Recommendation? What should be my first "good" EDC?

J

jphilippb

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Nov 18, 2018
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Hello everyone,
I am completely new to the incredible amount of good knives and now I need some help.
I want to buy an EDC knife for under 200 €. I do not have special wishes but some "newbie" preferences.



I do like automatic knives like the Protech TR 3 a lot or any kind of flipper knives, like the ZT´s.

I do not like small knives like the ZT 0450 but for practical reasons it should not be too big.

MY actual favorites are the Protech TR 3 and the ZT 0566. But I am struggling which one to get or if there is any better alternative.
Being completely inexperienced I have some problems concerning the decision.
Are there any better alternatives??

There are so many knives and I just do not know, which one is the "right" for me. I only do simple cutting like carving, food or things like this. I think I am mostly playing around with the knife but I want something that fits those "criteria" .


Greetings from Germany!
 
Greetings from America, mein freund! There are a lot of great knives at that price point (about $230) and you have already listed a few that I would also consider. I really like the ZT 0566 and its bigger brother, the 0562.

If you like the ZT 0450, though, take a look at the Fox FX-528 Tur Vox. It's on my shopping list. I think the price is a little high but it looks like a nice knife and gets great reviews.
 
It seems that you've narrowed down your preferences pretty well. I'll add that a 4-inch full flat grind is probably the most useful blade configuration for food prep aside a 10-inch Chef's knife. Know that anything you buy is going to be a learning curve. For instance, if the blade splits an apple, it's not a slicer. It's a wedge meant for breaking wood. Look for knives with 4mm or less blade stock at the spine.

You asked for recommendations in your price range. Take a look at the RealSteel Megalodon. It checks all the right boxes. Welcome to the madness.
 
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The 0562 is a great choice. I have been a fan of the 0456 but it is a bit heavy being all titanium and with thick scales. They have released a spirit run with a carbon fiber scale that cuts down on the weight too.
 
Would avoid zt's for slicing tasks like food. Too thick behind the edge. They also have poor lock geometry. They are great art knives for collectors or fidgeters. Quality of materials is very good.

Ontario rat 1 or 2 is perfect for edc and comes in both Aus8 (easy to sharpen) and d2 (longer edge retention but harder to sharpen). They are affordable and perfect for edc and come in two sizes. Perfect first edc.

As mentioned above the megladon is great. They come in different steels and other variations. I like the m390 versions best.

Spydercos are the best tools around. Highly recommend for edc.
 
jphilippb said:
The 0562 is sadly too expensive :( But the Megalodon is worth taking a look.
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There is a 0562CF for sale for 215 Euro in a good german store if that's what you're looking for. As mentioned above, keep legality in mind. I carry mine pretty much just exclusively at work since it's an enclosed area that doesn't fall under the "Öffentliches Tragen" (Public Carry) Rule. Greetings from a fellow german.
 
b00n said:
There is a 0562CF for sale for 215 Euro in a good german store if that's what you're looking for. As mentioned above, keep legality in mind. I carry mine pretty much just exclusively at work since it's an enclosed area that doesn't fall under the "Öffentliches Tragen" (Public Carry) Rule. Greetings from a fellow german.
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Oh this is a good price.
Which shop is it?

Mostly I am going to carry the knife in my own company halls, so this should not be the problem.
 
Mo2 said:
Would avoid zt's for slicing tasks like food. Too thick behind the edge. They also have poor lock geometry. They are great art knives for collectors or fidgeters. Quality of materials is very good.

Ontario rat 1 or 2 is perfect for edc and comes in both Aus8 (easy to sharpen) and d2 (longer edge retention but harder to sharpen). They are affordable and perfect for edc and come in two sizes. Perfect first edc.

As mentioned above the megladon is great. They come in different steels and other variations. I like the m390 versions best.

Spydercos are the best tools around. Highly recommend for edc.
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Which spyderco would you recommend?
 
jphilippb said:
Which spyderco would you recommend?
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I mean it varies what you want. They have everything. Delica, endura, pm2, para3 are just a few that are amazing users. The pm2 and para3 are excellent fidget knives too.
 
I
Mo2 said:
I mean it varies what you want. They have everything. Delica, endura, pm2, para3 are just a few that are amazing users. The pm2 and para3 are excellent fidget knives too.
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I like the military or the Pm 2... maybe this is a good Alternative
 
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jphilippb said:
Oh this is a good price.
Which shop is it?

Mostly I am going to carry the knife in my own company halls, so this should not be the problem.
Click to expand...

I left you a message on your profile. Forum rules are against posting non supporting dealers, so I can't openly mention them.
(He also has a Blue Black 0609 with the STP Tool for sale which might fit your parameters if you like the colors, or an 0393 Bronze/Stonewash, both within your price range. The 0562CF is a good knife but might be a tad thick. I can peel an apple and cut it, but it's not a great slicer, the 0609 is thinner so it should be a better cutter.)
 
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Another vote for the pm2, or even the military itself is imo a little more functional and aesthetically pleasing. The s110v version will really surprise you at how well it holds an edge.
 
Spyderco Shaman, Benchmade 551. Robust, quality knives that are not afraid to be used. Both fit your budget.

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The PM2 is a staple for a lot of reasons - it is an impressive feat of design. It is an excellent cutting tool all around.

I also like the Manix 2, and personally regard it as a superior cutting tool to the PM2. I find the lock less awkward to manipulate, and the ergonomics and blade shape to be a little more pleasing.

However, I must add, knives that can be opened with one hand that lock are illegal to carry in Germany, says my international lawyer friend google.
 
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