Want a new EDC...Kershaw/Buck/Spyderco...need help!

J

joshlane4

Joined
Mar 31, 2012
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4
I'm a newbie here, and I know these threads are a dime a dozen. I've read 25 of them in the last several days. But I'm still undecided.

Here's my current EDC (and only decent folder), a CRKT Centofante Tribute
uLZWX.jpg

I love this blade and plan on keeping it, but I'm itching for a new one :)

I want to spend $30-50, and I'm pretty much down to the Kershaw Skyline and the Buck Vantage Pro

I like the Kershaw because of the price, US made, and the look...I just wish the carry clip wasn't so high profile

The Buck is more expensive and bulkier, but it's S30V and also a beautiful American blade. I also like the 110, but think I'd prefer a more modern G10 look.

Then there are the low end Spydercos...the Tenacious and Persistence. They look great, and seem to be the best bang for the buck, but there Chinese made.

I'd love to get a Benchmade (Griptillian or 940), but the price point is just too high right now.

Help me decide, or if you have another favorite, throw it in the mix and confuse me more!
 
In that price range you can find many decent-quality knives, so you go someplace where they have a lot of knives that you can handle - either a store or a gun/knife show - because so much is personal preference that you really can't rely on another person's advice of what they like. Also how well a design functions in your individual hands is something you can only tell by grabbing it. There have been many knives I lusted for after seeing pics, only to find when I handled them that they just weren't for me.
 
Before I even finished your post I was thinking Delica. I have carried a lot of different knives, some costing much more and I always come back to the Delica.
 
fishface5 said:
In that price range you can find many decent-quality knives, so you go someplace where they have a lot of knives that you can handle - either a store or a gun/knife show - .
Click to expand...

This.........Then go home and order online saving a ton of cash. Thank me later :D
 
I have to recommend the SKyline over the Vantage Pro, especially if you get a blemished one for $25 from Kershawguy. I own both knives, and the blemished skyline is perfect. It's also easily the sharpest knife from the factory that I've ever received. Like many others, I had QC issues with my Vantage Pro, when it arrived the blade was contacting the liner. After tightening the pivot, the blade centered but now the flipper is useless. There's no way to deploy it quickly now, and I really didn't feel very broken up giving it to my girlfriend.
 
I added a CRKT Centofante Tribute 2 to a recent order... nice little knife! :thumbup:

Another vote for the Spyderco Delica 4 if you can swing it. I've got several more expensive knives but the Delica 4 is in constant rotation.

But it you want to keep the cost down, there are other good knives available--lots of great suggestions so far. I like the Boker Plus Chad Los Banos designs (I have the Trance and Hyper models) and I think the Kershaw Zing is highly underrated.

Good luck!
 
I hear you on the pocket clip problem on the Skyline. I did this...

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I do not know about the Buck personally, and the Delica is awesome, but I think I would rather have a modded Skyline simply because I like G10 better than FRN. If you do go with the Delica get the FFG though.
 
joshlane4 said:
do you have a description of the mod? What clip is that?
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Sure, I stole that clip from a Sanrenmu B4735 (I think just 735 will get you there). This is about an $8 knife but if you have any old knife with a clip you like you can put it on there. I had to drill and tap new holes because the Skyline's holes are abnormally close together. I am not sure what tools you have of course, but the typical tap size is #2-56, and that is not a normal tap in a regular tap and die set. All of these mods may put some extra money in this knife and I understand your cash strap. If you get it, then you do the mods later, and having this knife ride a little high is not a deal breaker, but a great place to start to make this cheap knife almost perfect.

And on the Sanrenmu brand if you do not know, they are a Chinese manufacture that reportedly makes "value line" knives for other well known companies. They typically use 8Cr13MoV. It is a decent steel and these knives are surprisingly good quality. I have a few, the 710 is a good one, a bit small but solid for $10. Do not know your feelings on Chinese knives but I have a few to go along with my many other knives from many other countries.

Sorry for the randomness, but you can also get a Ti pocket clip from USAKnifemaker on the cheap. Again, not sure if they have a hole pattern that will fit the Skyline, but just wanted to throw options out there, or introduce you to more possibilities. There is a guy on here Str, that makes them but they are probably more than you want to spend, but if/when you get extra cash he may be able to help you out.

Good luck, sometimes the hunt is just as fun and satisfying when you get a knife you absolutely love.
 
I have both the Vantage Pro and the Sklyline. If I had to choose one, it would be the Vantage Pro. I like the blade better, and it is also a definite step up in steel.

The Vantage Pro is significantly larger/heavier than the Skyline (with about the same blade length), if that makes a difference to you.
 
I own a Skyline and a Buck Vantage AVID (same price point and similar steel to the skyline).

I would take the Skyline over the Buck 10 times out of 10. Fit and finish on the Buck isn't as good, flipper on the Buck is basically useless, knife is way too wide for it's size.

I also don't know about the Pro with the g10 but the Dymondwood on my Avid has no rounded or chamfered edges so when you reach into your pocket for keys/wallet etc, it catches constantly.
 
Love my kershaws. Going to be upgrading to ZT knives soon, but you can't go wrong with a kershaw
 
you cant go wrong with either a Kershaw Skyline or the delica,, both great knives
 
I just git a Spyderco Centofante 3 on Ebay for $50.99 shipped. I also see a couple Kershaw JYDs on there under $50. The Spyderco Centofante was a gift for a new brother-in-law but I had to fondle it a little before I wrapped it, of course! Nice little knife, sharp as all get out, good blade profile, lightweight. I personally am looking at the JYD composite as a new working knife. A little above $50 though.
 
skyline is great. I have had friends think its too light but I like that.

I don't use the clip....I keep money in my left pocket and knife in my right.when I used the clip and enter my car...the clip tore up my steering wheel from entering the car.
 
Thanks for the help all! I ordered a Skyline this AM, should be here on Wednesday...I'll post a picture when she comes in :)
 
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