stormmaster
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I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 19, 2021 3:09:08 GMT
hi everyone, I'm not much of a knife person and mostly focus on swords so I'm not really knowledgeable of whos considered really high end for EDCs? I'm looking to find a new one as my current piece is starting to get weary, and any recommendations would be helpful, thanks!
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Scott
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Post by Scott on Jan 19, 2021 6:50:47 GMT
Rockstead and shirogorov come to mind for high end production folders. Not sure about custom makers.
Edit to add this is going by what I've heard, I have no personal experience with either.
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Post by soulfromheart on Jan 19, 2021 9:59:38 GMT
Cedarlore Forge (David Delagardelle) has some pieces available right now but I don't know if they would qualify for EDC... From France, I really like Honoré Durand (Laguiole Knives). Perfect for everyday use.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2021 11:37:38 GMT
A reality check to narrow things down a little.
What is you current daily knife that you would be replacing and what would you want to change up to?
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Post by neuronic on Jan 19, 2021 12:23:06 GMT
I never quite get the thought behind "high end + every day carry"... unless you're a too rich person and you want to show off your too richness, carrying a four digit kind of priced knife between your keys and smartphone to cut open boxes and apples seems like a pretty strange EDC approach to me. It's like commuting with Bugatti Veron. My favourite EDC right now is the Ferrum Forge Stinger in Nitro V. Awesome design, great steel, perfect size, sub $100. I would not spend a single dollar more for a knife I use for every day tasks. But shure, if you just want to spend money, look at Peter Rassenti customs for example, they're really neat, or if you want to spend overpriced hipness kinda money look at Shirogorov, CKF and so forth... For an in-between kinda approach you can always go something like Chris Reeve.
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 19, 2021 12:23:44 GMT
To piggyback off Edelweiss, what do you do with your EDC?
I carry a few, for different purposes. Used to keep one for grooming (nail care, mostly, occasionally shaving anything I was about to put a bandaid on) and dining (restaurant knives are garbage) and one for all the messy stuff like opening boxes and scraping mystery crud off retail shelves, a lovely part of my job.
To date the most expensive knife I've carried, and only briefly because it didn't match my needs, was a Wildsteer WX at about $250 US. Currently, the most expensive knife on my person is a Benchmade 417 Fact (average retail about $180), which doesn't see a lot of use because I tend to go for the Artisan Cutlery Shark ($60) or Cold Steel Luzon ($30) instead. Sometimes I'll grab my Böker Magnum Miyu ($50) but I try to keep that one clean because She uses that for Her food. Used to carry a Manly laguiole ($150-ish?) but replaced it with a JJ Martinez Arabe ($60?). My dirty knife used to be a Martinez Albainox bandolero ($12) but it's gone missing.
How "high end" do you want and what is "EDC" exactly?
Edit: Forgot to mention, these are all folders. I also carry a fixed blade. Used to be a Citadel Trapper, which I don't remember paying as much as I'm seeing them list for now, but was still pretty pricey. $250 or so? I carry a no-name novelty now, for my own amusement; a generic "saufänger" or "d'estaing" or simply a folding pigsticker or bowie knife. Hardly the fanciest thing, but it cuts strings etc when i remember it's there.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jan 19, 2021 12:28:51 GMT
Truth be told (and bottom line up front) - nobody can tell you what is the best EDC knife for you to carry. It's a highly personal thing and only you can make the decision on what is right for you.
A knife is man's oldest tool. It's what allowed us to create all the technology we have today. It provides us with security, shelter, and food. Knives are part of our DNA you might say.
A knife is a tool, first and foremost. Selecting the "right" knife is no different than choosing a specific tool for a certain job. There are knives that are made for cutting vegetables, others for cutting meat, still others for delicate woodworking. Some knives are generalists that can do most things, but not most things well.
Now, for the question of EDC. "EDC" means "Every Day Carry". Meaning that you will have it in your pocket. You may or may not use it every day, and most likely you will use it for small jobs like opening a box or cutting some string (or cutting off that bit of broken fingernail that keeps getting snagged on stuff). Some people like to think of an EDC as a work knife, but they are actually two different things. To figure out what is best for you depends on a number of things. How bulky is the knife and will it be comfortable to carry all day? What is your personality? Do you like fancy decorative knives or simple ones? Do you like exotic materials or traditional wood/steel/bone? Do you like modern design, classic, ethnic? So many factors.
As for me, I like simple and effective, but at the same time I like a knife with a story. I carry 2 knives EDC: a Mercator K55K and a Mora 511. The Mercator is a German knife design going back to the 1850's and is a dam good knife. What I like most about it is that it's super slim and I can carry it all day in my pocket and never know it's there. It's strong and well constructed and holds a good edge.
My second EDC is the Swedish Mora 511. It's a short fixed knife in a plastic belt sheath. I like it because it's tough, it's also got history, and it's lightweight. I can carry it on my belt with the sheath going into my pocket and it's very comfortable. I can easily access the knife when I need it, and I don't have to worry if I lose it or break it because it's very inexpensive.
I also have some fancy pocket folders for when I'm dressed up in a suit. These knives are the more expensive and decorative ones, and most are very small with 1.5" blades or thereabouts. These knives are more for show, but one time my little Schrade Imperial Black Ice came in useful to cut a price tag off my wife's dress just before we walked into an event.
Don't conflate an EDC knife with a bush knife, unless you spend all day in the bush. I have several bush knives that I use in regular rotation, my favorite being the Mora Garberg on a left-hand dangle sheath. But I don't carry my bush knives EDC because they are too big and bulky for that- and I don't need their abilities on an every day basis.
You need to decide if you like simple or decorative, modern or traditional, ethnic or generic. Once you figure out what kind of knife is attractive to you, then you can find a specific manufacturer and model # that will fit your needs.
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stormmaster
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I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 19, 2021 12:44:36 GMT
I want something sturdy and well made that will last me many years to come, I mostly use my EDC to cut open boxes and open mail and cut up cardboard for recycling, I currently use a Kershaw knife and it's starting to have issues closing and opening
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stormmaster
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I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 19, 2021 12:57:24 GMT
I'm interested in spending between 500 to 800 for a folder, something just average sized and well made with small decorative elements doesnt have to be too extreme
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jan 19, 2021 13:06:52 GMT
Most of my friends carry a Spyderco knife of some kind, the Native black/black seeming to be the most popular. They swear by them, but other guys I know carry Kershaws or Benchmades. Few carry a Case or Buck folder anymore (at least nobody under 60 years old).
Spyderco is not a bad choice, truth be told. I just don't like the design. Again, personal preference.
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 19, 2021 13:21:28 GMT
I want something sturdy and well made that will last me many years to come, I mostly use my EDC to cut open boxes and open mail and cut up cardboard for recycling, I currently use a Kershaw knife and it's starting to have issues closing and opening What kind of issues? Might just need cleaning or adjustment. I clean my knives daily. I have never had to take one apart, but I did invest in a set, each, of torx and hex drivers in case I do. Well, some of my better knives are permanently riveted which means I can't take them apart, anyway, but I do try to clean where I can.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jan 19, 2021 13:26:25 GMT
I want something sturdy and well made that will last me many years to come, I mostly use my EDC to cut open boxes and open mail and cut up cardboard for recycling, I currently use a Kershaw knife and it's starting to have issues closing and opening What kind of issues? Might just need cleaning or adjustment. I clean my knives daily. I have never had to take one apart, but I did invest in a set, each, of torx and hex drivers in case I do. Well, some of my better knives are permanently riveted which means I can't take them apart, anyway, but I do try to clean where I can. Any folding knife will ultimately get worn out around the pivot/lock mechanism, it's just the nature of the beast when you have any kind of moving parts. Keeping them clean definitely will prolong their life by many years. A well maintained EDC folding knife that is used regularly should last a minimum of 10 years before it needs any replacement parts. A folder that isn't used much and is well maintained will last a lifetime, or several lifetimes.
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 19, 2021 13:33:33 GMT
Only knives I've ever had to retire were ones I'd broken (usually snapped the tip off), over-sharpened (slimmed one down to half its original width; was time to let that one rest) or just can't seem to get an edge back onto (CRKT Sting and Kanatsune Akatsuki, looking at you two). Others are old, and out of my circulation just for preference sake (size, shape, serrations) but with a quick hone would be basically good as new.
I was starting to lose one of the teeth in the lock (luckily there are five) on the Martinez Albainox before it disappeared, so that was probably going to have to be addressed soon.
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Post by Curtis_Louis on Jan 19, 2021 13:48:16 GMT
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2021 15:19:00 GMT
This past year I have been most impressed with a Kershaw Launch (7100). It is 154 cm steel and sharpens easily enough. It is an auto though. You can still find the Random Task II 1515 at about one hundred and the original would have been my choice for box work a couple of decades ago but I had bought a Whirlwind instead. Same thing as far as sharpening. Older Al Mar Eagles, talon blade. I would say not the ultralights if being really rough and tumble. I dropped mine 20ft onto concrete and it dinged the micarta frame/scales at the pivot and needed some filing to smooth it out. Those have no metal liner. The older regular Eagles/Hawks/Osprey have bolsters and can be found with a variety of scales. My old Benchmade Mel Pardue moneyclip Ltd 330 in ti is tiny, always had a little lock up slop (non side to side), cut and pried way above its weight and size class with a 2 3/8" blade of ATS-34. It still rules my desk after twenty years. It was through A.G.Russell, another place to window shop. The 335 has a stainless handle frame. www.americanedgeknives.com/benchmade-mel-pardue-folder-titanium-december-2000-limited-edition-330-12-00/Those at the "lower" end of expendable things. Nordic Knives and Arizona Knives are ok for window shopping "customs". Cheers GC
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 19, 2021 16:36:04 GMT
thanks guys, I honestly dont mind a just plain knife as long as it's very well made, is my budget sufficient for a a very nice one or is it too much I honestly dont know I've only ever had 1 edc
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Jan 19, 2021 17:48:14 GMT
Benchmade's Gold Class.
And my personal fav is a Benchmade 581. M390 steel, which IMO is better than VG-10 or most other steels.
But I also like/love Kershaw. I've had a few I've just worn out from hard use.
So to me, its about budget, use, and at what price will you cry when it drops out of your pocket...
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jan 19, 2021 18:04:54 GMT
Benchmade's Gold Class. And my personal fav is a Benchmade 581. M390 steel, which IMO is better than VG-10 or most other steels. But I also like/love Kershaw. I've had a few I've just worn out from hard use. So to me, its about budget, use, and at what price will you cry when it drops out of your pocket... ^ this ^ Carrying an EDC runs the risk of either losing it or breaking it. I consider EDC a tool kind of knife, so I don't want something super expensive or rare. My personal budget for EDC is under $100, preferably around $50. With a few exceptions (the Mercator, Mora, Opinel), you don't get a very good knife for under that price range. A rule of thumb would be to buy what is popular, because that is a good indicator of functionality vs. cost. I would certainly cry a river if I EDC'd my Puma Game Warden (1971 build date) and lost it somewhere. My $15 Morakniv not so much. But when in doubt, you can't go wrong with the tried and true Buck 110.
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Jash
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"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
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Post by Jash on Jan 19, 2021 20:13:34 GMT
As someone that was in charge of the knife department of a large Outing Goods store for 6 years, I sold 1000's of knives to 1000's of people. And I agree with the above statements. When buying a high end EDC, it's a very personal choice. Especially at the price range you're considering. It must not only feel good in the hand, but also in the pocket. I've been out of the game for a while, but these always stood out in my mind as ones I wish I picked up. (Note, only mentioning knives I have personal experience owning or handling):
Chris Reeves - I own a knockoff, which in itself is a great EDC. I was fortunate enough to play with the real thing, and it was 100x better than a knife I already loved.
Benchmade Gold Series - which one is personal taste. Benchmade in general, I always loved the Osborne folder.
Mcusta from Japan - almost bought 2, but swords took priority lol. If you love pattern welded swords, they have a few categories with folded steel and/or San Mai blades. Some of the smoothest openers i've ever played with. Note, not all come with pocket clips.
WE knives - handled a few at Blade Show. Very nice knives, in design and feel in the hand.
Honestly, even if I were to own these, I still would hesitate to use them. You can get great knives for a fraction of the price... especially if you only want one EDC for every task. My go to EDC is actually the CRKT M16 series - i own and use 3 of them lol. In fact, every person that I worked with in the Knife Department, also owned at least 1 CRKT M16. But I alternate them with my Kershaw, Bucks, KaBar, ...
As above, if you do go the traditional route with Buck, check out the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Exclusives. They make the Buck 110 and Vantage Folder, upgrading them to S30v blades and Rosewood handles. A lot of knife for under $100.
PS - Rufus, I also use a Mercator K55K, love it!
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Post by howler on Jan 19, 2021 22:17:22 GMT
You will probably have an EDC system rather than a single knife. Something with a blade on a keychain, a Leatherman/Swiss Army multi-tool or multi-bladed slipjoint, and a larger pocket clipped folder that may be relied on for personal protection. The point is, if you are carrying something nice and somewhat (or very) expensive than you will also want to have something that handles the dirty work as well as everyday tasks like opening beer bottles, cleaning nails, driving in screws, etc...
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