So you got the Ka-Bar BK14 Becker Knife and Tool Eskabar for just under $40 and the Kershaw Blur for just under $40 instead of just one knife.
See what happens here? We're not just enablers.
See what happens here? We're not just enablers.
Affordable EDC Knife
- Thread starter Praxidike
- Start date
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22-rimfire
Member
The BK-14 is a good knife IF you add handles to it. Otherwise, it is pretty much a letter opener for me. I'm not partial to paracord wraps and I don't think they're great as far as a permanent handle replacement. Take a look at the micarta handles available from the Knifeconnection. You can also buy the less expensive Kabar plastic which work.
The Kabar Dozier folding hunters are good inexpensive knives.
The Kabar Dozier folding hunters are good inexpensive knives.
Gordon
Member
I just bouight this "left over" from Sam1911.
It is wonderful! he made a pocket sheath for it with the added mounting point for a Tech Lok for horizontal belt carry. Just the right size. A super blade design!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8803692#post8803692
It is wonderful! he made a pocket sheath for it with the added mounting point for a Tech Lok for horizontal belt carry. Just the right size. A super blade design! http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8803692#post8803692
50 Shooter
member
Prax,
Good to hear everything went well with Kershawguy, I haven't bought from him yet but others have posted good things and that's why I posted the link.
I own 3 Kershaw Blurs, plus another Kershaw knife. I swap two of the Blurs and my wife carries the 3rd one, she decided she liked mine so I gave it to her and bought another.
Good to hear everything went well with Kershawguy, I haven't bought from him yet but others have posted good things and that's why I posted the link.
I own 3 Kershaw Blurs, plus another Kershaw knife. I swap two of the Blurs and my wife carries the 3rd one, she decided she liked mine so I gave it to her and bought another.
Yea you and 2 dozen others at bladeforums recommended Kershaw Guy + he had the best prices out of every other site I looked at. No complaints...
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Amazon for $36 + I'm an Amazon Prime member, so I get free 2 day shipping and discounted overnight shipping ($4). Amazon is like the only online retailer that will charge tax though so it all came to like $42 with overnight shipping cost.
Walmart also has it at the same price, free store pickup, and no added tax, but you'll have two wait longer to get the knife... Usually a week or so.
Amazon sells the updated version of the BK14 Eskabar that has the laser etched logos, Izula like textured finishing, and updated sheath that doesn't rattle or dull the knife. I have no clue what version Walmart sells, but Amazon and Walmart had the best prices with free shipping options.
I use cheap self opening tanto style knives from Blade paly, they are 10-15 dollars on sale, and last 6 months, I do sharpen all my knives and they will cut through an artery or muscle like paper. when dull or loose beyond my standard, I just throw them in a drawer. All are capable of doing damage. I usually have 2 on me.
RustyShackelford
member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 4,018
Cold Steel Code 4.....
I like the Cold Steel Recon Tanto folder & the silver/grey Code 4 tanto(with serraded edge).
The Cold Steel folder styles do not have seat belt cutters or glass breakers but they look well made & robust.
The Code 4 line isn't cheap but it's less than a custom Ernest Emerson or Henry knife.
I like the Cold Steel Recon Tanto folder & the silver/grey Code 4 tanto(with serraded edge).
The Cold Steel folder styles do not have seat belt cutters or glass breakers but they look well made & robust.
The Code 4 line isn't cheap but it's less than a custom Ernest Emerson or Henry knife.
krupparms
Member
I have several CRKT knives as they are great knives at fantastic prices! Last week I got a Carwford / Kasper on sale. $19.50 out the door .I picked up a Hammond / Cruiser this week .The CRKT liner locks with the "LAWKS " system is almost like having a non folder. The H./C. I picked up runs $69.95 MSRP. I was able to get it for $19.95 on sale. Most CRKT knives come with a choice of blade styles. Serrated, fully serrated or partly serrated. Some have window breakers &seatbelt cutters. I have picked up several CRKT knives on sale & have never had one break. If you want a folder for fighting, Spydercos Matriarch 2 or a Harpy will work fine. But I would only use it for that! You want to keep it sharp & as a surprise for your adversary. JMO. Good luck!
Sam Cade
Member
Those knives are probably worth the $20 if they don't have any gross defects. The Q/A on CRKT folders seems to be really hit or miss these days.
Both of those are quite huge and may be outside of the allowable size envelope for EDC for some folks.
Of the two, I like the Desert Cruiser better since it is tip up and has a flipper.
I chopped off the finger groove on the Crawford/Kasper. Feels much better now.
Don't believe the advertisement hype. That thin little LAWKS plate mashes right over.
Also note how the small sharp tip is pressing against soft zytel.
Great idea poorly executed.
Attachments
Yea I think I have a new addiction now.. Knives our a lot cheaper than guns, so it's a step in the right direction I guess. I'm going to get a Spyderco next... A Spyderco tenacious or persistence. I have not looked at the Matriarch 2 yet, I but will.I have several CRKT knives as they are great knives at fantastic prices! Last week I got a Carwford / Kasper on sale. $19.50 out the door .I picked up a Hammond / Cruiser this week .The CRKT liner locks with the "LAWKS " system is almost like having a non folder. The H./C. I picked up runs $69.95 MSRP. I was able to get it for $19.95 on sale. Most CRKT knives come with a choice of blade styles. Serrated, fully serrated or partly serrated. Some have window breakers &seatbelt cutters. I have picked up several CRKT knives on sale & have never had one break. If you want a folder for fighting, Spydercos Matriarch 2 or a Harpy will work fine. But I would only use it for that! You want to keep it sharp & as a surprise for your adversary. JMO. Good luck!
krupparms
Member
After I received my 2 Spyderco knives, I started looking at some of the hawkbill knives for sale. The Spyderco knives are great knives. But a little to much for most as far as price. But then I remembered that Spyderco also imported the BYRD knives. Most if not all of the BYRD knives are made in China. But they are fantastic bargains. The steel is still good &for the price seem to be made for EDC. I am planning to buy a couple of the hawkbills . I already own 2 other BYRD knives but put them up right after I got them! They have been in my safe about 5 years now. I have taken them out a few times, but had decided to pass them to my grandsons . They will each get about 15+ knives put back for them .I hope they enjoy them as much as I do! Some of the knives will be from my dad's collection, that were given to me to start my collection. Anyway give BYRD knives a look, I believe you might like them as EDC knives. I do agree that the 'lawks' system is just a backup to the liner lock. It has never failed on any of my CRKT knives. That said, it could & should be made stronger. As I have been useing them for about 12 years now & the only problem I have had was a broken tip ( my fault! ). I have to say they are one of the top EDC knives around. JMO. There have been some very good options put forth to chose from & try! Good luck with whatever you get! By the way Spyderco Matriarch 2, the civilian, & a few others are S.D.knives & not for work knives! For work, the Harpy (Hannibal Lectors choice. ), the Tasman salt are work knives! Check out YouTube reviews on Spyderco & BYRD knives.
I know this is not what you are asking for, but is truth. While there are bargains out there, follow Sam's advice, he knows how to judge them...BUT, for me, a knife is a tool and tools, more than just about anything adhere to the rule "Buy the best and only cry once."
Russellc
Russellc
Joe Demko
Member
Ebay has many knives that would meet your needs that would cost more than $25 if new. High quality used knives from major manufacturers can be had for very little if they have too much wear to be of interest to a collector. A knife that isn't MIB is still a useful knife, though.
Blade First
Member
Catching the very tail-end of the thread, but let me add my 'recommend' to the BK-14. Aftermarket scales are readily available; last purchase I made was for two pair...one in black, the other orange. Installation is as simple as you would imagine. Add a little paracord in the right places and you are good to go.
Hullraiser
Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2014
- Messages
- 194
I have many knifes. Some for utility, uncle henry, liner locks etc. some strictly defense like a folding KaBar ( sharp enough to shave with) I'd have to say the one I seem to carry and use the most is a very small bear gillis multi tool. Didn't think I would, but it seems I'm always using the straight or aerated blades or the pliers, screwdrivers, tweezers or something. It's usually in my pocket no mater what other knife I might be carrying. It's tough too, haven't broken it yet, when it's had plenty of opportunity
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Yea I brought the BK14 with a TDI belt clip and the oj/bk zytel scales. One month or so later and after originally only wanting to spend $25, I know own the bk14, Kershaw Blur, Spyderco Paramilitary 2, and 2 CRKT Minimalist in tanto and bowie... Forcing myself to stop now, but I might pick up the izula 2 before that happens.
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I'll have to look up that bear gillie thanks
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Sam Cade
Member
That inspired a thought.
A sudden lateral load (like from a wonky off line slash) is about the worse case scenario for most locking folding knives I would think, since the blade would be acting as a lever to prise the liners apart.
Tony_the_tiger
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
- Messages
- 905
Case Peanut or Baby Butterbean...
Esee Izula...
Benchmade 940...
Esee Izula...
Benchmade 940...
Tony_the_tiger
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
- Messages
- 905
Did the OP specifically mention defense? Oh I see it now...
Well here is my Izula anyway!
Sorry, whenever I mention Izula, Junglas gets all protective...
Here it is.
If I ever feel the need for tactical safety equipment, I get my tactical safety equipment knife... but that would blow the $25 budget. I call this my "not a 710".
The 940/943 series from benchmade are really good EDC's but also a pretty penny. You can get good deals on a Spyderco Delica which would perform in the same range as the 940 but has a smaller blade with a little more belly. Actually the Delica has about as much cutting surface as the Izula but with a more aggressive point and a lockback design vs. fixed. You won't legally be able to carry a fixed blade across the U.S. but a "common" pocket knife in the 2" might just fit the bill. The BM series are 3".
Realistically though, I think you can't go wrong with a peanut, which fits the budget. but you won't be doing much stabbing with it... although it does have a good bit of blade for what it is and cuts like a much bigger knife. They have a sense of class that the new generation of folders lack IMHO. I can't open them one handed like the axis locks from benchmade or the spydie holes.
Esee also has some new "avispa/zancuda" folders on the cheap which look like a good design from the blue mountain folk.
Well here is my Izula anyway!
Sorry, whenever I mention Izula, Junglas gets all protective...
Here it is.
If I ever feel the need for tactical safety equipment, I get my tactical safety equipment knife... but that would blow the $25 budget. I call this my "not a 710".
The 940/943 series from benchmade are really good EDC's but also a pretty penny. You can get good deals on a Spyderco Delica which would perform in the same range as the 940 but has a smaller blade with a little more belly. Actually the Delica has about as much cutting surface as the Izula but with a more aggressive point and a lockback design vs. fixed. You won't legally be able to carry a fixed blade across the U.S. but a "common" pocket knife in the 2" might just fit the bill. The BM series are 3".
Realistically though, I think you can't go wrong with a peanut, which fits the budget. but you won't be doing much stabbing with it... although it does have a good bit of blade for what it is and cuts like a much bigger knife. They have a sense of class that the new generation of folders lack IMHO. I can't open them one handed like the axis locks from benchmade or the spydie holes.
Esee also has some new "avispa/zancuda" folders on the cheap which look like a good design from the blue mountain folk.
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