Looking for 2 EDC pocket knives: one utility and one really nice

[Dave455]

One of the most important things I need from any pocket knife, is a decently ground blade.

I find Spyderco consistently disappointing in this regard. I think it’s because the blade grind was originally optimised for serrations, but if you prefer a blade without, you get one with a ground edge so thick it’s incredibly hard to sharpen. The Italian made knives are a little better.

Some of the less costly knives are actually very good in this regard. Opinel have been mentioned, and the grinding of their blades is fantastic. They take a very keen edge, and are easily re sharpened. They are a little on the soft side I admit, but I have two, so no problem.

Amazingly, I’ve recently been using a friends Chinese made “Real Steel”, and liked it! I would normally run a mile from a Chinese made knife, but I was forced to revise my prejudices when I found they are superbly designed, and made from decent steel. The quality of the grinding is superb - way better than any Spyderco (it pains me to say).

Price is about $30! so well within “utility” budget. In my case, I was more than happy to slice an old carpet into transportable size pieces with it!

 

[Jsf721]

With the holidays approaching, my family is looking for gift ideas for each other. I don't have an EDC pocketknife and haven't carried one for a VERY long time, and even at that time it was the old Victorinox "Swiss Army" that was about 3 inches long with a tiny blade, or an old Kmart special that was wood and bad brass on the ends.

I'm looking for recommendations on 2 blades: the less expensive I'll put on my list and will be used for utility duty around the yard, but the better one I'll get later on more for select use. After watching a Project Farm video, I have my eyes on Kizer, Leatherman, CRKT, and Cold Steel.

Utility: Ok with extra bulk and weight, looks not too important, durable, price < $50.

Select: Smooth action, thin for front pocket carry, higher quality materials, price $50 - $100.

Thanks!

I have a leatherman that I wore daily until my hernia surgery and will again shortly.

More than you budgeted for but honestly worth it if you want to get the job done witn shat you got in that thing. I have the charge and wish it was the lighter Titanium version. (Next time)

 

[Robinson1]

I carry a Buck 112 most every day. Some days I add a Milwaukee Fastback utility knife. Thats for when I know I'm going to be cutting stuff I dont want to dull the Buck on

Days I dont want the Buck on my belt I usually carry a Case Trapper.

 

[CS454]

Hogue Dekas in Magnacut are on sale here: https://www.smkw.com/brands/hogue?product_list_order=price_asc

The cheapest ones have plastic handles, but you can step up to G10 for $125ish.

Hogue might even get the HT for Magnacut correct too.

 

[Trapps]

CRKT Squid Has been my EDC for a couple of years now. Nice finish, easy to flick, smooth pocket friendly dimensions. Durable. Cheap.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I carry a Buck 112 most every day.

All the knife any human needs.

 

[DAustin]

I've carried a Swiss Army Knife- Tinker for something like 40 years. You can pick one up on amazon for around $21. For me the size, weight, and usefulness can't be beat. But if you drink a lot of Wine, you'll have to get another model.

 

[AV tinker er]

Kershaw has some good American steel knives. I like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085B1NDND/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[danho]

Ontario Rat makes a pretty good knife with good steel at a reasonable price. I'm partial to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 for EDC and also like the Benchmade line, especially the autos.

 

[CS454]

Ontario Rat makes a pretty good knife with good steel at a reasonable price. I'm partial to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 for EDC and also like the Benchmade line, especially the autos.

New benchmade axis springs are poop. Local retailer just sent back a sizeable crate of warranties.

 

[anndel]

I'll swap weekly or month between:
EDC: Spyderco Endura or Benchmade Mini Griptillian
Utility: Leatherman Skeletool or Victorinox Champ

 

[seber]

I've been carrying various Spydercos since they were first introduced in Golden. The only one that disappointed was a frameless version. Eventually the scales wore out. Replaced under warranty. I tried the Leek. It's a nice knife but the blade did not hold an edge worth a damn. If it can't even get me to lunch, it's not worth carrying.

 

[JradM]

How about something very cheap for utility and then something on the high end as your "nice" knife?

E.g. this SRM 9201 is a mere $20. 8cr13mov blade and a crossbar lock - is this the cheapest crossbar lock knife on the market? You can also get it in D2 for $30.

3.5" blade and 3.4oz, so it's neither a small nor a large folder, just right in the full-sized EDC range.



If you want more of a "bruiser" for your budget utility knife you might prefer something with wider and more comfortable handles and a thicker blade stock. However, those don't usually those aren't usually considered "EDC" knives because they're bulkier and heavy for pocket carry.

For a hard-use knife though, I'd suggest the KA-BAR Becker "BK40D2" or the Ontario Rat 1.

Becker (around $50)



Ontario Rat 1 ($30-$40 depending if you get it with an AUS-8 or D2 blade)

 

[unknownroad]

Honestly, I'd say to go to a gun show or larger gun shop and try out a variety of blades to figure out what you like best in terms of size, opening assist, and lock type. There are a lot of variables that impact how it feels, which makes a difference if you do expect to use it on a regular basis. You want something you can open effortlessly with one hand without fumbling or slipping, and you won't know what will give you that intuitive feel until you try a bunch in person.

As far as brand, I've been using Benchmades for years and have found them to be worth the premium, but there are an incredible number of options out there.

 

[thool]

Thanks for all the tips. I learned a lot from this thread!

In typical GJ fashion, I'm going to get a couple very basic ones like the SRM or something in the <$30 range. I'll probably keep 1 in my toolbox and the other in my pocket to get used to it. Hopefully, I'll have the foresight to remember to leave it elsewhere before going into any restricted areas (airport, court building, concert, etc).

 

[CS454]

Honestly, I'd say to go to a gun show or larger gun shop and try out a variety of blades to figure out what you like best in terms of size, opening assist, and lock type. There are a lot of variables that impact how it feels, which makes a difference if you do expect to use it on a regular basis. You want something you can open effortlessly with one hand without fumbling or slipping, and you won't know what will give you that intuitive feel until you try a bunch in person.

As far as brand, I've been using Benchmades for years and have found them to be worth the premium, but there are an incredible number of options out there.

Trying them out in store is a good idea.

Benchmade fully admitted their heat treating to 57HRC on average which laughably bad for their ~premium steel choices~. I cannot stress enough that new benchmade is a shell of its former glory.

 

[Griff79]

First question is what are the main uses of each blade. You said “around the yard” for the less expensive one. How heavy duty? What will you be cutting? Large, medium, smaller in size? Do you want additional features like a Leatherman type tool?

For the more premium knife, what will it be used for?

I can give you 10 rock solid recommendations for each but need to know primary usages first.
Griff

 

[thool]

First question is what are the main uses of each blade. You said “around the yard” for the less expensive one. How heavy duty? What will you be cutting? Large, medium, smaller in size? Do you want additional features like a Leatherman type tool?

For the more premium knife, what will it be used for?

I can give you 10 rock solid recommendations for each but need to know primary usages first.
Griff

Around the yard: Cutting twine, opening boxes, carrying to use when a random need arises, don't care too much about looks, has to be very safe (good lock), easy to sharpen, prefer 1 but ok using 2 hands if needed to open, prefer lower profile with clip but a little more bulk is ok for better grip, prefer pocket carry but belt case is acceptable, rugged. Probably be my primary carry 70% of the time and while at home. Think Timex or Casio G-Shock watch.

Premium: More limited use but won't include beating on the thing, prefer higher quality steel alloy, low/no oxidation on blade and handle, single hand usage, lower profile, clip, materials hold up well after many years (no wear areas), little to no lateral flex, near invisible pocket carry, should look pretty nice. Probably cycle usage for going out and local travel. This is more like the Accutron watch.

 

[CS454]

Around the yard: Cutting twine, opening boxes, carrying to use when a random need arises, don't care too much about looks, has to be very safe (good lock), easy to sharpen, prefer 1 but ok using 2 hands if needed to open, prefer lower profile with clip but a little more bulk is ok for better grip, prefer pocket carry but belt case is acceptable, rugged. Probably be my primary carry 70% of the time and while at home. Think Timex or Casio G-Shock watch.

AUS10A Cold Steel with Tri-Ad lock. The marketing is gimmicky as all outdoors however the products are good. I keep seeing the Ontario Rat 1 mentioned which is a decent blade but get the AUS8, the 'premium' for D2 isn't worth it imo, owned both.

Premium: More limited use but won't include beating on the thing, prefer higher quality steel alloy, low/no oxidation on blade and handle, single hand usage, lower profile, clip, materials hold up well after many years (no wear areas), little to no lateral flex, near invisible pocket carry, should look pretty nice. Probably cycle usage for going out and local travel. This is more like the Accutron watch.

Whatever M390/20CV/204P Titanium framelock you like the look of will be fine in all honesty, but be prepared to spend a bit more.

CIVIVI and TwoSun (eBay) are brands I'd look at if you're trying to be budget conscious.

 

[seber]

Interesting that AUS8 is recommended. Personally I've found it very disappointing in the edge holding category. I like D2 and I carry M4 but my favorite is VG10 or ATS34. Great edge holding but easy sharpening.

 

[f121]

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t carry a Victorinox Soldier in the U.K.

I generally carry the similar “Pioneer”. I like the alox models, and two layers make for a slim knife.

The Victorinox steel is pretty good, the grinding is more than acceptable, and I find the tools very useful.

Prices on the Victorinox knives make them a ”no brainer” I reckon!

The Soldier is a lock knife, so not technically legal to carry in the uk.

I spent ages trying to figure out my ideal uk legal edc, settled on a SOG Terminus as my ‘nice’ knife. It’s got a very positive action so the lack of lock isn’t an issue, feels great in the hand and has a decent edge.

 

[Dave455]

The Soldier is a lock knife, so not technically legal to carry in the uk.

I spent ages trying to figure out my ideal uk legal edc, settled on a SOG Terminus as my ‘nice’ knife. It’s got a very positive action so the lack of lock isn’t an issue, feels great in the hand and has a decent edge.

Ahh, my apologies!

When I think of a Victorinox “Soldier”, I think of this :-

Not this :-

I should remember really, I bought a load of the old ones when they discontinued them!

I don’t think the ”perfect” knife exists. I have a few that I use a lot, but switch around according to what I’m doing.

If I’ve got other tools, then I just need a simple blade. If I haven’t, then I find the Swiss Army Knives invaluable.

 

[CS454]

Interesting that AUS8 is recommended. Personally I've found it very disappointing in the edge holding category. I like D2 and I carry M4 but my favorite is VG10 or ATS34. Great edge holding but easy sharpening.

VG10/ATS34/RWL34/CPM 154 are a sweet spot for stainless imo, minimal carbide formers which means easy to maintain and still take a 'keen' edge provided the HT was done properly (sub 30 degree inclusive secondary territory)

Now invoking D2, Between corrosion and steel primarily wearing through abrasion its my belief that a 'cheaper', simpler steel like AUS8/10 wearing a coarser edge (think 200-400 grit on apex) is better for utility and ease of maintenance than some mirror polished instagram edge for most users.

People fall for premium steel and end up buying say M390....being run at MAYBE 60 HRC, when it needs to be run at 63+ to extract any appreciable benefit vs basic S30V or what have you. Plus that 'cheaper' steel tends to be more forgiving when you do silly things like use your knife as a crowbar.

I carry a fully serrated VG10 Spyderco for utility fwiw.

 

[JradM]

Interesting that AUS8 is recommended. Personally I've found it very disappointing in the edge holding category. I like D2 and I carry M4 but my favorite is VG10 or ATS34. Great edge holding but easy sharpening.

It isn't an edge retention champ, but it's still a good steel that resharpens easily.

It depends what you're going for. E.g. I think it's actually a good match for the ubiquitous Ontario Rat 1 since that's intended to be an inexpensive, hard use, outdoor-oriented folder. Aus-8 is tough, easy to field sharpen and resists corrosion.

Steels are a fun topic, but I also think there's wisdom in just carrying a knife you like without sweating too much about the particular blade steel (unless you need a particular attribute like "rust proof" instead of just "stain-less" - or we're talking about the yucky 3, 5 and 7CR-series steels). Blade geometry can have a pretty significant effect on cutting performance too, so ignoring it can undermine much of the discussion of the various steel attributes.

For budget knives I still like D2, but it can be a challenge to sharpen for a beginner - plus the large carbides might limit "peak" sharpness levels (even though it should maintain that level for longer). In contrast can be fun to put a screaming-sharp mirror polish edge on a Victorinox SAK, but you're going to have to do it again sooner since they only harden those blades to 56hrc.

Another good "budget" steel to look for is 14c28n. Tough, stainless and better edge retention than most of the other inexpensive stainless options.

 

[superspec]

Fastbacks seem almost universally loved. I should try one.

For a utility knife, I've been enjoying an Olfa snap blade for a while. Having a long blade comes in handy pretty frequently and getting a fresh edge is really easy

I carry a big yellow and black around a lot in the shop and a slim stainless one as my EDC these days

 

[superspec]

I’ve carried CRKT since 1996. The first few closest have been edc for years at a time each. The two folders at the top are what i carry for a nice knife

 

[KnurledNut]

I’ve carried CRKT since 1996. The first few closest have been edc for years at a time each. The two folders at the top are what i carry for a nice knife

A friend gave me a Gerber Ridge Knife (discontinued) many years ago.
I used it just about daily for a few years and the design really grew on me, but eventually wore the pivot out. Super compact.
Seeing your CRKT KISS reminded me of it.

 

[CS454]

It isn't an edge retention champ, but it's still a good steel that resharpens easily.

It depends what you're going for. E.g. I think it's actually a good match for the ubiquitous Ontario Rat 1 since that's intended to be an inexpensive, hard use, outdoor-oriented folder. Aus-8 is tough, easy to field sharpen and resists corrosion.

Steels are a fun topic, but I also think there's wisdom in just carrying a knife you like without sweating too much about the particular blade steel (unless you need a particular attribute like "rust proof" instead of just "stain-less" - or we're talking about the yucky 3, 5 and 7CR-series steels). Blade geometry can have a pretty significant effect on cutting performance too, so ignoring it can undermine much of the discussion of the various steel attributes.

For budget knives I still like D2, but it can be a challenge to sharpen for a beginner - plus the large carbides might limit "peak" sharpness levels (even though it should maintain that level for longer). In contrast can be fun to put a screaming-sharp mirror polish edge on a Victorinox SAK, but you're going to have to do it again sooner since they only harden those blades to 56hrc.

Another good "budget" steel to look for is 14c28n. Tough, stainless and better edge retention than most of the other inexpensive stainless options.

All extremely good points here, and I believe Kershaw is doing some offerings in 14c28n now.

 

[superspec]

A friend gave me a Gerber Ridge Knife (discontinued) many years ago.
I used it just about daily for a few years and the design really grew on me, but eventually wore the pivot out. Super compact.
Seeing your CRKT KISS reminded me of it.

I love those knives but they aren’t the easiest to find so I don’t carry them now

 

[exmaxima1]

Another good "budget" steel to look for is 14c28n. Tough, stainless and better edge retention than most of the other inexpensive stainless options.

Agreed. It's a good match with my Real Steel Puukko

 

[809]

Gerber EAB.

Milwaukee Side Slide Compact.

 

[RAYJAY]

Around the yard: Cutting twine, opening boxes, carrying to use when a random need arises, don't care too much about looks, has to be very safe (good lock), easy to sharpen, prefer 1 but ok using 2 hands if needed to open, prefer lower profile with clip but a little more bulk is ok for better grip, prefer pocket carry but belt case is acceptable, rugged. Probably be my primary carry 70% of the time and while at home. Think Timex or Casio G-Shock watch.

Premium: More limited use but won't include beating on the thing, prefer higher quality steel alloy, low/no oxidation on blade and handle, single hand usage, lower profile, clip, materials hold up well after many years (no wear areas), little to no lateral flex, near invisible pocket carry, should look pretty nice. Probably cycle usage for going out and local travel. This is more like the Accutron watch.

look at the gerber flatiron or gerber asada cleaver style of blade but will stay sharp and very strong

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDG7GSV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rick carpenter]

One thing to consider is the potential to lose a knife. This sub-$13 S&W CK400 is about the 3rd or more little pocket folder I've had. I work in a warehouse and library, so I keep it on my belt loop where its less visible due to my 'dunlap' . The Olfa is handy for opening boxes, which I deal with daily. I put that in my shirt pocket or neck opening and nobody notices. Can't do that with a regular utility knife.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Can't go wrong with Swiss Army and Benchmade.

 

[WWheeler]

My EDC is a Gerber EAB Lite. I'm never without one of these unless I'm at work.



My every day at-work carry is an Equinox Huntsman combined with a few extras, a Gerber Shard, Uncle Bill's Silver Gripper tweezers, a jeweler's loupe, and a forklift key.

 

[Tiny Jackson]

I have both the Ka-bar dozier and vintage Buck 110 and love them both, but for pocket carry I keep going back to Milwaukee fastback. It is not as versatile as the other two because it uses utility blades, but I am mostly in urban where it is more practical. The other knives stayed polished and reserved for glove box duty.

 

[Stobal]

You can get made in USA Kershaw Leeks for 35$ on sale (the anodized aluminum scale version with 14c28n) its definitely a bang-for-buck contender. It’s a perfect size for EDC and you don’t look like a Rambo wannabe when you take it out to open a package. The steel is very easy to sharpen so the fact that is doesn’t hold an edge like a super steel is offset that you can get it back to popping arm hair very quickly. Despite what someone said above about sub par grinds, Spyderco also makes very nice knives especially the ones made in USA, Japan, or Taiwan; albeit they tend to be on the pricier side. Their Salt knives are incredible if you are near or in the ocean. I Wade surf fishing with mine all the time and not a spot of rust.

 

[Rinspeed]

My EDC is a SS Spydie AUS-6 Delica and it's been a real winner.

 

[Wyoming09]

Kershaw has some good American steel knives. I like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085B1NDND/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am a Kershaw fan. Been carrying a Blur for about the last 8 years or so.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VCA0I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lassen Forge]

I carry a Buck 112 most every day. Some days I add a Milwaukee Fastback utility knife. Thats for when I know I'm going to be cutting stuff I dont want to dull the Buck on

Days I dont want the Buck on my belt I usually carry a Case Trapper.

I've EDC'd a 112 since before I was 20. he handle fits my hand just right (and way better than a 110), below the 3" threshold (well, right AT the 3" threshold) some law enforcement agencies impose on people, easy to care for, and carrys a decent edge...My first was a work knife when I was a kid working in a bakery, my current was my retirement gift to myself (custom shop, stag handle, SS blade and brass)...

IF I have a need for a utility knife, I also have a Leatherman MUT which I absolutely adore, but it's a bit big for a pocket knife unless I'm wearing FR jeans or coveralls, but my purse has a separate "key/phone" pocket that it and my streamlight duty flashlight just happens to fit perfectly...