What EDC fixed blade knife should I get? Preferably with a stainless steel 3.5

lucidblvck

lucidblvck

Joined
Nov 29, 2014
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Hey bladeforums, this is my first post and I was hoping to get some advice on this decision. I have been looking for an EDC fixed blade knife that is able to perform daily tasks with ease (cardboard cutting, food prep, cutting plastics, etc). I was also planning to use this knife as a back-up camp knife (making stakes, splitting small branches, whittling, etc). I would prefer a stainless steel blade so that I won't have to be too worried about rusting. My budget is anything below $150. My two best options that I have seen of so far are the:

TOPS Mil-Spie 3 (154CM)

TOMIL03ng.jpg


or

DPx Gear HEFT 4 Milspec (Niolox)

dpx-gear-heft-4-milspec-g10-stonewashed-blade-100mm-.jpg




Any recommendations guys?
 
The knives you have selected tend toward your second set of criteria. Knowing that, you should get the HEST. I can't imagine it being the 'backup' for anything its size, but OK....
 
What would you recommend for the first set of criteria? & I meant "backup" as in a backup knife for a larger one like an ESEE laser strike.
 
For the first set, I'd recommend a short blade that is thin behind the edge, <0.020" but >0.010" for the tougher tasks in your second set. And you don't even need 1/8" spine for the tasks described in the second set, but might prefer it.

For your budget, there is a WIDE array of knives from various producers, including the Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter (one on the exchange right ow for $45 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...G-1-Pendleton-Hunter-Price-Reduced-45-Shipped)

36LPSS_m.jpg


Or you could watch for a Survive! GSO-3.5 that may be slightly over your budget, available in CPM-3V (fairly stainless) or CPM-20CV (very stainless):

2014-05-22_10.57.24-1.jpg


BRKT has some very pretty offerings that should be pretty thin behind the edge (at the risk of major edge-failure that will be your fault).

But my primary recommendation is to check out the Maker's Exchange here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

For example, this knife is built for phenomenal slicing (not stainless though): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1241033-Hunting-utility-birdseye-maple-and-O1

DSCN3357.JPG
 
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I edc a BK11 while not stainless mine has stood up well do a years worth of daily abuse, edge retention is great, its does a good job in most food prep situations for a 3" knife, batons well for wood, feather sticks and finer wood work is great and its almost 4x cheaper than your limit
DSC03009_zps27022e30.jpg


If you want an inch and a half longer blade the bk15,16,17 are another good consideration and still half your limit, again these aren't stainless they're 1095 but they're standing up for me
Here's my 15
IMG_20141107_194910_zps1615afc8.jpg


Hell you could get two of the ones above say the 17 for a more defensive nod and either the 15 or the 16 and you'd still be under your limit
 
chiral.grolim said:
For the first set, I'd recommend a short blade that is thin behind the edge, <0.020" but >0.010" for the tougher tasks in your second set. And you don't even need 1/8" spine for the tasks described in the second set, but might prefer it.

For your budget, there is a WIDE array of knives from various producers, including the Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter (one on the exchange right ow for $45 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...G-1-Pendleton-Hunter-Price-Reduced-45-Shipped)

36LPSS_m.jpg


Or you could watch for a Survive! GSO-3.5 that may be slightly over your budget, available in CPM-3V (fairly stainless) or CPM-20CV (very stainless):

2014-05-22_10.57.24-1.jpg


BRKT has some very pretty offerings that should be pretty thin behind the edge (at the risk of major edge-failure that will be your fault).

But my primary recommendation is to check out the Maker's Exchange here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

For example, this knife is built for phenomenal slicing (not stainless though): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1241033-Hunting-utility-birdseye-maple-and-O1

DSCN3357.JPG
Click to expand...

I here mixed reviews about the Cold Steel's VG-1 steel and VG-1 San Mai III version, what's your take on them? Have you used either before? & that Survive! GSO 3.5 seems near perfect for me, but unfortunately $150 is already pushing it for me..

I'll be sure to keep an eye out on the exchange!
 
TheMadIndian said:
I edc a BK11 while not stainless mine has stood up well do a years worth of daily abuse, edge retention is great, its does a good job in most food prep situations for a 3" knife, batons well for wood, feather sticks and finer wood work is great and its almost 4x cheaper than your limit
DSC03009_zps27022e30.jpg


If you want an inch and a half longer blade the bk15,16,17 are another good consideration and still half your limit, again these aren't stainless they're 1095 but they're standing up for me
Here's my 15
IMG_20141107_194910_zps1615afc8.jpg


Hell you could get two of the ones above say the 17 for a more defensive nod and either the 15 or the 16 and you'd still be under your limit
Click to expand...

I've considered the Becker Necker, but the blade is a little too short for my preference. The BK15, 16, and 17 were my initial chose, but I wasn't too sure about the 1095 steel. How does it compare to 154-CM?
 
lucidiusblack said:
I here mixed reviews about the Cold Steel's VG-1 steel and VG-1 San Mai III version, what's your take on them? Have you used either before? & that Survive! GSO 3.5 seems near perfect for me, but unfortunately $150 is already pushing it for me..

I'll be sure to keep an eye out on the exchange!
Click to expand...

I've only ever used their AUS-8 and am happy with its performance, no experience with the VG-1. And definitely watch the exchange! But as I mentioned, LOTS of options out there from almost every maker/manufacturer. Good luck!
 
The Gerber gator fixed blade is still made in the US and can be had for less than $40.00 all over the web.
Great knife. Blade is 4 inches though.
 
Becker's 1095Cro-Van is good stuff. I'm a fan and my EDC is a SURVIVE! Knives GSO-3.5 in CPM-3V. I live in a very humid environment and still prefer carbon steels.
 
lucidiusblack said:
I've considered the Becker Necker, but the blade is a little too short for my preference. The BK15, 16, and 17 were my initial chose, but I wasn't too sure about the 1095 steel. How does it compare to 154-CM?
Click to expand...

One is stainless and one isn't its a tough comparison but as far as edge retention i'd compare the bk11 to my benchmade griptilian as they're used essentially for the same purposes, the 154 holds its razor edge longer but I've found 1095 holds a utility edge as long and for me that's where edc is especially for what you listed. As long as you care for the 1095 it will be fine and worse case you could force a patina on it with yellow mustard and cider vinegar
 
lucidiusblack said:
What would you recommend for the first set of criteria? & I meant "backup" as in a backup knife for a larger one like an ESEE laser strike.
Click to expand...

For your first set of criteria I'd recommend one of the Beckers so many are suggesting. Becker 1095 Cro-Van isn't just plain 'ol 1095. Very good stuff.

Actually all the suggestions here are good. And I think the HEFT you originally optioned would suit all your needs.
 
3.5in stainless edc, I go for the Street Beat. As for the second part of your criteria it could probably work fine. I've done very minor whittling with it but that's it. Vg10 steel.

Next to an Izula.
 
chiral.grolim said:
I've only ever used their AUS-8 and am happy with its performance, no experience with the VG-1. And definitely watch the exchange! But as I mentioned, LOTS of options out there from almost every maker/manufacturer. Good luck!
Click to expand...

I have a few cold steel knives in AUS-8 too, and putting aside the controversy of cold steel, they make decent production knives. And that's one of the best but hardest things about buying a knife is the vast market for them. Thanks for the input, brother!
 
I like the Izula in that role.

Pre orders are up for the stainless model, but the coated high carbon blade works great.
 
Spyderco's Enuff might work for you. The Spyderco Moran would be a good choice, too (if it isn't too big). Besides being good knives made out of pretty decent stainless steel, the sheaths are compact and slim, which I prefer for an EDC fixed blade.

Benchmade has a couple of models in their Hunt line, like the Saddle Mountain Skinner or the Steep Mountain Hunter. They've got S30V blades.

Fallkniven F1 or WM1 are excellent, too.

Helle has a few models with laminated stainless blades that are great, like the Symfoni or Odel.
 
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