Suggest me a good edc knife

M

mccoppinb

Joined
Mar 18, 2014
Messages
74
I'm in the market for a good new edc blade and have a few specs I'd like to stick to but can't find much and would like some suggestions

What I want
Nice 3-3.5 blade length
G10 or aluminum scales nothing real cheap feeling
Some sort of stronger steel like s30v
A nice durable blade that won't break if I drop it
Under 130

I like the steel and scales on the paramilitary 2 but the axis lock and ruggedness of the griptillian

I hate combo blades and tangto tips
 
I would still go PM2, if you like the Axis lock, one would think you would also like the compression lock they are pretty similar. While I haven't had the PM2 very long I think it is a very rugged knife. I love the compression lock and the PM2 is the near perfect EDC knife IMHO.
 
huff02 said:
I would still go PM2, if you like the Axis lock, one would think you would also like the compression lock they are pretty similar. While I haven't had the PM2 very long I think it is a very rugged knife. I love the compression lock and the PM2 is the near perfect EDC knife IMHO.
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You say rugged but I've seen many stories where the knife has been dropped and the tip broke off would this be something covered under warranty?
 
I suppose I could see that, however in my opinion I want my EDC knife to have a fine point. That makes it perfect for digging splinters out and fine work like that. I guess that's the give and take of having a fine tip on the knife.
 
From your wants I would suggest a Spyderco Manix II G10
Ball bearing lock works very similar to Axis (same principle) and a more robust blade than a PM2, but also S30v.

It's a bit big in pocket, but ticks off all your listed boxes.
 
Well since I just got one and am really liking it I would say the Cold Steel Code 4 in CTS XHP. Fits all of your criteria, especially the durable part. I was never a fan from pictures alone, but I got one in my hand and immediately told the person behind the counter to find the box and ring it up.
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NorthernSouthpaw said:
From your wants I would suggest a Spyderco Manix II G10
Ball bearing lock works very similar to Axis (same principle) and a more robust blade than a PM2, but also S30v.

It's a bit big in pocket, but ticks off all your listed boxes.
Click to expand...

I will agree.

If you watch the exchange, you can find a clean example for under $100. Full steel liners too.

Keep an eye out and when you see a good price, jump on it.

The code 4 is a good option too, available in clip, and spear points iirc. It is a lock back, but a strong one at that.

The manix 2 LW s110v is a good choice too. Lighter, and the scales have a bit of flex when compressed together, but it doesn't feel flimsy and the steel is a Large upgrade for wear resistance vs cardboard and other abrasive material, but it does have a slight trade off for toughness.
 
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I think I suggest this knife to people too much but I think it is the perfect edc knife. The manix 2 LW in s110v. Yes, there are no steel liners, but it is faaaaar from cheap feeling. The bi-directional texturing is awesome! Amazon usually has it for around $100.

If the no steel liners issue bothers you too much then get the trusty para2.

But like I said, I haven't found a knife that performs like the manix 2 LW.
 
Manix 2 no doubt. It's got an axis style lock and you can get G10 and a great steel.
 
I have a Kershaw BLUR in S30V that meets all you requirements. Great knife. Just stout enuf but not a club.
 
Sounds like your only two viable option are to opt for the Spyderco models within your price range and hope their style and design suits you well enough as a Griptilian does, or, raise the price a tad and procure yourself one of the Benchmade axis models which utilize higher grade Steel then 154cm, which start closer to the $150 mark and up...

Many say Spyderco. I say save a bit for a Nakumura or a 940.

Or a 3rd compromise is the H&K Axis folder in d2
Sturdy axis lock in a tough and hard Steel.
 
johned said:
I have a Kershaw BLUR in S30V that meets all you requirements. Great knife. Just stout enuf but not a club.
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The Blur in special steels is a great option. Love that knife. But also like ZT's, Spyderco's, Benchmade's, etc.

Between the PM2 and Grip, I like the PM2 just a little more. The Axis is a great locking system, but for me, the compression system on the PM2 is just more intuitive. And I think just as strong as it's sort of like a combination of a liner lock, and bolt lock, with super easy access. On my Axis knives, I end up needing just a little blade play in order to get a free floating blade for fast flicking. But the PM2 is rock solid when closed, in motion, and lockup...while also giving a super smooth free floating blade.

Add: Or for a Grip sized knife with Axis, but a little cheaper I believe, and with G10 scales instead of plastic....take a look at the HK 14715. Made by Benchmade in the US. With D2 blade steel and Benchmade quality of fit/finish.

FWIW, YMMV

Standard blade steel Blur's

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Sorry I don't have a better pic of the HK

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PM2 with one of my fav ZT's (zt a little out of requested price range)

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PM2 with smaller Chaparral for size comparison

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Multiple Spyder's for size and blade shape comparisons. Missing my newest Positron.

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strategy9 said:
Sounds like your only two viable option are to opt for the Spyderco models within your price range and hope their style and design suits you well enough as a Griptilian does, or, raise the price a tad and procure yourself one of the Benchmade axis models which utilize higher grade Steel then 154cm, which start closer to the $150 mark and up...

Many say Spyderco. I say save a bit for a Nakumura or a 940.

Or a 3rd compromise is the H&K Axis folder in d2
Sturdy axis lock in a tough and hard Steel.
Click to expand...

Oooh I forgot about that one!
The H&K 14716 definitely is a great choice too (and it's made by Benchmade)
That & the Manix would be my top suggestions.
 
So far I'm really liking that hk and the manix 2 I just really feel like the paramilitary is to fragile and I don't like having to worry about or second guess if it will hold up or not
 
The Bradley Folder 2 could possibly be a good option. It comes in CPM-M4 which is a fairly tough steel, although the steel is more susceptible to rust than S30V and the knife has a liner lock. Personally I've never had an issue with M4 rusting, and a liner lock done well is fairly robust. If you look around you can find the Bradley Folder 2 for around $128.
 
strategy9 said:
Or a 3rd compromise is the H&K Axis folder in d2
Sturdy axis lock in a tough and hard Steel.
Click to expand...

I purchased the Hk axis folder as a gift for a buddy a few months ago. It is really a nice knife, I liked it a lot, and he is very happy with it. D2 is good, the coated version will give you the rust resistance, the handles are sturdy and axis locks are great. Give one a try, it is also priced very well on Blade HQ.
Best of luck.
 
BHQ has the Zero Tolerance 0770 with aluminum scales for $120. 3.25" blade very stylish IMHO. And Elmax steel.



DSCN1138sm0770.jpg
 
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