Too nice for EDC?

L

leviathan802

Joined
May 25, 2007
Messages
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I am just getting into this knife collecting thing (I see that I am not the only one) and I was looking for some advice.

I currently have a few knives...

Benchmade 770
Benchmade 960 LE (see previous post)
Kershaw 1610 LE
Kershaw 1450
Gerber Vallotton

I am also on the verge of getting the Benchmade 556.

My question is whether the Benchmades are considered "too fancy" for an EDC. Do people generally carry around such knives, or will the 556 be a better candidate as it is not as expensive of a knife.

I generally don't do a lot of cutting; it would be for a "just in case."

Thanks in advance... I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your posts.
 
I don't think that Benchmades are too fancy for EDC. In fact, they are such great knives that it would be a shame to not use them, IMO.
 
Nope, I do not think that the Benchmades are not too fancy to EDC. BUT, if you aren't comfy with that, that is up to you.
 
I think the 556 should be used for sure. Like yourself, i don't find myself doing a whole bunch of cutting throughout the day, but i always have a few knives on me.

I generally don't have a problem using my lower model BM's, but i almost always reach for my Spyderco before my BM. I don't know why, maybe it is because i spent less for the Spydie. That being said, if i only had say...my mini-rukus on me then i would not hesitate to reach for that either.

A long story short, Benchmades are nicer and costlier than many knives out there, but are built and designed to be used. The always dependable Spyderco's are in the same boat, but of course less costly to replace which is probably why it's my go to knife for the dirty work.
 
The only Benchmades that I wouldnt carry are their Gold Class or some of their rare prototypes. I think those are collectors more than a EDC. Other than those I think most of the rest are made to use. I would carry the Grip if you get it. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
If you're not comfortable using your Benchmades, try an FRN Spyderco. Low cost, and built with function, not looks or collectability in mind. I would suggest the Endura or Delica, although there are other Spydercos that would fit the bill.
 
Gunfucius said:
If you're not comfortable using your Benchmades, try an FRN Spyderco. Low cost, and built with function, not looks or collectability in mind. I would suggest the Endura or Delica, although there are other Spydercos that would fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Exactly what i was trying to say. ;)

My black and white delica really does everything i ask of it. No more no less...a true user.
 
A good rule is not to carry what you can't afford to replace, and remember even though you're doing light cutting it's still at risk of being lost, stolen, confiscated at the airport or what have you. A $2 pen knife from the corner store is fine for the occasional cut job, of course I used to carry a Troodon so what do I know. ;)
 
leviathan802 said:
I am just getting into this knife collecting thing (I see that I am not the only one) and I was looking for some advice.

I currently have a few knives...

Benchmade 770
Benchmade 960 LE (see previous post)
Kershaw 1610 LE
Kershaw 1450
Gerber Vallotton

I am also on the verge of getting the Benchmade 556.

My question is whether the Benchmades are considered "too fancy" for an EDC. Do people generally carry around such knives, or will the 556 be a better candidate as it is not as expensive of a knife.

I generally don't do a lot of cutting; it would be for a "just in case."

Thanks in advance... I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your posts.
Click to expand...

The answer will depend on the individual, what he is comfortable putting in his pocket, and how he wants to collect.

Some folks EDC $500 knives because they like using all their knives.
Others want all their knives to be NIB even if they only cost $20.

How do YOU want to handle your growing collection and how much money are you comfortable having in your pocket in the form of a knife?
 
Benchmades are NOT too fancy for EDC use. Remember these are factory production knives and aren't customs. Another thing good about this is there are a LOT of heavily to lightly used models out there, that show up on the various online places "for pennies" to what they sold for as new. Find a model you like, and buy TWO, one new and another user...

And by all means, if you buy a Benchmade or some other brand, USE them, otherwise you'll never know what works and what doesn't for you!
 
Totally agree, Benchmades aren't to buy and keep in some box, they're tools to use. Cool, well designed, fun to use tools... but tools. And if you don't use them, they won't be tools. They'll be paperweights.

There's customs out there that are investments, sure, never use them. But these $200 and down factory knives: use them heavily!
 
i think a good 150ish benchmade is about as high as i'd go on an EDC, call me a cheapskate but i can't afford a Sebenza slipping out of my pocket at the movies :)
 
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