what is the best "all around" blade style/shape for a EDC fixed or folder ?

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
924
Hi all,

OK ok, I realize that this is a broad question that will be difficult (if not impossible) to answer. That being said, what blade style would be considered the best shape for a "all around", "do (most) anything", EDC knife ? I am looking to purchase a small'ish OAL 7 inches, fixed blade (3" or less) for my EDC and I would like this knife to fill as many rolls as possible. I carry strong side, horizontal on belt, Grip forward, blade down. I need only drop my right hand on the grips to extract the knife using a reverse grip with blade forward. This method works well for me. My MAIN reason for carry is self preservation. So, I guess the blade shape address those needs first. I also do a lot of "Kitchen work/cooking" so, I don't know if I can "have my Cake and eat it too" as far as a duel purpose knife/blade. Suggestions?

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
Personally I love spydercos leaf blade. It has a fine point, the blade is all belly, it's easy to sharpen, and honestly I just like the way it looks!
 
Leaf is nice.

Basically for me it needs a simple main curve and a sharp point.
 
HARDBALL said:
My MAIN reason for carry is self preservation. So, I guess the blade shape address those needs first. I also do a lot of "Kitchen work/cooking" so, I don't know if I can "have my Cake and eat it too" as far as a duel purpose knife/blade. Suggestions?

Regards,

HARDBALL
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Serrated grocery store steak knife. Sharp nasty cheap and disposable self preservation knife (if I am reading what you mean by self preservation).

Also...its a steak knife and works on food.

All that goes out the window if you have been trained in a specific type of blade based self preservation. Then use what you trained with.

It also goes out the window, if, by self preservation, you are talking about something other than self defense.
 
The best shape for daily carry depends on where your day takes you and what you do when you get there :)

Personally I spend a lot of time in the countryside doing countryside things, and the perfect blade shape for me is right up there in Locutus D'Borg's post.
 
Redeye said:
The best shape for daily carry depends on where your day takes you and what you do when you get there :)

Personally I spend a lot of time in the countryside doing countryside things, and the perfect blade shape for me is right up there in Locutus D'Borg's post.
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+1 The Ritter blade shape is excellent. Strong tip, nice belly and a high flat grind makes for an excellent slicer. The Spyderco Leaf blade shape is extremely good as well, I just like the Ritter a little more.
 
Hi all,

Thank you for the replies thus far. I do have a few folders such as a nice older Gerber (I think) it's called Sportsman folder. Nice Brass and wood, classic looking! I also purchased about a year ago a Spyderco Para 2. I keep it in my front pocket. Nice knife but, on the whole, I like the ease of a small fixed blade. I will look into the "Leaf" blades and all other suggestions. For some reason, I tend to really like "Drop Point" knives. I suppose it's in part due to the "Loveless" designs. However, this time I'm thinking something with a POINT but, also some belly. I was considering the ESEE (type) style blade but......something with more point, something NOT too tactical looking. I also considered Bark River knives. I like a lot of their models/designs but, I have XXL hands so, I need a knife that has close to a 4" grip. Personally, as much as I would like to buy the likes of a Bark River, Ban Tang, etc. I'd like to (really need to) keep my cost down. I think the BUCK 113 is a Classic beauty and might fit the bill. Then again, I'd LOVE to have Michael Morris make me a EDC 60. So, ya'll can see why I'm conflicted. Too may choices, not enough money. Marcinek, yes indeed. Self preservation = self defense (God forbid).

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
Check out the Spyderco Street Beat. The blade is closer to 3.5 in and overall is maybe 7.5ish.
 
I like a nice, fine tip. and the tip should be low in line with the handle. I don't generally like traditional drop point style where it's mostly straight with a sudden upsweep of belly, I prefer a continuous, slight belly.

spyderco military/para military are perfect examples.
 
Sheeps Foot or Wharncliff I carry a Razzel Stubby its a Strait grind like a razer that comes to a 90 degree tip that is a wood chisels. As a Carpenter it does not get any better and I love the acute point that forms where the razel part meets the chisel portion lets you get fine precise cuts.
 
Anything sharp pointy and cheap should work. I say cheap because if the main use is for self preservation, it is going to be confiscated by the police the first time you use it.
 
What do you do for work? I am an amateur carpenter who currently works at a liquor store haha, so for some perspective:
My three favorite EDC's of all time
1. ESEE Izula, awesome all around, you can find a million awesome reviews, inexpensive, badass warranty so you dont have to worry about really using it.
2. Buck Paklite, kept it sharp easily in gnarly conditions on the edge of skid loader window for months and performed ably in light chiseling/woodworking applications.
3. CRKT M-16, just a great pointy workhorse of a folder opens fast and keeps opening even when packed with grease and sand.

I just want to add one point. personally, in a self defense situation if I had to draw a knife I'd want something with more belly because I'd be loathe to actually stab someone. I think a good slice across the back of the hand or arm or chest would end things pretty quick.
 
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You should drop a line to Bryan Breeden AKA sicily02 here on the forums -- he can make a no frills workhorse of a small fixed blade for you at a price that is competitive with several of the factory knives named above, and make it to your specs out of O1 tool steel.
 
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