Work and EDC knives recommendations

[Asterisk]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations for a good work knife, and a good EDC knife. I'll put my preferences below.

Work knife:

Around 3.5 inch blade, preferably g10 handles, nice and tough, one handed opening, good cutting performance, under $150, and at least a good performing steel (vg-10 and upwards)
Primary consideration: Manix 2

EDC knife:

Must be under 3 inches (legal to carry almost anywhere in Illinois), and I would like a good sized handle to fit my large size hands. I would like it to still be a good user, just with a shorter blade, not a really small knife that feels small, and also vg-10 and upwards in steel.
Primary consideration: Delica 4

Thanks for your input

 

[Wowbagger]

Primary consideration: Manix 2

Traded my Manix S110V for an Endura 4 ZDP-189
NO REGRETS.
(you may want to look at the VG-10 version because it is less chippy (((I don't mind super hard chippy steel))).

Primary consideration: Delica 4

Super good choice !
You might want to look at the VG-10 Wharncliffe version (black handle FRN; I like mine a lot) though the blade sticks up quite a bit more when closed than the regular version.
Of course for my regular leaf shaped Delica I went with the ZDP-189. In addition to really liking that steel I am a sucker for the British Racing Green FRN handle with black clip

I was going to recommend the Mini Griptillian 154CM steel. The handle is kind of short but it is fat and dang I love the way the thing feels in my hand; it has some heft and feels very solid like a high quality tool.

(I know these aren't G10 . . . I can't follow all the rules all the time)

 

[Wowbagger]

3 inches [ blade ] . . . a good sized handle to fit my large size hands. I would like it to still be a good user, just with a shorter blade,

I hear you . . . don't be afraid to buy the knife you like, handle wise, then cut the blade down to the length you want. Go here LINK > > >, page down, to just one of many I have modded that way.

 

[ScooterG]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations for a good work knife, and a good EDC knife. I'll put my preferences below.

Work knife:

Around 3.5 inch blade, preferably g10 handles, nice and tough, one handed opening, good cutting performance, under $150, and at least a good performing steel (vg-10 and upwards)
Primary consideration: Manix 2

EDC knife:

Must be under 3 inches (legal to carry almost anywhere in Illinois), and I would like a good sized handle to fit my large size hands. I would like it to still be a good user, just with a shorter blade, not a really small knife that feels small, and also vg-10 and upwards in steel.
Primary consideration: Delica 4

Thanks for your input

Your primary considerations are spot on. Go with them.

 

[Comeuppance]

Spyderco makes a number of knives that fit those criteria. The Manix is a hot contender for best dedicated cutting tool if you ask me, so I’d say your preliminary work knife choice is pretty ideal.

For EDC, your limitations don’t weed out many knives in that size range, so I’m going to suggest a knife you might not think worthy: Cold Steel Tuff Lite.

It melts into your hand, cuts the thing, is light, locks up perfectly, and is exceedingly practical and affordable. You can take it nearly anywhere that allows knives, it’s well-made and reliable, and also isn’t expensive to replace were something to happen to it.

 

[Bob6794]

Work knife to me is one that you are willing to beat the crap out of and it will ask for seconds. My vote goes towards the Kabar Dozier, also works great as an EDC. My not meet your steel requirement but that knife keeps winding up in my pocket for everything despite how many "superior" knives I get.

That knife is magical in the way it fits my hand, it's comfortable and has good grip. And I forget it's in my pocket or waistband till needed. I could go on a long time about this time but I can end it with, it's an exceptionally well designed knife.

Spyderco makes some good knives as well, personally I like their spyderedge knives as they work phenomenally well, pick one that is comfortable in your hand and it's hard to go wrong with a Spydie.

 

[Therom]

Your first considerations are very good and you can go which them

Different recommandations will come from different personal tastes but i doubt one can actually point any issue at the manix or Delica

My personal preference go to the para2 rather than the manix because I did it easier to carry with kind of a slimmer profil when you have it in your pocket. But a good endura can also do the job and can cost less.
You can also consider the shaman. I don’t like it much but I can understand why it is so appreciated

For EDC I also have a Delica. I have also a native 5 but the handle of the Delica has more contours and the thinner blade of the Delica makes it a better slicer
But I like the leafy shape profil and a chaparral can be a good option, especially the lightweight version which I may try in the future

 

[Asterisk]

Traded my Manix S110V for an Endura 4 ZDP-189
NO REGRETS.
(you may want to look at the VG-10 version because it is less chippy (((I don't mind super hard chippy steel))).


Super good choice !
You might want to look at the VG-10 Wharncliffe version (black handle FRN; I like mine a lot) though the blade sticks up quite a bit more when closed than the regular version.
Of course for my regular leaf shaped Delica I went with the ZDP-189. In addition to really liking that steel I am a sucker for the British Racing Green FRN handle with black clip

I was going to recommend the Mini Griptillian 154CM steel. The handle is kind of short but it is fat and dang I love the way the thing feels in my hand; it has some heft and feels very solid like a high quality tool.

(I know these aren't G10 . . . I can't follow all the rules all the time)

I would prefer the CBBL on the Manix 2 over the backlock on the Endura for a work knife. I wouldn't mind one if I was planning on a bigger collection, but I'm looking at getting 2 or 3 users, so I need to prioritize.

Work knife to me is one that you are willing to beat the crap out of and it will ask for seconds. My vote goes towards the Kabar Dozier, also works great as an EDC. My not meet your steel requirement but that knife keeps winding up in my pocket for everything despite how many "superior" knives I get.

That knife is magical in the way it fits my hand, it's comfortable and has good grip. And I forget it's in my pocket or waistband till needed. I could go on a long time about this time but I can end it with, it's an exceptionally well designed knife.

Spyderco makes some good knives as well, personally I like their spyderedge knives as they work phenomenally well, pick one that is comfortable in your hand and it's hard to go wrong with a Spydie.

I'm not looking to get a knife to abuse, I would just like a good tough knife that I can use hard, but is also great quality. Also, I can't stand the way the Dozier looks.

Spyderco makes a number of knives that fit those criteria. The Manix is a hot contender for best dedicated cutting tool if you ask me, so I’d say your preliminary work knife choice is pretty ideal.

For EDC, your limitations don’t weed out many knives in that size range, so I’m going to suggest a knife you might not think worthy: Cold Steel Tuff Lite.

It melts into your hand, cuts the thing, is light, locks up perfectly, and is exceedingly practical and affordable. You can take it nearly anywhere that allows knives, it’s well-made and reliable, and also isn’t expensive to replace were something to happen to it.

The Tuff Lite is a little too small for me. Again, maybe if I had a bigger collection I would get one, but I would prefer a delica as an EDC capable user.

Also, I just realized that the Para 3 LW is under 3 inches, so that is now a contender as well.

 

[ferider]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations for a good work knife, and a good EDC knife. I'll put my preferences below.

Work knife:

Around 3.5 inch blade, preferably g10 handles, nice and tough, one handed opening, good cutting performance, under $150, and at least a good performing steel (vg-10 and upwards)
Primary consideration: Manix 2

EDC knife:

Must be under 3 inches (legal to carry almost anywhere in Illinois), and I would like a good sized handle to fit my large size hands. I would like it to still be a good user, just with a shorter blade, not a really small knife that feels small, and also vg-10 and upwards in steel.
Primary consideration: Delica 4

Thanks for your input

Manix 2 is a great choice (my most used work knife). For small EDC, I prefer the PM3. Doesn't show in my pocket when I present (I don't use clips), handle is comfortable in my hands, people aren't scared of it when they see it in use. In my office at least.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I hate to sound boring but for your criteria, the Manix 2 and Delica 4 are the ones I would choose. The Manix 2 is one of the quintessential work knives.

 

[gazz98]

I think your original choices are great ones. I might go with the PM2 over the Manix 2 tho. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Spyderco. My favorite knife brand.

 

[Rykjeklut]

For how good the Delica is, even with larger hands, have you considered the PM3? IMO a much better knife.

That is, if the law is 3 inches and under.

 

[Mo2]

I like my manix2 as a work knife. But I won't edc it. Too big in the pockets as I keep keys in them usually. The pm2 is also a bit too big in the pocket also but it's manageable. Both great work knives depending on the task at hand. Runner up, the cold steel American Lawman in xhp steel.

Delica is a good sized knife for edc. Useful too. Try out the Chaparral though.

 

[Velitrius]

I like the Benchmade Bugout for a work knife. Carries like it isn't there, stays sharp, great on the job.

For your smaller EDC, I say find a Spyderco Baby Jess Horn sprint run. Phenomenal little carry.

 

[Asterisk]

For how good the Delica is, even with larger hands, have you considered the PM3? IMO a much better knife.

That is, if the law is 3 inches and under.

Most knives are legal of any length, but a knife under 3 inches can be carried almost anywhere.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Good call on the Manix OP. Consider a Manix XL, I have one as a work knife and very happy with it. The XL does carry better with a DC clip

Good call on a Delica too, though I would suggest a Para3 of some sort as I prefer the compression lock.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

For a work knife the Manix II is a great choice ... it weighs a bit more then the PM2 and the blade is slightly thicker but it performs as well and a more robust tip ... and the Manix really isn't much different size wise as many post it is.

I like my Native 5 for a small knife it really cuts beyond it's size ... but the Delica is a solid choice also.

 

[AntDog]

Most knives are legal of any length, but a knife under 3 inches can be carried almost anywhere.

Do you GO almost anywhere? The pertinent question is: what blade length is legal where you live?

Your gut choices aren’t far off at all IMO, for what it’s worth.

 

[Mo2]

Do you GO almost anywhere? The pertinent question is: what blade length is legal where you live?

Illinois doesn't have any length issues unless going into major cities like Chicago. I forget the major city length limit, might be between 2.5"-2.9" I forget cause I live outside Chicago and don't worry about things I'm never gonna get into trouble with. I do occasionally take a small money clip knife if I goto the city just in case.

 

[Dadpool]

A couple others to consider in your work knife category:

• Zero Tolerance 0350
• Cold Steel Recon 1 (depending on whether a 4" blade counts as being "around" 3.5")

If I had to pick something with your EDC knife criteria, a Delica 4 is probably where I'd land as well.