Help Deciding on a New Every Day Carry Pocket Knife

[tacweapon]

I need help deciding on a every day carry pocket knife, right now I carry a K-Bar MULE but I would like to get something that is a little lighter and smaller. I want it to hold an edge for a long period of time with out having to be sharpened, have a half serrated blade, and a belt clip, I would like the blade to be 2.5 - 3.75 inches long. I do not want to spend so much money on it that I will want to use it, so I would like to keep it under 95 dollars

Thanks For The Help

 

[freakshow10mm]

I use a Cold Steel Gunsite (Voyager) Tanto with 4 inch blade. I forget it's there. Was about $50 at Dallas Tactical Supply a number of years ago.

 

[Exmasonite]

i'm assuming you're talking about a folder but please correct me if i'm wrong...

I'd say go with a benchmade mini griptilian. blade length is just under 3", axis lock is reliable as heck. you can find them around online for 50-80. the standard 154 CM steel is nice enough but there are also s30v versions out there for $20-30 more.

here's the model 557 tanto that i have and love. depending on year of production, it'll have a thumb hole or a stud. I think the newer ones are the thumb stud and I MUCH prefer those over the hole.

good luck!

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

I like my Benchmade griptillian and my Spyderco Delica, the delica is very light weight I do forget it's there. But I usually carry my Griptillian, it has the combo blade and it seems to hold an edge forever. I paid a little less then $100 for mine at a knife store in the mall... only store in the mall I like, so while wifey is wondering the other stores I am in the knife store.
I imagine you could find a Griptillian online for quite a bit less then what I paid, highly recommend either the Griptillian or the Delica, both are great knives.

 

[hso]

For hole openers I'd suggest a Spyderco Native.

For thumb stud openers, the Griptillian.

 

[tacweapon]

I forget to mention I want it to be a folder

Thanks For The Help

 

[scott22]

I just ordered two Kershaws... a his and her's for my wife and I to carry.

For me;
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=3

For her;
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=371

The hers is so she doesn't look at me and ask why I spent the money, instead she will focus on the fact that she has a pink knife. lol

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

I'll agree with the Native. For the money (about $40) you won't find S30V steel anywhere else.

 

[sniper5]

My daily carry is a Kershaw Blackout with plain blade. My work carry is a Kershaw Chive (California hospital-got to be a little more PC). Love both of them.

Although for specialized situations I also have several different SAKs from keyring to yacht rigging style and several different multitools of different sizes and configurations, keyring and up.

 

[Pilot]

Another vote for the Benchmade 551 Griptillian or Mini-Grip. Great ultilitarian knife.

 

[Fat_46]

I carry a Kershaw Rainbow Leek most days - unless I know I'll be using it, then it rotates between a CRKT M16EDC spear blade, a CRKT M16-13, an Opinel, or a fixed blade.

Been looking at picking up a smaller "going to church" folder, but the Leek has been working pretty good for that as well.

 

[tacweapon]

Thanks for your help I have narrowed it down to a few choices, and I still need some help I know that part of it is personal performance but I was wondering which of these is the best knife for general purpose and will hold its edge the longest

1
CRKT M16-13
http://www.crkt.com/m16alumn.html

2
CRKT M16-EDC-10K
http://www.crkt.com/m16edc.html

3
CRKT M16-13Z
http://www.crkt.com/m16zytel.html

Thanks For Your Help

 

[JohnBlaze]

maybe you ought to consider a Gerber folder. I bought mine at Wal-Mart for 53 dollars 5 years ago, and I've only sharpened it like 6 times. It holds an edge a long time, is very dependable and has never kicked out the lockback and closed on my hand, like some other lockbacks will.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/39672-47180-1278.html

 

[hso]

tacweapon,

I love the M16s, but for edge holding I'd go with a different steel.

Now, if you're not cutting a lot of cardboard and manila rope, the CRKTs will do just fine.

 

[JShirley]

I picked up another Native last week at Wally World...so far, I think I've bought two for myself, been given another two (one directly from Spyderco), and given two or three as gifts.

 

[Stainz]

The best bargain in a US-made folder - with an S30V blade - is the Spyderco Native at your nearby Wally World for $39.48 + s/t, well below evil-bay/mail order prices. It, pure and simple, is a bargain. It has a super sharp & strong S30V blade, with a forefinger choil and thumb rest notches - a great assured hold with medium sized hands. Easily changed/removed clip, too (I have a drawer full...). I've had it since last June - and I am still excited over the bargain. My beloved Buck 110s sit at home a lot these days - the Native is my EDC.

Stainz

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

Native seems an excellent value, if your'e an "innie" (thumb holer, I'm not)
The M16 series holds its edge pretty well, and there service was great.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=63

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=62

 

[Stainz]

Excuse the condition of my Kershaw Blur and Scallion below - they had shared EDC for 4+ yr when this picture was taken last autumn. Also shown is that aforementioned Spyderco Native in S30V from last summer - and my dress-up carry - a Kershaw Leek in Damascus from Alabama Damascus (Second batch still available ~$75 mail order - you have to hunt, though.). The top three, at least some variant of the top two, can be found at Wally World.

Without a doubt, the most carried since last summer is that Spydie - even with a hole in the blade. I admit a one-time bias towards thumb studs... but this knife has softened that stance - and what a blade!



Stainz

 

[Huckle2]

+1 Stainz EDC rotation;
Kershaw 1660 very slim, comfortable, holds edge great.
My EDC is a Benchmade 812, out of production and a bit $$ but it is one tough knive that just "feels" good in the pocket. Occasionally I will add a Benchmade 705, or Kershaw 1660 to my rotation, but I quickly fall back to the 812.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=78334&d=1211027579
Click image for larger version Name: Benchmade 812.jpg Views: 21 Size: 62.2 KB ID: 78334

 

[dairycreek]

I have carried a Kershaw Leek for a couple of years as an EDC knife. I have the assisted opening model which I highly recommend. Here's a pic of a Leek with the specs that you describe.

The Leek I actually carry is the Trout model which has proven to be both functional and enjoyable.

 

[Tirod]

Benchmade Vex, or Spyderco Tenacious. Very similar in constuction, G10 scales, full liners, liner lock, steel is a Chinese variety of AUS8. Good reputation on both, under $40 - you could buy both.

Partial serrations available, with the Tenacious offering a third choice with really big ones.

Both knives are flat ground, which is better for EDC, with opening holes. I find holes don't loosen and seem to fit better for levering open the blade - plus they don't accidently snag and snap out at some ridiculously wrong moment.

The Tenacious is sold out in plain edge from it's introduction first of the year, which is a good hint of where the knowledgeable knife public is going concerning serrations. The Vex has been out since late 2006. Reviews are generally good, the biggest complaint being the quality is on par with American production, and it's going to be harder not buying Chinese.

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

The Vex also comes with thumb studs, for people who don't do thumb holes (me).
You can only get it this way with the Tanto tip.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I have an M16-01 that I've abused for at least 7 years now. Even got lost in the workings of my recliner for a couple of months. If I ever lose it I'll replace it with another just like it.