EDC and self-defense folder ... What should my next 2 knives be?

T

terrier_lover

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Jul 1, 2011
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Hi.

I am new to this forum and relatively new to knives. I currently own a Spyderco Tenacious & a Gerber FAST draw, plain edge.

I want to buy a new EDC knife because the Tenacious is illegal where I live, and the Gerber is, well, not totally reliable. (IMHO, it's become somewhat of a piece of junk, but it has some sentimental value, which is why I still have it.) I'm considering a Kershaw Leek or a Benchmade Mini Griptilian (both are 3 inches or less), but I'm wondering if there's anything else out there <$100 that would be worth taking a look at.

I'm also interested in a knife that I can carry somewhere if I think there might be trouble. For this, I'm not concerned about length (i.e., it can be over 3 inches), but I'd like to keep it under $100, as well. Right now, I'm considering a full size Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn but am wary of Gerbers because of my previous experience. Can anyone recommend a good defense folder?
 
I tell you what, the Kershaw Tremor would make a great self defense folder I think due to the way the grip is and the blade shape. The Spyderco Harpy also comes to mind and there are several Cold Steel knives like the Recon 1 and American Lawman that would be good for self def. The Mini Grip or the Leek would be a good edc pick. Kershaw also makes some good folders under 3 inches. Good Luck! Kevin :D
 
Thanks. You're actually the second person to recommend the Tremor to me. I'll look into it.

I have a Cold Steel fixed blade that someone gave to me a long time ago, but I have absolutely no practical use for it. Besides the Tilite models, I'm not too familiar with their folders.

The Leek seems like a great value, and Kershaw is supposed to have the best warranty in the business.

One of the only reasons I'm interested in the Mini-Griptilian is to see what all the hype is about with Benchmade products. I've neve even handled one before.
 
Benchmade folders are some of the best! I really like the 940. The Benchmade 710 would also be a good all around edc but both have a bigger blade than you want. The Mini Grip is very popular! With the Tri-Ad lock Cold Steel now has one of the strongest locks made! Good Luck! The Tremor is a GREAT BUY for the money! Kevin :D
 
There's a lot of good choices out there. I'd recommend the Spyderco Delica flat ground (2-7/8" blade length, $51) for a solid all-around daily carry blade. The Spyderco Persistence (2-3/4" blade, $28) is another option for less money, but is also a bit bulky.

I don't know as much about good SD blades, but I have a Spyderco Endura 4 flat ground on the way as a last-ditch SD tool.

I personally steer clear of anything Gerber that isn't made in the USA. IMO, the majority of their product line is just a step above flea market knockoffs in quality, but not by much. They do what they're supposed to, but aren't especially good at it.
 
I think, of the options presented, I would go with either the tremor or the leek. not only is the benchmade more expensive, but it also has the axis lock. You would really have to be careful about how fast you opened that sucker so that it did not look like you had a switchblade. I have used axis locks before, and they open quick. I realize this probably would not be a problem, but better safe than sorry. besides, if one of the kershaws get confiscated, then you are out 40 bucks. if the benchmade gets confiscated, you are out 80 bucks.

in the end, it is your choice. go to a knife store and hold both. if you can't do that, then watch as many youtube reveiws as possible. I really don't think you could go wrong with either.
 
Well, isn't there a blade limit for Chicago? If so get the Spyderco Chicago. :D
I own the Cat, which is SLIGHTLY larger, and it is a great knife.
 
Take a look at the small Bone Collector knife. Gives you a similar shape as the Grip, but you get G-10 grips, and D2 steel.
 
If you like the Tenacious flavour, Spyderco has two smaller versions in that same family: the Persistence and the Ambitious. Either would be good for EDC, imo. If you want something a little higher end, the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a very nice little folder available in VG-10 or ZDP-189. Sorry, I don't know much about 'tactical' knives...

Good luck! :)
 
For edc I'd get a spyderco sage 1 on ebay for 99 w/free s&h has 3" blade it's tops,and for self defense I would get a Kershaw Blur ,they have alot of different steels to choose from ,they also have excellent gripping surface and they are assisted openers for quick draw ,slim profile for your pocket ~$39-89 different color as well(w/black pocket clips for discreet carry).
 
look into waved knives if you want one for self defense. Spyderco and cold steel both make some for under $100
 
The Griptillian and Leek are both great knives, though I don't like assisted openers that much. Cold Steel makes the American Lawman, Ti-lite, the Rajah series, and the Spartan (Which is going to be one of my next knives)
 
Where blade-length doesn't matter, the CRKT M16-04Z is a good, not too expensive folder for defensive use. For the 3", I'd go with the CRKT M16-02Z....Again, a good little folder for not alot of money.
 
In my opinion, you should only consider acquiring knife for self defense if you know how and when to use it in that context.
This being said, and please take into account that I know very little about the subject, the Spyderco Police is often seen as great for that particular use. Main reason is that the blade is so long, and it can still be opened quickly. Again, I recommend to think twice before going that route - you can easily get into big legal and physical problems if your experience or judgement of the situation is lacking.
For EDC, I second the recommendation for the Dragonfly, or perhaps wait just a little bit for the very soon upcoming Spyderco Chaparral which seems just about perfect for urban EDC in many locations.
 
I second the Cold Steel Recon 1. I have one and it is my EDC. I use it for everything. I have the Tanto blade version. The handle on that knife is perfect for me. Feels great any way you hold it. Mine is still sharp and i have had it a while also. Still shave sharp.
 
Recon-1 Tanto $60 EDC & SD.

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EDC $25 Ontario Rat-1

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ZT 0350! You can find it just under 100 and its built like a tank. If size is an issue go with a blur in s30v. Kershaw all the way lol. Yeah I'm a little biased can't help it. You won't have to worry bout quality and customer service is top of the line.
 
I would say just get a nice knife that you like for EDC...

It will double as an SD blade if the highly unlikely situation ever comes up.
 
bladebertt said:
Why is the Tenacious illegal where you live? It's only got a little 3&3/8" blade.
Click to expand...


I wondered this as well.

+1 on the ZT 350 and the Cold Steel Recon 1. Also, check around, you can occasionally find an Emerson CQC7 used that would be a good choice as well.
 
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