Want to Upgrade My EDC

[TWBryan]

So far i enjoy the 710 with it's axis lock and D2 steel it's a darn good knife. I may get another knife next month. I'd like to try S30V out. I'm thinking of a Zero Tolerance 0350.

 

[Socom Elite]

That should be nice. Haven't held one yet, but ZT in general are great. Also the Kershaw Spec Bump is awesome

 

[Brutus013]

Huh, the Delica 4 in VG-10 is one of my most often carried EDC blades, and I never noticed a particular problem with it holding an edge. Still, I don't use it all that hard, so YMMV.


Certainly, if VG-10 isn't doing it for you, the Delica with ZPD189 is a possible alternative. It is supposed to have about twice the edge retention of VG-10

I don't think Kershaw has any particular QC issues. An occasional bad knife will slip through with any company, but Kershaw is no worse than any other production knife company in this regard (and better than many). You might want to take a look at the Leek Composite (CPM-D2 edge steel) or the Leek G-10 (S30V blade). I've got both and find them supperior in edge retention to the 440A blades on the normal Leeks (although I am not sure how S30V compares to VG-10 in that respect).

Actually, Kershaw now uses 13C26 as their lower end steel, and 14C28 is becoming more popular with them.

Kershaw has some SG2 blades, and also some ZDP189 blades that are worth looking at.

 

[Eazy_tom]

Mdauben ,I am still considering a zdp Delica. Due to the overwhelming response of the "kershaw people" here I have placed a bid for a composite leek on ebay.

Does anyone have any experience with zdp189? Griptilian vs mini-grip? Still interested in hearing from people.

ZDP-189 is a great steel, but it will be a lot harder to sharpen then vg10.
The composite leek is a great knife, d2 is a wonderful steel it holds an edge great and isn't to hard to sharpen.

I would say a griptillian is out of the question because you said you wanted better edge retention, 154cm is very similar to vg10 in its edge holding ability.

Here are some options for you

ZDP-189 Delica
S30V or D2 Para Military (a little over $100)
D2 composite Leek
ZDP-189 composite shallot
S110V shallot

 

[archieblue]

Benchmade's 154cm is HARD to beat! I would recommend it to anyone.... I think they do their S30V a tad on the hard side, but their 154cm... well IMO I can't think of an EDC purposed blade that offers a better edge retention to sharpenability ratio... that is edge retention is excellent and they are not too difficult to sharpen. Compared to my Delica 4 w/ VG10, I would say the edge retention is easily better and comparable with sharpening... funny... I recently got one of the BM Presidio Ultras (440c) and edge retention is not as good as 154cm, but it is easily as difficult to touch up... go figure... I reckon they just have an idea that making the HT harder will make the retention better... but I think there is a happy medium that was missed here... a LITTLE softer and retention would not be noticeable, but ease of sharpening would...

Ne hoo...IMO:

Spyderco's S30V is my favorite steel.
Benchmade's 154cm is REALLY close.

I could list other makes/steels, but I'd end up writing a paragraph about what I like and don't like compared to the two above... They are readily available, not too expensive, and do a GREAT job at keeping it consistent...

A Spydie UKPK could be JUST what the Dr. ordered... I would consider it a step or three above the Delica4... which strangely enough is pretty much my fav. EDC...

 

[Jake Bauer]

IMO I can't think of an EDC purposed blade that offers a better edge retention to sharpenability ratio... that is edge retention is excellent and they are not too difficult to sharpen. Compared to my Delica 4 w/ VG10, I would say the edge retention is easily better and comparable with sharpening.

I have the opposite opinion. BMs 154 is great... but All of my spyderco's VG10 blades have beaten them in edge retention. Ease of sharpening is about the same. Both great steels, but I seem to be able to get a finer edge on VG10 and it lasts longer than both my 154 BMs.