Suggestions on my EDC pocket knife

[Big Ben 62]

Hey everyone. Noob to the boards here, so if this belongs somewhere else please let me know and I'll start the discussion there.

I'm looking for a decent EDC pocket folder. I generally carry the SOG Flash II for the following reasons:

1) It has the safety lock. I like this for multiple reasons, but mainly I like that it doesn't open in my pocket (a problem I have had with other knives)

2) I like the way it sits low in my pocket.

3) It's reasonably priced. I go through about 3 to 4 of them a year.
a) they usually end up with the TSA as I forget to leave it at home when I'm traveling for work. hazard of EDC repetitiveness.
b) the pocket clip is kind of shit where it connects into the handle. it's not a nice bolt on, rather it's locked into the plastic. I lose about one a year to catching the clip on something and tearing it out of the plastic. or at least ripping it free enough that it doesn't secure to the pocket and falls out when I sit.


I'm looking for a decent replacement for these, mainly because of the clip issue. But I'm interested in hearing what everyone thinks.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Ben

 

[rje58]

If a lock is important to you, maybe a Kershaw Leek. Ontario RAT 1 or Ontario RAT 2 are both hard to beat for the money. Steel Will, Real Steel and Kizer make some nice knives for around $50 or so.

 

[mrknife]

you might want to try general knife discussion...

 

[rswanson]

Given your question, I think you want to post this in General Knife Discussion because it doesn't sound like you want a slip joint knife...but if you want my 0.02 that's either Spyderco Delica (budget) or Benchmade 940 (luxe). Good luck with the search!

 

[Dadpool]

Welcome to BF! If you're looking for a modern locking folder with a pocket clip, you'll definitely want to be in General Discussion. This is the subforum for slipjoints and other "old-timey" knives.

If you provide a budget, you'll get plenty of good recommendations.

 

[Henry Beige]

As long as you are here, I can recommend some locking traditionals. Opinel uses an elegantly simple locking collar. There are a number of techniques for one-handed opening. The pivot can be tuned so the knife opens with a flick of a wrist.

The Mercator is a backlock with an interesting history. A favorite of Wehrmacht troops in WW II, many came into the possession of GIs, who brought them home, where they came into favor with Bronx street gangs.

These may not be exactly what you came here looking for, but who knows...

 

[Big Ben 62]

Wow! Thanks for the help so far.

I've got a Leek, Delica, and a Rat 2 on order to give them all a test. And while I did drool over the 940 I decided that as much as I'd like to have one, it won't make my EDC list. Just too likely that it ends up with some TSA individual.

Because I go through 3 or 4 a year, I'd love to keep them under $50 if possible, but that's not a hard figure. Over $100 is definitely more than I'd hope to spend just because of the high rate of turn over.

I checked out the Steel Will site, and while the Cutjack looked like a nice fit, it has one thing I know i don't like - that little thumb nub that pokes through the back of the handle when the blade is closed.

Kizer looks like it may have some winners, but their site is a little hard to navigate for some reason. Any recs on them would be great as well.

Thanks again for the help and for all future advice.

Ben

 

[Hickory n steel]

Something I want to mention is that you won't need the safety lock if your knife isn't assisted opening.

I would suggest you check out the KA-BAR DOZIER lockback.
It doesn't ride as low in pocket, but has a slightly better steel.( It's aus8a, your sog may be aus6 )
It's as lightweight which you'll like, it won't open In your pocket, and clip is held on with a screw that goes all.the way through ( not sure what to call it, but it's just like the pivot for the blade )

 

[Yo Mama]

Wow! Thanks for the help so far.

I've got a Leek, Delica, and a Rat 2 on order to give them all a test. And while I did drool over the 940 I decided that as much as I'd like to have one, it won't make my EDC list. Just too likely that it ends up with some TSA individual.

Because I go through 3 or 4 a year, I'd love to keep them under $50 if possible, but that's not a hard figure. Over $100 is definitely more than I'd hope to spend just because of the high rate of turn over.

I checked out the Steel Will site, and while the Cutjack looked like a nice fit, it has one thing I know i don't like - that little thumb nub that pokes through the back of the handle when the blade is closed.

Kizer looks like it may have some winners, but their site is a little hard to navigate for some reason. Any recs on them would be great as well.

Thanks again for the help and for all future advice.

Ben

Why the heck are you going through 3-4 knives a year? Anyway, at the 50 dollar pricish range I'd definitely look at the Kershaw Link also. Or get a Buck 110 and you shouldn't go through any more knives!

 

[Mako109]

Why the heck are you going through 3-4 knives a year?

The OP explains in points 3a and 3b.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd look at the Spyderco Delica, Benchmade Mini Presidio II (way over your budget), and the Spyderco Native. The Delica in its normal configuration is the least expensive and a great EDC as is the Native. None of these are flippers or Assisted openers. Some of the Steel will knives in D2 are pretty affordable and generally quite nice. Have the Mini Cutjack in M390 (flipper) and it has not left my pocket since I bought it last October. The M390 Cutjack exceeds your budget.

The SOG Flash II is one of the worst knives I have ever owned made by SOG. I've had several of those and used them as work knives; work knives get lost and taken home never to be seen again.

 

[Planterz]

When I took apart a co-worker's SOG Flash (Flash II? I forget) to fix up, I found it to be a terribly designed, overly complicated knife. There's this extremely tiny ball bearing that falls out and can get instantly lost in any carpet. Too many parts, too much going on, too many things to break, gunk up, or otherwise fail.

If you want a assisted knife, go with a Kershaw, or better yet (if you've got some extra) a Benchmade AXIS lock, although I'd argue that a manual unassisted AXIS is the superior choice.

 

[strategy9]

Buck quickfire.

Assisted, deep carry clip, with extra lock to prevent unwanted opening.

While a bit smaller, way better quality the a Flash II...

 

[Pilsner]

As long as you are here, I can recommend some locking traditionals. Opinel uses an elegantly simple locking collar. There are a number of techniques for one-handed opening. The pivot can be tuned so the knife opens with a flick of a wrist.

The Mercator is a backlock with an interesting history. A favorite of Wehrmacht troops in WW II, many came into the possession of GIs, who brought them home, where they came into favor with Bronx street gangs.

These may not be exactly what you came here looking for, but who knows...

Sorry to digress, OP, but many thanks for this Henry Beige

Never heard of these [Mercator K55K] but have now placed an order!

 

[Pilsner]

When I took apart a co-worker's SOG Flash (Flash II? I forget) to fix up, I found it to be a terribly designed, overly complicated knife. There's this extremely tiny ball bearing that falls out and can get instantly lost in any carpet. Too many parts, too much going on, too many things to break, gunk up, or otherwise fail.

If you want a assisted knife, go with a Kershaw, or better yet (if you've got some extra) a Benchmade AXIS lock, although I'd argue that a manual unassisted AXIS is the superior choice.

Totally agree re: AXIS. If assisted is compulsory, I’d go with the 581.

 

[SV-97]

May also want to look at the byrd knives (meadowlark is the delica pendant I think) or spyderco's really Budget knives like the tenacious.
If tearing clips is a problem I'd look into fixed blades(Whiteriver knives caper) or in-pocket carry knives like traditionals (antonini siciliano for example)

If the price doesn't turn you off the delica is one of the best knives around

 

[Lapedog]

Wow! Thanks for the help so far.

I've got a Leek, Delica, and a Rat 2 on order to give them all a test. And while I did drool over the 940 I decided that as much as I'd like to have one, it won't make my EDC list. Just too likely that it ends up with some TSA individual.

Because I go through 3 or 4 a year, I'd love to keep them under $50 if possible, but that's not a hard figure. Over $100 is definitely more than I'd hope to spend just because of the high rate of turn over.

I checked out the Steel Will site, and while the Cutjack looked like a nice fit, it has one thing I know i don't like - that little thumb nub that pokes through the back of the handle when the blade is closed.

Kizer looks like it may have some winners, but their site is a little hard to navigate for some reason. Any recs on them would be great as well.

Thanks again for the help and for all future advice.

Ben

That little thing that sticks through the back of the Steel Will cutjack when closed is not a thumb nub but rather a flipper tab which allows for easy opening of the knife with the index finger.

Once open it also flips down and acts as a finger guard protecting your fingers against sliding up on the blade.

I can’t recommend the steel will cutjack enough. It is a great knife.

Also you could check out the Spectrum Energetics utilizer. That way you can have a nice knife and if you accidentally bring it to the airport you can just take the blade out and throw the blade in the garbage.

Spectrum Energetics Utilizer.

In my Experience the SoG folders are not great knives that often have blade play. Which means the blade wobbles around while locked open.

 

[22-rimfire]

That little thing that sticks through the back of the Steel Will cutjack when closed is not a thumb nub but rather a flipper tab which allows for easy opening of the knife with the index finger.

Once open it also flips down and acts as a finger guard protecting your fingers against sliding up on the blade.

I can’t recommend the steel will cutjack enough. It is a great knife.

Also you could check out the Spectrum Energetics utilizer. That way you can have a nice knife and if you accidentally bring it to the airport you can just take the blade out and throw the blade in the garbage.

Spectrum Energetics Utilizer.

In my Experience the SoG folders are not great knives that often have blade play. Which means the blade wobbles around while locked open.

The Steel Will Cutjack is a great knife! But mine exceeds the budget significantly in M390 steel.

With SOGs, the Flash series was the worst I used in terms of blade play. I haven't had the wobble problem with most of their folders that I have owned. I'm sort of past the SOG thing in my life. Have to admit thought that I still sometimes will look at one at the knife store, but I haven't purchased one since the Access Card 2.0 (sheepsfoot) came out and that was a big while ago (years). I still like the Access Card 2.0 to use around my desk and I have a lot of options at my desk.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

That little thing that sticks through the back of the Steel Will cutjack when closed is not a thumb nub but rather a flipper tab which allows for easy opening of the knife with the index finger.

Once open it also flips down and acts as a finger guard protecting your fingers against sliding up on the blade.

I can’t recommend the steel will cutjack enough. It is a great knife.

Also you could check out the Spectrum Energetics utilizer. That way you can have a nice knife and if you accidentally bring it to the airport you can just take the blade out and throw the blade in the garbage.

Spectrum Energetics Utilizer.

In my Experience the SoG folders are not great knives that often have blade play. Which means the blade wobbles around while locked open.

I hadn't seen that Spectrum Energetics before. I may have to add one of those to the collection, appreciate the pics and suggestion.

 

[Lapedog]

I hadn't seen that Spectrum Energetics before. I may have to add one of those to the collection, appreciate the pics and suggestion.

They seem to be a manufacturing company that makes a few knives on the side. I’m not sure if the Utilizer is a locking knife or not. From the pictures I have seen two little hooks on the “tang” of the knife. The utilizer comes in a brass, copper or aluminum standard version, aswell as a nicer titanium version. There is also a skeletonized version. They have a couple of other cool models too using a unique lock.

I believe those tabs on the back are part of a lock.

Spectrum Energetics Howitzer.