Which One?

[DMR79]

I know, I know what kind of a first post is this, but nevertheless here is what I'm looking at. I want to get a new EDC knife, I currently carry a Kershaw Blackout and am looking for something different and an upgrade to that. I have started looking at Benchmade auto's (have a cwp), but then the more I looked and researched the more I found my self drawn to the Emerson wave style of openers. I have narrowed it (as of now) to the four knives below and am looking for your input. What are your thoughts on my choices? Also your thoughts on plain edge vs combo edge? I am not married to any of these yet so any other suggestions that you think would appeal to me go ahead and give them.


-Emerson CQC7 Wave Tanto Point 3.375" Black Combo Edge Blade

-Spyderco Delica 4th Generation with 2-7/8" w/ Wave Hook

-Spyderco Endura 4th Generation with 3.8" w/ Wave Hook

-Spyderco Native with 3-1/8" S30V, Black Handle (no wave, but feels nice in my hand & looks good)

 

[Jason B.]

Endura all the way and for serrations its all or none but usually none. Serrations come in handy at times but I really couldn't tell you when that is as I haven't carried a serrated blade in about 10 years.

 

[effer]

You will not go wrong with either one of those. I would go with plain edge. If you plan to cut a lot of tough material (like plastic), then maybe combo will work better for you (you also may consider fully serrated in this case).

Wave or no wave usually is just a personal preference. Native works really good as an EDC knife. I love the choil. If you decide on Native, I would get the first one (C41BK) and modify the handle a bit. Becomes even more comfy.

 

[matt009au]

How about an opinel, I went from edcing various spydercos to an opinel carbon 8.
Cuts like a laser and is more sheeple friendly, and dirt cheap to boot so don't have to worry so much about losing it. Plus I love the way the carbon blade gathers character as the patina develops.

 

[derrickd803]

My vote goes to the D4/E4 wave, plain edge

 

[cutter17]

Of the four listed, Spyderco Endura. Never, ever had one but it gets so much praise that there has to be something great about it.

Throw one more at you. Since you started with a Kershaw, you can upgrade with a Kershaw. I'm talking about a Kershaw G-10 Tyrade. It has a CPMD2 cutting edge, very thick liners, and comes in black, orange, or tan G-10. It is an assisted opening knife and probably faster than a BM auto! Here's a link to the tan one.


http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawtyradetang-10handlestonewashbladelimitedto175preorder.aspx

 

[Psychopomp]

Of the ones you listed, the Endura gets my vote too. But keep in mind that it's a large knife, so try to handle one before you buy. You may find that the Delica is the better choice for you.

I'm not a fan of the wave, but if that's your thing then go for it.

If you think the Endura's blade is too big but like that general blade shape, but prefer the larger handle, another great option is the Paramilitary.

Side by side:

(sorry for the blur).

 

[Charlie Mike]

I found my self drawn to the Emerson wave style of openers.

You too eh

Any tip up carry knife can be modified to wave. Only a matter of thumb ramp real estate and the willingness to take some steel off a perfectly good knife.

 

[Thalestin]

Id go with an endura nonwave if it was my choice. Although, I highly recommend the spyderco para or bm 710. Both very quick and useful knives imo

 

[Psychopomp]

Although, I highly recommend the spyderco para or bm 710. Both very quick and useful knives imo

I would whole heartedly agree. You'll be hard pressed to find better production folding knives than the Benchmade 710 and Paramilitary. Fit and finish may be better in a CRK, but for durability and usefulness, they're hard to beat.

The 710 is a tank, while the Paramilitary is a slightly more agile and delicate looking tank.

Neither are wave-able (at least neither are easily wave-able) so if you're dead set on a wave you'll be out of luck with these two.

 

[dulledge2]

what psychopomp said.

 

[A.P.F.]

The Emerson CQC-7 is really in a different category from the Spydies you list. It is more expensive with it's Titanium liners and heavy duty build. The tanto profile on the blade places it neatly in the 'tactical' realm. In it's own right, it is a fantastic knife.

Despite having many Spyderco knives, the Delica and Endura have never appealed to me. The handles just don't work with my grip. That said, the Native is one of my most favored knives. It uses S30V steel with a very solid FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) grip, which is tough as nails. The Native allows you to 'choke up' on the blade for excellent control and the solid 'thwack' of the lock back gives added confidence. I have beaten my Native to death and it just asks for more.

Anyway, an investment in a Spyderco is never wasted and I think that I just sold myself on a Native 4.

 

[DMR79]

Thanks for all your input so far, I'm going to keep looking and see if I can narrow down my choices. Some of the points brought up are the same ones that made me start this thread. My gut says I would be pretty happy with a Delica, or an Endura since they get so many great reviews. It's just the size difference I need to decide on, as well as wave vs non wave and edge profile (most likely plain). I also found this knife Paramilitary Model Plain Edge CPM S30V Blade G10 Handle. It looks like a great answer to what I have been looking for. What are your thoughts? Is it worth the price difference? I started this search for a new EDC thinking I wanted an auto Benchmade so the cost is pretty much inline on what I was originally thinking about spending. After looking into it more and researching I realized that a Benchmade auto might not be the best answer for a versatile EDC, like one of the knives I listed would be.