Searching for an outstanding EDC for long-term carry

[rightushook]

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[RayseM]

I repeat myself here, but Bladeforums' very own knifemaker's for sale forum is a source for spectacular knives - fixed or folders - expensive or nearly give a ways - lots of ways to spend $1,500.00 right here. There would be NO COMPROMISE!

 

[ShooterMcgavin]

I should add... just because I have a high price limit, that does not mean I need to spend that much. I will take all suggestions for knives that you think are really "special". If I spend just $150, it has to be something to fill my needs (and wants) for years.

The knives listed are all pretty much the same flavor...

Yeah, I kinda agree. I like that certain style, but I'd like some ideas for other "flavors" of knife too.

Whatever I get, it has to be somewhat timeless.

I would say a Spyderco Delica or Benchmade Grip. I think what you are looking for is a showpiece to show off. From my experience the more you play for a knife the less likely you are to use it...

I have a BM Griptilian. I don't need a showpiece, but I want something a little out of the ordinary, a bit special. Each time I pull it out of my pocket, I want to think to myself "this is a really great knife". Even if I spend $1,000, I will use it. It will be a gift and I think it would not do the gift justice if I put it away and baby it, IMO.

I know it's way below your price cap but have you thought about the Spyderco Caly3CF? It's a superb knife though not for everyone...

Actually, that was one of my thoughts for a dress knife. However, with ZDP-189, I would not make that my main EDC.

How about an Andrew Demko Custom Lawman built the way you want it. If you can wait a few months. I am counting down the months on my that should be done in FEB. From what I have heard it is the toughest folder you can buy. Also you might want to look at the ZT 551 that is shipping this week if you can find one or wait a little while and the ZT 550 will be out. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:

Aren't the Demko knives built like a tank, and weigh almost as much??
I haven't looked at the 551 or 550, but I wasn't happy with the weight of the 301. Also not crazy about the excessive recurve of ZTs.

Isn't an EDC (Every Day Carry) knife by definition a long-term carry knife? just sayin'...

Yes, but it seems that people on this site rarely carry the same blade constantly for more than a year. I want something that will last me 10+ years, without the urge to switch to the newest design.

...My bad didn't see the $1,500.00 price limit, your talking real TOM Mayo TNT not Buck Mayo TNT, GET the mayo tnt you will not be disappointed and then get you a sebenza or two. Your done and have several nice knives to rotate.

I don't know enough about the TNT models. Not sure if I'm crazy about the Ti handles with holes everywhere, but I have seen some very nice designs.

BTW, the "gifter" does not understand the concept of owning several expensive knives. I'd like a Sebenza, but it's probably not my one and only choice. It will be hard enough to explain that I need a nice EDC, a nice dress knife, AND a decent hard-use beater knife

Get a Ritter Mini-Grip and put a Wilkins G10 handle on it. S30V blade with a G10 handle...very nice EDC blade.

Or the Benchmade Pardue Griptilian, CPM-M4 Steel, Carbon Fiber (3.4" blade) About $340.00 It is bad ass!

Both excellent suggestions! I have thought of the Griptilian as an option. I do like the Ritter blade shape a bit better.

 

[kda89508]

Aren't the Demko knives built like a tank, and weigh almost as much??
I haven't looked at the 551 or 550, but I wasn't happy with the weight of the 301. Also not crazy about the excessive recurve of ZTs.




You can have Andrew Demko reduce the weight some depending on thickness of liners, handles, ect. The ZT 550 and 551 dont have the recurve blades like the 300 series. They are Rick Hinderer designs and will be the hottest production knife going for this year. Good Luck! Kevin :thumbup:

 

[ceriouz]

Wally Hayes makes a few nice folders though they might not be too readily available..

 

[cutter17]

A lot of the Grant & Gavin Hawk knives have a different look due to their mechanisims, and are sure to become timeless due to this.

 

[Klingsteve]

It has to be one of the funniest characteristics of this forum that when someone asks for a <$50 recommendation people say "Sebenza" and when people ask for a $1500 suggestion people offer up knives in the $100-350 range.

I noticed that too. Maybe it's because people read the "what's the best folder" and they just respond with what their favorite is, or what is on their widh lsit, without actually reading what an OP is asking. Sometimes people are too into themselves to take the time to LISTEN to others and what they are saying / asking for help on?

So anyway OP, get a Sebenza and with the left over money ...

 

[theflyingplatypus]

Custom Emerson A-100, enough said. 3.6" blade though.

 

[elkins45]

AG Russell Aces
Lion Steel SR-1

 

[Rob_Angerer]

...knives that you think are really "special".

Whatever I get, it has to be somewhat timeless.

I don't need a showpiece, but I want something a little out of the ordinary, a bit special. Each time I pull it out of my pocket, I want to think to myself "this is a really great knife".

I want something that will last me 10+ years, without the urge to switch to the newest design.

I'd like a Sebenza, but it's probably not my one and only choice.

A very interesting thread question.

And, by the way, I have the same "problem"... I like carrying something that keeps my attention. Usually that means cool wood or ivory, and damascus, either in blade or bolsters. I swap my EDC almost daily to keep my interest up. (next, expensive watches... DOAP!!)

I focused in on the attributes that I left in the quote box above. Special, timeless, interesting, out of the ordinary, "really great knife". That narrows it down, a lot. Especially the "timeless" thing.

For me, I guess I kinda evaluate folders on these aspects, roughly in this order:

1. Overall design is first (blade & handle)...
2. But it must have a high build quality, which means quality maker. A good dealer can give you good advice if you venture out into some of the newer makers wares. Corollary: don't chase a cool design with an unknown maker, especially if you haven't handled it yourself or don't find a reputable dealer who will give you relatively unbiased advice.
3. Then blade shape/grind, and competent heat treat. Guys who do it in house need to be serious about it, and sending it out CAN be a good thing if they send it to a competent treater, especially one who specializes in knife blades.
4. Then I can try to either custom order or "cherry pick" a knife with cool handle materials... from a forum or dealer...
5. ...and a distant 5th is blade steel (because I can and do sharpen my EDC).

Example: Terzuola builds a lot of CPM154 blades. I might prefer a different steel, but his designs and quality are so good (to my eye) that I wouldn't let the lack of a damascus or a S90V blade get in the way. And the CPM version of 154CM closes the gap with S30V and BG-42. (note: S90V and S110V don't finish well, so don't expect a pretty blade, expect a high performance blade that is hard to sharpen and harder to dull.)

Here are the knives that I either 1) own something similar and have found it to have lasting value or 2) am going to buy in near future (Lochsa is only knife I don't own).

I'm on vacation, but will post a few other pics when I get home.

• Dressed up RJ Martin Q36 Overkill with damascus, ivory, or cool burled wood oval inlay. Bearings make the flipper just fantastic. (4" blade though). See his web site for smaller blade offerings. Havoc & Contender are only current models that are 3.5". You might like an older Q30 which is 3.5". http://rjmartinknives.com/
  
• Larry Chew Flipster. Bearings make this about as smooth as they come, very top tier on market. Larry can dress them out any way you like... he's very flexible in what he'll cook up for you. http://www.voodooinside.com/
  
• Bob Terzuola Athena (3-7/8"), wood or ivory, with CPM154 or SS damascus. Terzuola's ATCF liner lock (4") is quite timeless... but is liner lock usually and 4" blade (he might be doing ATCF as frame lock now). You might have to try for one of his TTF-6 models to get a 3.5" blade (he does those in 3", and I think 3.5"). Larry and Rodney Donnelley usually have a couple Terzuola pieces in stock: http://www.knifeart.com/bobterzuola.html
  Unfortunately, Bob doesn't have a web site, so I've just stashed away pics of his work that I like.
  
• Dressed up large Sebenza (3.6") with either wood inlay, ivory inlay, and a SS damascus blade. The small Sebbie is indeed geometrically scaled down, so the 3" model is kinda small, sort of a bullet proof gents folder size. Still, a very handy daily carry for many things. I honestly think he should do one in the middle, a 3.3" model. http://www.chrisreeve.com/
  
• Scott Cook Lochsa (his quality is excellent, but the Lochsa is suffering from supply/demand problems and generally sells for more than double what it's worth. I'll buy one, eventually, when they get back down to the $600 range for the base model). http://www.scottcookknives.com
  
• JW Smith F5 Flipper... he does make these in 3.5", and told me he's doing a batch in December. Mine is a liner lock... he may do in a frame lock, but his liners are well designed and I don't see the need for the frame lock if you want an interesting knife on BOTH sides. John is one of the best folder makers around, but he isn't using bearings in his flippers yet. My first flipper from John didn't have enough leverage built into the flipper, but the recent F5 I bought is better and smoother, and it's a keeper. It came in ironwood and S30V... so I'm sending it back to him with a hunk of damascus to upgrade the bolsters (which is one approach... find something close on dealer site, send back to maker to upgrade). Again, Larry & Rodney usually have some JW Smith models in stock, so does Les. http://www.jwsmithknives.com/

Les Robertson is a great dealer to work with also... from advice, to inventory, to "places in line" with various backlogged makers for a customized piece. Les is also very honest, and opinionated, about various maker's quality. If he carries it, it has at least passed his own scrutiny as a quality folder for the price. http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/

In fact, that may be the best advice I can offer... do your homework, figure out pretty much exactly what you want, and then give Les Robertson a call to pick his brain and get a good knife (for YOU) on order.

Personally, I think the standard Sebenza and AG Russell Acies are interesting working knives, but neither has that lasting appeal for an EDC that keep my interest. The dressed up Sebbies with wood and ivory and/or damascus are much more interesting and there is no compromise in the build quality. Having said that, a damascus blade can NOT be any better than the best of the two steels used in it's construction, and in fact will probably perform slightly worse than either, as the heat treat is a compromise. This doesn't bother me much, since I sharpen my knives whenever they need it. I like the Umnumzaan, but prefer the one that CRK builds for Wilson Combat. It is a refined design, a working knife, with a bit more flash than a standard Sebenza.

I like well designed liner locks, and like the fact that they can be dressed up on both sides (where the frame lock is, well, a bit lopsided).

==> You may have to figure out what you want, and either order it, or sit patiently and surf dealer sites or the various forums, and be ready to pounce quickly when you see something you like.

Here are two of my favorite new knives that have some lasting appeal. Larry Chew did these for me as liner locks, with stout liners, but he'll do them as framelocks also.






Note the ironwood standoffs for the cool pocket clips, and the ironwood backspacers:


Note the cool laser cutout logo in the clips:

I want something that will last me 10+ years, without the urge to switch to the newest design.

P.S. Good luck with the above! 10 yrs... man... if I could last 10 weeks ...

 

[Rob_Angerer]

I just picked this one up from another forumite... an RJ Q36 Overkill interframe... I think it's a pretty interesting knife(!). Whether the flipper remains timeless is a topic to be sorted in the future. I personally prefer thumb studs, but a well designed and well executed (bearings!) flipper is a fun knife to own and operate.

 

[mystro]

The Benchmade 950 Rift is about perfect. Beautiful to look at, fast and smooth as glass to open and close, and tough for outdoor work.

 

[Rob_Angerer]

Sidebar: The framelock has a reputation as "stronger" than a liner lock. Well, sorta. It is a lot like a very thick liner lock, really. But your hand, at least index finger, make more contact with the lock with a frame lock than with a properly designed liner lock.

I think the framelock is overrated (not that they aren't excellent, just overrated and "trendy" right now), and there are mediocre versions out there.

CRK really pioneered and still makes one of the best... especially safe, to my hands, is the Umnumzaan. You kinda have to handle and use one to appreciate ... hard to see in pics, but your index finger doesn't stand much chance of disengaging the lock during use, it's kind of under your middle finger, and then still... it's just not likely. The Umnumzaan is a very refined design... the thumb stud as stop pin, the cushioning of the o-rings on the thumb stud. Very well thought out, minimum of fasteners, looks good. My only gripe is that the little polymer tool they provide to loosen the pivot is prone to having the little tits sheared off. And no, I wasn't being a meat-head. Of course everyone would bitch if they had to pay $40 for a cast or machined aluminum pivot tool.

Makers can build very stout liner locks if they choose to. Example, Larry Chew did my Cujo with a 0.100" liner, and it's darned stout. And unless you are doing something stupid with a folder, you are very unlikely to accidentally unlock either the liner or the frame lock. The right handed person would almost have to twist the blade counter-clockwise. Well, that's my 2 cents anyway. You can be sure there are people with other opinions, and who's methods and mileage may vary. YMAMMV.

I'm so used to liner & frame locks that I kinda fumble with other locks a bit. I practice with them, right and left handed, but the spine/rocker lock is just something I don't want to own many of, as an example, except on gents folders.

Stout is stout, though, and if that's a priority, some of the stout rocker or modified rockers (e.g. Demko) are an option. Demko's production is limited at this point. But you can resort to Cold Steel if you get desperate... I'm still abstaining

A proper defense folder is a different topic.

 

[Buffalohump]

Ha ha, this thread could go on for 20 pages easy.....

You have posed the ultimate question for knife nuts - what is the ultimate EDC?!

Given your preference for fit, finish AND function I suspect you want a CRK folder.

Have you looked at the Insingo? Of all the CRK folders, its the one that appeals to me the most. The wharnecliffe blade is extremely functional but still offers enough point should you need one.

Fit and finish are exemplary. The only problem you might have is they are a little bland. However, you could head that off by getting a damascus blade. The CRK damascus blade folders are beautiful!

Other than that there is a world of customs out there, but landing just the right one might take years of experimentation.

 

[Dagon]

For that kind of money, assuming you don't go to a custom, you should really investigate Rockstead knives.
Very high performance and an extremely precise finish.

 

[Rob_Angerer]

Have you looked at the Insingo? Of all the CRK folders, its the one that appeals to me the most.

Just to be clear, the Insingo is an exclusive to the Knifeart guys... they sketched up the blade profile and CRK of course is the maker. I don't think it's available in damascus, but maybe Larry & Rodney could custom order one from CRK in damascus. If so, then you have a good set of choices... high contrast carbon steel, various SS damascus, etc. See CRK's page. CRK does something differently than others to get an interesting, very high contrast on their damascus blades, with a high polish.

http://www.knifeart.com/insingo.html

This image is copyrighted by Knifeart, but since we're basically advertising for them here...


knifeart_2135_0 Insingo by rdangerer, on Flickr

 

[stevenkelby]

Some tempting links there Rob, thanks for nothing!

Consider a Hinderer Firetac?

http://usualsuspect.net/forums/showthread.php?t=350469

 

[Tony8179]

For that kind of money, assuming you don't go to a custom, you should really investigate Rockstead knives.
Very high performance and an extremely precise finish.

A wanted a Rockstead so badly. I was planning on buying one at the NYCKS. The blades are beautiful and look like they can take a serious beating. After talking to the gentleman at the booth for a while I found out that the $800 knife that I was looking to buy had an aluminum handle (?!) and that there is a small stainless steel insert at the end of the framelock. Then I found out that most of their knives handles are aluminum. Very disappointed to find this out. I was hoping for Ti handles.

I still want one though... I just can't spend that kind of money on a knife with Al handles.

My suggestions to the OP would be to look into Yuna's knives, a Dress Havoc from RJ Martin, a Small Rockeye or Extra Small Rockeye from Les George, or Tim Galyean's Pro-Series line. These are all excellent knives made from the highest quality materials as well as all being withing your price range. You could actually get a two or three within $1500.

 

[ShooterMcgavin]

Rob, Wow! Seriously, THANK YOU for the great posts and great advice!

And to everyone, I really appreciate all the suggestions. I have been busy over the holiday, so I haven't been around to post much. I have been looking up all the knives you have suggested and will continue to do so. Thank you.

It's a tough balancing act... mixing a timeless quality with an aspect of art. Can't really explain, but I'm sure you guys/girls have an idea of what I mean.

I know there are some great liner locks out there. I am steering away from them for my EDC because I think an EDC plays a big role. It has to handle/carry well, and be up for some hard use since that will be the knife you have in your pocket at any given time. I am probably being a bit fanatical in looking for a lock style besides the liner, but I'm just not a fan. Maybe I could do a liner when I am shopping for my dress knife That will be an adventure.