Sheeple Friendly EDC/Backpacking knife

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Munky88

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Jun 1, 2008
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I would like to get a new EDC knife that is not too intimidating looking. I have been looking at the griptilians, and the lone wolf t-1 (with questions of quality) and was wondering if anybody had other recommendations of things to look at.

I would like a blade thats roughly 3 inches, although bigger or slightly smaller is also fine. Have maybe 100 dollars? preferably less. I want something thats rather compact and thin for pocket carry.
 
You might look at a Benchmade Monochrome. Very thin. The blade shape reminds me of a SAK main blade on steroids. Oversized for an SAK, but still very non-aggressive looking. N690 has very good edge retention. And it slices like gangbusters.
 
I've been looking at the 530. It's very light (its name is "Lightweight"), and it seems to be very thin. The blade is 3.25". ~$60-65.

bm530.jpg


Then there's the 960. It uses D2 and is only slightly larger than 3". I like the design myself. ~$120-130.

BM_960_SLV_LARGE.jpg


Ah, and like Knarfeng said, the Monochrome. I was looking at that one myself, but after seeing the 530, I like the 530 better, especially because of the Axis Lock.

And there are Spydercos that don't look too intimidating but are still great knives.
 
Thanks, il look into it.

One thing i forgot to ask before. The T-1 has a version with a rosewood handle. is this tough enough to last?
 
opinels are about the least intimidating looking knives i can think if and they go for around $10 and have a good lock, good grind, and are extremely light in the pocket
 
I was looking at those too breifly, but decided i want something a bit more built.

It dosnt have to be a super laid back knife. I just don't want a ninja death knife.
 
Get a MiniGrip. The 555HG is semi-sheepsfoot (not too pointy) and the handle comes in some real friendly colors (think yellow or blue).
 
Have you looked at the Kershaw Blur? Fits your requirements plus is a little beefier for purposes of backpacking. Available in 13C26, S30V, and SG2 blade materials.
 
A Victorinox Hunter is a nice universal knife for backpacking, in my opinion. And this is one of the models where the blade locks.

hunter.jpg
 
The minigrip is a great knife, i would go with that. That being said you cant get more sheeple friendly than an SAK.
 
I bet more backpackers and hikers carry a Swiss Army Knife than any other product. I would happily carry any of the locking models or the solo.

A couple of other options:
Small fixed blade with natural materials. More hygienic and safe than a folding knife.
AG Russell FeatherLite - very light and thin with a sturdy lock and one-hand opening.

What I've carried for backpacking: BuckLite. Opinels. AG Russell Hunters Scalpel (very small fixed blade with locking hard sheath - discontinued, but to be reintroduced soon).

Happy shopping!
 
Well i have a leatherman wave that i take camping. I just am not happy with the performance of the knifes, and don't use the tools for everyday things. So I thought i'd get a knife for EDC and to sub seed the wave in small cutting tasks when camping. I cary my grandfathers old large hunting knife, but would also like to use said new knife for some food prep.

does anyone have opinions on the lone wolf t-1? found some on ebay for a good price.
 
Last edited:
BarberFobic1992 said:
opinels are about the least intimidating looking knives i can think if and they go for around $10 and have a good lock, good grind, and are extremely light in the pocket
Click to expand...

I second this. I carry a little #8 in my pocket every day and work in a very conservative office environment - a university. The opinel is one of the best cutters I own due to its thin blade profile. It gets used on a grapefruit almost daily which has contributed to a nice patina.

It is easy to mod, I sanded it down to fit my hand better and applied my own finish. Peopl see the ring and natural wood handle and they get curious about it rather than look at you like you are some knife guy. I have other knives I like to carry in city and hiking but the opinel is perfectly suited for my office work - even more so then the SAKs.

DSC_0040-1.jpg
 
If you are looking for a good general purpose knife in the $100 and under range, with blades right around 3", you would be well served by:

As mentioned above, BM 530 or BM mini-grip (regular version or the Cabelas D2 version; I like the Ritter version better, but it is just over your price range, about $110).
Spyderco Delica 4 http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4903 Also available in green or pink
Spyderco Caly 3 http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=6345
Spyderco UKPK (not locking, but I have one and it's a great knife) http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=6136 Also available with green or orange handle
Spyderco Sage http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=45107

There are also some good options among the Kershaw models, maybe someone more familiar with them can chime in with suggestions.
 
Hi,

Pretty darn hard to beat a SAK for a hiking companion. But I really like the Opinels too. I carry a #8 almost everyday. I really like the blade on it.

But I just picked up my first "modern" knife, a Kershaw Vapor. Holy Carp, for less than $20 it's a lot of knife. A 3" blade, and a shade over 3oz, it make take me away from my old style folders.

dalee
 
Who cares about sheep? Buy the knife you like. Some people are scared of their own shadows, why pander? Half the country's on anti-depressants and tranquilizers.
Anything blacker or bigger than a SAK tinker would be "scary" to some people. Forget the one hand opening SAKs too, or the Soldier. The most sheeple knife I can think of is the pink handled SAK Classic.

I apologize, I mean no disrespect, I just have a thing about giving in to the fears of ignorants.

On topic,
The Griptilian is a great knife, I have a 551, smooth and solid, though the handle material feels a little cheap if you're used to G-10 or Micarta.
 
Other than a SAK, I would suggest the SOG Mini-Vulcan for EDC. Runs around $80. I have been very impressed with this knife. I have the larger Vulcan too, but the Mini Vulcan is just the right size for me for general use. The blade is thin enough for slicing food and beefy enough for harder use. It has become my EDC. Goodness, I have a lot of knives to choose from for EDC. I probably carry 5-6 knives in canvas "tool box" that I use as a general purpose bag for work at job sites and on the road. Keep my files in there as well along with calculators, chargers, camera, multi-tool, etc.
 
tapedeck74 said:
Who cares about sheep? Buy the knife you like. Some people are scared of their own shadows, why pander? Half the country's on anti-depressants and tranquilizers.
Anything blacker or bigger than a SAK tinker would be "scary" to some people. Forget the one hand opening SAKs too, or the Soldier. The most sheeple knife I can think of is the pink handled SAK Classic.

I apologize, I mean no disrespect, I just have a thing about giving in to the fears of ignorants.

On topic,
The Griptilian is a great knife, I have a 551, smooth and solid, though the handle material feels a little cheap if you're used to G-10 or Micarta.
Click to expand...

Ok, what's the most badass sheeple-unfriendly EDC/backpacking knife in your opinion. I want to start scaring sheeple.
 
Pacific Salt is a good choice. Both the Atlantic and Pacific Salt with yellow handles are on my "to buy" list.
 
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