I've been a lurker for a little while and decided to finally join the forum. I have a modest Spyderco collection compared to many on here (see Signature) and I'm reaching a point where it's getting hard to justify many more purchases - made even harder with the continuing price increases. Anyways, this post isn't about that - it's about what I would consider (at this point in time) to be my perfect EDC. Obviously there is no such thing and it's a lifelong search but I figured I'd post anyways. Maybe I can look back on this in a couple years and realize that all my wants/needs have changed. I'd also like to hear about everyone else's perfect EDC - for some of you, it may exist already.
We all have different backgrounds and needs for an EDC. We like to complain about features missing on these high end knives, but in reality, they're all great knives. I'll be the first to admit that I don't need more than a couple knives outside the kitchen and I'm generally searching for uses for my knives. I don't have a job that requires a knife very often and I can just as easily fold cardboard boxes flat as I can cut them up (I've started cutting them anyway to use my knives more ).
I've taken my experiences with some of my favorite Spydercos to come up with what I think my grail would be.
- PM2/Sage 5 - Compression Lock: Yes, I admit I enjoy fidgeting with my knives. Beyond that, I don't think I have anything against a good back lock or liner lock. Not a fan of the Ball Bearing lock on the Manix though.
- UKPK Salt and Sage 1/5 - Ergonomics and Blade Shape: I love how these knives feel in the hand as well as the blade shape
- UKPK Salt - Steel: I don't use my knives enough to be able to really tell the difference between different steels. I want something with decent edge holding, fairly easy to sharpen, won't chip, and stainless. I may not need the ultra stainlessness of LC200N but I do live near the coast and I run so I like the peace of mind of not needing to care about saltwater/sweat.
- UKPK Salt and Delica 4 FFG - Blade Thickness/Grind: I like the 2.5mm blades of these knives. Very slicy but don't feel dainty.
- Delica 4 FFG - IWB Carrying: The Delica is the best running knife for anything in the ~3" blade and up range. It just works for me in the tip down position.
- PM2 - Blade Length: I'm usually just fine with a 3" blade as can be seen by many of the knives in my collection. However, I wouldn't mind a little extra blade length if I can get it without sacrificing IWB carry.
- Clip: Not sure. I like the wire clip, but it also lengthens the amount of knife below the clip which may not be good for IWB carry. Could go either way on this.
- Weight: Lighter the better but it doesn't need to be Bugout light. Less than 3oz.
- Scale Material: I like the feel of G10, but I think FRN is going to win out for lightweight and cost. I like the texture of the Sage 5 LW FRN.
- Screw Construction: I want to be able to take the knife apart to clean
What are your thoughts?