EDC folders?

[live2suck]

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

Have you ever actually used your ZT knives to cut anything besides paper envelopes?

I'm pretty disappointed with both of my ZT folders.

The first was a tanto-style that chipped out and had difficulties staying sharp. I attributed this to my misuse of the blade's geometry as a general purpose knife (it turns out that I don't stab as many people as I anticipated at the time of purchase). After buying the black variant of the two you shared, I was extremely disappointed to find that even with the big belly, the edge chips if I so much as look at it.

I have a couple of cheap China knives that claim to be made of 4XX-series stainless (but I have my doubts) that hold an edge better than my $150 ZT products.

Does calguns have any recommendations for a spring-assisted folder in the 3.5"-ish range that doesn't suck?

[dC0m]

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.

Don't quote me on this but I believe if you damage your Benchmade (handle or the blade); they can replace the damaged part for a nominal fee. I had a buddy who used his Benchmade hard, snapped the blade and it only costed him $30 - $40 (with shipping on your own dime) to have Benchmade put in new steel.

I used to feel bad about EDC'ing a Benchmade due to its value, but nowadays, I could care less. I rather have a quality blade perform when I need it to rather than go back to the days of a Gerber, where the blade would dull out and I couldn't even cut a ziptie.

There's definitely some expensive folders out there, Benchmade carries a high price tag, but I've defintely seen some that make my Benchmade look like discount-store pricing.

[dC0m]

Not to add to my Benchmade fanboy-ism (and I'm not affliated with them); they also offer military/LEO/government discount through GovX. It used to be crazy cheap (30% off everything), but I think it's down to 10 - 15% nowadays.

[tomrkba]

I really like the Benchmade Emissary. Of course, it's discontinued. Only downside is the scales are smooth. Skateboard tape solved the problems I had pulling the knife from the pocket. The blade shape is mediocre for general use, but acceptable. I prefer the assisted opening.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-477-Large-Emissary-Knife--21318

My EDC was a Spyderco Delica 2.88" for at least a decade. They cost $50 a long time ago, but now they're $95 on bladehq.com. The blade is too triangular in shape. I prefer a more curved belly.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Delica-Flat-Ground-Black--11495

I also really like the Benchmade Mini Barrage 3"...but again the scales are a problem (along with the minimal handstop). But the blade shape is perfect for daily use. The belly is curved enough for common use and has a slight drop point.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-585-Mini--3547

I also have a Benchmade FACT. I love the scales, the handstop is good, and it's narrow in the pocket. But, the spearpoint blade is terrible for daily use. It's an excellent knife for personal defense.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Fact-AXIS-Lock-Knife--78773

I have a Benchmade 300 Ball Flipper Axis lock. It has a heavier blade than the Mini Barrage and more belly for a mini bowie style blade. It's a heavy knife with good scales. They're $150 on bladehq.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Axis-Flipper-Folding--14654

The CRKT M16-O1Z is interesting. It has the spear point shaped blade. It's pretty good, but the build seems lacking. The blade has side to side movement. It's also a tip up style knife. It has an interesting safety for the liner lock.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--CRKT-Carson-M16-01Z-EDC-Zytel--8899

I acquired a Benchmade Partial Immunity 2950 recently. I dislike it. The grip is too smooth and short. Blade shape is decent, but no belly.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Partial-Auto-Immunity--137761

Another feature I require is an ambidextrous clip. A few really nice custom knives have a fixed clip on the right side. I also prefer the tip to be pointed up when folded and in the pocket. I just cannot open a knife quickly when the tip is pointed down in the pocket.

Overall, I prefer the AXIS style lock. The Spyderco lockback is acceptable. Flippers are okay, but I prefer something more "sure" like the Emissary's spring assist. Manuals like the FACT and Delica are decent, but certainly not optimal.

[owenv]

Kershaw Payout

[DGoodale]

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-Firebir.../dp/B07RGJQ6WM

That looks a lot like my Civivi Elementum at only 1/2 the price. I may look into that. https://www.amazon.com/CIVIVI-Knives.../dp/B0823HYCK2

[RandyD]

My all-time favorite EDC is the Spyderco Paramilitary II.

[BigStiCK]

Have you ever actually used your ZT knives to cut anything besides paper envelopes?

I'm pretty disappointed with both of my ZT folders.

The first was a tanto-style that chipped out and had difficulties staying sharp. I attributed this to my misuse of the blade's geometry as a general purpose knife (it turns out that I don't stab as many people as I anticipated at the time of purchase). After buying the black variant of the two you shared, I was extremely disappointed to find that even with the big belly, the edge chips if I so much as look at it.

I have a couple of cheap China knives that claim to be made of 4XX-series stainless (but I have my doubts) that hold an edge better than my $150 ZT products.

Does calguns have any recommendations for a spring-assisted folder in the 3.5"-ish range that doesn't suck?

Depends on what Im carrying the day I need it. Yes & no. All my knives are in a rotation and I love SpyderCo more than the others. Kershaw, Kizer, Civivi, We Knives, ZT, Benchmade, Buck, KaBar/Becker....They're all Excellent. Some I beat on more than others because they're in my pocket more, but they all get used eventually.

[snacks]

Have you looked into a spyderco delica for light use. Maybe a para 3 the lock system is easy to use one handed.

I rotate between a delica, para 2 or 3. At time my hinderer xm18. Depending on mood. I have a bugout but I only use it for mail

A manic or shaman is heavy duty but a larger knife. Perfect for garden work as well.

[k1dude]

I personally think Spyderco is the sweet spot in the price/performance spectrum.

Next up would be Benchmade, but friends don't let friends buy from leftist Benchmade. I stopped buying Benchmade's years ago.

Probably the best inexpensive brand is Kershaw. They make many affordable knives that perform far beyond their price.

My rotation includes all 3 brands depending on what I'm doing. I prefer blades between 3" and 3.5", lightweight, and are assisted opening flippers.

I also have ZT, but find they're hard to open, heavy, and not that sharp without a lot of work.

[Ddm4me]

Benchmade bugout
ZT Sink flipper
CRK
Microtech for fast deploy

[snacks]

Have you checked out hogue knives? I kind of like the deka. But I feel for a best all around knife for use and steel value are spyderco’s. I used to be a benchmade fanboy. Still have a few, a friend of mine steered me to spyderco’s when I was looking at medfords and strider knives

I honestly use my para 3 more than my ZT 562. If I want something small I carry the bugout with the RSD scales. But that mod makes the bugout too pricey.

A para lightweight would be nice. Still a solid knife good steel especially if you’re not into modding your knife.

[Spanky8601]

Regardless of what you finally decide. These guys have a large selection usually at a discount and free shipping. https://atlanticknife.com/

[BigPimping]

CRKT Squid. Damn I love that cheap little thing.

[Tim padilla]

There’s so many good EDC out there that’s a tough question. I’ve never had a issue buying quality, I’ve only lost blades as a child . My first Benchmade Ernest Emerson design in the early 2000’s lasted for over a decade til I snapped the tip off using it as a pry bar. Lot of respect for ATS-34.Given Spyderco knives as gifts through the years and everyone has been satisfied. I’m a Microtech guy now , they are pricy but you only cry once with quality from my experiences.
I know you said don’t need a fix blade but if you do go that route I can speak on Randall Made knives .You can’t go wrong . More budget friendly I’ve been surprised by Winkler fixed blades.love the textured maple handles on those.