EDC pocket knife recommendations

[dixiedeerslaya]

I'm in the market for a new EDC pocket knife. Must be one hand open, thumb stud or flipper design (don't like the spiderco round thumb hole type thing). Looking for something with a blade in the 3.25"+/- length. I've been using a kershaw blackout for the last few years and like the feel, and blade shape of the knife, but the steel is soft...takes an edge really easily but dulls very fast. I'm looking to step up to a higher quality knife. budget of about $225


I'm looking at something similar to the Benchmade Griptillian, the Benchmade 940, the Zero Tolerance 0452CF, Brous Blades Insight........

tell me what else i should be looking at, and NO, i don't want a yeller handle case

thanks in advance

[USMCsilver]

Why not an auto Benchmade?

I carried a Mini Stryker for years, and it performed flawlessly. Sent it back to Benchmade twice for free sharpening.

Now I just carry a Leatherman on my belt.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[ccleroy]

You want cheap and well made, get the Kershaw Cryo Hinderer, it's an assisted Opener and the toughest knife I've had. Been running one for the last 3 years.

[sftull]

I just got back from the Blade show and those ZT knives are awesome. One of the guys I was with bought one.

[Buckin Bronco]

I have carried the benchmade barrage for 4-5 years now. Holds a blade much better than Kershaws and feels stronger.

[dixiedeerslaya]

the kershaw blackout i have now is assisted opening with no "lock". i bought a kershaw leek that was also assisted opening a few years ago, but it had the lock on the bottom to prevent accidental opening, i DID NOT like that feature. it seamed everytime i was in a bind and needed to open it one handed, that little lock would be inadvertently in the "lock" position, then i would have to fumble with it to get it unlocked. i carried it for about 3 months and went back to my old blackout.

ill look into the benchmade autos. looks like the "lock" on those is by your thumb so you can still unlock it one handed if it is locked.

[JJ1965]

I carry the Zero Tolerance 0301 TS. It is durable and keeps a good sharp edge.
IMG_3390.jpg
IMG_3391.jpg

Not sure how much is costs, as it was a gift.

I also have a ZT 0350 TS that runs around 140 on Amazon, maybe less if you are on EBT or Medicaid. It is a little smaller and lighter. I prefer the 0301, and rarely carry the smaller one anymore.

[ccleroy]

The Cryo Hinder does not have the blade lock.

[Chuck the Duck Slayer]

I carry a benchmade mini reflex in my front right pocket for normal everyday use



and a fox Karambit 599 in my right rear pocket for those just in case instances

[Duck cutter]

Personally, I didn't care for my bench made. I found it hard to sharpen and it would get blade wobble (side to side).

I have always been impressed with Kershaw too. The knife in my pocket now is a Gerber air ranger and it has held up well.

You should easily be able to find one well under your maximum price

[Swamp Rat]

I carry a Kershaw for economy reasons, but these people makes excellent knives. Veteran owned and operated (SF guys).

https://spartanbladesusa.com/pallas-button-lock/

[SCswampCAT]

You want cheap and well made, get the Kershaw Cryo Hinderer, it's an assisted Opener and the toughest knife I've had. Been running one for the last 3 years.

Is that one china made metal? I have that one and gettin an edge on it is a pain it seems and once it has one it seems like its gone in 3-4 cuts.

Edit: Im still carrying a Kershaw but not this one. Im carrying a Ken Onion design 1660grybw. Its not China made, its much easier to put an edge on it and keep it.

[ccleroy]

I found it hard to sharpen and it would get blade wobble (side to side).

That's one of the biggest things that has impressed me about this Kershaw, NO blade wobble.

[FEETDOWN]

Benchmade Mini-Reflex II

I've been carrying it for 2 years. Best pocketknife I've ever owned

[Highstrung]

20170609_101523.jpg


Many many years with one of these, the blades are interchangeable, plus it's a sleek design. I don't do puffy pockets, they look sloppy.

[Duck cutter]

That's one of the biggest things that has impressed me about this Kershaw, NO blade wobble.

Yep,

I WON'T carry a knife with blade wobble

[SCswampCAT]

This is it.

[Swamp Rat]

'Skrait up Camden.

20170609_101523.jpg


Many many years with one of these, the blades are interchangeable, plus it's a sleek design. I don't do puffy pockets, they look sloppy.

[USMCsilver]

Yep,

I WON'T carry a knife with blade wobble

Never experienced any wobble with my Benchmade (just my truck).

I've used the knife as a prybar and hammer more times than I could count.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Swamp Rat]

Don't limit yourself to just one knife either. One on each side can be handy and they don't take up much room.