What the best tactical knife you EDC that's light weight?

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Oct 4, 2010
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A perfect tactical knife IMO is a knife that's light weight(4.25oz or less), blade at lease 3"(preferably 3.5"+), easy to carry(not to big or bulky) and has a great handle. I blade any bigger or heavier for me and I tend to not carry them. A knife I don't carry is probably the worst defensive weapon, lol. I'm over buying big blades that's just too big and heavy. My current two favorites that I EDC are:

1. Spyderco Para 2
2. Spyderco Military


What I'm thinking about buying next:

1. Cold Steel Hold Out III (super light and strong)
2. Spyderco Caly 3.5 (sucks that it doesn't look tactical)
3. Emerson Jim (a bit too heavy at 4.4oz)
4. Spyderco Spyderco Chokwe (blade is a bit thin)
5. Strider SNG DDG or CC (Pricey)
6. SPYDERCO YOJIMBO II (look sick!)

I want to add another one to my EDC rotation. Any recommendations?
 
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^^^Looks SICK! Looks a bit bulky to carry, is it?? At 4oz and only barely over 3"....I'm adding to my list of knives to get! THANKS!
 
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Al Mar Eagle Ultra light. 4'' blade..... Lighter than a mother #$%&er

One of my all time favorites.
 
^^^Looks SICK! Looks a bit bulky to carry, is it?? At 4oz and only barely over 3"....I'm adding to my list of knives to get! THANKS!
ok but is that blade profile really functional for SD? It doesn't have any belly so slashing is going to be less effective and a stab will also be less effective.
 
ok but is that blade profile really functional for SD? It doesn't have any belly so slashing is going to be less effective and a stab will also be less effective.

It was designed by michael janich, I'm willing to bet SD was considered.
 
CS American Lawman (Andrew Demko lock-up). It's AUS-8a (nothing fantastic as i understand), so takes a really sharp edge, holds it pretty well and as a knife it's prety light - i think 4.8 oz or something.

Oops - sorry, i don't know if it's a "TACTICAL" knife or not.....
 
The Benchmade 943 Orborne in Carbon fiber weighs 72gm. 4.25oz equals 120gm.
 
It's outside your "perfect" specs, weight-wise, but the BM 806 would make a fantastic choice. It's slim, has tons of blade for its size, and despite the weight, it's very unnoticeable. I've carried one for almost 5 years, and I find it pretty much nonexistent until I need it. Near fixed blade lock-up out the gate, and even years later with thousands upon thousands of lock cycles. Blade design is excellent, and while it pierces very well the tip is still very strong.

I'm not a fan of the current LE model that uses Spyderco's opening hole, a bizarre G10 pattern and beveled scales, but the discontinued 806D2 is still quite affordable for what you're getting. If I lost mine today, I'd sell something and buy a NOS tomorrow.

And on a somewhat related note, I'd also throw in the BM 710. Similar length, a bit less tactical in its design (which is a good thing, in my book), but every bit as stout and useful. I don't carry for self defense, but I imagine the 806 or 710 would perforate flesh beyond admirably. You'd probably have to hold one in your hand to realize just how light they actually feel and carry, but I'm confident you'd like them, especially considering your fondness for the Military.
 
It's outside your "perfect" specs, weight-wise, but the BM 806 would make a fantastic choice. It's slim, has tons of blade for its size, and despite the weight, it's very unnoticeable. I've carried one for almost 5 years, and I find it pretty much nonexistent until I need it. Near fixed blade lock-up out the gate, and even years later with thousands upon thousands of lock cycles. Blade design is excellent, and while it pierces very well the tip is still very strong.

I'm not a fan of the current LE model that uses Spyderco's opening hole, a bizarre G10 pattern and beveled scales, but the discontinued 806D2 is still quite affordable for what you're getting. If I lost mine today, I'd sell something and buy a NOS tomorrow.

And on a somewhat related note, I'd also throw in the BM 710. Similar length, a bit less tactical in its design (which is a good thing, in my book), but every bit as stout and useful. I don't carry for self defense, but I imagine the 806 or 710 would perforate flesh beyond admirably. You'd probably have to hold one in your hand to realize just how light they actually feel and carry, but I'm confident you'd like them, especially considering your fondness for the Military.

I actually tried both the 806 and 710 already. I like the 806 better than the 710 due to the great finger choil on the 806. The 710 handle didn't work for me and it is a bit heavier than what Benchmade has it listed. Even though I like the 806, it just didn't land enough pocket time. I just preferred the Military over it every time. Don't get me wrong, they are both great knives, but just not for me. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.
 
I have a Mcusta Tactility with cocobolo scales that is lightweight, has a good sized blade and is absolutely gorgeous. If my memory serves, I believe it weighs in at 3.6 oz with a 3.7" blade. I tend to use it as a large gentleman's folder when wearing a suit.
 
Cold Steel Voyager Large Tanto (2011 version)....I edc it every day since october.the tri ad lock is solid lock up,and I don't have to worry about losing the knife or messing it up because it only costed $39,I could buy a new one if I lose it....its very light weight but still is a hard use working knife.
 
You hit my faves already. SnG > SnG CC > Para2 >/= Milirary. My Strider Mini SJ75 is really growing on me as well!... but I would call the SnG more "tactical."
 
SnG CC. You don't know it's there til you need it, as it carry so well and is really light in weight.
 

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The 943 would be tough to beat. But if you think the BM 530 would do the trick, I'd say it's the one. Waved Delica is another.
 
Almost forgot, A.G. Russell Italian Tactical 3.1oz and 3.5" blade and Seki Cut Bob Lum Encounter 4.2oz and 4"+ blade.
 
Benchmade 943 is probably your best option. Very sturdy and well-made, but also very light and slim in the pocket.
 
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