Suggestions for new EDC

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Brent F

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Aug 26, 2017
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Hello, new member here. Looking for some suggestions to add to my edc rotation,something more up to date. Currently my rotation consists of 2 alox soldiers( Wenger, Victorinox), Benchmade Emerson CQC7, and 3 Spydercos , an ancient Delica full serrated blade with the molded pocket clip, an all stainless Hunter model, and a serrated co-pilot. I really like the benchmade mini grip and the new bugout, but I am willing to consider others brands . My budget is about $ 150, but I may go slightly higher if something "sings" to me. Thanks, and looking forward to learning a lot more.
 
Timw to add a big and strong folder, and for that, nothing beats a ZT 0909 at the current discounted price at $135. Act soon before it is all gone.
 
You might want to take a look at the offerings from Steel Will. Particularly the Cutjack. It'll be close to the size of the Delica you have. There are two versions, a D2/FRN model and an M390/G10 model.

OTOH, if you're almost set on a mini-Grip, you have a lot of choices there from entry level 154CM/Noryl up to 20CV/G10, or a custom shop creation of your choosing from BM.

For a larger, heavier duty folder, ZT would be a nice choice. Their disco'd model are on sale right now. Just make sure you check the size/weight specs on the ones you like. They're quite a bit different from the SAKs and Spydercos you mentioned.
 
+1 on the Cutjack for a large value folder. I have one(but don't carry it as a BM551 kicked it out of the pocket) and it is a good all around knife. IMHO it's the best sub $50 folder out there.

However, I prefer the Griptilian or the Mini Grip over the Cutjack. The Cutjack is better for the value, but I just love the Axis lock, ergonomics, and quality of the Grips too much.
 
The Viper Storm offers a lot for about $200. Hinderer design, Ti framed, strong liner lock, G-10 or CF scales, modular backspacer options, and best of all M390 blade steel. It also allows you to customize with Hinderer and Steel Flame clips and filler tabs. Check it out.
 
If you are thinking about a mini-grip, check out Doug Ritter's version. Upgraded steel, and a slightly different grind. Discontinued, but it looks like there are still some left. If you can add a few dollars and can wait for a used one, the Southern Grind Spider Monkey is a neat EDC knife. Slightly longer blade than the Mini-Grip, but lots of exotic materials and very light weight.
 
How about a Benchmade 940 series or a Cold Steel Broken Skull? Both make good edc's.
If you want a larger edc then a ZT or a large Cold Steel folder will work. Good Luck Kevin
 
kda89508 said:
How about a Benchmade 940 series or a Cold Steel Broken Skull? Both make good edc's.
If you want a larger edc then a ZT or a large Cold Steel folder will work. Good Luck Kevin
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I agree with this guy. I personally love the CS Recon1 in spear point.
 
Nah, this guy doesn't need to add a big strong folder.... he's got one. That BM version of the CQC7 is an awesome beast.

What is needed here is something super light, vanishes into the pocket, doesn't need any special treatment...

Get the BM 535 Bugout. It's pretty dang cool.
 
Minnesota Man said:
I agree with this guy. I personally love the CS Recon1 in spear point.
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What do you like specifically about the CS Recon? I've been eyeing one of those as well. Looking for a large folder, just tried the ZT 0452cf, I think that one is not going to work well for a LH user, so my search continues.
 
I enjoy the Recon 1 so much that I own 4 different models. I love the ergos, grippy g-10 handles, the new carpenter's steel, and the tri-ad lock is amazing!
 
Have you had trouble with gunk getting into the lock mechanism and affecting the lockup and reliability? This is a common thing you hear about the Triad lock, I've never owned one so I don't know if it's rumor or reality.
 
maximus83 said:
What do you like specifically about the CS Recon? I've been eyeing one of those as well. Looking for a large folder, just tried the ZT 0452cf, I think that one is not going to work well for a LH user, so my search continues.
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If you want big The BM Adamas would be good for either you or the OP.
Smaller & more pocket friendly? how about a 940-2?
I still love my Ritter Mini Grip.
Any of the recently announced discontinued ZT's would be worth a serious look. 0900, 0909, 0804 and 0630. GREAT bang for your buck with those.

Also Maximus, Have you thought about getting one of the new lefty Paramilitary 2's?
 
I *have* thought about the lefty PM 2, good suggestion. Strange as it sound though, like a lot of lefties, I have adapted to living in a mostly RH world and I've gotten so used to the RH PM 2, I have no problem with it. Also have no problem with most other RH frame locks like ZT, Kershaw, others.

Of course one huge advantage of the CS Recon is that with the Triad back lock mechanism, it's 100% ambi, there's no RH bias at all in that lock system. Hence the appeal for us lefties. Also, because that system is essentially a refined back lock, it's super strong and probably even stronger than the compression lock in the Spydies, so that appeals to me as well.
 
You have a couple of the older style Soldiers, round it out with the new Soldier. I understand the serrated blade is easy to sharpen and it's in a larger size. Also one hand opening and more tools than the pre-08 soldiers. Finally, it's just plane different from what most carry.
 
maximus83 said:
What do you like specifically about the CS Recon? I've been eyeing one of those as well. Looking for a large folder, just tried the ZT 0452cf, I think that one is not going to work well for a LH user, so my search continues.
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KnifeCenter has lefty Spyderco Militaries in stock! That should fit your bill.
 
maximus83 said:
Have you had trouble with gunk getting into the lock mechanism and affecting the lockup and reliability? This is a common thing you hear about the Triad lock, I've never owned one so I don't know if it's rumor or reality.
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While "gunk" can affect almost any mechanism adversely, I have many Triad lock knives and never had a problem and they do live in adverse / somewhat dirty conditions. What you heard is a feeble attempt at discrediting the Triad. Any pivoting knife should be cleaned after getting gunked on, that should go without saying.
 
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The mini grip, Spyderco Para 2, or the Buck Marksman would all be in the running.
 
Without knowing your preferences for size ... lock type ... scale material or uses these are just ideas.

But a good step up Zero Tolerance has a few in your price range that are excellent knife ... someone mentioned one of my favorite ZTs the ZT 0909 it's being discontinued so it's a big bargain right now at just over your $150 range. The ZT 770 or ZT 566 both great knives very different knives but worth your time to look ... I think the ZT 566 is one of the best EDCs available.

Spyderco has some good knives in your range the Native 5 G10 a bit smaller but feels great and is a great back lock knife ... the PM2 ... Manix II ... lots of solid choices from Sypderco.

Those would be the two brands I'd lean towards ... better grip material then the plastic scales on the BM Grips and Benchmade has had some QC issues lately.

For your price range you have several good options just depends on your preferences.
 
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