Thinking about my first EDC

Thanks to this tread (http://straightrazorpalace.com/finer...rco-knife.html) I've been thinking about getting an EDC. I've never carried a knife before, so this is all very new to me. Initially, I was thinking I would want something small, since I don't see any need for anything large (I'm not really sure I even see the need for an EDC, but I want one). I was looking at Spyderco's because I've heard good things about them. I started looking small and cheap, so the Byrd's caught my eye. But then I thought "Well, those are so small..." so I searched around a bit and I'm thinking of a Tenacious. They are $36 shipped at yourcornerstore.com, and that is something I could swing.

Any thoughts on the Tenacious or other possible EDC's in the <$50 price range?

If you want something small and on the inexpensive side, check out the Gerber Mini Paraframe. You can get it in a half serrated version which would be more handy (in my experience) than the mostly serrated blade of the Tenacious. The cool thing is that it's pretty small, but feels good in the hand. A friend of mine bought one a couple years ago and still carries it everywhere. Plus, it's only about $16 at any sporting goods store, and just as solid as any other quality knife I've ever handled and used.

Whatever you carry, I don't think you'll be disappointed. You're a discerning person and will choose a quality blade no matter what. Whether you stop at that first blade will be your biggest issue :D

I've held the Tenacious in my hand twice so far....and I"m sorely tempted to buy it myself. It's a very nice blade. Solid feeling and good bang for the buck. (I'm still trying to figure out how to get one for the american price instead of the european price (I'm cheap...I know).

I also have a Byrd CaraCara, it's anything but small. I think it might be bigger than the Tenacious. It's cheaper as well. But If I'd have had the choice between the tenacious and the caracara for $10 price difference I'd have gotten the Tenacious. (Still love my Cara though I carry it often)

Between Spyderco/byrd and Gerber I'd go for spydies though. I just like em better and they have a better name nowadays.

My own current favorite blade is a version of the Böker Kalashnikov. (Not the Böker plus versions...they look cheap to me).

It's massive, light and I think it's the only blade I have that came armhair shaving sharp out of the box.

Downside is that it's a lot more expensive. (Cheapest models run into $150 or so)

But I love it a lot so it was worth it to me.

I would vote for the Case in a medium stockman patern. This is a great size traditional pocket knife that feels good in the hand and pocket. Great for anything to peeling an apple to cutting steak and even manicure and light home surgery. Holds a heak of an edge and under 50.00 in the yellow handles. I like CV but the stanless holds up better in a sweatey pocket during summer. I don't go anywhere without a knife. Not for protection but for utility. My EDC for protection is a Kel-Tec P3-AT.

Don

my original Spydie was a Clip-it-Rescue
I became a believer and never looked back


the best I've owned BY FAR is the Tasman Salt

#1 It's H1 exotic steel
#2 it's small enough to fly under the radar (aren't you in school?)
#3 the curved blade seems to drastically increase cutting power
#4 it outcuts my serrated S60V Military and is half the size
#5 very flat and very light
#6 the FRN scales are much much stronger than you would think (much much)
#7 the curved blade provides it's own fulcrum for prying
#8 the grind is heavy enough to allow it
#9 only knife I use for mechanic work because I KNOW it won't break
#10 by FAR the best pocket clip I've seen (bolt through of sorts)

this knife may look a little strange, but once you use it for a while it WILL be your favorite

it won't zip tie wave though

I really like the Leatherman knives with the 154CM blades.

Leatherman Expanse Series Knives

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

Gerber Mini Paraframe. You can get it in a half serrated version which would be more handy (in my experience) than the mostly serrated blade of the Tenacious.

---

I'm seeing three options for the Tenacious; plain blade, combo blade, and serrated blade. Can you comment more on plain vs combo/serrated? I'm thinking the combo would probably provide the most utility, but I really have no idea.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

I've held the Tenacious in my hand twice so far....and I"m sorely tempted to buy it myself. It's a very nice blade. Solid feeling and good bang for the buck. (I'm still trying to figure out how to get one for the american price instead of the european price (I'm cheap...I know).

I also have a Byrd CaraCara, it's anything but small. I think it might be bigger than the Tenacious. It's cheaper as well. But If I'd have had the choice between the tenacious and the caracara for $10 price difference I'd have gotten the Tenacious. (Still love my Cara though I carry it often)

Between Spyderco/byrd and Gerber I'd go for spydies though. I just like em better and they have a better name nowadays.

---

Maybe I was looking at a different Byrd. I checked out one that was a 1.75 inch blade (IIRC); maybe it was just a smaller/lower end one, because it was only $10 or so. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on taking a Tenacious over a Byrd; I'm thinking the same.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by junkinduck

I would vote for the Case in a medium stockman patern. This is a great size traditional pocket knife that feels good in the hand and pocket. Great for anything to peeling an apple to cutting steak and even manicure and light home surgery. Holds a heak of an edge and under 50.00 in the yellow handles. I like CV but the stanless holds up better in a sweatey pocket during summer.

---

Can you comment a bit more about the different blades on the Stockman? (I'm asking out of ignorance.) I'm not wild about yellow, but brown is about the same price.

I have three knives that split EDC duty.

1) A william henry ZDP-189 bladed "dress knife." Very nice, but was over $500, and though it is capable of it, if I KNOW that there will be serious cutting work involved, it stays home.

2) Chris Reeves small sebenza. What a wonderful knife. Good looking, tough as nails, and I wear it on most weekend days, tucked inside wasitband of jeans, kahakis, shorts. Again not cheap (I think around $200??), but the quality is amazing, and cuts like a bigger knife. If I could only have one knife, this would probably be it.

3) Spyderco Delica. If I am wearing jeans more than a two years old, this knife is in the pocket. If I am wearing boots or cargo pants, this knife is with me. Any time I know I (and my gear) are likely to take a beating, it's been there with me. I has been beaten on (not quite abused...but close) and still looks and preforms pretty damned well. I bought it after I lost my first spyderco, which I had for years. It is the first year the plastic (whatever they call their space age super-polymer) handle, and a combo edge. It handles EVERYTHING that the world throws at it, and does so easily. It is small enough to not raise too many eyebrows, but does have that evil black handle and combo edge. It takes a sick edge, and holds it pretty well. If I could only have one knife, and I worked outside more, or in general wasn't a behind the desk type....this would be it.

You can not go wrong with the spyderco. If you can, get yourself to a knife shop and handle as many of the knives you are considering as possible. How they feel in you hand is CRUCIAL if you will ever be using it for more than a minute.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I'm seeing three options for the Tenacious; plain blade, combo blade, and serrated blade. Can you comment more on plain vs combo/serrated? I'm thinking the combo would probably provide the most utility, but I really have no idea.

---

I know this question wasn't directed at me but I'm gonna be rude and answer anyway.

Combo edges are by most people regarded as being the worst of both worlds.

For a good article on it check here. this makes a lot very clear.

Personally I'm a plain edge guy. I almost never cut things that can't be cut just fine with a sharp plain edge. It also depends on whether you mind touching it up on sharpness every now and then.

A great article, LX; thanks very much for that link. Since I have the stones to play with the edge, that's got me leaning towards a plain edge. It seems more versatile, especially since I have no idea what I'll actually be using the knife for.

GreatWhite has been kind enough to offer to loan me a Tasman Salt, so that will let me play with the unorthodox blade shape and whichever edge type (I actually forgot to ask, though I will find out soon). That maybe I'll fall in love with it to the extent that he has.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Can you comment a bit more about the different blades on the Stockman? (I'm asking out of ignorance.) I'm not wild about yellow, but brown is about the same price.

---

If you want a "tacticle" knife this is not for you. This is more of a gentlemans knife. It has no special coatings, no serations, and it is not a lock blade. I have carried a med. stockman for twenty five of my thirty seven years with the exception of a couple weeks in the fall, then I carry a case trapper and around Christmas, I carry an old case Hobo without the spoon(a lot of snacking going on might need a fork). I am on my second stockman the first was bone and the scale broke I still have it but haven't sent it back to case for repair. The replacement was the plain yellow handled CV which I have in my pocket now. If it ever needs replaced it will be the orange G-10. As for the blades The clip has a good point and I keep it razor sharp. The spay is a flesh blade and is also kept sharp. The sheepsfoot is for opening boxes and other utility tasks it is usualy dull from these tasks no matter how I try.

Don

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

A great article, LX; thanks very much for that link. Since I have the stones to play with the edge, that's got me leaning towards a plain edge. It seems more versatile, especially since I have no idea what I'll actually be using the knife for.

GreatWhite has been kind enough to offer to loan me a Tasman Salt, so that will let me play with the unorthodox blade shape and whichever edge type (I actually forgot to ask, though I will find out soon). That maybe I'll fall in love with it to the extent that he has.

---

You probably will. Spyderco makes excellent blades. Have fun with that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by junkinduck

As for the blades The clip has a good point and I keep it razor sharp. The spay is a flesh blade and is also kept sharp. The sheepsfoot is for opening boxes and other utility tasks it is usualy dull from these tasks no matter how I try.

---

Thanks for that. Part of me thinks that having more than one blade would be nice, so I can reserve them for different tasks and beat on them (or not) appropriately. Then again, part of me is still drawn to a single, locking blade. Still lots to consider.

I think I will probably end up picking up one of each and just tell myself I'll sell whichever I don't "like" as much. Fat chance, not "liking" a blade and selling it...

I say go with Byrd or Spyderco or Case before Gerber. This isn't universal, but right now SpyderCo and Byrd have a much better reputation than Gerber in knife circles.

Like I said in the Old SpyderCo thread, the Tenacious is probably the best knife for the money right now in my opinion. I have not heard of any displeasure with it at Knifeforums or at Bladeforums. I used to own one, but gave it to my friend who was going to Africa. I'd been carrying it for a month and before I gave it to him I stropped it with some CrO and the edge could whittle hair again. It comes very sharp.

The thing with an EDC is that before you have one, you don't think you need one. Once you do have a blade on you for utility, you start to realize all those little things you got used to doing since you didn't have a blade. That's how it's been for me anyway.

If you're thinking small, but one handed opening with a nice strong lock, look at the Buck 327 Nobleman, great little knife for the money and very well built. I'd put it in the same category as the Tenacious being 'Ridiculously good for the money'

I have had a few gerbers and always been disaapointed... blade just doesn't hold up. I think Case CV blades are spectacular, but hard (impossible?) to find in a lockback.

Yeah, I do like the Stockman, but I would also like a lockback...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

I know this question wasn't directed at me but I'm gonna be rude and answer anyway.

Combo edges are by most people regarded as being the worst of both worlds.

For a good article on it check here. this makes a lot very clear.

Personally I'm a plain edge guy. I almost never cut things that can't be cut just fine with a sharp plain edge. It also depends on whether you mind touching it up on sharpness every now and then.

---

I agree. I do like partially serrated for some things, but EDC isn't one of them.

Maybe I've just had good luck with my Gerber blades, but both my and my friend's knives have held their edges well, even with quite a bit of abuse. I did have a mini multi-tool that didn't have the greatest of edges from the factory, but a few strokes on my DMT 1200 fixed that.

A lockback in whatever you get is always a good choice in my book. I have a few non-locking blades and I don't like them. I love to carry fixed blades, but my new state isn't so keen on them. Half of my collection is now considered illegal:rant:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bbshriver

I have had a few gerbers and always been disaapointed... blade just doesn't hold up. I think Case CV blades are spectacular, but hard (impossible?) to find in a lockback.

---

The russ lock would be the closest. I have one in CV.

holli4pirating insted of looking for your perfect knife just look for your first knife. Then your second... Ect.

Don

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by junkinduck

holli4pirating insted of looking for your perfect knife just look for your first knife. Then your second... Ect.

---

Yeah, I think I'm most likely going to get a Case stockman; there is an authorized dealer right near where the Western NY meet is going to be Saturday so I'm going to stop in and drool for a while. Chances are I'm going to buy one. Then I'll have GreatWhite's Spyderco on loan so I'll be able to see how I feel about that type of knife. Very well might end up picking up one of those too.

fully serrated

Spyderedge sold me on them

I had this knife 9 months as EDC before a 2 minute touch up

Walmart sells a little diamond rod for like $7 that does a wonderful job of sharpening them

I have really enjoyed carrying this knife lately!

YouTube - SOG Aegis: The Everything Knife

there are several things to consider.
1. what will you be using it for? serrated edges are wonderful for cutting rope and terrible for cutting everything else. for cutting webbing, a hook is the only way to go.
2. how to carry? most folks where I live clip it in the back pocket, but if you are wanting a multiblade knife, they usually don't have clips and you have to have them loose in your pocket.
3. is form or function more important? fancy dress knives and tacticool knives are aimed at different demographics.
4. what is acceptable in your environment? I live in a place where people routinely have hunting knives on the belts, and no one thinks much of it, but this might not be the case where you live.
5. abuse factor? If you won't be cutting anything more serious than envelopes and the occasional box, then even a small dress knife is ok. If you are actually using your knife as a daily tool (as I do) then you're gonna need something much sturdier. this will also determine what alloy you need.

for example, by my own carry:
1. I never cut rope, most of my edges are plain. I also carry a seatbelt hook (boker subcomm) because of a bad experience I once had.
2. I clip to my back pocket
3. function, 100%
4. not applicable to me
5. my knives are constantly abused

thus, most of my knives are a) a hard alloy so i don't have to sharpen as much, b) locking since i'm using them all the time to cut stubborn crates open, and c) smooth edged and larger since they are tools and not dress accessories. also d) very ugly and beaten up. i also usually have a leatherman of some sort with me because i use those tools almost daily. also usually have a Hideaway Knife on my work lanyard for when I need a small edge.

if you are just wanting something in your pocket for occasional letter-opener duty, a stockman type or swiss army knife is just fine, and the blade steel isn't as important.

I've found Buck and CRKT to be good knives for the money, with very rugged blades.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Doc

I have really enjoyed carrying this knife lately!

---

Thanks for pointing that one out, Doc. It does look like a very nice blade, but just a little bigger than I want. I do appreciate how light it is for it's size, though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jockeys

there are several things to consider.
1. what will you be using it for? serrated edges are wonderful for cutting rope and terrible for cutting everything else. for cutting webbing, a hook is the only way to go.
2. how to carry? most folks where I live clip it in the back pocket, but if you are wanting a multiblade knife, they usually don't have clips and you have to have them loose in your pocket.
3. is form or function more important? fancy dress knives and tacticool knives are aimed at different demographics.
4. what is acceptable in your environment? I live in a place where people routinely have hunting knives on the belts, and no one thinks much of it, but this might not be the case where you live.
5. abuse factor? If you won't be cutting anything more serious than envelopes and the occasional box, then even a small dress knife is ok. If you are actually using your knife as a daily tool (as I do) then you're gonna need something much sturdier. this will also determine what alloy you need.

---

1. No idea really. Thus far, the only things I can think of that I would want a knife for are cutting boxes/opening packages/opening mail (I use an old straight with way too much uneven hone wear to be a shaver). But everyone's been telling me that once I start with an EDC I'll never be able to go back, so we'll see.
2. I like the idea of having a clip so I can carry in my pocket but not loose. That said, I would might be ok with loose; I'll have to see how it fits. I also don't think I'll be carrying in my back pocket. I don't put anything in my back pockets because I think my fronts are more secure. This is part of why I want a smaller sized knife; I carry my wallet and cell phone (a Razor) in one pocket and my keys in the other.
3. As far as design, I prefer simple and understated (follows my taste in razors; Sheffield steel in black horn, please).
4. I live in the city of Rochester, and around here, especially on my university campus and when I find a teaching job, I don't think carrying a large blade in open view would be normal (would almost certainly be frowned upon in a high school). Again, part of my reason for going for small and understated.
5. Again, I don't really see myself abusing a knife, but I want to know that if I did abuse a knife it would survive. I also want something quality; otherwise there's no point in buying.

My EDC is the Benchmade Osborne 940: Product Details (Benchmade Knife Company - Premiere manufacturer of knives and rescue tools.)

You never have to pay MSRP for a production knife. There are great discount sites like Knives Discounted at Knife Center that carry everything.

Here's a previous discussion that you can look at for a while: EDC Knife

I would checkout some of the smaller benchmade knives. They have a reputation for having really quality knives and having owned two I can vouch for their quality and they totally stand behind their products.

I am pro case stockman no matter where I am going. I have it everywhere but swimming and bed. I also carry a SOG tool for the more utility tasks. The sog has a hook knife a serriated blade as well as several prying and screwing tools. The SOG is also allows you to change the blades to suit your needs. They sell different blades/bits online.

Back to the topic for every day box opening, string cutting, splinter picking, hang nail removing, apple peeling, steak cutting, squirrel cleaning, fish gutting the stockman is the tool. For rope and anything else the SOG comes out. I don't think you can go wrong with a medium stockman pattern. As a teacher I would think you wouldn't want anything visiable.

Don

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would checkout some of the smaller benchmade knives. They have a reputation for having really quality knives and having owned two I can vouch for their quality and they totally stand behind their products.

---

I'm not a knife guy but I do have an EDC. I carry a benchmade benchmite 2:

Benchmade Knives: Benchmade Benchmite II Knife, BM-10610

It's stayed very sharp even with nearly every day use (not whittling or cutting anything tough - just the basics) for over a year since I got it. It's nice and small, which is what I was going for - less than 2" blade and the locking mechanism is constructed in such a way that it's only about 1/4 inch wide.


EDIT: it also locks open AND closed, which is a great feature.

My EDC, The Buck 525 Gent

http://www.tylertool.com/buck525gent.html

Holds a great edge. Small but very functional. Cheap enough that I keep a spare in my desk for when I have to throw one away at the airport because I STUPIDLY forgot to put it in the checked bag and dont have time to get out of line to mail it home!:rant:

Used multiple times daily and I am in an Office setting at work.

If you're still living in NY, you might want to double check the state laws and your local laws as well. It's my understanding that (at least in some places) you must conceal your knives, so no clipping. I do like most of the Spydercos because their slim build carries well loose in the pocket or clipped inside the waistband under an untucked shirt. I don't think you can go wrong with a Delica or Endura. I also have the Tenacious and it's a very decent knife for the money. I like Benchmades too. If you can, try to handle a bunch before you buy.


Jordan

9 out of 10 days I carry a SOG X-Ray vision. You could probably find one for under 50 if you shop around. It opens so buttery smooth with one hand that people usually think it's spring assisted. Its lock is modeled after the Benchmade Axis lock and can apparently stand up to quite a bit of stress.

Half serrated blade, modified tanto point. It slices, it dices, and if need be, punches through sheet metal. I like it.

If it's not that, it's a lil' Kershaw Storm (or storm II? I can never remember). Also half serrated though, which I guess points out which camp I'm in for the edge debate.

It's also ok for most everyday things, just a bit small for my hands.

If I need something tougher, I've got my Leatherman Surge.

Come to think of it, that's an awful lot of steel I carry around. I wonder if that's normal....

For the light duties you describe have you considered a Spyderco Cricket. ?
They cut out of all proportion to their size. Light, easy to carry. Just about use em as a tieclip. The little hook point is great for precision work & easy to sharpen in a plain edge.

Personally ive carried all kinds of different knives for EDC. Right now i have a Benchmade 940 Osborne. Its one of my larger knives but i love the feel of it. I really like the blade size of the Benchmade mini Griptiallian. Both of those knives have the axis lock that is addicting lol. Probably my fav of all time was my Boker Sub-com. Its pretty thin and easy to grip to put a lot of pressure on something if you need. The only down side I would say is its size, but I never had a problem with it.

Toy EDCs that ive had but not really practical. Benchmade 42S, Spyderco Spyderfly, and a Pacific Cutlery 10. I am kind of a fidgiter and people look at you funny when you start playing with a balisong in public. The Spyderco Bali-yo kinda helped this problem haha.