I've been carrying a benchmade auto until today. I got my first Microtech today and will be carrying it now.
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I have carried an Emerson Super CQB 7 or a Commander for several years, great rugged knives that deployed quickly.
In my humble opinion Chris reeve knives are the absolute cream of the crop. If you are willing to pay top dollar for an Edc knife than look no further. I now own 3, and yes, just like a quality rifle, they are addicting. I like to say I have a Chris reeve for every occasion but I typically carry the umnumzaan the majority of the time. My small ebony inlay demascus sebenza only comes with me when I wear slacks lol. Here are my three.
Leatherman Skeletool can do many things a knife alone cannot do, and the blade is pretty quick as well. It's nothing like the old-school and cheaper multi-tools that require you to open the pliers to get out the knife.
Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife with Speed Safe : Amazon.com : Sports & Outdoors
Kershaw Ken Onion Leek for everyday carry.
Very slim, light, and smooth. It does not catch on pants. Draws quickly to a position in the hand allowing quick one handed opening. Point down carry on clip. I've worn it on a suit without anyone noticing. Great way to carry a blade with quick access without drawing attention to yourself like you're trying to be workplace-Rambo.
Edit: Check out the Amazon reviews. And there is some sort of spring assist so the opening is lightening fast with no flick of the wrist necessary.
Kershaw Ken Onion Leek for everyday carry.
Very slim, light, and smooth. It does not catch on pants. Draws quickly to a position in the hand allowing quick one handed opening. Point down carry on clip. I've worn it on a suit without anyone noticing. Great way to carry a blade with quick access without drawing attention to yourself like you're trying to be workplace-Rambo.
Edit: Check out the Amazon reviews. And there is some sort of spring assist so the opening is lightening fast with no flick of the wrist necessary.
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I've been carrying a Tops CQT for years and it's held up well with quite a bit of use. It also sharpens up like a razor and holds an edge..................not as pretty as some of the others mentioned though.
Usually a Pro-Tech Monaco (552), holds an edge pretty well but you have to keep the little bitch cleaner than I'd like to keep the auto function crisp.
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I change all the time, and my tastes over the years have gone from more tactical to more functional. To me, sometimes less is more. When I get my knife out I'm not trying to impress anyone or cause people to look at me like I'm some mall ninja. Now, sometimes you can't get away from the tactical look thing, and you may actually like that look, and that's cool. Here are some of my favorite carries, some new, some old. Again, preference changes all the time.
I've started to really prefer knives that take up minimal pocket space, and that doesn't necessarily mean length, but more width. I hate putting my hand in my pocket to get my money clip and having to work around my knife b/c it's too wide.
So I carry these alot now:
BM 940 - Super thin, thick blade for size, long blade for size and uber light weight. Axis lock. My #1
CRK Insingo Sebenza w/ Micarta - Higher end, but you have to try/own one to get it. I put off for years stating "it can't be worth it". If you are mechanical or a machinist, you get it. Light and big blade. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Bank vault. #2
Mini Ritter Grip (yellow - used) - Does everything I need and sheeple friendly
Spyderco Techno - Fantastic little folder. Beastly for it's miniscule size.
Boker Kwaiken - Low profile. Blade steel is decent (AUS8) and it's heavy, but with a few mods it's excellent. Bearing system and love the blade shape. I'll be making some custom scales/backspacer soon.
Spyderco Salt - No liner Endura basically. Super lightweight and rust proof H1 steel.
HK14205 - Tank that doesn't take up much room, if you can find one. A little on the "tactical" side but has a custom look. May do some scales on this one also if I have time.
Spyderco Military - I almost forgot this one. With the tip-up mod it's a big, light folder, but does get some odd glances if used in certain situations. Still a great knife. Prefer to the Para2
I've started to really prefer knives that take up minimal pocket space, and that doesn't necessarily mean length, but more width. I hate putting my hand in my pocket to get my money clip and having to work around my knife b/c it's too wide.
So I carry these alot now:
BM 940 - Super thin, thick blade for size, long blade for size and uber light weight. Axis lock. My #1
CRK Insingo Sebenza w/ Micarta - Higher end, but you have to try/own one to get it. I put off for years stating "it can't be worth it". If you are mechanical or a machinist, you get it. Light and big blade. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Bank vault. #2
Mini Ritter Grip (yellow - used) - Does everything I need and sheeple friendly
Spyderco Techno - Fantastic little folder. Beastly for it's miniscule size.
Boker Kwaiken - Low profile. Blade steel is decent (AUS8) and it's heavy, but with a few mods it's excellent. Bearing system and love the blade shape. I'll be making some custom scales/backspacer soon.
Spyderco Salt - No liner Endura basically. Super lightweight and rust proof H1 steel.
HK14205 - Tank that doesn't take up much room, if you can find one. A little on the "tactical" side but has a custom look. May do some scales on this one also if I have time.
Spyderco Military - I almost forgot this one. With the tip-up mod it's a big, light folder, but does get some odd glances if used in certain situations. Still a great knife. Prefer to the Para2
I have owned and carried Cold Steels, CRKT, Kershaw and Benchmade. Currently I carry a Manix 2 XL G-10 in my right pocket and a Spyderco FRN Native in my left pocket. Both plain edge. Eventually I will add another Manix 2 or XL for my left pocket and move the Native just to gym wear. Both are very high quality, exceptionally well fitted, made in Golden, Colorado and offer incredible ergonomics. Both have a front finger choil that provides very good control. Nothing else I have used compares with how "right" they feel. So don't go play with either until you want to pay for one.
benchmade emissary. i'd probably be better served, or at least as well served, by a mini-grip, but the aluminum satin finish on the emissary got me.
I've been carrying a Pro-Tech TR-3 (154-CM) now for over a year and it's done me well. It got dull a little quicker than I'd have preferred, but it could've been that I used it several times a day on everything that needed cutting.
Wow, nobody else carries the excellent Buck Vantage series? Quality, budget edc for the working man. Much better than I see most of my buddies carry in garrison at any rate and gets the job done. Takes an edge pretty well and keeps it.
emerson cqc7, cqc8, karambit, commander
DPX folder
Strider folder
DPX heft4 on my kit
usually a leatherman of some type
looking at some small fixed blades for small of back carry at the moment so that will be added.
DPX folder
Strider folder
DPX heft4 on my kit
usually a leatherman of some type
looking at some small fixed blades for small of back carry at the moment so that will be added.
First off, I'm not a knife guy. It is a tool for me that I use a lot though --mostly the little carry knife. In the field, I've just always made do with a razor sharp K-Bar. Yeah, there are better, but for the amount of use it got, I didn't need anything heavier. And I still had my carry knife, and usually a multi-tool and an E-tool to boot.
Still, I'd LOVE to have a Randall. I could still kick myself in the ass for letting this table of six new Randalls selling for regular price go. They were new and unused, but also with no wait and no markup! DAMN! Anyway, I'll continue...
I carried a Gerber Sykes/Fairbairn folder, 2.5" blade? 2.75"? DAILY for YEARS. It had serrations the last 1/3rd or so (and if you are like me, you don't use those, ever, they are for emergencies). So I got it in 2006 after I lost my Cold Steel and couldn't find it ANYWHERE, and I carried it up until this month. I've sharpened it so much it is almost straight now. But still razor sharp, and the serrations are good as new. I gave it to my wife, she clips it in her purse next to her Surefire light.
So now I have a new Benchmade (I always wanted a Benchmade but didn't want to drop $200+ on a folder). But this one I got for $69 or something like that at the PX, I just couldn't pass on it. Model 555 Griptilian I think? Black blade, black plastic handle, hole in blade to open. I always wanted a Benchemade, but I kind of wanted the higher quality and thin version. And now that I have it, I really miss the thumb catches the Gerber had and that some Benchmades have. But I'm getting used to it, and it was razor sharp out of the box and I haven't sharpened it yet (but haven't used it a lot either). Still.
I like a good, small, quality made knife for everyday carry, but not one so expensive I'll be crushed if I lose it or destroy it. So I tend to go for the best one I can get from a reputable maker for under $100, preferably under $75. It gets used for everything, never says no, and occasionally has to go back to the maker to be fixed. But it holds its edge, opens fast, and has the emergency serrations if I ever need 'em. And is the legal length I guess.
I also miss the pointy blade on the Gerber. It was good for gouging, cutting in tiny spots, punching through bigger things to get a cut going, etc. I'm just a fan of that blade type I guess, for small blades anyway. They work better for letter openers too, and come on, they'll open more packages than anything else likely. My biggest complaint about the Gerber, and any Gerber I've had or used, is that the blade just won't keep an edge. You can get 'em sharp, but they don't stay sharp. We'll see how the Benchmade holds up with its 154CM blade.
I had a Cold Steel tanto folder that I really liked, but I lost it. It was damn, damn sharp, and it would keep an edge. They make some pretty nice knives, and I'd like to have one of their top end models too. If you contact them, they have factory seconds where you can get the high end models that have small flaws or are out of shape for cheap. Like the Ti titanium folder for $69 or thereabouts. They have 'em in their catalog all the time.
Still, I'd LOVE to have a Randall. I could still kick myself in the ass for letting this table of six new Randalls selling for regular price go. They were new and unused, but also with no wait and no markup! DAMN! Anyway, I'll continue...
I carried a Gerber Sykes/Fairbairn folder, 2.5" blade? 2.75"? DAILY for YEARS. It had serrations the last 1/3rd or so (and if you are like me, you don't use those, ever, they are for emergencies). So I got it in 2006 after I lost my Cold Steel and couldn't find it ANYWHERE, and I carried it up until this month. I've sharpened it so much it is almost straight now. But still razor sharp, and the serrations are good as new. I gave it to my wife, she clips it in her purse next to her Surefire light.
So now I have a new Benchmade (I always wanted a Benchmade but didn't want to drop $200+ on a folder). But this one I got for $69 or something like that at the PX, I just couldn't pass on it. Model 555 Griptilian I think? Black blade, black plastic handle, hole in blade to open. I always wanted a Benchemade, but I kind of wanted the higher quality and thin version. And now that I have it, I really miss the thumb catches the Gerber had and that some Benchmades have. But I'm getting used to it, and it was razor sharp out of the box and I haven't sharpened it yet (but haven't used it a lot either). Still.
I like a good, small, quality made knife for everyday carry, but not one so expensive I'll be crushed if I lose it or destroy it. So I tend to go for the best one I can get from a reputable maker for under $100, preferably under $75. It gets used for everything, never says no, and occasionally has to go back to the maker to be fixed. But it holds its edge, opens fast, and has the emergency serrations if I ever need 'em. And is the legal length I guess.
I also miss the pointy blade on the Gerber. It was good for gouging, cutting in tiny spots, punching through bigger things to get a cut going, etc. I'm just a fan of that blade type I guess, for small blades anyway. They work better for letter openers too, and come on, they'll open more packages than anything else likely. My biggest complaint about the Gerber, and any Gerber I've had or used, is that the blade just won't keep an edge. You can get 'em sharp, but they don't stay sharp. We'll see how the Benchmade holds up with its 154CM blade.
I had a Cold Steel tanto folder that I really liked, but I lost it. It was damn, damn sharp, and it would keep an edge. They make some pretty nice knives, and I'd like to have one of their top end models too. If you contact them, they have factory seconds where you can get the high end models that have small flaws or are out of shape for cheap. Like the Ti titanium folder for $69 or thereabouts. They have 'em in their catalog all the time.
Junglas, anything else is unprepared 
But seriously, I beat the crap out of my carry knives, cut crap with them bend serrations, etc. So I usually carry a $20 Kershaw or similar day to day. Out in the woods, or hunting, I'll have a couple of ESEEs and/or a few other nicer knives on me.
But seriously, I beat the crap out of my carry knives, cut crap with them bend serrations, etc. So I usually carry a $20 Kershaw or similar day to day. Out in the woods, or hunting, I'll have a couple of ESEEs and/or a few other nicer knives on me.
SOG mini tac auto. Nice EDC knife. Very light, and not too big. Carries very low in the pocket with their clip. I like it.
Gotta go with the ZT0561 Hinderer if I plan on doing any hard work with it. That thing is a tank. If I'm just going into the office, I carry a Spyderco Endura Emmerson opener. For hunting, I carry one of my own creations, (I make my own knives and sell a few, gatorforgecustomknives.com) a 7" D2 blade with Honduran Rosewood handles.
Pics of my EDC choice...
SOG mini tac auto. Nice EDC knife. Very light, and not too big. Carries very low in the pocket with their clip. I like it.
SOG mini tac auto. Nice EDC knife. Very light, and not too big. Carries very low in the pocket with their clip. I like it.
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SOG Trident with slacks, Benchmade 275 Adamas with blue jeans.
Starting in September, my EDC in TX will be the Benchmade 42 Balisong. Had this knife for awhile, but can't carry it until now. This Balisong served me well in my overseas travels, carried it everywhere. Growing up in my native country I carried a Balisong through my college years, quite comfortable with it.
Starting in September, my EDC in TX will be the Benchmade 42 Balisong. Had this knife for awhile, but can't carry it until now. This Balisong served me well in my overseas travels, carried it everywhere. Growing up in my native country I carried a Balisong through my college years, quite comfortable with it.
I have yet to splurge on a knife. My Kershaws haven't left me wanting for more, I have a Leek and an Oso Sweet, both have the speedsafe assisted opening system.
Customer service is top notch too, I sent one in for repair of a broken blade and it came back at no cost to me.
All the guys in my family like getting them as gifts too, they're cheap enough to go around
I do like my Buck Tops folder too, CSAR-T it rides in a leather belt pouch sometimes
Customer service is top notch too, I sent one in for repair of a broken blade and it came back at no cost to me.
All the guys in my family like getting them as gifts too, they're cheap enough to go around
I do like my Buck Tops folder too, CSAR-T it rides in a leather belt pouch sometimes
I bought a ZT0350 awhile back and it started me on a nice knife kick. It's a great value and built like tank.
ZT 0560 and Spyderco Para2 see the most carry time.
ZT0560 carries very well due to its shape for such a large knife.
The Para2 is lightweight and slim. If it had a deep carry clip it would be perfect.
ZT 0560 and Spyderco Para2 see the most carry time.
ZT0560 carries very well due to its shape for such a large knife.
The Para2 is lightweight and slim. If it had a deep carry clip it would be perfect.
Benchmade griptilian. I carry one everyday and keep another in the truck..... you can never have to many knives. I also have a Spartan Horkos which is awesome! Course I can't carry it everyday.
Over the past 20 yrs or so I've carried Cold Steel voyagers, Spyderco, Benchmade, and CRKT and have liked most of them. The Cold Steels were the first to break, my CRKT has been my EDC for the last 7 yrs (4 on a P.D. and that last 3+ in Afgh) and I CANNOT kill it. No matter how much dumb shit i do to the CRKT it continues to truck on. It obviously needs sharpening but for a $60 knife it is RIDICULOUSLY well made and their customer service is AWESOME.
Biggest drawback to the CRKT is that I'm used to destroying a knife within a year or so (about a week for Cold Steel) so I have an excuse to buy a new one. Since I can't kill the CRKT, it is going to be honorably put away and I'm buying the Spyderco Manix 2 XL as soon as I can find someplace that has them in stock. I never figured a KNIFE would be as hard to find as certain firearms and ammo these days.
Biggest drawback to the CRKT is that I'm used to destroying a knife within a year or so (about a week for Cold Steel) so I have an excuse to buy a new one. Since I can't kill the CRKT, it is going to be honorably put away and I'm buying the Spyderco Manix 2 XL as soon as I can find someplace that has them in stock. I never figured a KNIFE would be as hard to find as certain firearms and ammo these days.
I carry a little Coast AO. They retail under $50, it's solid as a rock after coming to work with me for the last 8 months, and holds an edge and re-sharpens very well. Great little inexpensive assisted open.
I am past the folder phase
Seriously I do like this simple knife.
The Candiru is a really great knife too. Try one if you haven't. I think I like it more than the Izula now because it is just so damn small and aggressive all at the same time. ESEE really nailed the small fixed market. I just wish the Candiru came with a kydex sheath. I hate buying knives and then having to buy a sheaths!
I have to say if you like chris reeve's look up George knives, AWESOME looking folders, his site is kinda dated but his facebook has some amazing pics. His symbol is kinda crusader cross'ish.
and another big push for Ban Tang knives, some of my favorite small fixed blades i've seen.
and another big push for Ban Tang knives, some of my favorite small fixed blades i've seen.
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