I'm looking for a good quality production folder for EDC for myself and possibly additional ones for gifts. Prefer $50-60, but say $80 max. Some I'm considering are the Benchmade Mini-Griptillian, Buck Vantage, Spyderco Native. Any thoughts on these or others I should consider? Thanks!
Opinions on a good quality production folder
- Thread starter bpl
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Looks like you've made 3 great picks.
MattTheHat
Member
I've really come to enjoy carrying my Kershaw Leek.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Spyderco Native, Delica, Endura 1st choice for me for EDC
Of late, I use at work a CRKT Fire Spark and Delegate.
Let us know what yo decide.
Of late, I use at work a CRKT Fire Spark and Delegate.
Let us know what yo decide.
22-rimfire
Member
Been carrying a Spyderco Delica lately and like the size, balance, and workmanship. Any of the ones you mentioned are good production knives. Of those, I own the Spydie Native which is a good little knife. I just wanted something just a bit larger.
Used to cary a Spydie Endura in various configurations, but I like the Delica better due to its smaller size and my typical usage.
Used to cary a Spydie Endura in various configurations, but I like the Delica better due to its smaller size and my typical usage.
USAF_Vet
Member
My EDC knife is a Benchmade Barrage. A tad over your allocated budget, but the mini grip would be my pick of the bunch. I'm a Benchmade fanboi.
acmax95
Member
I carry a BM Griptillian D2. It's a great knife but a little large for carrying everyday. I just ordered a Kershaw Scallion that will probably become my new EDC
AuthorityDenied
Member
SOG Flash 1, SOG Aegis, Cold Steel AK-47
Depending on what you plan on using it for- and your daily habits- there are also some small fixed blades you might consider. Usually I suggest folders more than fixed blades, but a fixed blade like this just makes a neat gift.
The folders you mention are all good. I've carried a Native more than any other knife, but have mostly gone to stronger designs like the Manix 2 (about $70) in the last year. That could change with the release of the new Native 5, which should be far stronger than any task a reasonable person might attempt with it. That increased strength does come with additional weight and cost, so...I guess you have to weigh your priorities.
The Delica is a really excellent balance of weight, size, strength, and price. I carry mine whenever I don't want the additional weight and bulk of my Manix 2.
John
The folders you mention are all good. I've carried a Native more than any other knife, but have mostly gone to stronger designs like the Manix 2 (about $70) in the last year. That could change with the release of the new Native 5, which should be far stronger than any task a reasonable person might attempt with it. That increased strength does come with additional weight and cost, so...I guess you have to weigh your priorities.
The Delica is a really excellent balance of weight, size, strength, and price. I carry mine whenever I don't want the additional weight and bulk of my Manix 2.John
papaairbear
Member
I carry a Kershaw Scallion for EDC and use it everyday for some task. It's light, well made, easy to open and close, and the point of the blade is strong enough to do some light prying. I really like the assisted opening when I want it (hands full and need to cut something....just push on the little protusion at the back of the folded blade and my tool is ready with a comforting "snick".) The Benchmade Griptillion was my 2d choice because serated blades are not as easy for me to sharpen. There is the fact that Kershaws are made in my town of residence, too.
acmax95
Member
@Yo Mama- my Benchmade Griptillain is regular grip I guess, I don't know anything about a Bone Collector version. It is the one with D2 steel blade and green handles that Cabelas sells.
I am glad to see that people like the Kershaw Scallions. This will be my first Kershaw and it seems like a lot of knife for less than $40.
I am glad to see that people like the Kershaw Scallions. This will be my first Kershaw and it seems like a lot of knife for less than $40.
TomADC
Member
Big 5 Sporting goods has HK knives made by Benchmade on sale for $29.00, these has G-10 handles.
Armored farmer
Member
Kershaw "Needs Work".....my new 'work' knife.
$36.00 @ Wal-Mart
$36.00 @ Wal-Mart
sigarms228
Member
The Axis Lock on Benchmades is my favorite. I say the Benchmade Mini Griptilian in your price range but you have a great list. I would add to be sure to check out the Kershaw Blur, the Kershaw Skyline, and the Kershaw Leek also.
Thanks all! I've been trying to look up many of your other suggestions. For myself, I want a plain edge. The individual I am considering a knife as a gift for is a volunteer fireman. Would a serrated edge be more desireable to a volunteer fireman or should I stick with the plain edge here as well? Thoughts?
If he's a fireman, and you want to get him a knife for job use, he's an especially good candidate for either a small fixed blade or a very hard-use knife like a Manix 2, or a Benchmade with an Axis lock.
Because of his position, though, you might consider some type of rescue knife made to help avoid stabbing people as you cut them free. The Spyderco Devil Jumpmaster would be perfect, except it might be a little larger than needed, and it's more than you want to spend. Something like this Assist I might be just the thing.
Because of his position, though, you might consider some type of rescue knife made to help avoid stabbing people as you cut them free. The Spyderco Devil Jumpmaster would be perfect, except it might be a little larger than needed, and it's more than you want to spend. Something like this Assist I might be just the thing.
Cougfan2
Member
They don't make them anymore, but if you can find a Spyderco Horn they are really nice carry knives.
Armored farmer
Member
I'm a volunteer fireman here in our community. If I was buying for myself, I wouldn't (and didn't) get a serrated edge. However, if I were recieving a knife as a gift, I would be happy either way!
22-rimfire
Member
As a fireman to use while on the job, a slightly larger knife (usually stronger) might be a consideration. The Spyderco Endura comes to mind. But for general use, I still like the ones you mentioned along with my suggestion of a plain edged Delica.
Another possible is one of the Victorinox Swiss Army knives. The newish Soldier comes to mind which has a serrated blade. The other is something like the Dual Pro X which has both a large plain edge and their seat belt cutting blades. The Dual Pro X is a bit pocket heavy however.
Another possible is one of the Victorinox Swiss Army knives. The newish Soldier comes to mind which has a serrated blade. The other is something like the Dual Pro X which has both a large plain edge and their seat belt cutting blades. The Dual Pro X is a bit pocket heavy however.
If a fireman needs something bigger and tougher, he can use his Halligan entry tool.
In a general edc knife, the Spyderco Tenacious, Benchmade Vex, or Ontario RAT folder would be a good choice. Full flat grind, opener, grippy handles, clips. It's not about looking cool, it's about being a great tool with usefulness for a decent price.
If you lose one, you'll miss it, but it's not going to hurt you that week to buy another. The average American carried a knife worth about 2-3 hours of his labor in the '30's, and we hold to that today.
In a general edc knife, the Spyderco Tenacious, Benchmade Vex, or Ontario RAT folder would be a good choice. Full flat grind, opener, grippy handles, clips. It's not about looking cool, it's about being a great tool with usefulness for a decent price.
If you lose one, you'll miss it, but it's not going to hurt you that week to buy another. The average American carried a knife worth about 2-3 hours of his labor in the '30's, and we hold to that today.
TomADC
Member
Another vote Benchmade or Spyderco has great selections.
Tom609
Member
My favorite EDCs are my Kershaw Mini Mojito & Leek, and a Spyderco Persistence. Tirod makes good points, and my Spyderco is grippy and very easy to open. It has the best feel in my hand, and my pocket, and is my EDC of choice. For $30 or so, it won't ruin my day if something happens to it. I also have my SAK in the back pocket for all the grunt work.
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