Hi All,
I didn’t think this fit in the knife section, so here goes…
I’m tempted to get a new EDC. Currently I have a Kershaw Leek with the bi-metal blade and an edge of CPM-D2. Supposedly it’s tempered to about RC 61-62.
I’ve spent so much time reprofiling and experimenting on it that i’ve worn it down significantly. SO…
What I like is the very low profile, it’s relatively small, so I don’t get the ‘snake-eye’ at work, and I like the basic blade shape. I also was really on the fence about the ‘assisted open’ but now love it.
So budget is anywhere from dirt cheap to 300ish dollars. If I could be convinced it was worth more…I will just save longer.
What’s more important to you … overall size, blade shape, blade steel, or opening system? I don’t think you are going to find anything close to the Leek in terms of size and blade shape that also has an assisted opening system. Asking for suggestions is without first deciding on what’s most important is probably going to give you a gazillion different opinions! For me, if I wanted to keep the size and shape close to the Leek … I’d consider the Kershaw SpeedformII (which can be had for between 60 - 80), another Leek (House of Blades in TX has an exclusive Red Leek I just ordered that is nice looking), or a Spyderco Des Horn (a tad over $100, and more delicate tip). However, if I wanted a small EDC that wouldn’t draw much attention, but had great blade steel and was built like a tank to perform both small and large tasks … the Spyderco Techno would be at the top of the list (in the $175 range). When I go out, I normally have at least three knives on me. A Spyderco Ladybug on my keychain, a Spyderco Dragonfly or Squeak in my watch pocket, and something bigger in my right pocket … that one varies with my mood. Always have the smaller ones … for when I don’t want draw attention.
If you want something a bit different though, take a look at the Kershaw 1555Ti. The thing has the look and feel of a custom knife… for under $30! The 8Cr13MoV steel takes and holds a decent edge, has a low profile clip, 4 way clip placement, and other custom features. Oh yeah, assisted opening.
Here’s a quick picture I took comparing it to the Leek…
You can check out some other pics online.
In fact, if you find a good place to buy from, look at some of the other “low end” Kershaw knives… you can get a variety of shapes and sizes to play with. Adds a little spice to the collection without breaking the bank! :blink:
Since you rank steel #1, and since you carry a D2, I would suggest something in CPM M4. It’s hands down my favorite steel these day for both toughness and edge holding, but mostly for the quality of edge I get. It just feels sharper.
There are a few options (aside from customs) Spyderco has the Gayle Bradley, a lairly large folder with Carbon Fibre scales. It’s a tank and will take anything you throw at it. On the other end of the spectrum is the Bradley Air. A featherweight warncliff with a demon thin blade (I added a clip to mine as I don’t like loose picket carry)
There are (or were?) Ritter Grips and mini Grips in M4 and Benchmade has a couple other models.
Lastly, Bark River has a beautiful line of small fixed blades that will work in a pocket sheath in their Essential EDC series. Check out the dessert ironwood with mosaic pins. Just gorgeous.
I have 2 EDC folders that I love, so I switch back and forth. Here is the Fallkniven PXL with a blade of 3G powder steel and 60 on the Rockwell scale of hardness. It has a 3.7 inch blade that holds an edge like no other. It is probably the best steel I have come across as yet. This knife works with oily smoothness and opens and closes with one hand so easily. It is not spring loaded.The handle is Ivory Micarta. All in all a stunning knife.
My other EDC is my equal love…it is a Chambriard Le Trappeur folder from France. It has a 3.5 inch blade of the wonderful Sandvik 13C27 steel from Sweden. This steel takes a super sharp edge, retains it well and is easy to restore. This is a Gentleman’s knife. It is pretty, non-threatening to people who are normally afraid of knives and it has a strong locking system. It is a beauty with a wood handle of Juniper and the backstrap is filigreed by hand.It comes with a buttery soft leather scabbard made for horizontal carry should you wish it.
The first knife is somewhat over 300 dollars and the French knife is about 250 US dollars.
I would never be without one of these fine knives when I go out or anytime for that matter.I think you would love them too. For your consideration.
For an unassuming and inexpensive knife, in Sandvik 12c27m you can’t beat a Opinel. Well you can but why try at the price. They aren’t fancy, and nobody will want to steal them or probably confiscate one cause they are so unassuming. If you want to mod them you can…
You’d think the thin blades would fold up or break but I have cut steaks and raw carrots, wittled a little wood with the #8. Even cut cut down some old growth green briar(devils ivey) here with it. It will still take the hair off my arm after abuse. It does need a few passes on the WE now though.
I may have to get a few Opi’s for Christmas presents for the boys…
Oh Leo…those are nice.
I’ve gotten very used to a pocket clip as I don’t like a free floating knife in my pocket, heck, I don’t like anything lumpy in my pocket..
The idea of a unassuming sheath is worth a look, but the Fallkniven…drools
I had one of the first Gerber Paul knives (stolen) and loved it, but they never offered any version with a pocket clip once they brought them back.
More ideas!
Wow keep them coming. And if it matters, I like harder steels…I have a great VG-10 folder, but it’s just too big…
The PXL from Fallkniven has a great pocket clip. It is attached in such a way that very little of the knife protrudes from one’s pocket. The price is about 270+/- US dollars.
Good luck in your search Fred!
Regards
Leo
Wow, that’s pretty.
I quit being a fan of Spydeco about 10 years ago when I had a couple of their knives either break or fall apart. Customer service back then was near non existant. So I assume they have gotten better, I keep seeing lots of posts about their stuff.
They have a number of knives that are catching my eye, but so far their damascus one and the Fallkniven are my favorites, based on looks alone.
[quote quote=“FredHermann” post=7908]
I quit being a fan of Spydeco about 10 years ago when I had a couple of their knives either break or fall apart. Customer service back then was near non existant. So I assume they have gotten better,[/quote]
Hmmm.. Spyderco Customer service has always been top notch, in my experience. I’ve owned Spydercos since the early - mid '80s and never had an issue. I’ve also never had one break or worse, fall apart. I only have about 70 of them but I think that’s a pretty good sampling, both for CS and QC.
Here’s a few of them:
I have destroyed a few clips over the years but nothing a new clip and screws couldn’t fix.
Heavens to Betsy mate!! What a fine collection! So you love Spyderco stuff do you! LOL!
Hey Ken, in case I don’t get a chance later, Merry Christmas my friend. Have happy and healthy holiday!
[quote quote=“leomitch” post=7914]Heavens to Betsy mate!! What a fine collection! So you love Spyderco stuff do you! LOL!
Hey Ken, in case I don’t get a chance later, Merry Christmas my friend. Have happy and healthy holiday![/quote]
Hey Leo,
Thanks. And that’s just the ones I could easily lay my hands on. There are more… In the garage, in the car, in the nightstand… I also have a bunch of their sharpening gear, which is all very good.
Yea, I do. Nice innovatative products. Great choice of steels and overall I just really like their philosophy and business model.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, brother. May it bring you many blessings!
[quote quote=“FredHermann” post=7902]
Wow keep them coming. And if it matters, I like harder steels…I have a great VG-10 folder, but it’s just too big…[/quote]
If you are thinking of a hard steel, and Spyderso might interest you, check out the Caly 3 in a ZDP 189 laminate with polished carbo fiber scales. The knife is made in Japan and I have not seen specifics on the hardness. Hitachi recommends Rc 65 to 68. I have read that Spyderco does their in house heat treat to Rc 64. In any case the Caly 3 is quite hard as evidenced by the time it took me to sharpen it the first time around.
I carry mine and use it for everything that I would any of the other knives I have in my daily cary rotation. The guy doing the review is… well interesting. I put the link in because he has some nice video of the knife…
It has a 3" blade and is pretty thin and light. It handles well though due to the handle design and the gimping. It definitely cuts bigger than its blade size. Only thing I find is a negative is the back lock. It works well and locks up solid, but it is a pain in the butt…for me anyway. to close. A two hand job.
BTW I have one of the Kershaw 1555Ti Cryo knives. As Curtis said it is a nice little knife, and cheap. You can get it for under $30. It was voted the best vlaue knife at the 2012 Blade Show. Definitely something you could get to play with and not break the bank.
I love your knives Leo, but I couldn’t see carying one of them every day… I would be scared to scratch it or lose it. They would probably be in my safe to be pampered and polished… and shown to friends to produce envy
I know what you mean Phil. I was the same for awhile but finally as I used them more and more, they both proved to be tough hombres, even the pretty French knife…both also sharp as the dickens. My Le Trappeur is used around the kitchen daily.
and my wife who is afraid of most of my knives, loves this French beauty.
Wow…even more. This is good stuff.
My Spydeco luck must have been bad…or I chose their worst and caught them on a bad day.
The little Kershaw does look fun. And I will dig more into the spydeco site.
And Ken…that’s a mighty fine pile of knives.
