recommended EDC knife?

C

copperfox

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
Messages
36
Hi, I'm looking for an everyday carry knife and I'd like your suggestions. I just joined bladeforums, and not very knowledgeable about knives. My state prohibits carried blades longer than 3 inches, so it must be less than that. I want a knife cheap enough that I won't be sad if I lose it--this pretty much rules out anything over ~$50. I don't intend to wear it visibly, but in case it is seen in public I don't want people sneering at me like I'm some criminal. :rolleyes:

it must be:
one-hand open
blade shorter than 3"
have pocket clip

I would prefer:
no serration
small enough to tuck behind waistband
non-threatening in appearance


I am eyeballing the Buck Bantam BBW. It has 440 steel, and as I understand it, this is kinda the standard for cheaper knives, but who knows, it may be good enough for my purposes. It is only ~$15 which is great in case I misplace it, but I wouldn't mind spending twice or three times that much for better steel (if I need it). Help!
 
Kershaw chive, scallion
Byrd Crow, Robin or Finch
Benchmite
the benchmade sequal(705) would be an awesome choice but its over your limit, however it is non threatening and a great blade
Opinel?
Sak?
I know the last two have no clip and take two hands but they are "alternatives"
CRKT Kommer, KISS, Roll lock, Hoji Hara, summit

take alook around, there's lots out there
 
I second the Native and the mini-Grips. Try the Native if you want a backlock and a great blade steel. The mini-Grips will be a little thicker than the Native, but if you're interested in an AXIS lock, they would be a good choice.

A Spyderco Delica is also a good choice, and I think a couple of different Kershaws will fit your requirements.
 
I understand the EDC requirement, but is this a work knife, SD piece or just something to open the occassional letter or tin can? BTW, what state limits you to 3 inches?
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

I have one of the Chinese Buck knives. I consider it good value for the dollar. The steel is 440A but with a good heat treat so edge holding is actually pretty fair. You might consider their Nobleman model. It runs about $16 online. It is a steel handled framelock with a 2 5/8" bladethat to me would be unintimidating to the blade challenged. I have the smaller model Colleague model because of blade length restrictions at work.

Other knives I might consider for a usage like yours would be
KaBar Doziers ~$20 AUS8 steel 3" blade
Spyderco Byrd line ~ $20 Chinese equivalent of AUS8 several blade lengths
Benchmade mini Ambush ~$35 AUS8 just shy of 3"

The KaBars and Byrds have received Rave reviews here. I have read a couple of positive bosts on the Benchmade ambush knives.
I have a couple of the KaBar Doziers and think well of them.
 
Don't laugh- CRK&T Mo'skeeter. Mine just keeps a cut'n. Good luck.
Lycosa
 
get the yellow small doug ritter gripper it is a s30v blade action lock so you can open it with eather hand being yellow its hard to lose and sure does not look therating
 
nitestocker said:
get the yellow small doug ritter gripper it is a s30v blade action lock so you can open it with eather hand being yellow its hard to lose and sure does not look therating
Click to expand...

Well yeah it's nice but it costs a heck of a lot more than $50.
 
Thanks for the responses so far guys. With all of these suggestions I have my homework cut out for me (no pun intended).

To answer your question Phantom6, it is not for work, just for personal use and around the house/yard. The state is Rhode Island. What is SD?

nitestocker - I've already read about the RSK MK1 knives. They seem excellent, but it's not in the budget and at $110+ I'd feel terrible if I lost it.
 
SD= self defense

for what it's worth, I'm also in RI, and I dont worry much about blade length. If you're not on probation, you don't have much to worry about either.
 
The Boker Chad Los Banos designed Trance Plus folder with 2 3/4" blade meets all of your specifications - and then some.
 
Erik Nice said:
The Boker Chad Los Banos designed Trance Plus folder with 2 3/4" blade meets all of your specifications - and then some.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup: That's my EDC and it takes all kinds of abuse, easy to use, slim in the pocket-- a very good buy IMHO.
 
i would go with the delica4 great edc or the dozier ka-bars.i have both and very well served by both.
 
The Buck Bantam series are nice knives, however only the largest version has a pocket clip IIRC.. They feel good in hand, lock up solid, and have the best customer service you can find. The knife I keep coming back to is a Kershaw Vapor II. 18.00 at Wally World, and it seems to be well made. It has a dull gray colored handle, the knife looks very non threatning. and carries very easily ( I forget its even there), it also stays in place good when clipped on. Others have mentioned many good knives that should fit what you are looking for too......
 
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