Knew to EDC knives in a more defensive/utility type manner

**BVickery** · 12-01-14, 00:57

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, 01:15

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.

**BVickery** · 12-01-14, 02:19

Originally Posted by SeriousStudent

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.

**Chipper78** · 12-01-14, 08:27

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.

**cpio** · 12-13-14, 09:20

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.

**tailrotor** · 12-13-14, 11:44

If you don't mind going over your budget, I'd recommend a Spyderco Paramilitary II (http://www.gpknives.com/brands/spyde...camoblack.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

**Shao** · 12-13-14, 12:14

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.

**Airhasz** · 12-13-14, 18:21

Originally Posted by tailrotor

If you don't mind going over your budget, I'd recommend a Spyderco Paramilitary II (http://www.gpknives.com/brands/spyde...camoblack.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/BM5...-valox-handles