Help with a new EDC folder

[jerseydevil]

Hey all,
Since I've been a good boy this year (more or less  ), I've decided to get myself a new folder for Christmas. Here's what I'm looking for. Any suggestions would be most helpful:

- 3 1/4" blade max
- OHO - AO not necessary.
- Locking- would prefer a back lock, but am OK with liner locks.
- Clip allows for left-handed tip up carry - this is the big one-I have several knives that would fit in this role, but they're all right-handed! I get by with them but they're sort of a compromise.
- $125 maximum.

I have a Spyderco UKPK which is a great knife and fits all of these requirements except one-no lock. To not scare the crap out of customers it's great, but a lock would make it perfect. I can't seem to find a locking version of the UKPK listed anywhere. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

[David]

How about Spyderco Native 5?

[Gareth]

IIRC it was the Caly3 that was the near, locking, equivalent of the UKPK.

[jekostas]

Spyderco
Caly 3
Delica
Endura
Stretch
Native
Native 3
Native 5

Kabar
Dozier Hunter
Hunter Large
Kharon
Piggyback Folder
Baconmaker Folder

Benchmade
Pika 2 (it's been re-released under the Harley-Davidson Label)
Mini Pika 2

[zoidberg]

What type of blade shape, grind or steel do you normally go for?

Nice knives are hard to get around here but I did pick up a mini grip (556 I think it is) a couple years back.
I carry it almost always. It is people friendly, stays sharp, strong, ambidextrous, axis lock, reversible pocket clip etc.

I should also mention I'm left handed and a little ocd.
Spyderco knives look nice but often the thumb hole is slightly covered (why?) and the liner lock cutouts are there for righties.

And you may want to look for something with pillar construction for easy cleaning.
A lot of the Sog and Gerbers are a mission to clean without totally breaking them down.

[jerseydevil]

What type of blade shape, grind or steel do you normally go for?

Nice knives are hard to get around here but I did pick up a mini grip (556 I think it is) a couple years back.
I carry it almost always. It is people friendly, stays sharp, strong, ambidextrous, axis lock, reversible pocket clip etc.

I should also mention I'm left handed and a little ocd.
Spyderco knives look nice but often the thumb hole is slightly covered (why?) and the liner lock cutouts are there for righties.

And you may want to look for something with pillar construction for easy cleaning.
A lot of the Sog and Gerbers are a mission to clean without totally breaking them down.

As far as blade shape goes, I'm partial to drop points, good shape for the uses I put my EDCs to. I prefer a plain edge over a combo, and either a flat or hollow grind. In terms of steel,  . Don't know that much about the different blade steels. Any resources to look at?

@Gareth- You're right, the Caly3 is the locking equivalent to the UKPK.  The Native5 looks like a nice knife as well. What do the different numbers represent with Spydercos? Different materials, etc?

[asupernothing]

Delica FFG if you don't mind plastic handles. Personally I am not a huge fan of plastic handled knives, but I still love the Delica. If you want to get something nicer go for the Caly3cf since its exactly everything you are looking for. You could get 2 delicas for the price of the caly3 but the carbon fiber handle and zdp189 blade are hard to turn down for a nice folder.

The numbers represent generations. Native5 is the fifth generation of the knife. Spyderco is always tweaking the knives in response to feedback they get from customers.

[FishStalker]

Based on your criteria, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be at the top of my list.  If you ever venture over to bladeforums, you'll see it is one if not the number one pick in your price range.

When I got my first one, I liked it so much that I bought a second one within a week.  It is my go to EDC and has left many others sitting in the drawer. 

[dks]

Also have a look at Cold Steel and  CRKT products; they have quite a large variety way below your budget.

[Jmora]

spyderco Sage - a fraction larger htan ukpk, but still 3 inch blade. no backlocking version yet. The linerlock one I have is very nice and smooth though. and left hand clip option.

The spyderco chaparral is a little smaller and has a backlock and left hand clip possibility. It is like a smaller version of the native.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=672
(price around 100-120 on ebay etc, not as expensive as listed on the spyderco website)

[asupernothing]

spyderco Sage - a fraction larger htan ukpk, but still 3 inch blade. no backlocking version yet. The linerlock one I have is very nice and smooth though. and left hand clip option.

The spyderco chaparral is a little smaller and has a backlock and left hand clip possibility. It is like a smaller version of the native.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=672
(price around 100-120 on ebay etc, not as expensive as listed on the spyderco website)

My main concern with recommending a SAGE is that liner locks do not tend to be left handed friendly.

The Para2 on the other hand is one that I am surprised to have forgotten, especially since its one of my favorites overall. For some reason I am not carrying my para2 and now I miss it.

[Jmora]

spyderco Sage - a fraction larger htan ukpk, but still 3 inch blade. no backlocking version yet. The linerlock one I have is very nice and smooth though. and left hand clip option.

The spyderco chaparral is a little smaller and has a backlock and left hand clip possibility. It is like a smaller version of the native.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=672
(price around 100-120 on ebay etc, not as expensive as listed on the spyderco website)

My main concern with recommending a SAGE is that liner locks do not tend to be left handed friendly.

The Para2 on the other hand is one that I am surprised to have forgotten, especially since its one of my favorites overall. For some reason I am not carrying my para2 and now I miss it.

true, I forgot about that.

still the sage 3 is ambidexterous bolt action lock - the button is on both sides. I have no experience of them apart from drooling over them on youtube etc.

[jzmtl]

Best to try handle a para2 if you go that way. Some people love the compression lock, I'm one of those don't care for it. The lock cutout is right where I put my thumb, so feels like half the handle is missing.

Sent from my phone using tap tap tap

[jerseydevil]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. I'm going to have to try and handle some of these knives soon. I've been looking around some on line, and I must say that the Delica and the Caly3 are in the lead at the moment.  The Delica is an awesome knife from everything I've read, and a lot cheaper than the Caly. But, I've read some reviews criticizing the clip. What's the experience here with that? I also like the looks of the Native.

[jzmtl]

There are people don't like wire clip too, but for me they are both good.

[asupernothing]

I like the wire clip, but also have no problem with the clip on the delica. My only complaint about the delica is the plastic handles, but at its price point I wouldn't expect anything else. Delica has a great blade shape, great steel, and a great price. I will have to try and get my delica back soon. I let a friend borrow it while camping over the summer and still haven't gotten it back. I like to think she is using it, but its probably sitting in her desk drawer.

[bladechick777]

Here's My Helpful List Of Choices Lol:
Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556 If You Like Drop Point
Benchmade Mini Griptilian 555 If You Like Sheeps Foot
Spyderco Delica FFG - If You Like FRN Handles
Spyderco Delica SS - If You'd Prefer Stainless
Spyderco Delica G-10 You Can Still Find These
Zero Tolerance 0350
Ontarion RAT 1
Byrd Raven
Byrd Meadow Lark
Spyderco Tenacious
Spyderco Persistence
Spyderco Dragonfly
Spyderco Stretch
Spyderco Native 5
Spyderco Sage 1, Sage 2, Sage 3.

[jerseydevil]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I got to play with several different knives mentioned here at a friend's house the other day including the Delica, the Caly3, and the Paramilitary. All are beautiful knives, and I know for certain that the Caly3 will be the next Spyderco I get  . Ive decided to order myself a Delica4 with the full flat grind. I don't mind the FRN handles, the clip is fine, and it's just the right size without looking too scary to sheeple  . I'll post pics when it arrives. Thanks again!