Recommendation: Pair of EDC Knives - One Utility, One Defensive?

M

MLJ_1758

Joined
Nov 19, 2011
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11
Hello Everyone,

Hope everyone has had an enjoyable day. After thinking about it for a few weeks, I've come to the conclusion that for EDC I'd need/like to have a pair of knives. One, a utility EDC folder for everyday tasks. Two, a secondary folder intended purely for defensive purposes (I often work late at night and unfortunately need to travel past some unsavory areas on my walk home from work). Maximum blade length on either is 4" (legality issues).

So, my question is, which two knives would you recommend for these roles and why. I have no brand loyalty, though after handling several Spydercos and Benchmades I am leaning toward offerings from either of these brands. Quite simply, I am looking for the best pair (in terms of quality, value, ergonomics, etc.) I can afford. The maximum price I can/am willing to spend on the two knives is $300-$400 (hopefully, somewhat less).

Thank you and all the best,

Michael
 
This pair works for me.

edc91411.jpg
 
perosnally id get a something super utilitarian and non scary looking for my work knife either a slip joint or a spyderco chokwe. http://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP132GP

bam 130 for a ti framelock with great geometry and plenty of usable blade why would you pick anything else?

for defense the answer is duh EMERSON.

emerson cqc-15 might float your boat. http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Emerson CQC15 Series&cat=em&k=CQC15&

super pointy tant tip with a bowie recurve for optimum slashing. of course there are plenty of other models to suit your style.

i think this kind of set-up would be optimum and something anyone would be proud to carry.
 
Hello,

First off, thanks for singularity and razorsdescent for the replies. I agree that the utility needs to be something practical and non-threatening (for both blades I am not into the "tacti-cool" look - I'd just like something that is capable and, if possible, classy looking (i.e. aesthetically pleasing) - of course, this is all subjective and comes down to preference).

Also, I just wanted to clarify a point in my original post. I am looking for a defensive blade purely as an absolute last-resort option should, God forbid, something terrible happen. My first instinct has been and always will be to find the quickest and safest way of extricating myself from the situation and retreating as fast as possible (a policy that I think most people on this forum would agree with). I don't want a fight nor the consequences that would inevitably arise from such a confrontation, regardless of the outcome. The blade would be more of a psychological prop for myself: a comforting safety measure, if you will. I know that it may sound a little ridiculous to purchase a blade for such a purpose but I somehow can see its value.

Thanks again and all the best,

Michael
 
Why not one knife that does both & does them well ? There are soooo many good choices. Becker BK11, BK14,(you can wear them around your neck or vertically or horizontally on the belt, crossdraw, small of the back or sob), ESSE 3, 4. The list is really endless. I really like options myself & being able to wear/carry it in multiple ways is a BIG plus for me. Not only are the ones i mentioned plenty capable, you can also baton with them or use them in camp/kitchen areas as well. They are plenty strong & will not fail when you need them most.
 
The knife you reach for first is the one you will use in defence. If you carry two knives and never reach to the SD blade then the same will happen in the time of need. You'll end up going for the wrong knife because your brain is trained to grab the one you always use.
 
An ESEE IZULA 2 would work great for both rolls, or else a spyderco endura. I ground down the tip on my endura to look like the michael janich enduras, and I think it would work great for a SD.
 
MLJ_1758 said:
Hello,

First off, thanks for singularity and razorsdescent for the replies. I agree that the utility needs to be something practical and non-threatening (for both blades I am not into the "tacti-cool" look - I'd just like something that is capable and, if possible, classy looking (i.e. aesthetically pleasing) - of course, this is all subjective and comes down to preference).

Also, I just wanted to clarify a point in my original post. I am looking for a defensive blade purely as an absolute last-resort option should, God forbid, something terrible happen. My first instinct has been and always will be to find the quickest and safest way of extricating myself from the situation and retreating as fast as possible (a policy that I think most people on this forum would agree with). I don't want a fight nor the consequences that would inevitably arise from such a confrontation, regardless of the outcome. The blade would be more of a psychological prop for myself: a comforting safety measure, if you will. I know that it may sound a little ridiculous to purchase a blade for such a purpose but I somehow can see its value.

Thanks again and all the best,

Michael
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Very well stated Michael.:thumbup::)

The Spyderco Yojimbo 2, mentioned above, was my first thought.

SP85GP2.jpg
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I carry a folder and a fixed blade. Having them in different locations is handy, because sometimes my right hand is full, and I need a knife anyways, so I can grab for my fixed blade with my left. I think it's pretty nice having a fixed to complement my folders. You might give that a thought.
 
knifenut1013 said:
The knife you reach for first is the one you will use in defence. If you carry two knives and never reach to the SD blade then the same will happen in the time of need. You'll end up going for the wrong knife because your brain is trained to grab the one you always use.
Click to expand...

Agreed, My set up is... SAK spartan, Schrade Old-Timer, Benchmade Bob Lum LFTi. I typically grab the Benchmade.

The only stipulation to using the same knife for utility and defense is to make sure you keep is sharp.

For defense I would recommend either the axis lock from bechmade of compression lock for spyderco.

My best folder suggestion.... Benchmade Onslaught 741. What a knife.
 
knifenut1013 said:
The knife you reach for first is the one you will use in defence. If you carry two knives and never reach to the SD blade then the same will happen in the time of need. You'll end up going for the wrong knife because your brain is trained to grab the one you always use.
Click to expand...

Unless of course, you practice or train. ;)
 
i think the zt 0300 and 0350 are great self defense blades, i would use that as a tactical knife. But im having the same trouble choosing a secondary knife.
 
singularity35 said:
This pair works for me.

edc91411.jpg
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if u do this combo you will regret it lol. i carried this combo for a few weeks and whenever i needed a knife i needed to stop moving. sit down and look down upon the exposed pocket clips and ask my self " ughhh what knife to chooooooose!?!?!" its like walking around with a rolls royce and a lambo car key all day. you want the coffee on saturday morning and you walk outside and go ugh what to drive today!? both are amazing knives but i like both way to much for both to be carried simultaneously i never can decide which to use on a given task so i usually open both and use both ha.

jk on using both but i hope you understand what I'm talking about
 
I'd recommend a Spyderco Endura 4 SE, a Benchmade 940, and a Victorinox Rambler for your keychain. All bases covered under budget! :thumbup:
 
I like to carry my waved endura and a nice slipjoint for use around the general populous. But I have just recently gotten a zdp-189 laminated carbon fiber caly 3 and i am in love. i wish the cf was like the gayle bradley (which i also think would be a good edc/defensive choice) but it is a perfect gentlemans pocket knife. and man is it sharp.

i assume you are looking for folders. and that waved endura is just as fast as a fixed blade in my opinion. but i have nothing blade to say about zt flippers other than i prefer a narrower blade for penetration in my edc. but those are almost as fun as waves.

the zip tie mod could also be an option but it looks tacky and in a stressful situation might not work as well as a real one.

whatever you pick make sure you can get it out and open as fast as possible securely.
 
Slightly different approach but works for me...
Carry the ZT301 as my defensive knife.....
Due to the 301 being a gift....I bought a ZT 350 as my daily box cutter/ task knife.....
And it might be over kill but there is usually a Izula 2 around my neck...
Love knives... Works for me... Lol
IMAG0245.jpg
 
People put way too much emphasis on little blade design features on SD knives. The number one thing to look at is a secure grip on the handle, and ease of draw.

Everything I dislike about most Emerson's, I feel makes them good sd options. Namely the handle forms a substantial grip guard which would stop you from lacerating your fingers when stabbing. And the Spyderco Military is my favorite large working knife, but doesnt have that same super positive grip design for thrusting, so not as good. So look for a nice guard, ZTs have the flipper which acts as a guard. Other knives have deep cholos, etc.... Don't get a low rider clip, the more handle sticking out of your pocket the better. Good frilly g10 or something for handle material. Obviously this has to work for your hand and preferences, so try them out first if you can.

The practical difference any of us in this thread would notice between a drop point, clip point, or even a wharncliffe would be so tiny as to make it nearly useless to argue for any type. Basically the thinner, pointier, and sharper the better.
 
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