Need a new EDC blade...HELP

[Demitrios]

The next question you should be asking yourself is what's an acceptable price range your wife is willing to pay. Obviously a $600 Busse Battle Mistress is out of the question in terms of practicality and price. A $90 Spyderco native from Walmart is only $40 and a great pocket knife. But if you want a good solid defensive weapon that's a good quality that she's willing to drop money on then you might want her to take a look at Mantis knives. They make blades that are pretty decent quality, albeit odd looking, but do some good work and are something to look at for $62.00 to $260.00. Then there're the Ontario Rat blades which are some very good quality pieces and they come in fixed or folding from $25.00 to $40.00 if you know where to look. Benchmade and Kershaw are both rather practical and you're getting your money's worth, it just depends on what you want. Personally, for an SD weapon/all purpose blade I really like the Buck Nighthawk. It's around $50.00 retail, it has a 6" blade (you can get one partially serrated in 4 1/2"), it's cheap but decent and will treat you right if you return the favor. But then again any blade will treat you right if you treat it right. Buck is my choice primarily for hiking/camping, all around Kershaw, Benchmade or Spyderco will probably be your best bet. Good steel, good forging, good Rockwell Hardness and you seriously get your money's worth. Also Ka-bar has re-released the BK&T (Becker Knife & Tool) line of blades and they, as well with many other, are good quality. Check them all out. Ask for two, be a little greedy and happy anniversary.

 

[curlyme]

crkt m21 g10.. rat rc3 or rc-4... cold steel voyager large/ xl tanto

 

[conw]

A $90 Spyderco native from Walmart is only $40 and a great pocket knife.

I haven't seen a Wal-mart carrying these for probably 6-8 months. They have a new display setup now and I've asked - apparently they don't carry it any more.

 

[skwab]

Over the last few months I have purchased several Kershaws and have been very pleased with their quality and value for money. I keep a Blur Rescue in each of the cars and currently carry a Kershaw RAM:

A little smaller blade then what you were looking for but it is a solid assisted opener and a great blade out of the box.

The Boa is a little larger and also a very solid piece - I just like the size of the RAM better for EDC.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Kershaw:

--Avalanche,
--Leek,
--Spec Bump,
--Speed Bump,
--Cyclone,
--"Needs Work",
--Whirlwind/Blackout,
--Blur.

Yes, they are all assisted openers ("SpeedSafe"), and yes I recommend that. They do not open accidentally. I particularly recommend the italicized ones for your criteria, and particularly the S30V/G10 Avalanche, or the S30V/G10 Spec Bump.

Now, the Kershaw Chive & Scallion have a slightly different geometry to them and CAN open accidentally, but they're too short to meet your criteria anyway.


http://www.thebladeshop.com/Kershaw_knives_s/279.htm?gclid=CJrU4JaC7Z0CFRPyDAod2mLoQQ


Frankly, although the Benchmade Griptilian is a good knife, the Axis lock is not nearly as positive/strong as the conventional wisdom would indicate. Granted, it's as about as good as a liner lock in positive-ness, but certainly anything but foolproof, since your HAND is wrapped around the dad-gummed release under use! Not conducive to guaranteeing no accidental engagement.

Another good fighting blade on the large side, although not an A.O., is fast to open, is this one:

http://www.thebladeshop.com/Gerber_Applegate_Combat_Folder_Double_Edge_5780_p/5780.htm

*Generally*, I now avoid Buck & Gerber stuff like the plague, particularly Gerber, but this one is an exception to that. Pretty sturdy, large, large liner lock parts, 2-sided, fast opening, 425M steel (meh).

 

[curlyme]

I just bought a m21 g10 today and is probally one of my favorite knives...