Looking for an EDC knife

[75149]

I used to have quite a few Skydercos, lost some over the years (including one of the first 200 Police G10 serrated with the incorrect blade).

I use Kershaw assisted opening now. Woot had some a few years ago, got four (two of each) for less than $50. I have been carrying a plastic handled one for the last two years, abusing the heck out of it. I still have one of these and another G10 new in the Woot box.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

I like the griptillian mini. I liked the leek until I held it, great action, but I think someone else posted that for being assist, it might have too smooth of a grip.
My EDC is a lone wolf swale. I really like the look and feel of the wood handle and the knife feels significant without being heavy. They're getting harder to find, but I think knifeworks still has them for $50.

 

[dovco]

Carried a Leek for years. Tip is more fragile than some but Kershaw makes good stuff.
Now EDC is a Benchmade 550H2O. It is more of a blunt force tool compared to the Kershaw but is also excellent.

 

[wiens80]

All good choices. My only recommendation is to carry the longest blade allowed by law.

I like the 3" range, because people aren't intimidated by it. I don't want to cause people to run for the door because I want to cut an apple up or slice some cardboard.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I carry a Buck Lite. Made in the USA, slim, lightweight, keeps an edge and easy to sharpen.

 

[shampoop]

Bought this for $10 the other day. Love it! Super tiny and realized all I ever need/want/use are utility knives anyway. Don't like having to worry about sharpening blades. It's designed to use super heavy duty utlity blades that are .035" thick. They are much nicer than standard blades. Very strong with no flex.

Love it. Tiny enough that I'll actually carry it in my pocket, yet large enough that you have a very good grip and plenty of control (i wear large gloves).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016KHW2W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jonboy1974]

Best buy for me was Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT). Great carry knife and wont feel bad if I loose it or need it for an emergency repair.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C1SQE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[nicksnothereman]

Let's preface this with: I used the search function on the forum and I used Google to see if there was already a thread on this very question.

Right now my thoughts are between:

1) Benchmade Griptillian Mini, with the thumb hole

2) Spyderco Delica

3) Kershaw Leek

I'm thinking $100 or less, any other thoughts?

Kershaw is excellent in the "lower priced" brackets. Honestly I can't bring myself to buy a big name knife and I'm a knife guy. The highest I've gone is kershaw, gerber, and sog. Various coo but all are very good.

I have no worries using them on anything, I might have a problem using an expensive knife cutting into an aluminum can or some of the other random things I do. Works for me.

The gerber US origin knives are pretty good utilitarian knives. Maybe a Gator? Pretty cheap too but might not have a clip (can't remember).

 

[exmaxima1]

Let's preface this with: I used the search function on the forum and I used Google to see if there was already a thread on this very question.

Right now my thoughts are between:

1) Benchmade Griptillian Mini, with the thumb hole

2) Spyderco Delica

3) Kershaw Leek

I'm thinking $100 or less, any other thoughts?

I have the larger griptilian w/hole (550hg?), and while the lock and blade are awesome, the plastic handle feels way to cheap. I added custom G10 slabs and now it feels like a solid custom knife.

Also have the Delica, and only carry it when I travel where ultimate low weight and size is important. ie, in Hawaii I'm always wearing shorts or swimsuit, and the Delica fits right in to that life style. Too small for most of my daily tasks back home.

My Leek rarely gets used as the blade is fragile and has limited applications. Plus, the metal handle is slippery maling it a bit tedious to open it without dropping it--it can snap open and jump out of my fingers.

I suggest the next size up from the Delica: the Spyderco Stretch. Completely evolved design, and it opens like an extension of your hand. Very grippy even when wet, and virtually maintenance free. While many owners are ok with the standard VG10 blade, I say to treat youself to the ZDP-189 model and you won't regret it.

 

[wiens80]

I have the larger griptilian w/hole (550hg?), and while the lock and blade are awesome, the plastic handle feels way to cheap. I added custom G10 slabs and now it feels like a solid custom knife.

Also have the Delica, and only carry it when I travel where ultimate low weight and size is important. ie, in Hawaii I'm always wearing shorts or swimsuit, and the Delica fits right in to that life style. Too small for most of my daily tasks back home.

My Leek rarely gets used as the blade is fragile and has limited applications. Plus, the metal handle is slippery maling it a bit tedious to open it without dropping it--it can snap open and jump out of my fingers.

I suggest the next size up from the Delica: the Spyderco Stretch. Completely evolved design, and it opens like an extension of your hand. Very grippy even when wet, and virtually maintenance free. While many owners are ok with the standard VG10 blade, I say to treat youself to the ZDP-189 model and you won't regret it.

I agree about the feel of the handle on the Griptillian. Everything seems so good until you handle it. I'd take a little heavier knife that felt better.

I knew this would happen, the longer I thought about which knife to get the bigger my precieved budget would be. Last night I ordered a Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

 

[tupms1018]

Doug Ritter Mini Griptilian. Better blade design, flat grind, and m390 steel. I have several of these after owning almost all the others already mentioned. It's personal preference though... The ZTs are very nice too, just a little more knife than I need. I believe the Ritter Grip is still exclusive to Knifeworks in Louisiana.


The PM2 is a great knife. I've still got mine. Great design. I've had some issues with s30v chipping in Benchmades, but not with the PM2 or Manix from Spyderco.

 

[exmaxima1]

I agree about the feel of the handle on the Griptillian. Everything seems so good until you handle it. I'd take a little heavier knife that felt better.

I knew this would happen, the longer I thought about which knife to get the bigger my precieved budget would be. Last night I ordered a Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

Great choice. A little thicker than the Stretch, but I still keep my PM2 in my edc rotation. You will be very happy!

 

[Ainsley]

Check out the spyderco blades with the wire clip. They sit nice and low in your pocket, barely noticeable.

 

[jeffp1979]

I used to carry a black knife when I was in the army, as soon as I got out I put my old yellow handle case in my pocket, still have it also have a green bone handle hen and rooster carbon bladed, and a few Moore makers made right down in Texas, all my knives are 4 1/8" stock mans. Gives you a blade for openining your snuff can or cutting things, a marking blade for castrating or marking ears on cattle, and one to cut your steak with.

 

[e36jon]

I'm on week 3 of a Mini Grip that has the blade you are interested in (555BKHSG) and am really enjoying it. I wanted a 'deep carry' clip and they just sent me one when I asked, no charge (W/in a week of asking no less!). I needed 3" or less to be legal here in San Francisco, and coupled with the new clip the knife is super easy to have on me at all times. It's my first 'real knife' and has caused me to reappraise what 'sharp' means, as it makes all of the other edges around the house seem dull. The lock system is slick, and an easy one-hander to close as well as open. Now all I have to do is not lose it, or accidentally take it to the airport with me...

 

[wiens80]

I'm on week 3 of a Mini Grip that has the blade you are interested in (555BKHSG) and am really enjoying it. I wanted a 'deep carry' clip and they just sent me one when I asked, no charge (W/in a week of asking no less!). I needed 3" or less to be legal here in San Francisco, and coupled with the new clip the knife is super easy to have on me at all times. It's my first 'real knife' and has caused me to reappraise what 'sharp' means, as it makes all of the other edges around the house seem dull. The lock system is slick, and an easy one-hander to close as well as open. Now all I have to do is not lose it, or accidentally take it to the airport with me...

I really liked the knife and lock, just didn't love the scales on it. I guess in hindsight it's easy enough to buy some custom ones.

Good to hear you are liking it. I've constantly been checking my usps tracking number, it managed to clear customs today on it's way to western Canada. That's awesome they gave you a free deep carry clip, that's a first class move.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Never had an issue with any of my Leeks. I highly recommend them!

^^^THIS^^^

If you're using your knife to pry, then no a Leek or Chive isn't for you.
If it's an everyday carry for IN your pocket, nothing beats them for me. I work in an office I can't be carrying something noticeable or intrusive in that environment. If you just need to cut a serrated edge Leek or Chive will cut any thing you're likely to cut.

 

[wiens80]

^^^THIS^^^

If you're using your knife to pry, then no a Leek or Chive isn't for you.
If it's an everyday carry for IN your pocket, nothing beats them for me. I work in an office I can't be carrying something noticeable or intrusive in that environment. If you just need to cut a serrated edge Leek or Chive will cut any thing you're likely to cut.

It felt like it was going to jump out of my hand when I was testing it. Some knurling would go a long way IMO

 

[wiens80]

I used to carry a black knife when I was in the army, as soon as I got out I put my old yellow handle case in my pocket, still have it also have a green bone handle hen and rooster carbon bladed, and a few Moore makers made right down in Texas, all my knives are 4 1/8" stock mans. Gives you a blade for openining your snuff can or cutting things, a marking blade for castrating or marking ears on cattle, and one to cut your steak with.

Can't afford snuff in Canada, a big tin is $20 here

 

[IndyGarage]

I'm sure you are going to laugh at me, because I've never owned a non-kitchen knife that cost more than $25, but for the past nine months my new favorite pocket knife is the Milwaukee fastback knife - with a full 3 3/8 in blade.

The blade is pretty heavy duty and it seems plenty tough, it can be made very sharp, the ergonomics are perfect for my hand; it's pretty lightweight and slim and it locks open tight.

It's missing some of the one handed opening features that you talk about above, it's gaudy red in color and I'm sure it's made overseas, but it costs 15 bucks and it's a really good knife.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you just want a knife, you can't beat the Milwaukee fastback knives for price and quality. I have 2 of the 3, and carried them everyday for a while.. There's is a spring assist model for $29, but the others are better than some I paid more for.. Anyway, I finally swapped over to a leatherman wave, and used the belt clip accessory to keep it in my pocket. The blade lenght is the same as the Milwaukee knives, and I don't even know it's in my pocket.. I highly suggest the leatherman wave over any knife.. It gives you much more capability in the same size and the knife deploys just as fast

 

[kctyphoon]

 

[IndyGarage]

Two of my favorite knives Leatherman Wave and Milwaukee fastback - the Milwaukee I described is the one on top, with the straight blade.

I think the wave is the best multitool I've used. It's just a bit heavy for me for my pocket.

FYI - Wave weighs 8.7 ounces Milwaukee fastback knife weighs 4.4 ounces.

That 4 ounce difference makes a lot of difference in my pocket, and given the better ergonomics of the Fastback, that's what I'm carrying right now. I do wish they had made it a single hand opening knife - it would be perfect.

 

[wiens80]

I was doing my best to be patient waiting on this beauty, but definitely checking the mailbox every day. Got home from work, and there was the box waiting on the kitchen table. Spyderco Paramilitary 2

 

[SAATR]

My EDC for the last couple of years, a Kershaw "Needs Work". Same Speed Safe opening system as the Leek, but in a knife with a thicker blade and thicker, knobbier scales. Makes it much easier to use with greasy hands or gloves. My favorite feature is the straight edged blade, which makes for a quick and easy edge touch up with diamond stones. I use the hell out of it every day to cut wire, scrape gaskets, clean out holes, you name it. It takes all that and still holds a great edge. If you don't mind a little heft and thickness, it's the way to go.