EDC folders?

[sigstroker]

I've EDC a small Gerber folder for years. It appears well made, is small enough to not be in the way, but large enough to gut someone if need be. Never had a problem, but I haven't cut anything very tough. Just cord, light rope, zip ties, etc. Today I had to open one of those clamshell plastic packages, and it's been so long I forgot that it's not a good idea to "split" the spot welds. Better to just cut through the plastic.

While I was futzing around with the stupid thing, the folder collapsed. The sumbitch never did that before, but maybe because I mostly just put pressure on the hinge, not against it, if you get my drift. It failed another 3 or 4 times before I got my crap out of the packaging.

Any suggestions for something better? The Gerber is an ordinary lock, I forgot what that's called. A liner lock would be more solid, but how solid? They're also more of a pain to use one-handed.

P.S. Don't tell me to get a fixed blade. I'm way too fat to carry appendix.

[pohorsky]

What's your budget? I carry a Zero Tolerance but there are plenty of solid options for less, Kershaw, sypderco, etc. I can deploy and fold my knife with one hand.

[TonyMang_89]

Ontario RAT 1 or 2 are hard to beat for an edc beater .

[k1dude]

Soooo many good folders out there. What are your requirements? Blade length? Manual or assisted opening? Flipper or thumb? Is weight important? What kind of material for the scales? Budget? Blade steel? Bearings? Color? Locking mechanism? Made in the USA?...........

Give us some parameters to narrow it down. Otherwise there's thousands to choose from.

[trailblazer87]

I carried a Spyderco for years, finally switched to a Buck 110 with an S30V blade from their custom shop,love it. ESEE are very good if you have the coin.

[FatCity67]

Thousands of ideas for you with pics down in the Blades sub-forum.

[EM2]

I EDC one of these, comes in handy.

https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/select-fire.html

[L84CABO]

Here is a cheap ($25) but decently made option for you...

Ganzo Firebird FH41 - D2 Steel. Comes in four or five color options. There's also a smaller version that comes in orange which is pretty cool...but it is smaller. I just grabbed the green one but Amazon has the other ones too.

https://www.amazon.com/Ganzo-Firebird-FH41-GB-Ergonomic-Anti-Slip/dp/B07RGJQ6WM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1SFIC6WDVQ1TJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eJ_18ef_X6oTm4QnllBLZpMWMLkts5kRUOIhZS8gGb06po8-UNj8f5u2j2T9QSN7ydawn7OwUnNjnFYyfazthNf8O5pATQy7NUzkKP4XDPlWq9Y4vQtB6b2MOEivYCuZEJ2Q410E7rBdGKHh8ljty6MQry_P0a_McEBIHnCSuMBbYhY9NDrOeBwo1V2aJgCB9D0BcximsAZegt3-6jYErbkDui6qKMvtl27rY2qP0lQEW9EwoBQiWROZQhezhSlF4dkO7gq_MfwmH2YCT7iQ9fqBbvg1fBEf0buRuzx9uCg.PlbHok_Dt6krYC8xBJZZGFkUdLJf_32hN0PGhsOxtVU&dib_tag=se&keywords=ganzo+fh41&qid=1711769721&sprefix=ganzo+fh41%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[BigStiCK]

SpyderCo or Zero Tolerance. Both are kinda $$$ but will last a lifetime. Here are some of mine....

[olhunter]

My Kershaw Speed-Safe has been clipped to my pocket for many years. Quick, one-handed blade deployment is and always will be my main requirement.

You don't need to spend a ton of money.

[dC0m]

I've had a few Gerbers 20+ years ago and you definitely get what you pay for. I found myself sharpening + tightening the pocket clip very often with weekly use.

I decided a few years back to splurge on a Benchmade Osborne folder - I was sold on their "axis lock", which is vastly different from most "liner-lock" that most "budget" folders use. After 7 years of constant use, it is still rock solid + only very seldomly had to sharpen it. Plus, I like Benchmade's lifetime sharpening + maintenance program with every purchase.

[ibanezfoo]

I usually lose them so cheap Kershaws usually. I carry a cheap CRKT right now but the steel is not very good and it doesn?t hold an edge very well.

[SanDiego619]

I carry a razor blade in my teef

[sigstroker]

I've had a few Gerbers 20+ years ago and you definitely get what you pay for. I found myself sharpening + tightening the pocket clip very often with weekly use.

I decided a few years back to splurge on a Benchmade Osborne folder - I was sold on their "axis lock", which is vastly different from most "liner-lock" that most "budget" folders use. After 7 years of constant use, it is still rock solid + only very seldomly had to sharpen it. Plus, I like Benchmade's lifetime sharpening + maintenance program with every purchase.

Thanks. I have another Benchmade, not sure I want to go that gucci on EDC. The Osbrorne looks a little too big for my purposes, although it looks like some other models might work. Three hundred bucks is probably more than I want to spend though, on something I could easily lose or break.

[sigstroker]

SpyderCo or Zero Tolerance. Both are kinda $$$ but will last a lifetime. Here are some of mine....

I thought Spydercos were cheap. At least they were the last time I bought a knife.