Need a new EDC blade...HELP

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bambam1723

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I think I'm gonna be able to talk the Wife into buying me a new knife today for our anniversary. Keep in mind that I am in Law Enforcement and this knife will be carried both on and off duty. I want the knife to be able to be used as a SD weapon as well as be used for general cutting duties.

I really like Benchmade and Kershaw but have never owned one due to the the price. I'm gonna bite the bullet though and get one as I know it will last.

I'm torn between assist opening and regular. I had a regular that I was pretty proficient with as far as sopening and closing. But, it opened in my back pocket and I didn't know it and I about stabbed myself in the buttocks. I went to the spring assist because I could lock the blade. That is a feature I really like and think I need now, the lock not the assist.

Looking for a appx. 4" blade.

So my questions are:
What knife would you recommend in the $100 range for my EDC?
Do they make non-assist opening knives with a locking mechanism?
What would you recommend...spring assist or not for my EDC?
 
To answer your questions:

1. I would go for a Benchmade Griptilian, you might be able to find one as low as $80 or so even. I prefer the ambi-thumb stud models in a plain edge, drop point blade, but there are different shapes and configurations available. The blade is only about 3.5" in length though. I'm partial to Benchmade, but the Kershaw Leek and Shallot are both knives you might consider, they are both within your price point and are 3" and 3.5", respectively. They are both assisted opening with a frame lock.

2. I'm not sure, but for what it is worth when the Axis lock is in its resting position, it requires a little bit of force to open it, I haven't had one come open accidentally, ever.

3. Up to you, I can open and close my Griptilian as fast as any auto for all practical purposes, and I know people like the Osborne for similar reasons. The Leeks are pretty fast as well to open, but not as quick to close.
 
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The Griptilian is a pretty fabulous knife, and it can be opened simply by flicking your wrist, if need be. The Axis lock is awesome, making the knife as easy to close with one hand as it is too open. Also, for the just cost of shipping (which is minimal) when you buy a Benchmade you can get your knife sharpened and serviced for life with their Lifesharp service, which is nice.

I personally prefer the 550 model, which has the modified sheepsfoot blade, partially because that is the only model that has a thumb-hole as opposed to a thumb-stud, and partially because I like the modified Sheepsfoot blade.

I have been pretty in love with my new Case knife lately, and I am also a great big fan of Spyderco, but I just don't think one can go wrong with the Griptilian.

Edit to add: That isn't to say that you wouldn't be just as happy with some other knife, or that the Kershaws are crappy. Just saying I KNOW you will like the Benchmade.
 
A third vote for teh Griptilian. If you can get a Cabelas version with a D2 steel blade, all the better.

Happy anniversary!
 
Do they make non-assist opening knives with a locking mechanism?
Click to expand...

No. If you think about it the only knives that might need a lock-closed mechanism would be an auto or an assist.

I like the Griptilian and almost any of the Spydercos. I wouldn't hesitate carrying either.
 
The Benchmade Griptillian is really nice. I tend to stick with the Kershaw Blur. It just super non slippy and well designed. I am not sure I would use the Kershaw leek in self defense unless it is the G10 handled one. The Zing is nice too from the Kershaw line. Also consider Spyderco. They make some good designs too especially the Endura, Delica and Tenacious. You either love them or hate them it seems, but most people by far love them.

You can find most for a really good price if you look around online.
 
Another vote for the Griptillian. The 551 model is $70 without serrations, $80 with them direct from Benchmade with mil/leo discount (not including special editions like the Cabelas D2 or NRA S30V models, which you can't get direct from Benchmade).
 
No. If you think about it the only knives that might need a lock-closed mechanism would be an auto or an assist.
Click to expand...

Well actually they do make a regular folder that locks closed, but it's not the type you want because it's under 2": The Benchmite II.
There are two non-Benchmades that lock closed that I know of (because I own them): The CRKT Michael Walker BladeLock, and the Buck 750. But they are both kind of lower end, and I don't think they even make the BladeLock anymore.

Like the others, I do fancy the Griptillian. It has one a smooth opening, and the axis lock does create resistance from opening, yet it easily overcome when pushed with the thumb.
 
Thanks to advice here my EDC for nearly the last six months has been a smooth blade Mini Griptilian , no regrets and now I feel naked without it. I thought it was lost the other day and my wife can testify to my irritation until I located it in the laundry.

The wife carries a large (93mm) Spyderco Rescue. Kinda specialized, ugly, wicked sharp and something you may seriously want to look into for your line of work.

.02
 
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Another vote for a Griptillian, I dislike the serations due to all of the sharpening effort that has to go into them to keep 'em up to par. I bit the bullet just under a year ago and bought the benchmade 940 for $160 and hands down it is the best knife i have ever owned. And the AXIS lock is amazingly fast and safe.
 
Endura is very nice...

My early Bday present this year was the orange Griptilian from www.gpknives.com, at 62.50! I have been wanting an orange-handled knife for a while now, and the people on this board rave about griptilians...soooo...

I do like it. I think the edge could use reprofiling though - it was not as impressively sharp as a Spyderco out of the box, and not at the angle I prefer on the cutting edge.

A third option, from Kershaw, is the Junkyard Dog 2 composite model, with a CPM-D2 front-blade integrated with a different steel in the spine of the knife.

In terms of materials (G10 and CPM-D2 vs 154cm and Zytel vs. VG-10 and Zytel) the three knives are nearly even, with a slight nod to Kershaw for the G10 handle, which I do prefer the feel of to the Zytel.

All three are great tactical/utility knives. Spydercos have a great rep, with rather unique ergonomics, and the Benchmade is known for taking abuse...the Kershaw I can personally say is the toughest feeling folder I have ever handled, and quite a chopper due to the weight. You really couldn't go wrong with any of 'em!

Oh, another suggestion: for about $10-15 extra, you can have the knife shipped directly from the warehouse to a professional sharpener. He will then send you the knife from his workshop, done up. I used the guy from http://www.bronksknifeworks.com/ (whose services are better than his site design, lol) and had to pay for shipping to him, but you could get the service minus the cost of shipping if you had it sent from the factory.
 
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In bluejeans I carry a Benchmade 950 Rift which is a fairly hefty knife. In dress I carry either a Spyderco Native or a Centofante 3. I love my Benchmades (including the Griptillian) but some are too thick across the middle. The Native and Centofante are very thin and carry well in slacks or suits. We usually hit the gunshows/knife shows to check out the knives in person. That way you can handle them and clip them on to make sure they feel right. Then it's off to the computer to order it in. The problem is I find too many to my liking and can't figure out how to carry them all...
 
Benchmades are fantastic blades. My old Panther is still in my carry rotation, after spending 5 years as a utility blade....and only has a single set of scratches from a carbide pull sharpener that i got sloppy in using. It was even used as an ice pick and took no damage from it besides a little dulling of the edge. It was also used to cut carpeting, chop through objects, etc. Honestly, that knife took abuse that no folder ever should, and not only survived, but did it without any proof that it was abused.

That knife is ATS-34 steel....not sure if there's better, but a Benchmade with an ATS-34 blade is my opinion of what you should get if you drop that kind of cash on a blade. My Panther was bought in 1998 for $90....so far it's outlived over $100 in other knives. Well worth it.
 
Benchmades in general are good, and I've had and liked the Griptillian.

Something to consider: if you're LEO, should you be forced to employ a knife defensively, it will look better to investigators if you used a rescue knife- automatically insinuating you had no other options- instead of some other blade. (And, truthfully, this *should* be the case. A knife should be your last-ditch, about to die, defensive option as LEO.)

With that in mind, consider the Spyderco D'Allara Rescue. The Dallara has an extremely strong lock (even stronger than the Axis, IMO), opens as quickly as I can imagine you'd ever need to present it, has a sheepsfoot blade so you can use it to extricate motorists without stabbing them, and is a screaming deal.

For *ordinary* EDC, I'd usually suggest a Spyderco Dragonfly, Native, or Delica, all of which are well within your price range. * Even the G10 Dragonfly, which is about as good a daily carry blade as you'll find at any price, can be shipped to your door for $100.

John



*The white Dragonfly is only $30 at NewGraham, but only 3 are left as I write this. Hurry. ;)
 
I'll throw a KaBar into the mix. The TDI is an excellent knife designed for weak side carry to compliment a strong side firearm.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZivRcSnPyw

PLEASE WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUY! It's really a great knife, just a different idea for a knife than options offered by other posters.

Thing that just sold me was the timed activity to get a knife out for use quickly, which the TDI blew away the folders.
 
Given that you are a LEO I would think that the Spyderco Police might be of interest. It meets all of your criteria and is one rugged, high quality EDC knife.

sc07p.jpg
 
for some reason I cant get this message to post - but I dont like the spyderco stainless scales, very slippy. Would go for G10 or FRN.
 
I purchased a Spyderco police, and never could get to where I liked it. Heck I *Wanted* to like it, but it never felt right in my hand. Too skinny, and the stainless scales just felt odd. I like bigger knives (I usually carry a Strider GB or one of the larger Emerson knives), but it never seemed to fit me. I do own a couple Enduras that have been better though, and a waved Endura might be a good choice for the OP. I'm a big fan of Emerson knives, but they are over $100 typically.
 
I'll also recommend the griptillian, though I much prefer the benchmade 940 series of knives. I don't think they are as "strong" as some of the others. I reall like anything with an axis lock. that said, the nitrous assist striker really impressed me.

you might also take a peek at the cold steel recon 1 and the spyderco manix2. I haven't handled either, but spyderco makes good stuff and manix2 has an axis copy. and cold steel makes a decent blade and the cheesy video of them cutting stuff up was kind of fun to watch.

I've just never been as impressed with kershaw as with benchmade. I will give them the nod for being willing to try something different.
 
My daily carry:
Spyderco Clipit Rescue
14sbla.jpg

I have a couple of them and have been pleased with them all. There are different blade/handle configurations available. Retail around $60 but are available for much less around the net.
 
A waved Spyderco Endura makes for a great EDC. The wave will get it open faster than any assisted opening mechanism can. It's super ergonomic, has great scaling, good lock (back lock), sturdy tip and spine, and the blade is good quality steel (VG-10). Griptilians are great, but I think that the ergonomics are a little less than desirable. Whenever I use my griptilian after handling one of my Spydies, particularly one of my delicas or enduras, it feels like I'm holding a small brick. YMMV.
 
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