View Full Version : Knew to EDC knives in a more defensive/utility type manner
Ok,
As I take stock of myself, and that I am going out more often than not, I feel I need to upgrade from the el-cheapo blades I usually see in stores. I am not migrating to the $200+ blades, but feel I can/should be able to get a nice EDC blade (folding) for around $100 range.
Questions I do have are kind of numerous:
1) Straight Edge, Serated Edge or Combo?
2) What type of point; Spear? Tanto? Other?
3) Size both for grip as well as blade. I have larger meaty hands. Length as measured from tip of middle finger to base of my palm is 8". Width as measured from one end of my palm to the other in a relaxed manner is approx 3.75"
My friend who I know uses knives a lot swears by Cold Steel and Spyderco, but I am personally 'meh' on Cold Steel and sort of receptive to Sypedero. I really would love to have a Benchmade or such, but again, don't know what to look for.
SeriousStudent
12-01-14, 00:15
Can you tell us more about what your desired use for the blade would be? A bit more about what kind of utility chores it might do?
Cutting cardboard would be different than cutting seatbelts or rope, for instance.
And regarding defensive uses, a fixed blade is honestly more useful.
How are you thinking of carrying it? Clipped to a belt, clipped to a pocket, in a belt sheath? Is there a particular type of lock you prefer - frame lock, liner lock, compression lock, Axis lock, etc?
I'm not a Cold Steel fan at all. I own a lot of Spyderco's. And I have a lot of other knives as well - Benchmade, ZT, Buck, Kershaw, Emerson, etc etc.
The good news is that there are a lot of folks putting blades on sale right now, at very good prices. So you are posting this at a great time.
Give us some more data, and I am sure we can help you refine your choices.
Can you tell us more about what your desired use for the blade would be? A bit more about what kind of utility chores it might do?
Cutting cardboard would be different than cutting seatbelts or rope, for instance.
Just general in case of need. I have odd luck so could be as simple as cutting fishing line to cutting myself free of a seat belt. I will never throw out the fact I may end up in another knife fight.
And regarding defensive uses, a fixed blade is honestly more useful.
I am actually thinking of an Esse 3 or maybe even Esse 4
How are you thinking of carrying it? Clipped to a belt, clipped to a pocket, in a belt sheath? Is there a particular type of lock you prefer - frame lock, liner lock, compression lock, Axis lock, etc?
Thinking clipped to belt in a sheath.
I'm not a Cold Steel fan at all. I own a lot of Spyderco's. And I have a lot of other knives as well - Benchmade, ZT, Buck, Kershaw, Emerson, etc etc.
The good news is that there are a lot of folks putting blades on sale right now, at very good prices. So you are posting this at a great time.
Give us some more data, and I am sure we can help you refine your choices.
Answers in Red.
If you are looking at esse I would suggest the Izula. I have found it t be a fantastic little knife, very easy to conceal and works like it is bigger than it is. I've gutted a few deer with it, used it while camping, used it in the kitchen, and wouldn't hesitate to use it defensively. As far as folders a benchmade griptilian is hard to beat, the axis lock is one of the better locking mechanisms on the market.
What is more important to you, defensive use or EDC? I personally carry a Zero Tolerance 0561 and wear a Survive Necker on a ball chain......almost the best of both worlds.
If you don't mind going over your budget, I'd recommend a Spyderco Paramilitary II (http://www.gpknives.com/brands/spyderco/spyderco-military-knives/spydercoparamilitary2digicamoblack.html)...they can be hard to find at a decent price though. Spyderco Enduras or Benchmade Griptillians are also a good choice within your budget.
As to plain edge or serrated...a properly sharpened plain edge can cover pretty much any cutting task. Having said that, I carry a 3" Spyderco Rookie plain edge with a serrated Spyderco Manbug on my keychain.
Jim
You can get a Zero Tolerance 0200 for around $100 if you shop around. Made in the USA, awesome lifetime warranty, and built like a tank.
If you want to go cheaper, I'm honestly very impressed with Kershaw's Chinese made waved knives. I love the wave but don't care for Emerson knives and actually think the framelock Chinese versions are better made. Plus, you can buy 3 of them for ~$100. One to beat on and practice with, one to carry, and one as a backup.
If you don't mind going over your budget, I'd recommend a Spyderco Paramilitary II (http://www.gpknives.com/brands/spyderco/spyderco-military-knives/spydercoparamilitary2digicamoblack.html)...they can be hard to find at a decent price though. Spyderco Enduras or Benchmade Griptillians are also a good choice within your budget.
As to plain edge or serrated...a properly sharpened plain edge can cover pretty much any cutting task. Having said that, I carry a 3" Spyderco Rookie plain edge with a serrated Spyderco Manbug on my keychain.
Jim
Much better prices here from the couple knives I looked at and free shipping.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BM585/benchmade-585-mini-barrage-axis-assisted-291-satin-plain-blade-valox-handles
Kershaw skyline is a great usa made blade for like $40.
Best knife around $100 for EDC IMHO is Para 2.
What about an Emerson Karambit folder? They're pricey but they're absolutely terrific knives.
Buy the Spyderco PMII and be done with it. If you are worried that it may be too small, you can go for the Military, but the PMII is a great size for EDC. Buy a straight edge, especially if you don't mind sharpening it. It is also preferred for self-defense as serrations get caught up on clothing. A drop point or spear point would be fine. Tanto isn't necessary or as versatile.
The Kershaw Cryo II in black wash is my absolute favorite folder. 33.00 -
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teutonicpolymer
12-14-14, 16:41
Ok,
As I take stock of myself, and that I am going out more often than not, I feel I need to upgrade from the el-cheapo blades I usually see in stores. I am not migrating to the $200+ blades, but feel I can/should be able to get a nice EDC blade (folding) for around $100 range.
Questions I do have are kind of numerous:
1) Straight Edge, Serated Edge or Combo?
2) What type of point; Spear? Tanto? Other?
3) Size both for grip as well as blade. I have larger meaty hands. Length as measured from tip of middle finger to base of my palm is 8". Width as measured from one end of my palm to the other in a relaxed manner is approx 3.75"
My friend who I know uses knives a lot swears by Cold Steel and Spyderco, but I am personally 'meh' on Cold Steel and sort of receptive to Sypedero. I really would love to have a Benchmade or such, but again, don't know what to look for.
1) I prefer straight edge in general. There are exceptions to this such as based on type of steel but I would get a straight edge for this purpose.
2) I would get anything that is not rounded tip (i.e. a safety tip).
3) Grip length and blade length are up to you. I can tell you that I for sure wouldn't carry anything over 5" and that weight matters. I have found there to be 2 grip sizes in knives: long enough and not long enough, with most knives being in the first category.
I don't like Cold Steel, I love Spyderco and ESEE. Benchmade is okay but I feel Spyderco is a better value in general.
One of my favorites and if you can find it would be a RAT model 1. Roughly $40 shipped. Straight edge, liner lock. Good blade that is very well made. Holds a good edge very well and at $40 I will actually use it and won't be babied.
My others in rotation are a kershaw chill, BM Mel pardue 530, BM 710 mchenry Williams, boker ridgeback.
Something to watch for would be the thickness of the overall knife. Most liner lock knives are pretty thick and will be very noticeably in the pocket. I carry in my right back pocket so I notice the thickness more. The thinner knives that I look for are usually any benchmades with axis locks, spyderco's with lock backs, or a frame lock knife. Most kershaw flipper knives are thin as well
Benchmade products are excellent.
I have 2 Benchmade Griptillians that I've been very happy with. Both have been back to Benchmade to be sharpened and looked over once in the years I've had them.
I've used them for everything from opening boxes, cutting rope, strong fabrics, and other random miscellaneous jobs. I keep one in my patrol jumpsuit for work at all times. Only downside, they are a think knife so if you wear skinny jeans it won't hide well. They aren't super pricey, no spring assist but it opens fast with the flick of the thumb stud and wrist. So far it has been my favorite utility/ EDC knife. I am adding a SOC-P to the duty belt to have a fast access to a fixed blade to fill a defensive gap I found in training.
Benchmade products are excellent.
Quality-wise, they've always been great, though sometimes a little inconsistent. It seems like they haven't released a knife that I've wanted in about eight years though. So many of the newer designs are just so damn ugly. Besides, as far as production folders go right now, the best in the $100-200 category are Zero Tolerance and Spyderco Taiwan-made blades. There are so many near perfect copies of the para-millie going around right now, that I wouldn't even buy one. Even honest dealers are getting scammed from what I've heard.
I used to sell knives and I've dealt extensively with Spyderco, Benchmade, and Zero Tolerance/KAI's CS and can tell you with complete certainty that KAI USA has the best. Spyderco charges you to sharpen a knife and you have to pay shipping - If your Zero Tolerance needs sharpening, there's a good chance that they'll cover shipping, and send you a knife with a razor edge and fresh coating/finishing, along with things like new screws and a pocket clip. They also cover (or covered) broken tips, which Benchmade and Spyderco don't.
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