What is a good EDC knife?

E

edc-knifeman

Joined
Jul 30, 2013
Messages
7
Hi, I'm new to knifes and want a general use EDC knife. I'm looking at the Kershaw Skyline currently but it's missing a few things I want, but that isn't a deal breaker. Any other suggestions?

What I'm looking for:

3-4in non-serrated blade
good steal that holds an edge but not hard to sharpen and marginal toughness (I understand the paradox, increasing hardness decreases toughness)
folder
light weight
easy to open (I like the flipper style but am open to suggestions)
blade lock (no preference on style)
belt clip (ambidextrous would be great, AND that rides low in the pocket, but not a deal breaker)
topside risen or topside jimping for thumb grip (not a deal breaker)
no springs or gravity opening blades (illegal in tx)
$30-50 price range
 
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How about a fixed blade? The Becker BK11/14/24 are all within the range in price and size.

 
edc-knifeman said:
Hi, I'm new to knifes and want a general use EDC knife. I'm looking at the Kershaw Skyline currently but it's missing a few things I want, but that isn't a deal breaker. Any other suggestions?

What I'm looking for:

3-4in non-serrated blade
good steal that holds an edge but not hard to sharpen and marginal toughness (I understand the paradox, increasing hardness decreases toughness)
folder
light weight
easy to open (I like the flipper style but am open to suggestions)
blade lock (no preference on style)
belt clip (ambidextrous would be great, not a deal breaker)
no springs or gravity opening blades (illegal in tx)
$30-50 price range
Click to expand...

Spyderco Delica is lightweight, has a good steel. Easy to sharpen, holds an edge well. Lockback. Large thumbhole for opening. I would take it over the Skyline. And it's priced well. Also, September 1st of this year "switch blade" type knives will be legal in Texas. It was passed last legislative session, and has been signed. Still can't carry that in San Antonio though.
 
Fixed blades are basically illegal to carry in Tx

(6) “Illegal Knife” means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one half inches;
Rainer v. State, 763 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.-Eastland 1989, pet. ref’d) To determine
length, measure entire length of blade past handle, not just the sharpened portion of the
blade. Same result in McMurrough v. State, 995 S.W.2d 944 (Tex. App.-Ft. Worth 1999).
 
edc-knifeman said:
Fixed blades are basically illegal to carry in Tx

(6) “Illegal Knife” means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one half inches;
Rainer v. State, 763 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.-Eastland 1989, pet. ref’d) To determine
length, measure entire length of blade past handle, not just the sharpened portion of the
blade. Same result in McMurrough v. State, 995 S.W.2d 944 (Tex. App.-Ft. Worth 1999).
Click to expand...

You're in luck, these blades are 3.25" blades.
 
NikkiR said:
Spyderco Delica is lightweight, has a good steel. Easy to sharpen, holds an edge well. Lockback. Large thumbhole for opening. I would take it over the Skyline. And it's priced well. Also, September 1st of this year "switch blade" type knives will be legal in Texas. It was passed last legislative session, and has been signed. Still can't carry that in San Antonio though.
Click to expand...

I had heard something about the redefining of 'switch blade', interesting, I still think I'd rather have no hassle from the fuzz and stick to no spring. At least until the smoke clears lol
 
edc-knifeman said:
Fixed blades are basically illegal to carry in Tx

(6) “Illegal Knife” means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one half inches;
Rainer v. State, 763 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.-Eastland 1989, pet. ref’d) To determine
length, measure entire length of blade past handle, not just the sharpened portion of the
blade. Same result in McMurrough v. State, 995 S.W.2d 944 (Tex. App.-Ft. Worth 1999).
Click to expand...

I would call that a case by case situation. I have had my BK11 inspected by APD on a routine stop, and had no issues. I guess it depends on where you live and what your local police force is like.
 
CDKJudoka said:
You're in luck, these blades are 3.25" blades.
Click to expand...

Yes, the sharp edge is 3.25'', but the entire blade, not just the sharp part, is measured and since the handle is apart of the blade it would be measure from the end of the handle to the tip of the blade point. There was a prosecution as early as 1999 in ft worth, tx, for this exact thing.

I'm sure it is a case by case thing and highly dependent on the officer but I don't want any question that I am within the limits of the law.

*looking into the Spyderco Delica, thanks for the tip NIKKIR!

reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4K5iHf7GpE
 
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Texas has funny knife laws...I mean, you can't carry a Bowie knife....really? But back on topic, the Delica is awesome, and if you like color options, it comes in many.
 
edc-knifeman said:
Yes, the sharp edge is 3.25'', but the entire blade, not just the sharp part, is measured and since the handle is apart of the blade it would be measure from the end of the handle to the tip of the blade point. There was a prosecution as early as 1999 in ft worth, tx, for this exact thing.
Click to expand...


Wow that looks like the prosecutor had to reach to get a conviction on something else. That is not something I would expect in Texas. In NY, yes, but not in Texas.
 
Yeah, Texas is behind on it's knife laws for sure. It's almost laughable. But things are starting to change.

So far the Spyderco Delica is looking nice, GREAT advance!
 
edc-knifeman said:
Fixed blades are basically illegal to carry in Tx

(6) “Illegal Knife” means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one half inches;
Rainer v. State, 763 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.-Eastland 1989, pet. ref’d) To determine
length, measure entire length of blade past handle, not just the sharpened portion of the
blade. Same result in McMurrough v. State, 995 S.W.2d 944 (Tex. App.-Ft. Worth 1999).
Click to expand...
Nevermind and I second the Spyderco.
 
Take a look at the buck vantage pro. Deep carry clip, s30v steel (not easiest to sharpen from what hear but will hold it for a long time), large version has 3 1/4 blade, flipper

There is also the Avid, Select versions which has different steels and handle material. Or if you want to go even more pricey the Vantage Force line which seem to have different handles.
 
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