vespaguy
Master Member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2012
- Messages
- 3,884
- Reaction score
- 1,097
Thanks vespaguy. Im actually new to all these...have only been using SAKs so far. Am thinking of getting one small and one large edc blade. any suggestions?
sure, but need more info.
- what kind of use are you putting your EDC through?
- what kind of materials are you cutting?
- are you concerned about edgeholding, ease of sharpening?
- do you like maintaining your tools regularly / do you use them in wet and saltwater environments?
- are you ok with visible folder handles or do you prefer deep carry pocket clips?
- SAKs are non-locking, mostly. are you looking for a locking mechanism? there are many out there - linerlocks, framelocks, lock-backs, tri-ad locks, button locks etc.
- what budget are you looking at?
- have you considered fixed blades?
For EDC, I look for folders (because I do not wish to carry fixed blades in Singapore, but do not mind when camping) that have these characteristics:
- good steel. N690 (cheap and good), CPM154V, S35V/S30 (not a big fan though), ELMAX, VG10, RWL34. The better the edgeholding normally translates to harder steels which in turn make it more difficult to sharpen. Conversely, AUS8 or the Sandvik steels are quite easy to sharpen.
- good size in the hand, not too big, not too small. I max out at 3.5" blade for weekend/jeans use. I prefer 3-3.25" blade for weekday. It's important to have a balance between my use and scaring non-users.
- I prefer thinner blades that slice well since I am not a 'hard' user - I don't pry with my knives, so blades of 3mm stock are efficient. That said, a 4mm-5mm blade stock that is hollow ground works well if left thin at the edge. Thick 'macho' blades do not interest me at all - if it can't slice food properly, it doesn't interest me much, I use my blades mainly for food prep.
- I like synthetic materials for handles, so G10, micarta, CF or plain ti are good. I actually love natural materials like wood but it's hard to maintain in Singapore as the wood may shrink or expand if not cared for. Had bad experience in this already.
- I prefer stainless steels rather than carbon due to corrosion resistance.
- I prefer plain edge than combo edges (can't sharpen the serrations) or fully serrated (except in rescue blades).
- I eschew clips which make the handle highly visible (who needs the attention) and prefer deep carry clips.
I think you should check out a few in person before you zoom in to what you like. Alantcy has a great selection of folders for sale and probably an even bigger collection. Perhaps if you offer some hospitality, he can show you what he has and you can handle and feel. If you guys are doing that, I'd be happy to meet you both and show you the stuff I use as well (and the Pekka, but that is not an EDC blade, it's a collector blade, unless you want to mod it, which was my intention but am lacking funds and time right now).
You should definitely consider the many Kershaws, Spydercos, BM, ZT, and Hogue Elishewitz blades (definitely heavy duty, and you're buying a well designed knife which would sell for 3 times more if it were custom). That said, there are many many other brands out there....I'd look out for those too, but stick with the mainstream big boys and you should be ok with QC issues. BM's after sales warranty is unbeatable (better than Spyderco, IMO).
If you have $500-700 to spare, consider going for better quality productions as well as entry level custom folders (you'd be surprised that you can find custom folders at this price, you just need to be patient as they have long wait times and are unknown makers). For fixed blades, you can already acquire customs at $200, and some are helluva good too.
If you have zero idea where to start, go down to Sheares or Hornest, have a look see. Hornest offers a great selection of Benchmades at a very reasonable price (he's got other great gear too, so you might just get distracted from buying a knife if you go to his shop). I'm not affiliated to either, btw.
Lastly, do not leave leathermans/multitools out of the mix. I use them the most after kitchen stuff. The only snag is they are bulkier than folders and I'm a knifeknut
Last edited: