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

I would go with a Spyderco Native for office use and a benchmade bedlam for self defense. Both are very solid and will not let you down. I've edc'd my Native for several years and no one in the office has had a problem with it. We're a very pc / overly sensitive work environment so I guess you would be ok with the native. The bedlam is pretty hard to beat for sd.
 
Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all the great comments, advice, and suggestions. I see the point that by dint of sheer repetition I'd become used to a single knife and not be able to easily deploy a second should the need ever arise. So, I think I'm back to a single blade for both (and frequent maintenance, which isn't a problem - it's something I do anyway with the rest of my tools/equipment so I am used to it).

I also agree that there are a lot of options that fit these requirements so my decision hasn't become any easier, unfortunately. I've handled a few Spydercos and Benchmades before, but almost none of the ones that have been recommended so far. I was considering the Para 2, the Military, and the 710 (all ones I've been able to feel in my hand). They all feel really good but I think I'd have to give the edge to the 710 for my hand shape/size. I suppose I couldn't go too terribly wrong with any of these. I'll have to check out the Bedlam, though (seems like it would be frighteningly useless for EDC tasks but would scare the living daylights out of anyone in a defensive situation).

Thanks again for all the advice and I'll let you know what I ultimately pick. I've got a feeling though that once I get this first one, others are sure to follow. Never thought about knives as an item to collect, but as some have said, they are eminently more practical than stamps (no offense).

All the best,

Michael
 
MLJ_1758 said:
would scare the living daylights out of anyone in a defensive situation
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Please don't take this as negative criticism, but that's the opposite of how you should be thinking about defensive action. Your defensive implements are not for scaring your assailant; they should be deployed and used before he has a chance to see what it is and process the ramifications. Ideally, your assailant should not see any weapon until after you strike.
...now I'm digressing into something that belongs in PracTac, so I'll cut it short and chip in my suggestions:
Utility: a Spyderco with a full flat grind. Some of the best slicers on the market.
Defense: a waved Endura. Inexpensive, in case you have to toss it, yet quick to draw and very strong & reliable.
 
puukkoman said:
Please don't take this as negative criticism, but that's the opposite of how you should be thinking about defensive action. Your defensive implements are not for scaring your assailant; they should be deployed and used before he has a chance to see what it is and process the ramifications. Ideally, your assailant should not see any weapon until after you strike.
...now I'm digressing into something that belongs in PracTac, so I'll cut it short and chip in my suggestions:
Utility: a Spyderco with a full flat grind. Some of the best slicers on the market.
Defense: a waved Endura. Inexpensive, in case you have to toss it, yet quick to draw and very strong & reliable.
Click to expand...

Listen to this man Michael. Some people laugh at this, but situational awareness and good shoes are your best defense. Not a joke but a painfully clear fact.
 
MLJ_1758 said:
Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all the great comments, advice, and suggestions. I see the point that by dint of sheer repetition I'd become used to a single knife and not be able to easily deploy a second should the need ever arise. So, I think I'm back to a single blade for both (and frequent maintenance, which isn't a problem - it's something I do anyway with the rest of my tools/equipment so I am used to it).......

All the best,

Michael
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I think the one folder idea is the way to go (unless you're going to train regularly with the dedicated SD blade). I'd suggest anything (with a guard/choil) from Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, or Emerson and some form of sharping equipment (the Spyderco Sharpmaker isn't too spendy and works well).

Just religiously maintain your utility blade and it'll be ready should you ever need it for SD:thumbup:

-sh00ter
 
Hello,

RedDevil, you are absolutely correct and Puukkoman I take absolutely no offense and don't consider your advice to be critical in the least. You made me remember what my instructor in Tae Kwon Do once said: "Do not give up the advantage of surprise, regardless of the situation - ever. You must be vigilant and ready to strike fast, hard, and decisively to maintain the upper hand. But once you have struck, your advantage is gone and that is when the most critical decision must be made: stay and fight or retreat. In almost all situations, the latter is the best course of action. This is not cowardice; it is common sense."

I took his sentiment to heart and am glad, Puukkoman, that you brought it freshly back to my memory. Fortunately, I am fairly fast on my feet (a runner/sprinter by training) and have good shoes - the best defenses there are (somehow I don't think any assailant really wants to turn a "quick" assault into a marathon). What I should have said in my original sentence was that the Bedlam would probably scare the daylights out of me, unless I trained with it religiously. To me it is a very impressive and very mean looking blade.

Thanks again to everyone for your help.

All the best,

Michael
 
I'd go with a spyderco sage 1 or benchmade mini griptilian for utility and maybe an Emerson or Zero Tolerance for defense.
 
i carry a sog power assist multi-tool for most of my utility work, it has 2 knife blades one plain and one all serrated both of them you can get to without opening the pliers. that way i have a knife plus pliers and screw drivers and everything else for utility and a ZT 0200 as a pocket knife. i dont really need it for defense purposes but i love it and carry it everywhere.
 
Kershaw composite blade leek for utility - great liitle knife.
SD - I believe with Your approach You should have smth looking very scary to give You some time to be at least 100 feet away when the agressor stops wetting his pants:)
It can be large CS folders or Microtech Kestral

This is my point of view - the main criteria is comfort of carrying and fingers defense so:
Combative Edge M1
BM710
Spec/Speed Bump
Zero Tolerance 200 or 300 did not purchase because too large for my pockets but good.
Emerson's
 
MLJ_1758 said:
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
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if i was in your situation: for the utility portion i would pick a smaller, lighter knife like a spyderco delica or a benchmade mini grip (555/556).

for the secondary blade, both the spyderco military and benchmade 710 would be excellent, but i would personally pick the military. it might be easier to open the military using the spydie-hole than the 710's thumbstud, especially if you're wearing gloves or you're short on time. if i were you, i would see if you can open (repeatedly) the 710 as fast and efficiently as the you could the military.
 
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Emerson Super Karambit or Combat Karambit for self defense and an Emerson CQC15 for everyday utility. If you grab the wrong knife in an emergency situation you are safe either way. Both are beautiful works of art.
 
I would recommend a slip joint for EDC for sure, it's such a good feeling to pull out a georgeous traditional knife to cut up an apple or open some mail, something about it makes me feel classy :cool: (which I am not :p)

But for the tacticool knife I think your choices there become a giant selection of amazing companies and hundreds of designs, if you want help with that genre then you'll have to slim down your preferences a bit :o But I could recommend ZT knives or even some Spydercos :rolleyes:
 
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