I've got a Mini Grptillian with the D2 blade that I've carried for several years now. Since them I've bought a Benchmade 858 Mini Barrage, a SOG Flash II, and couple CKRT and Kershaw with liner locks that I got at a good price, but keep going back to the Griptillian as my EDC. It's easier to keep a good edge on the D2 steel than the rest and a lot lighter in my pocket. There's also been a few SOGs and Gerbers that have been confiscated by airport TSA over the years.
Do you guys sharpen your own and if you do what do you use? I use diamond stones. Have a Smith's fine and a HF tool 4 grit stone block and can not really tell the difference on them. To really finish an edge I use a ceramic steel.
Out of all the sharpening systems I've used, my favorite is the Smith's system where you clip your knife in the device and it has "wings" that put the edge on at the degree you need. It uses arkansas stones, although the newer one's have diamond grit bars which I don't think work as well. I've also tried the Worksharp sharpening system, which put a decent edge on my knives, but it's REALLY easy to mess up the tip, so I don't use it anymore. Currently I'm experimenting with Japanese water stones. I can get a good edge, but I'm not sure if it's better than the Smiths system, and it certainly takes longer.
My edc since the 2010 Olympics when I lost my CRKT. Sadly they don't make the good steel ones now, just the cheap Non-edge-holding steel ones. I don't wear a belt so this is my "Leatherman". I use the flat screwdriver to open screwdriver type twist locks for electrical panels at least a dozen times a day. Leatherman expanse E33T http://www.leatherman.com/230.html The still make the C series with the cheap steel blades and they suck
That is the best system Ive found yet I love mine Ive never been very good at free handing it with a wet stone so when I found this and tried it I loved it.
It came earlier than expected so here it is it's a nice knife and I think it will suit me well at work for cutting bigger things and be a good EDC knife either in my pocket or on my belt.
I am a creature of habit and have never ventured from standard straight edged blades. Those of you who have serrated blades on an EDC why do you like them and what do you not like about them?
I hate them and am slowly getting rid of all half serrated blade knives. Maybe its just me but they are impractical and useless to me as the majority of my knife work is done with the middle or back part of the blade which is right where the serrations usually start. Hopefully someone will answer with a positive point for them that will show me something about them that I didnt know.
I love them. I use mine as a tool, everyday, cutting things I shouldn't. The serrations allow you to use it for things that normal people wouldn't. For example, I use mine to strip cable for work and the front edge will be gone in short time for precise cutting, but still enough of an edge to still be useful, and the serrated edge still provides razor sharp spot for cutting rope, twine, hard plastics, copper wire strands that a normal edge wouldn't cut. Most people don't like them because they can't sharpen them once they loose their edge. its two tools, or edges in one. now, for meat cleaning and gutting, I would not want a serrated edge. but a knife used for that, won't be subject to abuse that an EDC does. I have precision straight edged blades for animal uses.
My EDC is this little Kershaw, double lock blade. One sheepsfoot and one clip point is a versatile combo.
I'm popping by Spyderco on Mon, maybe Tues., anyone want me to look for a particular style? I've always wanted a "Civilian", just because, if for no other reason.
Here's my "non-Dozier" hunting and fishing knives. BTW, all my knives get used, some more than others...
