suggest a new EDC!

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SanitySource

Joined
Mar 20, 2008
Messages
165
Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a new edc but one that has some pretty specific criteria. I've been searching around for some time and maybe you can point something out that I may have missed. Although where I live and in my social dynamics, carrying a knife is fairly unusual. For that reason I like to carry it in my waistband near my back. I have my usual large folders which I like to be strong however they'll never be any good because I never carry them. The one knife I do carry which fits the criteria well is my Kershaw zing stainless steel which fits the criteria almost perfectly, however I'm looking for something a little more solid.

The zing ss is a fantastic underrated edc. Its ~3 oz. Super thin which makes it great for waistband carry. Speed assisted with a flipper that doubles as a finger guard. Frame lock which is superior to a liner lock for my intended use of edc \ emergency self defense knife.

I'm looking for something...
Thin , or just good for waist carry as even the pocket clip emerging throws people off and is a vibe I try to stay away from
About 2-3.5 ounces
Solid lock up
Relatively smaller sized (about delicate or zing sized)
Over engineered design is preferred

Price range
20-65$ max

Thanks guys! Enjoying looking forward to any suggestions.
 
I'd be much more concerned about why you need to hide what you carry. Why is that?
 
Kershaw Cryo G-10 is well within your price range, and is an over-engineered design IMO. The Kershaw site lists the weight at 3.7 oz, so it's not too far from your limit.

Blade length is around 2.75 inches, and the 8Cr13MoV steel is the same found on your stainless Zing, so I know you'll like it.

 
SanitySource said:
I'm in and around the health industry and school and its not appropriate. I also don't like the vibe that it gives off. I prefer to be discrete
Click to expand...

Okay but you should really be thinking about if it is legal and/or against the rules.

Grownstar's suggestion of the Cryo G10 is good. The low rider clip could be good for your purposes. Many of the budget Kershaws could work. Also look at a Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 or Esee Zancudo. A couple different lock options for you.
 
Have you handled a Spyderco Air? Small, can just put it in your pocket. Killer M4 steel will outcut most small knives. The negative is that it isn't stainless but a little Breakfree CLP or other synthetic lube will keep it bright for a very long time.

Here is what Gayle Bradley, the designer says about this little darling. I don't think the folks at work will bat an eye, and it might come in handy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i2p2YHQzn8
 
GatorFlash1 said:
Have you handled a Spyderco Air? Small, can just put it in your pocket. Killer M4 steel will outcut most small knives. The negative is that it isn't stainless but a little Breakfree CLP or other synthetic lube will keep it bright for a very long time.

Here is what Gayle Bradley, the designer says about this little darling. I don't think the folks at work will bat an eye, and it might come in handy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i2p2YHQzn8
Click to expand...

Way over budget...nice though....
 
Get a Benchmade Mini Griptilian for a few more dollars and stay away from the China crap.
grownstar said:
Kershaw Cryo G-10 is well within your price range, and is an over-engineered design IMO. The Kershaw site lists the weight at 3.7 oz, so it's not too far from your limit.

Blade length is around 2.75 inches, and the 8Cr13MoV steel is the same found on your stainless Zing, so I know you'll like it.

Click to expand...
 
mmarkh said:
Get a Benchmade Mini Griptilian for a few more dollars and stay away from the China crap.
Click to expand...

Once again over the budget of $65 max. Mini Grip is about $90. And The Kershaw's made in China aren't crap. But I guess everything you own and use is not made in China...
 
Benchmade 530, maybe. Can be found on the secondary market for close to your max budget.
Pros: 3.25" blade, uber-thin, sub 2-ounces, axis lock..
Cons: Not deep carry, looks "stabby", more suitable for light/medium duty, better for piercing than slicing..

The 531 is the newer model, but it's more expensive.
 
GatorFlash1 said:
For only a few more bucks the Spyderco Air will last a life-time. That will work out to about $1.50 per year for these little beast.
Click to expand...

Unless we are talking about a different knife, the difference is roughly double his max budget, and depending on where your shop much more. Bladhq has them for $90 more than his max of $65. That is much more than "only a few more bucks". It is a nice knife but not even close to the budget he specified.
 
I am a newb here but I think I have experience in this category. I long for customs, Zt's, GEC etc but I just don't have the money. I have over 30 knives most under $50. I think a Kershaw Skyline Damascus $54 would be good for work. A Case CV Sodbuster is probably the best excepted work knife for me. There is also the Kershaw Oso Sweet $18 a proven winner. I love My Byrd Cara Cara 2 $20. Also the Rat 2 $26, Kershaw Blur S30V $65. I still think the Kershaw Skyline Damascus meets your criteria the best. If you need something more "solid" and you like the all metal design of your Zing SS there is the Cryo and Cyro 2.
 
Pioneer Valley said:
I am a newb here but I think I have experience in this category. I long for customs, Zt's, GEC etc but I just don't have the money. I have over 30 knives most under $50. I think a Kershaw Skyline Damascus $54 would be good for work. A Case CV Sodbuster is probably the best excepted work knife for me. There is also the Kershaw Oso Sweet $18 a proven winner. I love My Byrd Cara Cara 2 $20. Also the Rat 2 $26, Kershaw Blur S30V $65. I still think the Kershaw Skyline Damascus meets your criteria the best. If you need something more "solid" and you like the all metal design of your Zing SS there is the Cryo and Cyro 2.
Click to expand...

Hey Pioneer Valley, fantastic suggestions.
I dont know how i overlooked it this whole time but the Ontario rat 2 is just absolutely IDEAL for me both in looks price performance! Thanks!
 
Pioneer Valley said:
I am a newb here but I think I have experience in this category. I long for customs, Zt's, GEC etc but I just don't have the money. I have over 30 knives most under $50. I think a Kershaw Skyline Damascus $54 would be good for work. A Case CV Sodbuster is probably the best excepted work knife for me. There is also the Kershaw Oso Sweet $18 a proven winner. I love My Byrd Cara Cara 2 $20. Also the Rat 2 $26, Kershaw Blur S30V $65. I still think the Kershaw Skyline Damascus meets your criteria the best. If you need something more "solid" and you like the all metal design of your Zing SS there is the Cryo and Cyro 2.
Click to expand...

Hey Pioneer Valley, fantastic suggestions.
I dont know how i overlooked it this whole time but the Ontario rat 2 is just absolutely IDEAL for me both in looks price performance! Thanks!
 
Take a look at the Esee Zancudo. It's very similar to the Rat 2 in a lot of ways, but thinner and lighter. It can be found all over the place for around $35, and comes in a lot of scale color and blade color combinations. Frame lock, like you were looking for...right hand carry only, but tip up or tip down. Reasonably deep carry clip. I have one and it runs a close second to a Skyline as an EDC that I grab when I need to be discrete. Personally, I prefer the Skyline but your mileage may vary. Good luck.
 
CRKT ripple?
Not sure if you'd call it "overengineered"...but it seems to fit every other description you listed. And it's very slim.

I don't have one but I like budget folders and its on my want list. I've been looking at reviews and videos of it and your list made me think of it.
 
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