What's your EDC? what do you use it for?

B

bSquirrel

Joined
Feb 11, 2007
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190
Basically, I'm lookin to get an edc that is just a folding knife to replace my leatherman. I'm not sure exactly what to look for, so if people could tell me what their edc is? what their job is or what do you use it for? how much does it cost? is there anything particularly exceptional about it, or something it does that others dont?
 
If you're looking for a knife for yourself, why not list what you expect it to do, and we can match the knives we know to your needs instead of ours.

I often carry one large folder and one small one, with the smaller getting most of the ordinary jobs, but I also often carry expensive knives, just as a matter of personal preference, since they won't do significantly more than the less expensive knives.
 
bSquirrel said:
Basically, I'm lookin to get an edc that is just a folding knife to replace my leatherman.
Click to expand...

Why not keep both?

You will never find THE perfect knife to EDC, that is why lot of people here carry 2, sometimes 3, sometimes more at the time.

Why a knife? For everything in our modern world that would need to be cut.
 
bSquirrel said:
Basically, I'm lookin to get an edc that is just a folding knife to replace my leatherman. I'm not sure exactly what to look for, so if people could tell me what their edc is? what their job is or what do you use it for? how much does it cost? is there anything particularly exceptional about it, or something it does that others dont?
Click to expand...

Often, if not daily, I open packages, bottles, cans, break down packing materials, cut back plants and vines, trim seamless background paper (photographer), prepare food while away from home, perform emergency repairs, trim nails and moustache (never get it right first thing in the morning), defend self (once), and have something to play with when bored. Ten minutes from now I will think of other uses, but these will suffice.

Because I find myself needing other tools as often as a knife, a multitool suits me for EDC, and if I were restricting myself to one, that would be a Leatherman or SAK. Often, though, one handed opening is awfully convenient, especially when the other hand is occupied. For that, a Delica is an ideal pocket companion. Since I also carry a micro flashlight, a Vic Rambler gets attached to that as a fob, providing myself a bit more versatility at negligible cost in space or weight since there is room for both in my jeans watch pocket. So my EDC is usually these three; Leatherman Core (recently replacing a Super Tool), Rambler and Delica.

Usually, I am very patient when shopping for knives and multitools, waiting for deep discounts before buying. I paid $30 for the Core on clearance at Target and $12 for the Rambler. The Delica was $50 from a knife shop. I paid more than online or elsewhere, but that was to support a local business.

Sometimes, just for a change, I vary the mix. On New Years Eve, for example, while dressing for a party, I figured that chances were slim I would need any of them that night, so I left my EDC array home. At the last minute, though, I decided to clip to my key chain a Swiss Tech Utilikey, bought for a possible gift but never used. When we arrived, it developed that our host's bottle opener had gone missing, and so I got to be a hero for about 15 minutes until the official opener turned up (on the floor under the fridge). Good way to start the new year. :)
 
Utilikey! Carry one for years, and the only time I needed it was when a cold drink on a very hot day wouldn't open. The ultimate multitool, always there. :D
 
Spyderco PE Manix - Open mail, Cut packing tape, skin zebras, whittle, you know, random stuff we all like a knife instead of our teeth for...
 
My current EDC is a Spyderco Pacific Salt (yellow and plain-edge).

While it is not the strongest knife I own, nor does it have the strongest lock in the industry, it is still the one I prefer to EDC for several reasons:

It has plenty of blade-length for most knife related tasks...including self defense if need be.

Despite its large blade, it is very light-weight.
This allows me to carry it regardless of my attire (jeans and t-shirt, business suit, swim trunks, jogging shorts, just my underwear...it does not matter).

The blade-steel is H-1 and is virtually impervious to rust.
This is very useful for working in wet weather, or playing in the pool, or sweating it out at the gym.
It's good for throwing it in the dishwasher too!

The H-1 blade-steel is very easy to sharpen and is capable of reaching an incedible degree of sharpness.
And the hollow-ground blade performs exceptionally well.

The large thumb-hole makes opening the Pacific Salt extremely quick and easy.

The bright yellow color is easy to spot if I drop the knife or lay it down somewhere on the workbench.
And most folks see the yellow as an indicator that the knife is a TOOL rather than a weapon, so it's a little more sheeple friendly.

The lock, while not the strongest in the entire knife industry, is still more than strong enough for my daily useage (cutting paper, packages, tape, rope and string, food, etc...).
And lock-backs are very reliable and safe to use.

The riveted construction is a plus in my opinion.
There are no loose screws to worry about losing, and no need to use Loc-Tite.
The Pacific Salt is nearly maintenance free.

Good luck,
Allen
 
I EDC my Kershaw Boron Leek. I am in Overhead Crane sales and sit in front of a lot of customers, so I don't want a large folder sagging my slacks' pocket. The leek is only 3 ounces, so its very comfortable in lightweight clothes, including my workout shorts. I love the Leek design, from the materials, to the frame-lock and Speedsafe AO mechanism.

I sometimes alternate the Random Leek when I want a change of pace. The only difference is the reverse tanto blade and S30V steel.

Any Leek is a great choice for EDC!
 
I agree with the previous poster on the Leek. I used to have one and wish I had bought another for my EDC after I lost the first one. I currently have Kershaw Mini Cyclone, I just think of it as a bigger Leek, the blade is much sturdier then the Leek appeared to be, but then you also have that weight if you don't carry it clipped to the pocket. The Leek just sort of disappears into your pocket and for 99.9% of what you need a knife for it performs very well. I would also look at the new Kershaw NRG, seems like a nice knife around the size of a Leek.
 
I am a Field Service Engineer in the semiconductor industry. Where I work (I am contracted out to a company for onsite service) they frown on people carrying knives. Right now I carry a small Bradley Cutlery Alias II as well as a Spyderco Dragonfly. I occasionally have to open boxes and packages when parts come in and I use my knives. At work I will usually use the Dragonfly as it draws little or no attention at all. For larger items I will use the Alias II. I have about 40 knives total (right now) and I change out my EDC every once in awhile just for a change. I don't want my other knives to feel they're not getting enough attention.
 
Recently i've been carrying either a Victorinox Farmer or Victorinox Recruit. Just for opening packages and bottles and such. The awl on the farmer is handy when sewing leather. I actually use the key rings for my keys, too.
 
I'm thinking about an SOG tomcat

anyone know what gen is the best? or where to find one for a decent price? Amazon wants like 300$ for the 3rd gen one, I'm not lookin to spend 300$ on a pocket knife

Its use would be a general edc, I dont have a job where a knife is a necessity, it's just a useful thing to have. I would use it for opening stuff, cutting food when I'm out and need to eat quickly, and just having something to play with when I'm bored. The hardest use it would see would be when I go camping, but the 3.75-4" blade is important for me, just as a matter of preference.

Since I would be using it often, I want something that will hold an edge and last a very long time.

It also should be something that can easily be opened with one hand, which is my only real complaint with the leatherman. So yeah. The SOG is along the right lines. Oh, and I like the way that one looks, which is a big factor in my decision about which knife to buy.

Also, I have no preference for serrated or plain blades, but that's because I dont know the exact difference in their applications. Is one strictly superior than the other for certain tasks? I kind of like half serrated blades, but that's not an informed opinion in the least.

EDIT: Also considering a benchmade pardue ambush, any thoughts?
 
bSquirrel said:
I'm thinking about an SOG tomcat

anyone know what gen is the best? or where to find one for a decent price? Amazon wants like 300$ for the 3rd gen one, I'm not lookin to spend 300$ on a pocket knife
Click to expand...

One Stop Knife Shop has both the Tomcat II and the Tomcat III (scan about halfway down the page) for less than half that $300.

The Tomcat II is more traditional, the III has better steel and a fancier lock.
 
Lately I have been carrying my spyderco SE BLK para-military. I use it to cut up food, whittle, open packages and various daily tasks. It is also sturdy enough incase I need it for anything big or for an emergency.
 
I carry an Emerson Super CQC-7B waved. It is a big knife, but I am a big guy. I use it for everything listed above and more. Quality for the money is what you should look forin an EDC.
 
Alternate between a BM 610 Rukus and a Strider AR. Use both for very mundane jobs that come no where near taxing them. Plus, I just love to be able to carry a knife that is totally different from most people.
 
I am at a 70/30 split between OHSAK Trekker and Manix CE...

The SAK for everyday work stuff the Manix for hiking and outdoorsy type stuff.
 
what Leatherman are you replacing?

i used my Leatherman Wave as my only one handed opening knife for many years

the Tomcat 3 looks interesting... i think i'd rather have a Benchmade 710 though

if that is your price range though, i'd be sure to check out the Leatherman Charge line



for me, i EDC a lot of crap, but i use it to take apart computers, rack servers, fix random stuff in the house/car/office, open mail/boxes and blister/clamshell packs

currently, it's a Spyderco Jester and Victorinox Midnite Manager on my keys, a Victorinox Swisschamp, a Charge Ti and a Chris Reeve Sebenza (this could easily be a Griptillian or Delica though)
 
Kershaw Ken Onion tactical blur. I use it for anything i can and my excuse for carrying it when im caught is my duty as a First Responder
 
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