I just ordered a couple of new folding pocket knives to test and review, and I realized I hadn’t asked about which knives you guys use and recommend, at least not for a while.
If you carry a pocket knife on a regular basis, tell us about it. Do you love it? Hate it? Recommend for or against it?
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As for me, there’s never just one model, and if I had to pick just one, this post would never see the light of day. Right now I very heavily favor my Spyderco Southard, but I have found its blade to be a little long for urban adventures.
Here are all the knives I previously formally reviewed, and yes, I realize that page doesn’t look as good as it used to. Things were fouled up when I changed the ToolGuyd look and layout a couple of weeks ago, and I haven’t restored that page yet. My hope is that when I’m done with the redesign, it’ll look even better than before.
I have also written about the Spyderco Domino, Zero Tolerance 0770CF, and Zero Tolerance 0801, and should probably review these in more detail at some point.
There are a bunch of new reviews of already-tested knives in the works, and the new incoming knives will enter my EDC rotation for proper testing.
While I still pine for premium knives, such as certain flashy Spyderco knives and Chris Reeve Knives’ Sebenza 21 and Mnandi knives, I can’t justify spending over $300+ on such knives just yet. It’s still well above my comfort level.
Pocket knives are tools, but they’re often tools that we carry with us every single day, and many see a lot of use. I usually work around the workshop with a retractable utility knife, but if I’m out and about I prefer folding knives that speak more to my preferences and tastes. And yes, sometimes I like a bit of style too, in the same way that I prefer watches with appealing aesthetics.
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So which is your favorite EDC (everyday carry) knife?
Also, are there any particular brands or knives that you would you want to see reviewed on ToolGuyd? I will be testing knives at the $30-$60 price point, and some others in the $100-$200 range, with a strong focus on USA-made knives.
JG
Benchmade Griptilian sheepfoot, 7 years of constant abuse at work, still going strong and outperforms a lot of more expensive knives I owned. It looks like if it was used to pry open soviet tanks, but still works flawlessly.
Daily EDC – Spyderco Endura FFG because it’s so light I never take it off of me.
Currently in testing rotation – Dragonfly II, tiniest utility suprise ever.
Currently retired but still in the drawer – ZT0350, not in service because it weighs a metric ton and has recurve, Benchmade 710 D2, also mildly heavy, recurve and general pain to sharpen.
Before that well, 18 other blades…
Chance
I have been carrying the ZT 0770CF with the M390 special edition blade for many months now and I love it. The knife is so lightweight and slim that I don’t notice it in my pocket even when I have my toolbelt on. The assisted opening his super fast and reliable and the blade seems to hold an edge for quite a while. It’s a beautiful knife and I haven’t noticed any drawbacks yet. I originally thought that it would be a bit long for an EDC, but I have no complaints whatsoever at all.
As far as future reviews, any knife made in USA is one that I’m interested in, particularly the Zero Tolerance knives.
Andrew
I own three Spyderco knives, the Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189, the Techno in CTS-XHP, and a sprint run Paramilitary 2 in Elmax steel. I love my dragonfly for EDC because of it’s small size and amazing performance. For anything bigger I love my paramilitary 2, the Elmax is an amazing performer but the stock S30v version is great too. My Techno runs CTS-XHP which is probably my favorite steel ever. The knife is a little funky and definitely not for everyone but it has grown on me and fits just fine in my size large hands. Unfortunately the Techno is now made with S30v steel and sells for roughly $40 more than when I purchased mine. As such I don’t think it is still the value when I bought mine but it is still a fun knife.
Stuart
The Techno is a cute little knife, very handy too. That’s one of the knives just waiting to be written up. It’s a bit pricey, though, but I think worth it as an everyday knife.
Adabhael
For years (basically since I entered professional life and had to start dressing like a grownup!) I’ve carried a Victorinox (Swiss Army) Rambler in my front right pocket. It is small and discrete and does not run afoul of weapons restrictions in Japan. It has a remarkably useful and comprehensive toolset; in fact I use everything on it regularly, which I think is pretty rare in multitools. I find the additional Phillips screwdriver/bottle opener a major upgrade over the similarly sized Classic SD. While I find the Leatherman Micra and similar new pocket tools fascinating, I have always been a sucker for the timeless design of a Swiss Army Knife.
Unless I am flying or visiting secure sites, I keep a Leatherman Wave in my briefcase as well, but even on backpacking trips, I’ve found that the Rambler is sufficient for nearly all my needs, and is something like 1/8th the weight.
Tom
During business hours, a Dragonfly II or a Case Mini Copperlock. Out of the office, I rotate between a Benchmade Ritter Griptillian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and Domino.
Nathan
I’ve not had a single Zero Tolerance device impress me since I’ve look at them – but that’s a whole other rant in and of itself with these tacticool jewelry knives.
not they they are bad products but they are grossly over priced for what it really is.
IMO as an engineer.
that said – my daily – is actually a multi-tool. I carry a Leatherman Wave – yes not just a folding knife – tis true. I work in an office and hangar environment – I’m not little and often my pants pockets have plenty of room or I have it on a belt
Stuart
Zero Tolerance knives are over-hyped, and they’re certainly not for everyone, but I like quite a few of their designs.
In my experience, they’re definitely not what I would call tacticool. Some are obviously made for tactical use, which makes them less favorable for less demanding applications. One of my first ZTs was really aggressive on my thumb.
ZTs are also monstrous knives. Only some of them can be comfortably carried, and even fewer can be comfortably used in public.
Bob loblaw
An engineer is just a failed inventor. Your opinion means nothing.
Derek
I use the Benchmade mini grip 555HG with the thumb hole. I also use a Gerber EAB when I need something more discreet. I love them both for different reasons
mike aka Fazzman
I only use Spyderco knives,been using them since I was a kid. My EDC is the Ulize.While it has a longer blade than most EDC knives,it is slim and compact in the pocket using the clip you hardly know its there.
I have all sorts of Spyderco knives from small to large and each one is a fantastic blade.
Paul G.
Red Swiss army knife with scissors, two blades, phillips and two regular screwdrivers, toothpick, pen, pin, tweezers, awl, and a few other tools. Small, compact, functional.
Tom
After breaking two Spyderco Delica clips (plastic gen 1 and plastic around the metal clip gen 3) I switched to a Emerson Mini CQC-7 for about 10 years. Recently switched to a Kershaw Leek as my current job is too white collar for such a tactical looking knife. Not wearing on the pocket and being smaller is a plus too. Still wear the mini CQC-7 and Mini-Commander on weekends though.
Jerrick
I carry one of the following knives every day:
Benchmade Mini Griptilian since 2006
Spyderco Dragonfly II since 2013
Sypderco Paramilitary II since 2015
If I could only pick one, it would be the Benchmade Mini Grip. It is the perfect form-factor, IMO, for EDC.
Russ
Benchmade 530s
Probably the lightest of what I would consider full-size knives. The S version of the 530 is partially serrated, which I prefer for quickly cutting rope. I’ve had this knife for 5 years and it’s still as good as the day I bought it with minimal sharpening. I climb and ski tour with it as well which is why the weight is important. Should definitely be considered if maximum usability with minimal weight is important to you
Yadda
I don’t carry a pocket knife because in my office position there is so little need for a one dimensional tool. I carry a leatherman Style CS, a leatherman Squirt P4 and a Nite Ize Doohickey on a dangler. The three together are still quite light and very useful in almost any situation except where you need a large knife to defend yourself or skin a critter.
Sam M.
I’ve recently become a huge fan of Emerson knives. My current EDC isn’t FULLY an Emerson, its the Kershaw/Emerson 6074OLBLK, but it is what made me a believer in the Emerson “Wave”, which pulls the blade open as you draw it from your pocket via a hook on the spine of the blade near the hinge. I’ve had manual knives, I’ve had autos, I’ve had assisted openers, but I really do like the wave by far. I don’t know of one auto or assisted knife I can think of that can be deployed as fast as a knife with the Wave. I can’t remember what steel the blade is off the top of my head, but it holds it’s edge seemingly forever, and sharpens easily (I use the worksharp belt knife sharpener). I plan on getting a true Emerson, the CQC-14 Stubby whenever I can afford it.
I’ve had multiple Benchmades (including an Infidel I still own), Microtechs, SOGs, and I still feel that my Emerson is the most reliable for EDC because of its simplicity and speed.
Josh
I carry an engraved leatherman I was gifted several years ago. It’s amazing how often I use it. I also keep a gerber on my desk at work. You never know when you need to cut something real.
Devon
My main EDC https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/leatherman-skeletool-cx-review/%3C/a%3E is the skeletool CX. It handles all the cutting jobs I need to do and the blade holds up better than it’s alternate sibling. Otherwise I carry a http://www.crkt.com/K455TXP CKRT Eros for finer cutting tasks.
Dennis
For EDC I mostly go with the Leaterman Crater c33x. I’ve collected knives for years, but I’ve stopped carrying the expensive ones. I use my EDC knife for everything, cutting, poking, prying, hammering, etc. I wait for the c33x to go on sale and get them $12-$14 each. I have a few, I rotate through them, and then sharpen them all at one go. I haven’t had one break, but I lost one recently. And at 14 bucks, it didn’t phase me one bit.
Brian
I’ve been through the Benchmade and Spyderco marketing and sales pitch. I have two Benchmades and one Spyderco and the sit on my shelf unused. They are way more knife than anybody needs. The knife that has spent the most time in my pocket with a lot of use everyday and some in some pretty hard uses is a Yellow Delrin Case Stockman. I find the blade selection very useful for various tasks. When it hasn’t been in my pocket which is very rare I have carried a SAK Farmer or a GEC #15 Barlow with a clip and pen blades. I also carry a Leatherman Wave everyday. Not trying to cause trouble or start controversy. Just saying what I carry.
Ben
Hinderer Cryo 1555 (http://amzn.com/B00BQ0UH2O) and a SAK Tinker (http://amzn.com/B00004YVB4 ) on a pocket clip. Been carrying them everyday for years. Broke the clip on the Cryo, but Kershaw replaced it under warranty. Great knives.
Don
Of late my knife of choice is my CRKT folding Razel . Its in a good price range for starters. It can take some abuse and takes an edge very quickly. I like the chisel front edge and the serrated back edge of the knife for a little extra versatility. Ive been enjoying a number of CRKT products of late and just recently scored a CRKT Razel SS7 on ebay which had been discontinued for some time. Don’t know why but its a great knife for being out in the middle of nothing.
tim Rowledge
Mostly I just have a Swiss Army mega-thing with me and have since I got it thirty years ago. If I need a bit more knife – if I’m out in the rainforest or teaching K12 – then a Gladius is the thing. Never be under prepared for those little buggers…
Tom O
Opinel No 7.
It has a carbon blade, beech handle, and is as light as any knife I’ve carried. It costs about $12.
Michael
I haven’t seen one in some time . The one I had many years ago had a blade that would take and hold an edge better than a lot of much more expensive ones
Chrisk1970
not much of a knife guy but I do carry a Swiss Army knife Festool branded in my pocket. Great little knife. At my day job I carry a leatherman Mutt for its intended purpose. Sometimes I carry a SOG assisted opening multi tool for work instead but mostly the Mutt.
Andrew
Leatherman Skeletool.
Technically it’s a multi-tool, but the ergonomics are all knife. It deploys quickly and single handedly, and if need be I have pliers and screw driving bits on hand.
Rod
My daily carry at work is a CRKT Fire Spark 1050. Fits my hand perfectly and seems to hold an edge fairly well. Love the fit and finish as well as the blade length.
My alternative daily carry (church and polite company) is a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek 1660SWBLK. The Sandvik steel holds an edge remarkably well! The sleek design and slightly smaller blade makes it inconspicuous, and the assisted opening makes a fast, single handed pocket knife.
Joseph
Leatherman Wave, pretty much every day since I discovered the pocket clip 5 or so years ago. The pocket clip really makes the tool for me.
Before that, it was the Skeletool, and I might go back to the Skeletool CX, if I could find a reason to get rid of the Wave, or if I have it walk off.
I have a substantial selection of knives, but I use the pliers and the screwdriver as often as I use the blade on the Leatherman. It’s just so handy not to have to walk back to my tool box or strap on a tool belt every time I go anywhere.
Nathan
well sharpened and moderately cared for – I’ve not ever come across something the blade on the wave can’t cut – and I’ve only ever sharpened it once in 6 years. and that’s the smooth blade not the serrated one.
and the scissors – work amazingly well
Doc
Like Adabhael, i’ve carried a Swiss Army Rambler for ages. Must be 15+ years now, been through 5 or so. I rarely feel the need for a more comprehensive multi-tool.
More recently i’ve been keeping a Kershaw Leek in my back pocket. Light, slim, non-threatening looking to those unaccustomed to knives that aren’t Swiss Army or older style friction folders. The closed blade safety lock is a nice reassurance as well.
Nathan
side note – for all the people that carry these quick open or assisted open etc tactical knives.
do you ever actually train yourself on ficking them out if a fight breaks out? how fast are you?
Yes I carry a leatherman – with the knife on the outside sure. and you can one hand it – it’s surely not as fast as say the newer Kershaw or the whoever it is that makes that ball bearing hinge job.
just curious.
Stuart
While some tactical knives have assisted opening mechanisms, most knives with assisted opening mechanisms aren’t for tactical use, at least not as weapons.
Having explored quite a few knife designs, assisted opening mechanisms tend to simplify designs. Knives that might otherwise require two hands to open can be opened with one hand. For me, that means I can use my free hand to hold whatever it is I need to cut, pierce, or score.
As is often said on knife and related forums, it’s ill advised to consider knives as personal combat weapons, at least unless you have received extensive combat training which doesn’t apply to most civilians.
Eric
As Stewart said, I carry an assisted opener for easy one handed operation. I don’t see myself ever trying to use my knife for self-defense, I think I would be as likely to hurt myself with it as I would an attacker.
Nathan
thank you both for that – precisely my point but I hear that used in discussion all the time.
Michael
Never bring a knife to a gun fight .
Bill K
I have a drawer full of knives that I seldom use, much less carry. In the last 15 years, I’ve only carried small knives, starting with the Leatherman Micra. Ultimately I quit carrying the Micra, as getting the blade out was such a hassle and that’s all I used.
Recently I’ve been carrying smaller yet knives. The Boker Plus Keycom (1-1/2 inch blade) and the Buck Metro knife (1-1/8 inch blade) and quite happy with the keychain size and little blades capable of numerous daily tasks. I recently looked at the Spderco Dragonfly 2 but lost some interest when I found out how big it was (2-1/4 inch blade). After reading Fazzman’s above comments, maybe I should reconsider.
I look forward to future knife reviews here on ToolGuyd, especially if they are of the keychain size.
Stuart
There won’t be many keychain sized knife reviews, but there are a couple of smaller knives in my EDC rotation and review queue.
The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a decent knife, and is about as small as I will normally go.
My Moki Red Fox (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/moki-ezo-red-fox-knife-review/%3C/a%3E%29 is a slender gentleman’s knife, and has an even longer blade than the Dragonfly 2.
My favorite keychain-sized knives are the ones attached to Leatherman Style CS or Victorinox classic SAKs.
Jimmy
I carry a CRKT Eros SS right now. I carried a Kershaw Leek for a while, but I like the Eros not being an assisted opener.
Farid
For everyday use I have a Leatherman Squirt ES4. For outdoor activities, an older but larger Leatherman that I cannot recall the model at the moment.
BikerDad
I generally carry a Spyderco Delica 4 using the pocket clip on my right side, and a Leatherman OHT in it’s belt sheath on my left side. I will sometimes switch out the Delica for a Buck Bantam, very light, a bit smaller, sits in the bottom of a pocket. I will also sometimes forgo the OHT for some other random full/mid size Leatherman. (I don’t have a Wave, a situation I must rectify, as it seems to get the most love.)
On my keys I have the little Skeletool, used primarily for the scissors and file. At the immediate moment, I have the OHT, Delica, a Mora, and a very small Buck traditional two blade folder either on me or in my motorcycle tank bag within arms reach. I used the Spyderco at lunch to cut some paracord…
In addition to the Wave, I’d like to get a Griptilian, when I’ve held them I’ve really like the shape. I also have a pair of the classic Buck 110 at home, one was a road find. Great knives, but too heavy to carry in pocket most of the time.
J.C.
Let’s see………
Ontario RAT 1
Ontario Utilitac 2
Spyderco Tenacious
Kershaw Cryo 2
Ka-bar Dozier folding hunter (Haven’t really carried this one but might at some point)
I realize that none of them are made here in the U.S. but they are still solid knives for the money(and all are under $40). I guess I’ll just have to settle on the fact that while the knives are made elsewhere, at least these are all American companies. 🙂
Mark D.
For everyday carry I really haven’t found anything I like more than the Spyderco Techno. You just can’t hurt it and it is really tough for what is a really small knife.
Greg
Another vote for Kershaw Cryo. Tried the Cryo 2 but was too big. The cryo is the most durable knife I have owned in a long time. It cuts drywall, digs out grout, shaves trim work, prys up anything I throw at it. Love the fit and feel for my hands and its not too big of a knife.
Lost one about 2 months ago and ordered another the next day.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074FI28Q/
Lukas
I have a Lone Wolf Landslide right now. Been looking at a few recently though. Benchmade 940 and 530 along with the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I’ve also been looking at the Otter knives that Harry J Epstein just got in. Different style than the rest of what is being talked about here though. Sell me on something!
Jerry
I have a slim little Benchmade that is my ‘good’ carry knife, but my much cheaper Kershaw Leek of about the same size is more my EDC knife because it is good enough, and much cheaper to replace if it gets lost.
For a small knife to carry around, I have a little red handled Sanremu I got from Amazon. Probably the best quality sub $10 knife I own. Blade works smooth, locks tight, stays sharp pretty well. If I know I am going to be opening a lot of packages at work, I have one of those folding Gerber mini knives that use a replaceable utility knife blade. So small you hardly know it is there, but pretty sturdy.
Doing mmaintanence work, I usually carry a Leatherman Super Tool 300.
T
Meh. Just a CRKT Rave Ken Onion designed SnapOn labeled I recently decided to pickup and attempt to use/carry. Actually carried, and will continue, an Olfa stainless snapblade pocket utility knife for years as a forced habit from previous job – worked great for cutting or scoring nearly anything i needed to cut or score. I have never used a blade for prying or digging, etc… So I assume the CRKT will last until I loose it or retire, lol.
T
Should add, the knife is the “Exclusive” and not the wrinkle Rave from a few years ago. Size is nice and the body fits hand very well, blade is a little thick and Im still experimenting with what part of the blade is useful depending on application.
Edwin
I have several larger modern folders and some traditional slipjoints, but my little Van Hoy snap lock 2 sees my pocket the most over the last few years. Size is unobtrusive compared to some others I own, it is “interesting” to people due to the funky mechanism, and small enough to be non scary when you take it out to score an orange at lunch, etc. Use it a ton. Easy to keep clean of pocket lint…
Kershaw Leek is my runner up, or a Case classic…
Justin
Sog flash 2— great knife.
Nate
I carry a Kershaw 1550 Blackout every day. I have owned two of these over about 10 years, lost the first one. Assisted open with a straight blade and made in the USA. I use it daily as a professional mariner for heavy cutting tasks.
Fazal Majid
A Leatherman Squirt S4 on my keychain and a Rexford Utility Tool in my wallet. I don’t normally carry a folding knife, but if I did it would be a CRKT Enticer rather than my Sebenza.
Chris Fyfe
I carry a Victorinox Cybertool 41 , sometimes a multi tool , and a folder of some kind . Most often a Strider or Emerson .
Chris
Jesse
For the longest time I used the Leatherman Crater c33tx – partially serrated blade, assisted opening, and phillips/flathead bit drivers.
However a few things bothered me. I found the blade way to short overall and the serrated section is nearly half the blade length.
Also, the blade seemed to dull after about a week or two of normal use. By comparison, my CRKT Lake 111 that was a freebie has pretty much remained sharp since last September.
If anyone knows of any other brand knife that combines the above specs – bit driver, partially serrated blade, and assisted opening, I would definitely be interested.
Joe S
Try the Kershaw Select Fire! has replaceable standard 1/4″ bits, carry 4 of what you need. Has small ruler, 1/4″ nut driver, and a blade of 8CR13MOV that holds an edge for a LONG time! I use mine for everything, including stripping insulation from #4/#6 ground wire, opening boxes, scraping off decals, etc.
garrett
When at home or in the office, I carry a Kershaw Scallion, clip removed. When travelling, I always carry a Swiss Army Tinker. I’ve travelled all thru India for work, and most shopping malls and nicer stores have metal detectors and guards at the entrance. Knives are not allowed. Swiss Army knives are so non-threatening, they always get a smile and a pass.
When camping, there’s always a Mora or maybe even an SRK in the pack. I’d upgrade to a Falkniven, if I ever win the lotto. In the toolbox, beside the ubiquitous utility knife, there’s another Mora – those are a darned good value.
Pete
Theres two knifes i really like-
#1-kershaw blur
#2-select fire, its main feature is a knife but its also a multi tool! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IVPKOU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ZrUuvb0G7GJGG
BUT…. I got tired of sharpening my knives once a week by cutting stupid stuff so i only carry a milwaukee utility knife. Knife style razor in a knife config that i can put a new blade on in seconds. Once the grip is grinded down a bit to make it a tad thinner it actually carries quite well.
Eric
I carry a crkt tiny tighe breaker. It’s big enough that I cut most things with it, and small enough that I don’t get weird looks pulling it out to use it in public. It’s also at a good price point where I don’t feel super bad using it to cut things that I shouldn’t be cutting with a pocket knife.
Moxy
I carry and have carried daily for years Spyderco Endura. I have several of them and love them all equally although my full Spydie Edge (serrated) does get extra pocket time because it looks vicious. In addition to that I carry a smaller blade that is rotated. Usually a SOG visionary II, kershaw OD-2, Benchmade HK 14700, or something in between. And I’m not done yet… I also carry a Leatherman S2 Juice. A lot of people tell me it’s overkill and fine – for them it is, but I use them every day.
I’d love to see you test some of the small fixed blade pocket knives that are around. Bradford Knives Guardian 3 comes to mind. I’ve often wondered if I would find one as useful as a folding knife or would it just be more cumbersome.
Stuart
I’ve got a Bradford Guardian 3 already in testing process. Great knife, fantastic even, with my only complaint being that its handle corners like to chew up the leather sheath a little.
Moxy
Awesome! Great minds think alike eh? 😉
Carmen
Most of the time I’ll just slip a Juice S2 into the coin pocket of my jeans and go about my day. The blade on it is perfect for most EDC related tasks I come up against in my day to day and I’m always using the pliers as well when away from my tool box.
If I know ahead of time that I’ll need a dedicated knife I carry a Kershaw Leek. I’ve had it for a bit over a year now and it’s a great blade that’s held an edge extremely well despite taking some punishment (harvesting hop plants and rhizomes at a local farm).
I’ve also got two beater knives I’ll loan out to people or use when I don’t have the Leek on hand. One is an old Gerber Paraframe I have 8+ years that’s held up well over the years and a breeze to clean. The second is a Kershaw Crown I just got recently and while it’s a bit thicker than I’d like, it seems like a good knife so far. The Gerber sits in my glove box and the Crown stays in the garage.
There’s a couple of other knives I have laying around too but I don’t use them much, if at all.
Matthew
Rick Hinderer XM-18 or Andre De Villiers Pathfinder, Butcher, or mini butcher.
Milwaukee Utility Knife at work.
jet_tech
I carry a CRKT folding knife I bought off of the tool truck. Use it on our planes (usually for cutting sealant) and carry it with me when I’m at home. It’s nothing spectatcular but I love the look.
http://www.crkt.com/M4-Bone-Scales-G10-Bolster-Razor-Sharp-Edge-OutBurst-Knife
DJG
A Benchmade 940 Osborne or a CRKT Heiho. I typically carry the Heiho, as the i’ve had the 940 since I was 17 (33 now) and it has quite a lot of sentimental value. I do prefer the 940 though.
A few others which I have carried are the CRKT Hissatsu folder (too big – too scary) and the CRKT Liong Mah Journeyer.
Chuck
I just started carrying an A. G. Russell FeatherLite with the VG-10 general purpose blade.
I like that is it light, easy to carry and doesn’t have a clip.
I occasionally carry a Spyderco Native when I will need a larger blade. I like the Spyderco a little better than the FeatherLite, but it is too big for most days when I am in the city. The Spyderco excels when I am in the field.
Ken S.
I rotate daily but here is my weekday rotation of smalls
1) Benchmade mini griptialian
2) Brass Higo No Kami
3) Cutco mini folder
4) Steel Higo No Kami
5) Opinel no 7.
Michael
A $20 Smith & Wesson. I tend to loose them.
Sam
Benchmade 707 for years now.
RC
I carry the Victorinox Pioneer around the house and a Spyderco Para 2 along with a Vic Cadet when I am out and about.
The Para 2 is by far My favorite folder and I have many.
Ivan
Leatherman squirt ps4 on the keys and Sebenza 25, both have served me well. Carried the Sebenza every day for over a year now and the experience has been rewarding. I would not hesitate to purchase again. It’s definitely not for everybody, but you’re only on this big rock for a few laps around that gas fireball, might as well have a few nice things to enjoy.
Doug
I’ve passed through a handful since I started carrying, settling on a Kershaw Whirlwind with 1/3 serration about a dozen years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-KER1560ST-Serrated-Whirlwind-Folding/dp/B0009VC9PY/
Love the blade, love the handle, love the assisted opening. I’m on my second, after losing my first on a bicycle ride about 7 years ago. The hinge is just as tight and the assist just as strong as they were out of the box.
Now that I 3D printed a quick draw holster for it, I’ve found myself also carrying my Wave on my belt more often, instead of just strapping it to my bag.
andy h
Leatherman surge new model used daily and crkt folding razel half serrated blade both used on a daily basis. If going into not so nice areas cold steel Spartan. Yes extensive training involved in this choice to carry but also depends on ones personal philosophy on self defense and willingness to use if need be. Also switch out the surge with the mut or oht. Knife choice is a personal matter involving what perceptions one wishes to give and how one carries ones self.
Adam
I carry a Leatherman Charge TTi, but I haven’t found myself using it that much recently. My general-use knife is a Milwaukee Fastback utility knife. I like the one-handed opening, but I really wish it had a better clip.
Aaron
Matthew Bailey in the pocket sheath fixed blade with w2 Steel. Gorgeous knife that handles more abuse then anything that pretty really should. I want to order another as a back up as I am way to hard on the knife for what it should see but it never shows any sign of wear so I keep pushing it.
argosytech
Good Ole Kershaw Blur(blade date 2004), or Blackout, or Brawler, or Whirlwind ( Yeah… kinda like the Kershaws) or occasionally a Gerber Gator EZ out that I got when we were leaving for Desert Storm. One of those along with a Letherman Wave and a Leatherman Squirt ES4 (not “technically” knives, but they do have them!)
Jon
I mainly carry a CRKT ignitor T (non serrated). It sees hard use and after years it still deploys great and is perfectly centered. 8cr is easy to sharpen, but holds an edge well for my needs. I have also carried a ZT 0801, but it’s added bulk didn’t seem to benefit me, and in practical use Elmax took longer to sharpen but didn’t retain an edge justifiably longer.
I also belt carry a gerber mp600. It’s great one hand accessibility and warranty support keep it with me even though other multitools may prove more durable.
Brad T.
Right now a Paramilitary 2 with S35VN. Before that was a ZT0560. Next week my Southard Flipper will be delivered. Looking forward to that.
Ed Sichler
Dragonfly II ZDP-189 is my daily carry. When working in garage or on projects Kershaw Blur blackwash that I got at Dicks’ for $20 on sale. Also have a CRKT S2 with ATS 34 steel that is even sharper than the Dragonfly.
My younger brother’s wife bought him a CRKT No Time off and he just loves it. Tried it and found it to be a little on the heavy side but it is a great folder and maybe I will find one in a gift box for my birthday in August.
Caleb
Spydero Tenacious plain edge black blade. It was like $40. I can’t spend $100 or more on a knife outside of a survival knife. I have had too many get broken or stolen. I want something that is big enough to cut a seatbelt or a sandwich.
I also carry a small swiss army knife, currently a Classic. I had a bigger one with pliers and scissors but misplaced it. I want another but have a hard time finding them anywhere.
I have a few Gerbers and Leathermans so I sometimes have one of those if I am going to be away from civilization or one of the vehicles for a while.
GMA15R
While I have a CRKT 205 and a couple of classic Case Stockman, I always carry my Victornox Swiss Army Camper. The tools are useful, the size perfect for me and I can get a sharp blade on the knife. With it, my Leatherman Wave and Juice stay home
Noah
A few in my regular rotation;
CRKT mini Guppie
Ka-Bar Dozier
Victorinox Huntsman
And on my belt is almost always a SOG Pocket Power Pliers
Shayne O'Shea
On my person I carry two ZT0350STTS, also a Baghdad box cutter with a ALRT that is ranger banded to the box cutters sheath. I sometime carry a Kershaw Leek in a neck sheath. In my left front pocket I carry a Case mini trapper with damascus blades. As youcan tell I am never without a knife. Every knife I carry is made in the USA, as is the CA .44 BULLDOG. Some my think I carry too much. I live in ARIZONA!!!!
Koko the Talking Ape
I carry a Victorinox Classic with Alox (aluminum) scales on my keychain. It has a knife, nail file, scissors, and that’s it. The Alox version doesn’t have tweezers or a toothpick, but is thinner and stands up to pocket wear better. The knife is sharp but thin, short and slightly flexible. The nail file is thicker and stiffer, and I have sharpened mine to a dull edge for scraping and poking (which ends up mainly digging up puncturevine when I come across it.) The scissors actually work, as in all Swiss Army knives.
This knife is relatively cheap, and is always handy. I use it only for situations where I could not have foreseen I needed a knife. If I need a bigger knife, pliers, screwdriver, etc., I have those in bigger, cheaper, more durable versions that don’t need to go in my pocket every day. The knife doesn’t scare people, and it actually works. I love it.
Chris Brosnahan
I carry a Cold Steel Recon 1 as my EDC…great knife with a combo blade half plain, half serrated. also have a collection of CS machetes and tomahawks…bought a Spyderco Tenacious for a friend who doesn’t have an EDC knife (as a Christmas gift)…I’ve had a Spyderco in the past – was playing with it (like an idjit) and dropped it…it entered the top of my right foot, point first…stuck straight up – just like in the movies….after a few seconds of panic and tryin’ to decide if I should pull it out or try to walk to my next door neighbor’s apartment (wouldda been quite a trick) I pulled it out…didn’t bleed much, but I learned a lesson about bein’ a d*ck with a sharp knife…BTW – get the Spyderco Sharpmaker…hands down the BEST sharpening system for ALL knives!!!
Mike
I have been using a Buck Rush 291 as a EDC for the past fifteen years. I purchased it at the Buck Factory Store when they were in El Cajon, CA. I had gone there to buy a Buck 110 during their annual factory sale. Happened to see the Rush in display case. Purchased it and a 110. The Buck Rush has been in my pocket ever since. I have owned a number of fine folders, but have seen no reason to replace the Buck Rush. It has handled every task I have asked of it and it is very comfortable in the hand as well as in the pocket.