there are a few that could work. Such as the Hanan, or the upcoming Smock.
ZT has the 0450 and maybe the 0460

Honestly though, the 940 is where it's at when it comes to slimness combined with quality and size. There are others that are similar, such as knives from Boos Blades and WE, but nowhere near where your budget is.
Although I have never handled one, I think the Mcusta Katana seems to tic all your boxes. Others will have to chime in on whether or not it would be worth it though.
mcusta-mc-0041c.jpg
mcusta-mc-0041c-side.jpg
 
I'm gonna echo the 940 as long as you can overlook the tip up carry.
They really are amazingly lightweight little-big knives that all but disappear in your pocket.
They can be had in steels from D2 to 110 and scales from aluminum to G10 to carbon fiber.
They come with a standard clip but a quick email or call to Benchmade and they will send you out a deep carry clip free of charge.
UBGi5tm.jpg
 
I prefer the Bugout by a long shot, but it sounds like you are describing the Benchmade 940.

The 0450 never fit my hand well, but the 0452 is damn near perfect if you like a larger knife.
 
Thanks for all the replies. And no the knife doesn't need to be big. My ideal size would be 4-4.25 inch when closed with a 2.75-3.25 inch long blade, but also something that isn't wide.

Yes I knew the Delica would get thrown in, but it seems to be too wide from the hole. Can someone give a measurement on the width of a Delica at the widest point? I haven't really been able to find much specs on any knives in regards to the width. From looking at pictures, it seems like it would be about as wide as my Native 5, which I do love. For Spyderco, I do really like the Jerry Brouwer folding knife, but it doesn't seem to be for sale yet.

Yes I see that the 940 is getting recommended a lot and I do agree that it seems to be a good fit for what I'm looking for. I'm just hesitant about the axis lock and other spring type locks, as I do get dirt/grit and stuff into my knives. Just wondering how hard is it to take apart and put back together to clean, and if just spraying some pressurized air/water in it would be enough? I've just heard reports of people having to send their knife back to get worked on because of the axis lock (might just be all abuse/neglect cases, idk?), which is something one doesn't have to worry about with washers.

I also do like the bugout but I'm not a fan of the flexible handle, but I see one could always upgrade it.
 
Out of curiosity... All measurements appropriate in 16ths excluding flipper tabs (and clip on the Swindle).

Delica 1-7/16"
Native5 1-6/16"
940 1-3/16"
ZT 0609 1-3/16"
Bugout 1- 2/16"
Mini Crooked River 1-2/16"
Giant Mouse GM3 1"
CRK Small Inkosi 1"
Mantra2 1"
Massdrop Gent 1"
Kershaw Skyline 1"
Kershaw Chill 1"
Benchmade Vallet 15/16"
CRKT Swindle 14/16"
 
Maybe you should look for new pants with wider pockets? :D
 
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