[Gray Dood]

If you're going to talk about Bucks, particularly the 110 or 112, I'd say get the auto 110. GREAT reviews and just below your budget threshold. For slightly more you could get the 110 Elite, nickel rather than brass bolsters and black G10 scales rather than wood. I'm lusting after the Elite, and just waiting for a sale to bite.

Both are well made (per the reviews), hard firing automatics that will fly under the radar if worn on belt or in pocket.

 

[benben]

I plan on buying a knife for EDC. I have not owned a knife in a long time. Check out a few benchmades and zero tolerance, but not sure what to get. I want American and under 200. Any advice is appreciated.

Serrated or plain edge?? This is a big important question.

 

[benben]

New Graham still has the Massad Ayoob in stock, it’s a Japanese knife….and it’s awesome!

Ayoob Gray G-10 Handle CPM CRUWEAR Plain Edge Blade Steel

Ayoob Gray G-10 Handle CPM CRUWEAR Plain Edge Blade Steel

newgraham.com

 

[tenifglockfin]

Serrated or plain edge?? This is a big important question.

half and half, of plain. I checked out a benchmade bailout, was over 250, but not to bad.

 

[fastbolt]

half and half, of plain. I checked out a benchmade bailout, was over 250, but not to bad.

Partially serrated can be a pretty workable compromise. There's a reason that combo has proven so popular among many EDC users who actually need the option of some serrations for many cutting tasks. (Sometimes 'compromise' isn't a 4-letter word or a bad thing. )

While I have a number of partially serrated folders, often nowadays I choose to carry both fully serrated and plain edge knives.

 

[benben]

Partially serrated can be a pretty workable compromise. There's a reason that combo has proven so popular among many EDC users who actually need the option of some serrations for many cutting tasks. (Sometimes 'compromise' isn't a 4-letter word or a bad thing. )

While I have a number of partially serrated folders, often nowadays I choose to carry both fully serrated and plain edge knives.

I’m honestly not a fan of combo edges, it’s either fully serrated or plain edge for me.

 

[rongee111]

I plan on buying a knife for EDC. I have not owned a knife in a long time. Check out a few benchmades and zero tolerance, but not sure what to get. I want American and under 200. Any advice is appreciated.

ZT 0561 Elmax- Took awhile to get used to a folder this size and weight but now, I wouldn't be without it. Unfortunately, no longer offered but I'm sure that ZT makes others that full the bill.

 

[Gunney66]

So many great knives out there. I’ve carried Benchmade for years. Recent picked up a Spyderco PM2 but it’s pretty large. I’d definitely check out knives in person before buying.

 

[benben]

ZT 0561 Elmax- Took awhile to get used to a folder this size and weight but now, I wouldn't be without it. Unfortunately, no longer offered but I'm sure that ZT makes others that full the bill.

I have a 0562, it’s the only other knife I own that’s not a Spyderco, and it’s a great knife! Carries smaller and lighter than it’s listed specs!

 

[steveasvitt]

I plan on buying a knife for EDC. I have not owned a knife in a long time. Check out a few benchmades and zero tolerance, but not sure what to get. I want American and under 200. Any advice is appreciated.

Doug Ritter RSK® MK1-G2 Knifeworks Exclusive - Black / Stonewashed

Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2 Black G10 Stonewashed 20CV Knifeworks Exclusive. The Next Generation of Ritter's highly regarded RSK Mk1 now available exclusively from Knifeworks.

knifeworks.com

 

[warbow150]

I have a 0562, it’s the only other knife I own that’s not a Spyderco, and it’s a great knife! Carries smaller and lighter than it’s listed specs!

I love 562s. In a lot of ways they’re better than the XM-18s I’ve owned. Unfortunately 562s are about $100.00 over budget for our OP.

 

[tall terry]

The ZT and benchmade are both solid knives,, great steels... I like ZT better.. if you look around BM knives are available for 40% or more off retail..

 

[Snipedog]

I plan on buying a knife for EDC. I have not owned a knife in a long time. Check out a few benchmades and zero tolerance, but not sure what to get. I want American and under 200. Any advice is appreciated.

I like Hogue knives,made in USA,quality many styles.

 

[fastbolt]

I’m honestly not a fan of combo edges, it’s either fully serrated or plain edge for me.

I wasn't particularly, either, until I found myself carrying an older Spyderco combo edge, and not being able to cut some nylon ties (under tension, in an awkward spot) with the plain edge. The short, partially serrated portion of the blade, however, went through the nylon in a single easy pull.

The number of knives I own which are fully serrated has grown, with the latest being a nifty Delica with K390 steel.

I don't really admire the 'half-this & half-that' appearance of the combo blades, but sometimes they can serve a very utilitarian, practical need in a pinch. I sometimes think back to a comment I once read, made by Ernie Emerson, of the practicality of partial serrations in his folders when aggressive cutting ability is needed in some tough materials.

 

[barta]

Another Benchmade Griptilian fan here.

 

[Dynactus]

I sometimes think back to a comment I once read, made by Ernie Emerson, of the practicality of partial serrations in his folders when aggressive cutting ability is needed in some tough materials.

 

[cowboywannabe]

To put in your pocket just get an old timer. For self defense get a k-bar TDI.

 

[fastbolt]

Another Benchmade Griptilian fan here.

It's a rather practical design, all things considered. I gave one to my brother, and interested my son in one. He bought one of the new vendor-exclusive red-handled versions with a blackened blade made of CPM-20CV Stainless Steel.

I picked up one of the Mini Grip's after I retired, with a 154CM sheepsfoot blade. I got a good deal on it ($65?) because it had a pink handle and the cop shop who had it on display was having a hard time selling it, on display in their case of all the dark 'tactical' folders.

My son gave me an older Bugout (Olive handle, S30V blade) which he didn't like because of the thin handle, and how the thin Grivory scales felt 'soft' and flexed in his grip. It had been used hard, so I disassembled and cleaned it out, and restored the edge and replaced the bent clip. The slim blade makes it seem more of a slicer, and the slim handle lacks the 'heft' of the Griptilian ... but I've found myself slipping it into a front pocket quite often. The slim handle makes it a bit more comfortable in the front pocket (especially when seated). I wouldn't pay the going freight for a new one, though. Maybe if it was priced closer to $100-$125.

I'd sooner buy a Hogue Deka, with a clip point Magnacut blade. I prefer the blade shape of the clip point Deka, and the handle, while on the small side, still has a bit more heft in the handle and feels more secure (less flex, under pressure). I missed a sale on a Deka for $114 after Christmas, and will keep an eye on them through the major vendors as tax time sales approach. I still have some other folders on my list, anyway, including some attractively priced 'budget' Civivi folders.

 

[fastbolt]

View attachment 1154752

I've switched it up over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed is this; I always carry a partially serrated knife. Which is also what I recommend for everyone. I've used my knives in at least 4 emergencies that we've come up on over the years and the serrations were vital in each case.

Full interview:

Ernest Emerson Knives Interview - History, Design, Philosophy, Knifemaking & More

Ernest Emerson Knives Interview - History, Design, Philosophy, Knifemaking & More at KnifeArt.com. Huge selection of the highest quality products, from everyday carry to high-end collector's items.

www.knifeart.com

From my own perspective I rather suspect that cordage, fibrous, plastic or leathery materials may require some 'aggressive' cutting capability, upon occasion. Serrations may not be 'pretty', and may require some more experience (and tools) in sharpening, and the points may even be susceptible to their own type of damage in rough use situations ... but their ability to aggressively rip/cut, when needed, balance the scales.

 

[J. Parker]

You don't have to spend big bucks to get a good solid EDC folder. I like Kershaw, Spyderco and ZT folders.