Best EDC for under $200

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
1,176
Hey guys its time for another new EDC, and I need your help. I want to stay under $200, I would like to stay under 3.5" best is 3". I would use the knife on my farm, so it will see all weather and some hard use. Tell me what you think.
 
I think you should get a Spyderco Manix 2 for tough use. Get a case swayback jack for in the pocket carry for finer work.

With the leftover $60 or so. Get a Victorinox alox Farmer, fisher space pen, and a Fenix E01 flashlight!

Or get a Swisstool spirit multitool with the leftover $60!

If you get a good Multi tool to lug around, you don't need a hard use knife and you can get one that cuts good instead! :D
 
bradley alias
benchmade 960, 950-1, 940, 930, 670
spyderco paramilitary, caly 3 cf, sage, stretch II, native 4, lum
kershaw exotic steel leeks
 
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If you're out on a farm, maybe a fixed blade...then the RC-3? Otherwise, anything by Benchmade or Spyderco is basically under $200.

Perhaps the BM710, nice 4" blade and plenty sturdy.
Or, Spyderco Military with the same size blade.
 
If I had $200 to spend I would get another Kershaw JYD Titanium. My favorite production ti framelock
 
If you are looking for a fixed blade, go over to the makers forum and check out some of the fine customs there. You will be surprised at what you can buy in your price range.

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str8flexed said:
If you're out on a farm, maybe a fixed blade...then the RC-3?
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I second this notion, Get a RC-3 and save yourself some money. then later down the road buy yourself a sturdy custom folder that you can pass down to the grand kids :D

I mean hell look at this thing in its beautiful leather sheath (these come with a great treatment that prevents rot and mildew making it almost as tough as plastic btw): http://www.knivesshipfree.com/RAT-C...ade-Modified-Pommel-Plain-Edge-Leather-Sheath

They are such great knives for almost any task ive been carying around anold ontarion one for years now and its taken everything i could throw at it. Not to mention the unconditional replacement warrants if it goes through a goddman wheat thresher or a combine itll get replay for free.

Really i dont see what more anyone could ask for.
 
I agree on the fixed blade as well, particularly the rc-3 or 4 if you don't mind the little extra blade length. Great knives and a lifetime warranty should you destroy the knife doing farm work. Can't go wrong with a Rat:cool:
 
BM Large Grip

I've recently rediscovered mine and wondered why I let it sit for so long. For your farm work, it's tough, and can take a beating (I've no mercy on mine and it stiils functions fine). Well under your price range, lite weight and can be used well with gloves, IMHO. If the blade length is a problem, try the smaller, just just as good, MINI-Grip.

Others: Spyderco Endura 4, Delica 4
 
Wow, with a $200 limit, there are tons of choices. I find that I don't need to spend that much for a great EDC knife that meets all my needs. I'm totally satisfied with my Kershaw Skyline, Spyderco Tenacious, Spyderco Native 4 FRN to name a few in the $30-$35 range. That said, I'd love to splurge a bit and get a Spyderco Native Carbon Fiber full flat ground VG-10 w/ CF scales), Zero Tolerance ZT0350 (S30V+G-10) or one of that many beautiful Mcustas (gorgeous designs w/ VG-10). They're on "my list".
 
Being a farm boy myself I can possibly provide some relevant insights.

What sort of knife you get depends on entirely on what you need one for day to day. Generally speaking, a good Leatherman on your belt is almost indispensable when working around a property. I have found that, as far as knives go, the Strider SnG is almost the perfect size for pocket carry that is also strong enough to handle a reasonable amount of abuse and get the job done. This is certainly out of your chosen price range so my next suggestion might sound strange but I'm very fond of the Spyderco Native. Good blade shape for most tasks, strong knife, not expensive and carries easily.

If you're working around a farm the last thing you need is something heavy and awkward hanging off you. If you do want a fixed blade, possibly something like the RC3 or maybe something similar to the Busse Active Duty would be good.
 
if your actually gonna use it, there are a crap load of knifes for much less then 200 bucks for edc. Personnaly I use my knifes once and then get rid of them... but thats just me...

I agree with gajinoz though where it would really depend on what you do on a farm and what you use your knifes for. Are you restricted to folders or can you use a fixed blade?
 
steelhog said:
Hey guys its time for another new EDC, and I need your help. I want to stay under $200, I would like to stay under 3.5" best is 3". I would use the knife on my farm, so it will see all weather and some hard use. Tell me what you think.
Click to expand...

You can pick up a used/mint Strider SA for $200. 3" blade that will handle your weather requirements as well. The Rat Cutlery RC-3 is a great blade, but requires more maintenance to prevent rusting (not an issue if you're willing to take the extra care). But the Rat is easier to sharpen yourself (although will dull quicker) and is less than half the cost. Both companies have a solid warranty and excellent customer service (with Rat having the edge).
 
The Spyderco Para Military or the Benchmade/Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 Griptilian are both excellent choices for an inexpensive, excellent EDC that are well under the $200 price point. These are two staples in my carry rotation and they've served me very well.

If you're concerned about hard use and therefore corrosion, take a look at Spyderco's salt series. They're made tough and the H1 steel, FRN, and other materials are designed from the ground up to resist corrosion and staining. They're tough knives that don't require gratuitous amounts of care or cleaning.

:thumbup:
 
..or you can just buy a Case Soddie Junior in CV or SS for US $20.00, and in another ten years look at purchasing another.

By my reckoning that gives you twenty years of utility for US $40.00, which gives you a balance of US $160.00 to spend on bills or the Missus....either of which will earn you big brownie points.
 
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