Off-Topic EDC Knife Talk

[No_Fly_Zone]

Made an AI-generated post re: knife steels in the megaconference fever dream thread and it inspired a bit of conversation with @Felonious Monk so I figured why not start an off topic post to discuss anything related to EDC knives. Have to imagine we have a bunch of knife people on CIS. So whether you carry an old Gerber Paraframe every so often or have a collection of custom Skiffs and Henry knives, feel free to jump in and discuss or ask questions.

Recently got a somewhat budget-friendly Kizer Drop Bear in 154CM that I'm enjoying a lot. Been trying to get my hands on a Vosteed with a top liner lock (like the Raccoon, Marten, or Porcupine), but I never actually see them in stock. Would love to hear if anyone has handled them and their thoughts.

 

[JD08]

I had an old Buck lock back from probably the late 80's that I used to open bags of salt for the softener. It finally gave up the ghost last year. This was a cheap knife when new with a plastic body, just metal for the blade and locking mechanism, which had worn so much it didn't really lock, which made it less than safe. So my wife, being funny, bought me a new one for Christmas. That cheap old one barely rusted at all in 35+ years. The new one already looks worse.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

I had an old Buck lock back from probably the late 80's that I used to open bags of salt for the softener. It finally gave up the ghost last year. This was a cheap knife when new with a plastic body, just metal for the blade and locking mechanism, which had worn so much it didn't really lock, which made it less than safe. So my wife, being funny, bought me a new one for Christmas. That cheap old one barely rusted at all in 35+ years. The new one already looks worse.

I've got an old Buck 110 hunter w/ the classic backlock and brass+wood handle combo that's about as old as I am. My grandfather gave it to me before a hunting trip about 20 years ago and I never gave it back. Since he passed several years ago, it's among my most cherished keepsakes so I don't typically carry it out, but the blade is clean, components are solid, and it still works like a charm. Old school USA manufacturing.

 

[TOcane]

Great topic. I'm not a big gun guy but I feel naked without an EDC knife in my pocket. I use it too much everyday. I currently go between a Benchmade bugout with the titanium scales with M390 steel and a oknife utility folder for cutting boxes and plastics.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

Great topic. I'm not a big gun guy but I feel naked without an EDC knife in my pocket. I use it too much everyday. I currently go between a Benchmade bugout with the titanium scales with M390 steel and a oknife utility folder for cutting boxes and plastics.

Thanks man. I'm the same way -- unless I'm at a place that makes it illegal or in the water, I pretty much always have a knife in my pocket.

Can't go wrong with the bugout, especially with titanium scales and M390. Benchmade and Spyderco are both a little on the expensive/overpriced side (as someone who also owns a Benchmade, lol), but very good knives. Expiring patents are making those lock bar and top liner/compression locks more common now, though.

 

[TOcane]

Thanks man. I'm the same way -- unless I'm at a place that makes it illegal or in the water, I pretty much always have a knife in my pocket.

Can't go wrong with the bugout, especially with titanium scales and M390. Benchmade and Spyderco are both a little on the expensive/overpriced side (as someone who also owns a Benchmade, lol), but very good knives. Expiring patents are making those lock bar and top liner/compression locks more common now, though.

Yep they are pricey and what's worse for my addiction is some of the local Ace Hardware's are starting to carry those brands. I'm looking at getting a Spyderco Para 3 and eventually would like some type of automatic OTF.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

Yep they are pricey and what's worse for my addiction is some of the local Ace Hardware's are starting to carry those brands. I'm looking at getting a Spyderco Para 3 and eventually would like some type of automatic OTF.

I bought myself a Kershaw Livewire in magnacut back in December and it's been great. Feels solid. Very good lockup with minimal blade play. No misfires or issues like that. And it's very slicey. Less expensive than a Microtech, but pretty well built and still made in the USA.

 

[TOcane]

I bought myself a Kershaw Livewire in magnacut back in December and it's been great. Feels solid. Very good lockup with minimal blade play. No misfires or issues like that. And it's very slicey. Less expensive than a Microtech, but pretty well built and still made in the USA.

I have had a Kershaw flipper before and like that most are US made. That live wire looks pretty nice. Is it heavy? That was the one thing I liked about the Benchmade Shootout is that it was still somewhat light.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

I have had a Kershaw flipper before and like that most are US made. That live wire looks pretty nice. Is it heavy? That was the one thing I liked about the Benchmade Shootout is that it was still somewhat light.

It's very light in the pocket. I want to say it's just over 3 ounces. Some people won't like the pocket clip (it's angled), but it works for me.

 

[TOcane]

It's very light in the pocket. I want to say it's just over 3 ounces. Some people won't like the pocket clip (it's angled), but it works for me.

I will add that to the OTF list then when the time comes. Will probably add one more folder before getting one.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

Managed to get my hands on a Vosteed Marten. It is a little smaller than I prefer, but has a big choil for a comfortable choke up grip. Overall it's a well constructed knife for the price ($99). Top liner lock (basically a button operated compression lock) is fun and solid. The milling on the aluminum scales is also pretty good. 154cm so it's reasonably slicey and should be easy to sharpen.

 

[Trafficante]

I'm interested in getting more into knives, but was wondering what are the main use cases for people that have them? I was thinking of using them mainly for hiking/camping, & other outdoor activities.

 

[JG13]

I carry a Benchmade Griptilian when I backpack...very light weight but sturdy.

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

I'm interested in getting more into knives, but was wondering what are the main use cases for people that have them? I was thinking of using them mainly for hiking/camping, & other outdoor activities.

Depends some on what you do for a living and your hobbies/interests. Outside fishing and hunting, I mostly use my knives for opening packages, breaking down packages, random cutting tool use, etc.... I guess it also does double duty as a backup self defense tool, but **** me if it ever comes to that, lol.

 

[JD08]

Depends some on what you do for a living and your hobbies/interests. Outside fishing and hunting, I mostly use my knives for opening packages, breaking down packages, random cutting tool use, etc.... I guess it also does double duty as a backup self defense tool, but **** me if it ever comes to that, lol.

That's pretty much my usage as well.

 

[Suhrthing]

I carry a Benchmade Griptilian when I backpack...very light weight but sturdy.

Years ago I bought a Griptilian in yellow, to make sure I didn't lose it - weeks later I lost it somewhere on my property; ironically it's the only knife I've ever lost. Also F Benchmade.

 

[Suhrthing]

I'm interested in getting more into knives, but was wondering what are the main use cases for people that have them? I was thinking of using them mainly for hiking/camping, & other outdoor activities.

Different knives for different occasions. For hiking/camping I'd holster one of my Esse kinves. For EDC I usually carry a Leatherman Skeletool, or one of various Spydercos.

Yesterday received a Kershaw Leek that I had never considered before... it's super light, and great quality. Surely an EDC candidate IMO.

 

[Trafficante]

Depends some on what you do for a living and your hobbies/interests. Outside fishing and hunting, I mostly use my knives for opening packages, breaking down packages, random cutting tool use, etc.... I guess it also does double duty as a backup self defense tool, but **** me if it ever comes to that, lol.

Ok, I understand; thank u.

I was also wondering what do u recommend someone optimize for in terms of edge retention, strength, toughness, & corrosion resistance when purchasing an EDC if they are looking for maximum versatility in the widest range of applications?

Also, if I purchase an EDC with avg edge retention & needs to be sharpened, how difficult is it to sharpen, & what tools would I need?

 

[No_Fly_Zone]

Ok, I understand; thank u.

I was also wondering what do u recommend someone optimize for in terms of edge retention, strength, toughness, & corrosion resistance when purchasing an EDC if they are looking for maximum versatility in the widest range of applications?

Also, if I purchase an EDC with avg edge retention & needs to be sharpened, how difficult is it to sharpen, & what tools would I need?

Depends on what you are willing to spend, but M390/20CV is a pretty great all-around steel, especially if you are prioritizing edge retention. Magnacut is also a great choice, with a little less edge retention but better corrosion resistance. As long as the heat treatment is solid, those are great options.

I am by no means a sharpening pro. I just use my benchmade field sharpener.

 

[Suhrthing]

Ok, I understand; thank u.

I was also wondering what do u recommend someone optimize for in terms of edge retention, strength, toughness, & corrosion resistance when purchasing an EDC if they are looking for maximum versatility in the widest range of applications?

Also, if I purchase an EDC with avg edge retention & needs to be sharpened, how difficult is it to sharpen, & what tools would I need?

Whetstones are a fun and useful skill to learn. After a couple afternoons I was able to put hair-shaving edges on my kitchen knives.