E(very) D(ay) C(arry) and knives - any primers (Atwoods etc.)

[TomW]

I am currently going through a patch at work which is likely to last for a couple of days where I have to put a lot of facetime but have nothing to do. So I am indulging myself with a bit of research into EDC items and, as part of that, knives.

I know quite a few people here make and like knives and was wondering whether people had any suggestions on where to start. I have absolutely no idea about knives but would like to approach it on a similar basis to bikes, i.e. invest in a couple from small operations who know what they are doing and also produce products which straddle that line between practicality and beauty.

Realistically any EDC item I buy is more of a 'fun' buy than a truly practical one given the nature of my work (as I sit in front of keyboard all day feeling my soul drip out of my elbows) but in evenings and weekends I ride and often help my wife out on TV production things so I can slightly justify a good tool. I currently rely on a much used Leatherman which has seen 4 continents and is now battered and beautiful.

On the same principle, I saw the mention of Atwoods on a different thread and they really are beautiful things. Shame they seem to be nearly impossible to get these days. Any equivalents people like and respect or other products people recommend.

Basically I'm looking for something cool to indulge in which will make me a better man.

[maunahaole]

I don't know squat about this stuff, but my brother really likes Benchmade stuff. Worth a look, seems to be nicely made and very sharp. Expect a bunch of answers. V-place is full of cutlery whores.

[PJN]

Boring. Maybe you ment to ask what size tube goes in your tire?

Carrying a knife won't make you more of a man.

[stnphoto]

Spyderco makes some very good EDC knives that won't break the bank, in tons of styles for lots of different applications. I would recommend you take a look at them.

Atwoods are around, but they get pricey in the aftermarket. Check ebay, but realize that is about the top of the collector market pricing there. If there is something in particular you are looking for of Peter's let me know, I just might have it for you.

[rydesteel]

Knives are tools. I've carried one for the past 45 years including grade school and beyond. I've got a small Swiss army executive that I use every day to clean fingernails open envelopes and the like. When hunting, fishing or traveling I also carry a spring assisted opening my favorite right now is the Benchmade Osborn Barrage, it's nice to be able to open a knife with one hand when the other hand is occupied. I can shave with most of my knives and use them daily. Lot's of good production knife makers out there, but a good custom folder can cost as much as a custom frame would. Have fun with the search, keep it sharp, and learn how to handle it.

[christian]

For an EDC, I'd default to the Fällkniven U4, U2, or TK4. Just excellent little tools. U2 in SGPS is just right.

[TomW]

keep it sharp

This is where I am going to start with my pre-existing Leatherman. It is a blunt mess now. Time to get some stones I think. Which would also enable experimentation with Cutthroats rather than DE safety razors. And I think my wife will be grateful for assistance on sharpening her chef knives.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[TomW]

Carrying a knife won't make you more of a man.

I will just have to fall back on my liberal arts degree then. Or gunz.

[s_curran]

I have two opinels I carry all the time, the new one I got has a corkscrew in the side, its a No. 10. I got one for my dad as well, and made him a sheath I was pretty happy with for it. I se mine all the time. Nothing better than a bottle of wine and some cheese at the beach. Super manly.

I'd eventually like to get a benchmade.

[Too Tall]

About 5 years ago I had a similar inspiration ;) After buying a few knives I've slowed the roll so to speak and have two pocket knives that I carry. The best knife for EDC, if you are someone who is happy with a simple locking folder, the Benchmade Silver Osborne w/ G-10 Inserts 960SLV is what I've got. What I like about it is that the knife is light, sharpens easily and the lock is brickhouse solid. It is a deceptive knife and quality is built into ever aspect. The other knife is not nearly as light but it's a workhorse and you can drive nails with it if you want. The Chris Reeve Sebenza is not hard to sharpen and you'll instantly fall for the lock mechanism not to mention it's got a super strong blade that you can do some work with. Oh...for EDC Bike carry (there is another thread on the forum) I have a leatherman mini.

[Vlad Luskin]

I will just have to fall back on my liberal arts degree then. Or gunz.

Don't bring your EDC to a gun fight...

[UnfilteredDregs]

Love my Hattori:

[EightySixer]

Boring. Maybe you ment to ask what size tube goes in your tire?

Carrying a knife won't make you more of a man.

Most ridiculous thing I maybe have ever read. My girlfriend carries a hawkbill Klein that I gave her and she is not a man, it's about being prepared. When you need something cut I'll send her over to help you, she can change your flat tire too while she's at it.

Now to the knives. I need a new EDC, I have looked at and narrowed it down to these I think:
Ontario Rat 1 or 2
Benchmade Pardue Axis (I found one pretty cheap)
CRKT Liong Mah (G)et(S)hit(D)one which is beautiful but a bit big for my liking at 4.3" closed.
Attachment 96205
And lastly this CRKT Eros Ken Onion- 3" closed, looks very nice to me. Priced very well, $35.00
Attachment 96206

Any insight on any of these or your budget friendly recommendations? I can't spend over $40.00 which really limits me, I am looking for the best quality I can get within this budget.

[Too Tall]

Justin, count me in the camp of gents who give folding knives to their SOs.

The Benchmade is best of the ones you mentioned. You'll grow very fond of the lock mechanism. What is the blade configuration? Spearpoint, etc.

[funcrusher]

Justin, count me in the camp of gents who give folding knives to their SOs.

The Benchmade is best of the ones you mentioned. You'll grow very fond of the lock mechanism. What is the blade configuration? Spearpoint, etc.

speaking of edc...look what showed up today

img_20160909_123240 (1).jpg

spyderco paramilitary 2...feels great in the hand and looks badass

[Bill Bryant]

I carry a small 2-bladed Case pocketknife most days. I keep it sharp and use it often. Carbon steel blades, not stainless; they keep an edge well. The knife is nothing special, probably a mid-priced item when new? It belonged to my late father and is probably from the 1920-30s. I got it back in 1983 when he died and, though certainly showing signs of wear, it is still going strong. Between him and me, it has been used on countless fishing and backpacking trips, along with everyday use.

I also use a silver-sided Victorinox similar to the one shown by AngryScientist (but no file blade) and I like that one too. Like the Case, it is slim and rides comfortably in a pants pocket. The Victorinox gets taken on cycling tours since it has a bottle opener, screwdriver ends, etc. It has been on two PBP rides as well. Pretty handy if you lack regular tools during a ride.

Otherwise, they're just pocketknives. As Chancerider wrote, "don't over think it."

Bill B.
Santa Cruz by the Sea

[jitahs]

For EDC Opinels can't be beat - weighs about a much as a smart phone and locks. The blade has a nice shape, wide for a little knife but not too much.

Perfect match with cheese and saucisson sec.. Or to cut your ham on rye.

[justinf]

Nothing fancy here, but my somewhat skinny jeans usually contain either a Spyderco Chicago or a Kershaw Leek. Both are cheap with very good blades and compact size. I lose stuff like this frequently, and they get scratched all to hell, so cheap is good.

[andrew]

The CRKT K.I.S.S. Is my go to. Very small, thin, and a true one hand operation. I have a couple actually. image-2373381447.jpg It is small though. I have a few others that I carry if I think I might need a more substantial blade. image-1265635324.jpg image-3586721900.jpg
The Gerbers are nice and fairly cheap. I don't feel bad abusing them. I also have a Case that was my grandfathers, and a Benchmade that will be my sons. Those don't get pulled out very often.
Andrew