EDC Knife

[Axis II]

Thought we had a knife section but can’t find it.

Need recommendations on an assisted opener. Not sure if serrated or standard edge is the way to go either. Mainly used for SD and cutting seatbelts. Had someone try hanging themselves with a seatbelt at work and apparently no one’s knife would cut it. I mentioned they maybe dull but was told its hard to cut seatbelts with a standard edge. Keep it under $100.

 

[Kookla]

Spyderco Endura with serrated blade? Not assisted though, but easy one hand opening.

 

[Mk-211]

I'm going with dull knife, there's nothing special about a serrated blade. They were designed originally to keep the edge off of cutting boards and plates.

Plenty of knives out there to fit your bill, look up pocket knives with "rescue" in the description.

 

[SterlingBullet]

There are hundreds of knives with assisted opening, partially serrated blades and glass breaker tips ranging from under $20 Chinese imports to $200 top quality makers. if you are not a knife snob, pick a cheap one for EDC right one, and be on the lookout for the right top quality model.

 

[.38 Special]

I am partial to the "wave" feature, which entails nothing more than a hook on the spine, near the bolster. When worn tip up at the rear of the pocket, the hook engages as the knife is withdrawn, opening it upon presentation. Nothing is faster, in my experience, other than perhaps the automatics.

It is primarily a feature on Emersons, which of course are spendy. For EDC, I depend upon the far less expensive Kershaw versions. https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Emerson-CQC-6K-Folding-Pocket/dp/B07YVVBKJF

 

[Simple Shooter]

I carried a serrated Spiderco CO7 when I was an LEO. Worked well on seatbelts. They have some newer models specific to LEO/EMS.

 

[Armored farmer]

Here is my suggestion:
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Kalashnikov--105
This is just a sample. They have them in all sizes and colors. Serrated or smooth. I bought mine from HQ. When my Mrs borrowed it to open a box she said, "get me one of these!". Of course, I did. She carries hers edc.
ETA they also come in different blade styles.
Sheepsfoot, clip, drop pt, dagger.....
This is Mrs F's knife. Blue scales, dagger blade.
My only complaint is the painted aluminum scales. The paint eventually wears off in places. Too bad they didn't use G10 scales.
It's an excellent sub $100 auto knife.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Thought we had a knife section but can’t find it.

Not a “knife section” but it’s pretty close. Just Non-firearm weapons forum where knives are discussed predominantly.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?forums/non-firearm-weapons.13/

 

[JERRY]

Ka-bar TDI serrated.

 

[Coyote3855]

I'm going with dull knife, there's nothing special about a serrated blade. They were designed originally to keep the edge off of cutting boards and plates.

I will dispute that serrated blades are "nothing special." Many applications where a serrated blade is preferred. My son is an engine boss on a wildland fire crew. Insists on a serrated knife in case he has to cut a rolled-out hose for a rapid departure from a fire zone. Serrated blades are superior for cutting nylon or hemp ropes. Rodeo hands and cowboys here carry serrated blades to cut lariats or leather horse gear in case of a wreck and subsequent entanglement. I personally don't carry a serrated knife, but I believe they are superior to plain edge for some applications including cutting seat belts.

 

[lemaymiami]

I'm also a guy who prefers a partially serrated blade for my EDC (mine is an old Benchmade full sized Ascent - no longer being made). It will perform a variety of tasks from close quarters emergency work (strictly self defense...) to cutting crab trap lines and other rope type stuff out on the water. I'm not a collector in any sense of the word so I have relatively few knives and carry the same EDC day in and day out. Very handy when you need something to cut with that's absolutely instinctive... from long practical usage..

 

[Mk-211]

Going back to the OP's initial question and cutting with a knife. It doesn't matter if it's serrated or straight edge, if the knife is dull, it's worthless.

Most people have no clue about sharpening a serrated blade. Most will throw it in a drawer and that's where it will stay. Unless they send it back to the factory to be sharpened.

A straight edge knife is easy to sharpen for most people nowadays. Plenty of aftermarket sharpeners, Most you can watch a video and get a good edge.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I like axis style locks for ease of one handed opening and closing.

Sometimes you need a knife in a hurry then need to make it safe in just as much time.

 

[P89DCSS]

Harbor Freight carries a knife with a dedicated belt cutter

 

[jmr40]

I have a LOT of knives. Some costing a lot more than $100, but the Spyderco Delica is the one I keep coming back to. With a blade length of just under 3" it is a little small for SD. They are really light with the FRN handles and slim in my pocket.

Spyderco Delica 4 Knife Flat Ground Black FRN (2.88" Satin) C11FPBK - Blade HQ

It's big brother is a better SD knife, but may be too big.


Spyderco Endura 4 Knife Flat Ground Black FRN (3.75" Satin) C10FPBK - Blade HQ

The least expensive knife that I'd recommend is the KaBar Dozier. Blade is right at 3". It is about as aesthetically pleasing as a brick. But they work well.

Kabar Dozier for sale - Knives, EDC, and Outdoor Gear - Huge Selection | Blade HQ

Some recent Kershaw's that look promising. These are all made in China, but anymore with a $100 limit you're not going to find much, if anything made in the USA.

Kershaw Heist Bar Lock Knife Black FRN 2037 - Blade HQ

Kershaw Knives: Covalent - Gray Glass-filled Nylon - D2 Tool Steel - BlackWash Finish - DuraLock - KVT Bearings - 2042 (knivesshipfree.com)

Just over your budget, and I actually have this one. It isn't a modern tactical knife but is a little classy and is USA made.

Kershaw Knives: Federalist - Slipjoint - 4320 (knivesshipfree.com)

 

[hso]

https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...&min_price=75&max_price=100&&brand=271&page=1

The Trident AT seems to hit all the points you are interested in.

 

[P89DCSS]

https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...&min_price=75&max_price=100&&brand=271&page=1

The Trident AT seems to hit all the points you are interested in.
View attachment 1151072

That knife has a 3.7 inch blade. I thought an EDC knife needs to be under 3.5" to be legally concealed in most states. Pocket carry = concealed carry.

 

[hso]

I thought an EDC knife needs to be under 3.5" to be legally concealed in most states.

Nope

Blade length is a crazy rag quilt of requirements, but Knife Rights (I volunteer for them) has gotten the majority of states away from such silliness. If you want to know what you can carry legally you need to look up not only your state, but your local law since the state may not have preemption on knives. TN has NO blade length limits. The shortest "legal in all 50 states" blade length is 3" for folder (there are CA restrictions on switchblades longer than 2"). What state are you in?

 

[P89DCSS]

Nope

Blade length is a crazy rag quilt of requirements, but Knife Rights (I volunteer for them) has gotten the majority of states away from such silliness. If you want to know what you can carry legally you need to look up not only your state, but your local law since the state may not have preemption on knives. What state are you in?

I'm in Colorado and if I understand the law correctly, knives must be under 3.5" to be legally concealed carried. Which I understand is pocket carry. After reviewing the Knife Rights website I came to understand most states limit pocket carry to 3.5" blade length. Or maybe I got it wrong....

 

[hso]

I'm in Colorado and if I understand the law correctly, knives must be under 3.5" to be legally concealed carried. Which I understand is pocket carry. After reviewing the Knife Rights website I came to understand most states limit pocket carry to 3.5" blade length. Or maybe I got it wrong....

CO has a 3.5" concealed blade length limit. Nebraska does as well. RI uses 3".

Most states don't specify 3.5".

Remember that KR is working constantly to get rid of restrictions so you have to check each state every year to see what's be fought an won or still in the fight.

 

[sgt127]

I know, for a fact, a sharp SAK Tinker blade will slice a seatbelt with no energy.

I carried a Spyderco Delica (Non Serrated) and a serrated Harpy almost my whole career in LE.

I can open a Spyderco faster than an auto. (All my autos have safeties).

Serrated is generally better for ropes, straps, webbing. IF it’s sharp. Once a serrated gets dull, as alluded to before, people don’t know what to do with them.

I’ve seen some that cut about as well as a Farriers rasp.

 

[Axis II]

Ka-bar TDI serrated.

Unfortunately policy says must be a folder

 

[Axis II]

Going back to the OP's initial question and cutting with a knife. It doesn't matter if it's serrated or straight edge, if the knife is dull, it's worthless.

Most people have no clue about sharpening a serrated blade. Most will throw it in a drawer and that's where it will stay. Unless they send it back to the factory to be sharpened.

A straight edge knife is easy to sharpen for most people nowadays. Plenty of aftermarket sharpeners, Most you can watch a video and get a good edge.

My worksharp field sharpener has a serrated sharpener. Seems like you just rub the rob back and forth, no?

 

[Axis II]

I like axis style locks for ease of one handed opening and closing.

Sometimes you need a knife in a hurry then need to make it safe in just as much time.

I have a LOT of knives. Some costing a lot more than $100, but the Spyderco Delica is the one I keep coming back to. With a blade length of just under 3" it is a little small for SD. They are really light with the FRN handles and slim in my pocket.

Spyderco Delica 4 Knife Flat Ground Black FRN (2.88" Satin) C11FPBK - Blade HQ

It's big brother is a better SD knife, but may be too big.


Spyderco Endura 4 Knife Flat Ground Black FRN (3.75" Satin) C10FPBK - Blade HQ

The least expensive knife that I'd recommend is the KaBar Dozier. Blade is right at 3". It is about as aesthetically pleasing as a brick. But they work well.

Kabar Dozier for sale - Knives, EDC, and Outdoor Gear - Huge Selection | Blade HQ

Some recent Kershaw's that look promising. These are all made in China, but anymore with a $100 limit you're not going to find much, if anything made in the USA.

Kershaw Heist Bar Lock Knife Black FRN 2037 - Blade HQ

Kershaw Knives: Covalent - Gray Glass-filled Nylon - D2 Tool Steel - BlackWash Finish - DuraLock - KVT Bearings - 2042 (knivesshipfree.com)

Just over your budget, and I actually have this one. It isn't a modern tactical knife but is a little classy and is USA made.

Kershaw Knives: Federalist - Slipjoint - 4320 (knivesshipfree.com)

seems like you guys like the bar lock type knives, any reason why?

 

[WestKentucky]

The whole thing about serration is getting the knife to grab the material and cut rather than slide across it as it cuts. The cheapo disposable razor blade knives are not a bad deal for what they are, and the ones with the frame notched for cutting wires and such will make short work of a seatbelt IF the razor blade is still sharp.

As for an EDC knife, I’m still carrying a squid assisted non-serrated. It has served me very well for a while now. Only thing I have done to it is tighten the pocket clip screws and sharpen it a few times. Before this I had a bunch of Kershaw knives and a few Buck and other cheapo knives. This one was just a few bucks more than the Kershaw knives but it has served my needs a lot better.

If I were buying a knife today online having never felt how one feels in the hand, and specifically thinking seatbelts and emergency scenarios, I would buy a larger blade for sure, and I feel like it would be a combination of these.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ontario-ASEK-Strap-Cutter-Multi--16933
https://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Pilar-Large-Frame-Lock-Knife--117055