Recommendation? Slicey, larger EDC with good action, high edge retention / reasonable toughness?

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billzona

Joined
Dec 25, 2022
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Asking for advice on a knife and / or general pointers in the right direction. Thank you all in advance.

What I plan to use it for: packages / zip ties / clamshell wrap, slicing apples / veggies, cutting boxes into smaller pieces than necessary, cutting pieces of printer paper way to often to check the edge, occasional workshop marking knife. Love being able to slice off paper thin pieces of apple.

What size am I thinking?: ~3.5"-4". Just want to make sure the functional edge is >3.3"ish. I mainly carry this around the house, so upper size isn't really an issue. That being said, much bigger and it would not be comfy to carry. Weight isn't a big concern.

Price range: <$250-$300... I'm a-ok with well kept lightly used if it falls under or around that range, but for some of the Spydercos out there that fit the bill (ex: Kapara 20CV, s90v military), prices are very hiked.

Blade steel: something that can support a reasonably fine apex; good fine edge retention; not too brittle; stainless does not matter: k390, m4, 10v, s90v. 20cv and equivalents have been OK, but I'd love to try one of the higher edge retention steels that don't sacrifice toughness OR that are comparable in edge retention but amazing toughness. I haven't tried many steels other than 20cv, so feel free to tell me there is another steel I should consider.

I have enjoyed how quickly I can close the pm2 one handed, so a compression lock is great. If the axis or equivalent locks fit the same bill, I'm sure I'd like them. That being said, frame or liner locks are also great, if the blade is right.

I've been eyeing something like an endura or endela in k390, but have heard mixed reviews on the build quality, and they don't seem to fit the quick one hand open / close bill. I've also looked at the TRM Atom (and may get one if I can pre-order from BHQ)... but I'd love to try a different steel.
 
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billzona said:
I sharpen way more than I need to... love keeping that sticky edge on a knife (and keeping it sticky longer). Like sharpening the microbevel, hate larger edge reprofiling. I cheated a bit though and made my own jig that can take lapping film and super low dps, then just strop by hand -- so it's fairly easy to touch up.
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If you like a sticky edge on a knife, cruwear is very very good for that. It almost wants to take a screaming sharp edge with ease. My favourite back country knife is a cruwear custom at 65 hrc, and it takes a hair popping edge on even simple sharpening equipment like a fallkniven CC4. Of course, if you use diamonds for sharpening, that becomes a non issue for most steels.

I’ve also found Rex 45 to take a very very sticky and crisp edge. But I usually stick to diamond stones for sharpening that steel, as I’ve found that traditional abrasives struggle a bit with it.
 
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Citori said:
Since there is a bit of a Spyderco roll going on I will suggest the Kapara. 3.0mm S30V blade stock, full height grind, fair bit of distal taper. Very nice CF handle slabs, metal liners, very reliable compression lock, best pocket clip in the business. 3.58" blade that has excellent (like BM 940 level) cutting edge to blade / handle length ratio. 3.3 ounces.

I find it much slicier than the PM2 but obviously not as tough given the thinner stock. There is a sprint version out there on 20CV if S30V doesn't suit but short of chopping bones or significant prying I have never had an issue with mine. Probably my most carried knife in 2022.
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The kapara seemed perfect, but felt like I'd be downgrading if I went from 20CV to S30V. That being said, I haven't used s30v -- so this is based only on what I've read.
DMG said:
How about a Hogue Ritter in Magnacut? Or the GB2?
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Can't find any of the hogue rsk online...any suggestions? Might be a touch short, but well within the specs I mentioned. GB2 seems great for the initial slice, but does the hollow impact the ability to cut deeper on something like an apple?
DrubieG said:
Between the Endura, chief and police it’s hard to say which is best… they all bring diff things to the table. K390 is my fav steel for my uses. Endura you can get in serrated or wharncliffe, police and chief you can both choke up on, but with no hump on the chief it makes it a great one to bear down on. The chief has more options of steel and colors and the Endura has the most aftermarket scales and parts. I’d say the size of the police can sometimes be unwieldy in certain situations. I love them all so I have them all lol
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I feel like I'll end up there sooner than I think :).
mmyron1 said:
Spyderco Shaman or Ritter RSK. Blade HQ has an M4 Shaman.
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It has thicker stock (Shaman) -- has it been slicy? Also it looks like Blade HQ has these flagged as discontinued, and they are steep on ebay.
 
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I just remembered my PM2's blade is Cruwear. It was very easy to sharpen and it's a wicked slicer.

With the exception of an Arno Bernard that I have on preorder, for any future knife purchases, those with Cruwear and Magnacut will be on the top of my list.
 
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S30v is still a great steel. Honestly, for what you mention wanting the blade for pretty much most any modern steel will do well. Find a knife you like the feel and look of, and get it. The greatest ‘super steel’ isn’t going to help much if it is on a knife you don’t like. Try to go to a well stocked store and handle as many as possible. My preferences may be opposite of another's. Good luck with your search.
 
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beeinak said:
S30v is still a great steel. Honestly, for what you mention wanting the blade for pretty much most any modern steel will do well. Find a knife you like the feel and look of, and get it. The greatest ‘super steel’ isn’t going to help much if it is on a knife you don’t like. Try to go to a well stocked store and handle as many as possible. My preferences may be opposite of another's. Good luck with your search.
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To be fair, a well sharpened stick would fit my  needs, but it would bug me to have to strop after every cut to get that sticky sharp feel.

I'm also quite new to knives, and what I feel when I first pick one up isn't always how I feel after carrying it a bit. So the wisdom of experts is super helpful.
 
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billzona said:
It has thicker stock (Shaman) -- has it been slicy? Also it looks like Blade HQ has these flagged as discontinued, and they are steep on ebebay.
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The shaman is a great slicer evene with the thick stock. The Ritter RSK is a Knifeworks exclusive so need to look there. Both the shaman and full size Ritter are right about the same size.
 
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billzona said:
To be fair, a well sharpened stick would fit my  needs, but it would bug me to have to strop after every cut to get that sticky sharp feel.

I'm also quite new to knives, and what I feel when I first pick one up isn't always how I feel after carrying it a bit. So the wisdom of experts is super helpful.
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I totally understand wanting input. My point is just that everyone has their own ideas about the ideal edc folder and what one person likes, another may despise. I don’t like slippery, smooth, or metal scales. I get my blades dirty and wet as well as frequently covered in snow, so I prefer knives that are easily cleaned.
Do you have a preference for type of locking mechanism or location? Do you want a workhorse or a beautiful work of art (or a bit of each)? Do you want to be able to easily close it with one hand? Do you want to be able to flip it or flick it? Do you want a clean blade or one with thumb-stud or opening hole of some sort? What style shape do you prefer? What profile of handle (flatter or more rounded)? Do you want wood or g10 or micarta or carbon fiber or nice inlays? Do you prefer a colored or coated blade over another finish? There are SO MANY choices it is difficult to narrow things down! 🤣

My favorite folder is a Paramilitary 2. I just love it. That said I probably have 2 doz other folders I carry for different things. There are some beautiful and fantastically made folders by Chris Reeve and Hinderer that I would likely carry if I wasn’t concerned about what I listed above. I have had some expensive customs and although I appreciated them, I just didn’t use them much.

Many excellent examples have been mentioned by others, and I hope you find one that not only serves the purpose, but also puts a smile on your face.
 
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billzona said:
I sharpen way more than I need to... love keeping that sticky edge on a knife (and keeping it sticky longer). Like sharpening the microbevel, hate larger edge reprofiling. I cheated a bit though and made my own jig that can take lapping film and super low dps, then just strop by hand -- so it's fairly easy to touch up.
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Honestly then it's more about the shape than the steel. I've dropped way to much cash on knives I thought I would carry but don't now. My native chief is by far my favorite slicey knife. My shaman I carry every day for work and it cuts amazingly well. It's in s30 so not as impressive as my M4 or cruwear but it has great shape and ergonomics.
 
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beeinak said:
I totally understand wanting input. My point is just that everyone has their own ideas about the ideal edc folder and what one person likes, another may despise. I don’t like slippery, smooth, or metal scales. I get my blades dirty and wet as well as frequently covered in snow, so I prefer knives that are easily cleaned.
Do you have a preference for type of locking mechanism or location? Do you want a workhorse or a beautiful work of art (or a bit of each)? Do you want to be able to easily close it with one hand? Do you want to be able to flip it or flick it? Do you want a clean blade or one with thumb-stud or opening hole of some sort? What style shape do you prefer? What profile of handle (flatter or more rounded)? Do you want wood or g10 or micarta or carbon fiber or nice inlays? Do you prefer a colored or coated blade over another finish? There are SO MANY choices it is difficult to narrow things down! 🤣

My favorite folder is a Paramilitary 2. I just love it. That said I probably have 2 doz other folders I carry for different things. There are some beautiful and fantastically made folders by Chris Reeve and Hinderer that I would likely carry if I wasn’t concerned about what I listed above. I have had some expensive customs and although I appreciated them, I just didn’t use them much.

Many excellent examples have been mentioned by others, and I hope you find one that not only serves the purpose, but also puts a smile on your face.
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I didn't want to be too nit-picky and not get any responses, but with so many responses -- might as well!

So:
1. Prefer more contoured and slick scales (but not copper or brass). I found the pm2 scales to be too grippy and flat for my liking, so I swapped to flytanium lotus g10. Carbon fiber or g10 are both great.
2. Blade color: love natural steel (satin or stonewash or rubbed). I even removed the dlc from my pm2 blade in 20cv.
3. Easy open / close one handed is a huge plus for me. I like the comp lock because I can flick it out, slice off a tag, and close it without needing to shift my grip. I also tend to open / close it a lot as I'm working.
4. Clean blade. Flipper and / or hole preferred.
5. Big fan of the sheepsfoot / modified wharncliffe profile.
6. Restrained work of art > workhorse. Slick, well styled lines, but still something you'd feel comfortable shaving off a bit of wood with.

I should also add that I have a 0562CF that I consider my more heavy duty knife, which is why I was looking for something in the slicy / low resistance while cutting territory.
 
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billzona said:
I didn't want to be too nit-picky and not get any responses, but with so many responses -- might as well!

So:
1. Prefer more contoured and slick scales (but not copper or brass). I found the pm2 scales to be too grippy and flat for my liking, so I swapped to flytanium lotus g10. Carbon fiber or g10 are both great.
2. Blade color: love natural steel (satin or stonewash or rubbed). I even removed the dlc from my pm2 blade in 20cv.
3. Easy open / close one handed is a huge plus for me. I like the comp lock because I can flick it out, slice off a tag, and close it without needing to shift my grip. I also tend to open / close it a lot as I'm working.
4. Clean blade. Flipper and / or hole preferred.
5. Big fan of the sheepsfoot / modified wharncliffe profile.
6. Restrained work of art > workhorse. Slick, well styled lines, but still something you'd feel comfortable shaving off a bit of wood with.
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To me a Protech Malibu meets almost all of these preferences.
Aluminum smooth or textured scales
Stonewash CPM 20CV steel
Flipper with button lock
Wharncliff or reverse tanto blade
Can often be found on the exchange for +/- $200
 
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billzona said:
I keep coming back to this... I haven't used hollow ground... how does it work for deeper cuts, like slicing off a piece of apple?
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It has a nice and thin hollow grind that performs very well. Peeling fruit will be no trouble, and the blade will take a nice patina with use.

The knife is well put together, and feels like you are holding a high quality folder.
 
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billzona said:
I didn't want to be too nit-picky and not get any responses, but with so many responses -- might as well!

So:
1. Prefer more contoured and slick scales (but not copper or brass). I found the pm2 scales to be too grippy and flat for my liking, so I swapped to flytanium lotus g10. Carbon fiber or g10 are both great.
2. Blade color: love natural steel (satin or stonewash or rubbed). I even removed the dlc from my pm2 blade in 20cv.
3. Easy open / close one handed is a huge plus for me. I like the comp lock because I can flick it out, slice off a tag, and close it without needing to shift my grip. I also tend to open / close it a lot as I'm working.
4. Clean blade. Flipper and / or hole preferred.
5. Big fan of the sheepsfoot / modified wharncliffe profile.
6. Restrained work of art > workhorse. Slick, well styled lines, but still something you'd feel comfortable shaving off a bit of wood with.
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I think that you will get good responses with these criteria.
Per your question about hollow ground slicing apples- absolutely great.
 
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ZT 0566 fits the bill perfectly. I work in the transportation industry and deal with damage claims. My knife gets gets used as a tool not a jewel. I cut enough bands, boxes and packing material in week to dull blades quickly.

In the past I just used several spyderco’s in rotation and when two of the three were dull they were sent back to factory for sharpening/ tune up.

In my humble experience, if you want a hard working tool that can still slice your apple at lunch go with 0566 and smile.

Parting thought- no matter which knife/brand you choose, please factor in the locking mechanism. Last thing you want is to be cutting through some tough material and accidentally have the blade fold on your hand.
 
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