EDC Folder Recommendation?

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nebeel

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I currently carry a fairly inexpensive Gerber Paraframe II but am looking for a new EDC folder. The gerber has served me well, but I'm getting pretty tired of the thing not holding an edge worth crap.

I like the idea of a larger blade folder that can actually stand up to some abuse, and double as a self defense weapon if that was all I had. I've thought about the Ka-bar Bobcat Dozier. Like the blade size, but I wonder if the handle size/weight would make it too large for normal pocket carry.

Anyone have any other knives that would fit the bill in a 3.5 - 4" blade size?

Thanks!
 
CRKT M21 would fit the bill. I like the M21-14, myself.

Can't go wrong with the Spyderco, either. I was just thinking of ordering another one today.

R
 
I did look at the griptilian, but it seems a bit lightweight.... Although, I've never actually handled one so I can't say for sure.

I looked at the CRKT M21, that doesn't look half bad.

Has anyone seen/heard anything about the Ka-bar Mule folder?
 
Just looked it up. Made in China? Not for me thanks. Do yourself a favor and buy one decent quality knife, then see if you want to go back to the Walmart variety.
 
Kershaw Tremor is a good knife, I always like the Speedsafe mechanism because well, it's REALLY fast. Using the flipper is almost like pushing the button on an auto but it's legal most everywhere. The Tremor also fits the size. Only thing is that it weighs 6 oz compared to the Paraframe 2 at 4 oz so take the weight into consideration.

The Spyderco Resilience and Tenacious fit as well. The Resilience sports a large 4.25 inch blade and weighs 5.4 oz. The Tenacious has a little bit less than 3.5 inches in the blade and weighs 4 oz. Neither have assisted opening but using a zip tie mod you can make it function similar to the Emerson "Wave" feature.

The Tremor, Tenacious and Resilience all cost less than 100$ and with proper searching you could get all three for around 90$. Hope that helps.

Hank
 
Once again I'm voting for the Kershaw blur. It holds an edge spectacularly, the assisted opening is smooth and easy, and can be had at your local wal-mart for $60. A bonus is several different blade configurations, personally I have the partially serrated tanto style blade.
 
Budget knife that fits your description would be Ontario RAT-1. Around $30.

Benchmade Griptilain is a great knife - you really need to handle one. Also look at the Benchmade Barrage. Both can be purchased for less that $100 at Knifeworks if you enter the discount code before checkout.

If you want something more robust look at the Zero Tolerance 350 and blade steel is S30V. It was just under $100 shipped at Amazon before Christmas.
 
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I am not much of a knowledgable knife kinda guy, but I am really fond of my Byrd Crows. They are just OK sharpened to 20d but they are really good performers sharpened to 15d, and they seem to hold that edge really well for my light-duty use (cardboard and such).
 
Benchmade 710 in D2 steel is my EDC. I've been very impressed with this knife. Sits low enough in the pocket so it doesn't scream big knife even with a 3.9 inch blade. There's a popular dealer that offers a discount on Benchmade products. PM me and I'll send you the link.
 
I see. Early 940's were 154cm. My mistake. I ran my first Benchmade, a 940, on a jobsite about 8 years ago. I had left my knife at home, and the job General handed me his. I was extremely impressed with it. It took me a few more years to decide to spend that much cash on just one knife. I have carried it since, best knife ever. Just ordered a second as a spare. Thought I'd lost mine one day and nearly cried. Not just because of the cost, but because it would have taken so long to get another.
 
Benchmade Griptillians can be had in 154CM, D2 or S30V depending on the model.

Another one to look at is the Buck Vantage and Vantage Force knives, which can be had in 420HC (SELECT), Sandvic 13C26 (AVID) or S30V steel (PRO).

All models of both are 100% USA made to.
 
Benchmade Griptillians can be had in 154CM, D2 or S30V depending on the model.
Click to expand...

Right - limited editions from time to time. The regular Griptitilan line is 154CM. Ritter Griptilans are S30V with a different blade shape.
 
nebeel,

You're used to carrying a flat skeletal frame folder and would be satisfied with it except for the edge retention, right?

You may want to stick with flat folders instead of 3D handles.

In your price range there are a lot of options for the size you're looking for. Get a higher grade steel than 440 or AUS8. Don't worry too much about FRN vs. Ti unless you intend to use the knife as a tree spike.

Tell us what you use your paraframe for and we'll have a better chance to narrow your search.
 
hso said:
nebeel,

You're used to carrying a flat skeletal frame folder and would be satisfied with it except for the edge retention, right?

You may want to stick with flat folders instead of 3D handles.

In your price range there are a lot of options for the size you're looking for. Get a higher grade steel than 440 or AUS8. Don't worry too much about FRN vs. Ti unless you intend to use the knife as a tree spike.

Tell us what you use your paraframe for and we'll have a better chance to narrow your search.
Click to expand...
General run around town knife mostly, but gets carried when I'm hiking and don't have a fixed blade on me. The one thing I do like a lot is that it rides very well in the pocket since it's so thin. I've been thinking that I'm leaning more toward a straight edge blade rather than partially serrated, just haven't found a compelling need for serrations so far. I'm really liking the design of the Griptilian and the 740 that A.Fischer mentioned. Is that one a griptilian as well, or different line?
 
I can't find my old paraframe anywhere to compare. But if thin is your thing you really should check out the 940.
The mule, griptilian, and 740 all have thick handles, where the 940 has thin aluminum, similar to the paraframe.


Just looked up the diffrence. The 740 handle is .66 thick, while the 940 is .41

Re-edit Afisher mentioned the 710, which has a handle thickness of .44 , Great knife. But there is also the 941, which is a 940 handle with a more traditional clip point stle blade.
 
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Well, we'll see how this goes...

Went to a local sporting goods store that I got a gift card for and came home with a CRKT M21-04G. Seems like a fairly good quality knife. I will have to get used to the locking mechanism though, it's little odd....

I did see a griptilian as well, but opted to go with the CRKT. I'll have to let it ride in my pocket for a while to see how it feels. Who knows, maybe I'll just have to get a couple :)
 
I have been useing A CRKT -M16-14 blade for 6years. It holds an edge well & sharpens quickly. It has the 1/2 serrated blade. I back it up with a CRKT -M16-13LE for smaller work. You will find lock to work well. I do like the 21,just have not worn or broke the M-16-14 yet! I carry them in a nite eyes pouch along w/sm. knife steel.
 
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