Recommendation? Searching for a new edc.

J

JoshFromOk

Joined
Oct 15, 2021
Messages
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I've been carrying a benchmade mini griptillian in s30v for a while now. I like it, it's a good knife and I can get a razor sharp edge on it. However I'd like to get something with a nicer looking scales. It doesn't have to be a s30v but I do want a decent steel. I've heard s30v isn't really great for edc pocket knives anyway. I'm mostly cutting plastic bands, insulation sometimes wood and occasionally the dreaded cardboard. I'd like to stay under $100. The benchmade crooked river is gorgeous but I just can't spend that much on a pocket knife that I will use at a construction site and abuse daily.
 
Bunker Hill Blades said:
check out what Civivi has to offer, they make some great stuff at that price point. (by the way s30v is a great steel!)
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Ok I'll do that. I'd been reading some graphs and things. Seems 14C28N is a pretty good budget steel. S30v just seemed to have very low toughness compared to cost and I still need to sharpen after each day of moderate use so might opt for a more tough less edge retention? I just haven't done much experimenting with different steels so I'm still figuring stuff out.
 
Knives&Lint said:
Have you considered simply going with replacement scales? You can stay within your budget and end up with an amazing knife that's to your liking.
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I have but I didn't find any I liked really. I don't want a plastic feel if possible. I want something metal or possibly wood. I miss my old bone handle case but it's just not modern enough anymore.
 
JoshFromOk said:
I have but I didn't find any I liked really. I don't want a plastic feel if possible. I want something metal or possibly wood. I miss my old bone handle case but it's just not modern enough anymore.
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If you don't mind assisted opening, you might take a look at the Kershaw Link in 20CV. Aluminum scales and a pretty premium blade steel that's right in your budget.

On the other hand, if steel toughness is your concern maybe a CIVIVI Imperium in Nitro V would do you. They have a variety of G10 and carbon fiber scales for it.
 
JoshFromOk said:
Seems 14C28N is a pretty good budget steel
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Well I'd say you figured this one right.

I make fixed blades with AEB-L (basically 13C26,which is a step down in corrosion resistance and edge retention from 14C28N, but a step up in toughness), and run them hard and thin. I find they excel in cardboard cutting, and strop back to hair shaving easily. I also make them from LC200N, which is my favorite steel, completely rust proof, better edge holding than AEB-L, almost on par with s30V, and also nearly as tough as AEB-L. A real win of a steel composition. And I like both much more than s30V.
 
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There are some awesome aluminum and titanium scale sets out there for the grip series that will definitely upgrade the feel in hand. Even some G10 scales would be a huge improvement over the FRN scales that come on the griptilian.
 
Knives&Lint said:
Have you considered simply going with replacement scales? You can stay within your budget and end up with an amazing knife that's to your liking.
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Yup! A set of really nice carbon fiber scales is within reach of your budget...
And S30V is a great steel for edc!
 
David Mary said:
Well I'd say you figured this one right.

I make fixed blades with AEB-L (basically 13C26,which is a step down in corrosion resistance and edge retention from 14C28N, but a step up in toughness), and run them hard and thin. I find they excel in cardboard cutting, and strop back to hair shaving easily. I also make them from LC200N, which is my favorite steel, completely rust proof, better edge holding than AEB-L, almost on poar with s30V, and also nearly as tough as AEB-L. A real win of a steel composition. And I like both much more than s30V.
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Do you have any recommendations of folders that are made with those steels?
 
Not at this time, but I am in the process of a reblade project to replace blades from a few Spydercos and Cold Steels with AEB-L, and then other steels if the prototypes go as well as expected.
 
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The Bugout is an excellent EDC. They are made in all kinds of steels and you can also find just about any scales you like for them. This is the plain Blue in S30V. I’ll add that this steel is one of my favorite for EDC. Holds a good edge and strops up very nicely!!
 
How about a one hander from victorinox? Easy to maintain, and you'd have a small assortment of tools at your disposal as well.
 
Wild Willie said:
How about a one hander from victorinox? Easy to maintain, and you'd have a small assortment of tools at your disposal as well.
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Shorttime said:
Doug Ritter/Hogue RSK? It's the "better" Griptilian. It's also $160.00, so it's probably more than you want to pay.
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I've had a victorinix before but I'd mostly but using this knife at work wearing a tool belt with the actual tools I need. They are good in a pinch but I'd rather have the full size tool for torque and purchase reasons.

I found the Doug Ritter for 110 and I do like it but I'm really looking for a different look and feel atm. I think I'll probably end up with a civivi.
 
I like 14C28N, especially in a folder, because I don't consider most folders to be really tough in the first place. If it takes a good edge, holds it for a reasonable amount of time, depending on tasks assigned, and is reasonably easy to resharpen, it's all I need in a folder. I carry a fixed blade for bigger jobs. That said, I do like my Kershaw Shallot composite with ZDP-189 for the edge. Corrosion resistance is so-so, and the 'razor sharp' edge-holding is above average, tho not outstanding, in my opinion. The 'working sharp' edge can be phenomenal. It can also be a bit chippy, so I'm careful about WHAT I cut. It's also not exactly easy to resharpen, so I try not to let it get too dull. I personally feel that 14C28N is a better all-around steel choice for most people.

You might also look at Ruike knives. My EDC folder is generally a Ruike P-108. 14C28N blade steel, stainless or titanium frame-lock handle, and a secondary slide-lock that prevents accidental closing. About $40 for steel, ~$100 for titanium.........

Where in Oklahoma are you?
 
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Check out Deathgrip Scales.
Titanium, CF, Wood, G10, C-tek
He even does things like CF with wood inlays.
Cool stuff!
 
justjed said:
I like 14C28N, especially in a folder, because I don't consider most folders to be really tough in the first place. If it takes a good edge, holds it for a reasonable amount of time, depending on tasks assigned, and is reasonably easy to resharpen, it's all I need in a folder. I carry a fixed blade for bigger jobs. That said, I do like my Kershaw Shallot composite with ZDP-189 for the edge. Corrosion resistance is so-so, and the 'razor sharp' edge-holding is above average, tho not outstanding, in my opinion. The 'working sharp' edge can be phenomenal. It can also be a bit chippy, so I'm careful about WHAT I cut. It's also not exactly easy to resharpen, so I try not to let it get too dull. I personally feel that 14C28N is a better all-around steel choice for most people.

You might also look at Ruike knives. My EDC folder is generally a Ruike P-108. 14C28N blade steel, stainless or titanium frame-lock handle, and a secondary slide-lock that prevents accidental closing. About $40 for steel, ~$100 for titanium.........

Where in Oklahoma are you?
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I kind of like the ruike p108. I think I'm putting it at the top of my list. I was looking at the civivi imperium and the crkt bt. I'm in Tulsa. Usually in north east ok but I've been stuck in Tulsa working for a while.
 
IMO for a <$100 knife there are few to no better options than Kizer or Civivi. Since you mentioned being interested in non plastic-like scales the Brisa Enzo Birk 75 comes in several different configurations and is a solid knife. I have one with green micarta and D2 with a Scandi grind that I’d be willing to part with.
 
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