The one for me.

B

bkrchk

Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
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Sorry to walk into this forum and ask a question that I'm sure you guys have received a million times. Heck I found this forum in the first place because I found someone else's similar question so I do hope that I'm not a bother.

Anyway I'm looking for the perfect daily carry knife for myself. I never really thought I would need a knife for daily carry until I had one. Last year I went on a 2.5 month cross country road trip by motorcycle and wrote down knife on my buy list. Figured it would be good to have on the road for my safety and when a friend gave me a spare he had I was happy. Never did I realize how much use I would get out of it and continued carrying it when I got back home to Philadelphia. I ended up using it with bike maintenance, the time I dropped my bike after riding it into the middle of the woods to camp for the night and couldn't get back up till I cut down the saplings it had fell on, walking through empty dark areas of cities that I wasn't familiar with holding it at the ready in case some bad guy jumped out at me or clutching it while I slept in my tent at night (making fun of myself a little here) and anything else that could potentially be solved with the help of a knife. I've even cut fruit with it (after washing it extra carefully of course).

The knife my friend gave me was a Sog fielder. Pretty sure it was the standard sized one with the 3.3" blade. I was very happy with that knife in all ways except 2. I'd prefer a partially serrated blade and it was so cheap it started falling apart after about 1 month. The knife finally gave way and snapped when I was trying to pry some tile lose (I really did use that knife for everything) hence why I'm not a billion percent sure that it was the 3.3 inch bladed one but after measuring my hand right now it makes sense that it would be. In all other ways, size and type, it was exactly what I needed though and fit in the back pocket of all my jeans perfectly (well I do wish it looked a little nicer but if its the right knife it doesn't matter if its pretty).

My budget right now is fairly limited. Most of my motorcycle gear needs replacing too (my coat for one is waaaayyyy too hot for the summer and that alone is going to cost 300+ most likely not to mention my boots are no longer wearable and I seriously need to stop riding in jeans) and I'm only working a few days a week so with my fairly strict budget (other than the occasional motorcycle related purchase) I'm barely making slightly more than I'm spending (I do have an emergency fund though). If I can find a knife under 100 I would be very happy although I also know that whatever knife I do buy will get a lot of use so I can be persuaded to spend a little more than that if need be so the next one doesn't fall apart quite as quickly. I also have a tendency to buy stuff that is the best for everything but not the master of anything (see my 2006 Yamaha FZ6 for example, the same one I rode xc on).

Anything else I should have added please ask. Thanks so much in advance for any help!!
 
First of all, personally I recommend against the partially serrated blade. I find that the serrations shorten the usable blade length and just get in the way when you're trying to actually cut stuff. They don't really cut, they just rip and shred.

Anyway, I recommend the Kershaw Blur in S30V. The beefier blade will stand up to abuse better, and the S30V really does hold an edge better than the standard steel and they can be had for around $75
 
Well said, ^
Also, welcome to the forums!
Don't worry your post wasnt a pain or bother,
If your willing to spend $120 i would recomend the zerotolerance 0200, its a little big, bit its very overbuilt (thats a good thing) and if u want u can get one with serrations,
 
Sounds like you use a knife like I do. For whatever is at hand. Cutting, prying, chopping etc.
I would recommend these 2 knives. They are large folders though, but they are tough.

I would go with the Benchmade Adamas 275. The Axis lock is awesome. It is strong and you can easily open and close the knife 1 handed. For me that is a big deal because I usually have something in the other hand. For the money I would put the Adamas up against just about anything as far as being a tough overbuilt folder. These cost about $130 but are well worth it.

If you want to spend under $100 and want a tough knife check out the Tops/Buck CSAR-T. While I am not in love with this knife like I am the Adamas I haven't found anything yet under $100 that can handle the abuse this knife can.
 
I don't have a CSAR-T, but from what I have read, it's an excellent recommendation.

ETA: If you do get it, get the ATS-34 version, it's worth the extra $20 or so.
 
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses and being so friendly :)

I've Googled all of the knives you guys recommended and they all seem like great suggestions except I am a little worried about the size of some as the one I had seemed to fit my pockets perfectly where anything bigger may not fit as well. I need to definitely find a store somewhere and hold one or two of them in my hand and put in my pocket to see how I like it. I intentionally didn't mention that I was female because I'm not much of a girly girl and I don't have little petite hands either and didn't want knife suggestions that maybe guys would think of as for a female but being that I want to have the knife on my body I am a little bit limited to the smaller pockets of women's jeans. A knife really wouldn't fit in any of my front pockets and I don't want to clip it anywhere on my belt or anything as I'd like it to be somewhat discrete, so the only place I can think of that a knife fits is in my back pocket.

Also I would be interested to hear a little more about why "Justsomeguy" says that maybe I shouldn't get a partially serrated knife. Ive actually heard that before but still think I would prefer it, and I think it certainly would have come in handy when I was trying to cut the saplings that one time. Though maybe if it were a better and sharper knife it wouldn't have been a big deal, but on the other hand Im sure thats not going to be my last time camping either. I LOVE LOVE traveling long distances on my bike and camping the whole way. Anyone else have any input on that? Especially someone (Ford1911?) who uses a knife similar to how I would.
 
Hey there BkrChk. I'm female as well and for what you're looking for, a little girly knife probably wouldn't be best anyways. No worries about getting the wrong type of suggestions as we all go based on what you need the knife for.
As for the partial serrated, I wouldn't go for it either, like justsomeguy said. With a partially serrated edge you really don't have enough usable edge of either the plain or serrations. My suggestion is, if you feel you need serrations, look at Spyderco and get a plain edge knife without serrations and then a fully serrated knife to use for whatever you may need said serrations for. In my experience, I've owned plenty serrated and non serrated and the non-serrated in more useful for just about everything. If you have a decent steel on a well made knife, you should be able to take care of all of your needs with a plain edge.

Anyways, since you don't want something huge, but something that can fit comfortably in your back pocket but still be as tough as you need it to be, I would suggest one of the following:
*Zero Tolerance 0350 - Beefy and good sized knife, awesome build, great steel, and still pretty compact for being so beefy and tough. You can get a blem version from Kershaw guy for $95. If you don't like the assist, you can take it out, makes a great manual flipper.
*Benchmade 300sn - Again it's smaller but tough, good steel, and can be had for just a little over your limit. The Axis lock is one of the strongest out there.
*Benchmade 950 Rift - This one is a little bigger and isn't a flipper. Has a good steel, tough, feels good in the hand and pocket, and again the axis lock is awesome.
*Spyderco Native - You can get the FRN version for around $60 and it's small, compact, fits the hand like a glove, great steel, tough as nails, and is just a great EDC for just about anything. At the price, you could get a plain edge one and a fully serrated version. These come in Pink too if that's your thing.
*Spyderco Manix 2 G-10 - About 8 inches overall, has a good feel, good steel, awesome lock, wide but not too thick, tough folder in a size that isn't overly huge.

Which would I pick? The ZT 0350 or Manix 2. Both are awesome knives, a good size, great steel, tough, feel good in the hand and pocket, and are overall great knives and can be had under $100. They will stand up to anything and be an awesome EDC for life. =]
 
Lots of great recommendations so far. The reason most are against partial serrations is because they really don't add much when they are only partial, and they are difficult to sharpen properly for many.

I would second the ZT 350. The ZT 566 will be out soon and perfect for your needs. A little over your budget would be the Spyderco Para military 2. Really the perfect EDC for many, and there is a reason they are usually sold out. Take a look at some Emersons as well. Mini-CQC 15 comes to mind.
 
If you want something light weight and thin with lots of blade (for it's folded size) look at Spyderco Endura. If that is a little too big look at the Spyderco Delica. I would recommed not prying with a knife as they are not really designed for it and it is dangerous. For prying get a little pry tool to put on your keys. There are lots of key chain pry tools. It would suck it you were out in BFE on a road trip prying something with your knife and slipped/cut yourself bad. If you are going to pry with a knife I think your best choice would be the CRKT fixed Razel with the finger ring.It is a fixed blade but will fit in most back pockets in a pocket sheath very well.
 
I think the Ontario Rat 1 or 2 would be a good choice. They can be had for about $35, and are nice knives. I think based on your budget, this would be a good start. The Utilitac 2 by Ontario is also a nice knife. All of these are made in Taiwan, and the build quality is very nice. And, the best part is, if you pry tiles with it and break the blade you are only out $35. :)
 
bkrchk said:
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses and being so friendly :)

I've Googled all of the knives you guys recommended and they all seem like great suggestions except I am a little worried about the size of some as the one I had seemed to fit my pockets perfectly where anything bigger may not fit as well. I need to definitely find a store somewhere and hold one or two of them in my hand and put in my pocket to see how I like it. I intentionally didn't mention that I was female because I'm not much of a girly girl and I don't have little petite hands either and didn't want knife suggestions that maybe guys would think of as for a female but being that I want to have the knife on my body I am a little bit limited to the smaller pockets of women's jeans. A knife really wouldn't fit in any of my front pockets and I don't want to clip it anywhere on my belt or anything as I'd like it to be somewhat discrete, so the only place I can think of that a knife fits is in my back pocket.

Also I would be interested to hear a little more about why "Justsomeguy" says that maybe I shouldn't get a partially serrated knife. Ive actually heard that before but still think I would prefer it, and I think it certainly would have come in handy when I was trying to cut the saplings that one time. Though maybe if it were a better and sharper knife it wouldn't have been a big deal, but on the other hand Im sure thats not going to be my last time camping either. I LOVE LOVE traveling long distances on my bike and camping the whole way. Anyone else have any input on that? Especially someone (Ford1911?) who uses a knife similar to how I would.
Click to expand...

I would still recommend the Adamas as I really beleive it is one of the best "hard use folders" on the market. For a production knife anyway. It is large though. I carry it daily but I also like larger knives. Buck aslo makes a smaller version of the CSAR-T. I will warn you though. The liner lock on the CSAR-T can be very and I mean very hard to disengage. It is a very tough knife though for under $100. Zero Tolerance 350 may also be an option for you.
If the Adamas is a little large for you then I think you would like the Benchmade 810 Contege. It is not as overbuilt as the Adamas ( but not much is ) but it is still a very sturdy knife. It has the Axis lock which I love. It also comes with a partially serrated blade as an option. The downside is it is kind of expensive.
 
I'd take a look at the Cold Steel Lawman. Plenty tough for all the chores you mentioned and won't break the bank.
 
Id suggest using a fixed blade for cutting down trees next time, folders can, well, fold when you're using it rough, also, dont pry with a knife, it can snap.
 
Sounds like you might like something slim and well built with good steel. You might want to check out some classics that have stood the test of time and that meet those criteria: Spyderco Military or Paramilitary or Benchmade 710.

Rather than go for a thick blade that can stand more abuse -- but at the sacrifice of cutting ability -- you could carry a small prybar. I always carry a prybar and fire-starter on my key chain.
 
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