Hi, my name is Francis, and I'm an addict.
Fortunately my addiction has been tempered by both a lack of funds to pursue it, a preference for things that go bang, and some VERY picky requirements for an EDC knife.
First, my strongly held dislikes:
1) I don't like liner lock knives of any kind. They just don't feel good to me.
2) I don't like any of the auto/assisted opening knives I've tried (SOG, benchmade, S&W). I just don't feel "in control" when using it. It also makes for a longer closing motion.
3) I LOVE AXIS lock / ARC Lock / whatever special TM name a particular manufacturer wants to call it, I love it dearly and would be hard pressed to find something that words better for my hands and use.
Side note about the AXIS style locks - I generally feel like I can open it just as fast as an auto, and close it as fast as it opened. Just pull back on the lock to release all tension on the blade while simultaneously imparting just a tiny bit of momentum with your wrist and it's open (don't forget to release the lock button just as quickly as you pressed it so the blade stays open). Same exact motion in reverse to close. Most people that see it in action are convinced it's an auto knife, and some ask if it's legal
I know that list is pretty restrictive, but I've learned what I like over the years
So what do I carry? Couple things. Been a benchmade fan for a number of years, ever since an ex-gf, under the wise guidance of my best friend, gave me a full size Griptillian 550SBK for my birthday many years ago. I managed to hang onto it for many years, but eventually lost it.
At one point when a friend saw my Griptillian, he liked it and got himself a mini-griptillian. I really like the fit of the mini. The blade was almost as big, every bit as functional, but the handle seemed like it was 50% smaller and less bulky. Sheeple don't recoil from it as much. So when I eventually lost my full size one, I ran out and got a
Mini-Griptillian 556SBK. She's well used after 3 years of daily carry, but I'll get another just like it tomorrow if I lose it. (although I've debated getting the 557SBK tanto blade). As an added bonus, the blade clocks in just under 3" and avoids any legal trouble. Takes a very sharp edge and holds it for a while (but not as long as I would like).
My second daily carry knife is a small fixed, weak side backup / utility / pry bar. (photos below). Local knife maker, don't remember their name. 90% of the time I carry it in a kydex sheath at the small of my back, weak side draw. So comfortable I can't feel it, even if I'm laying down. I also have a second kydex sheath tied into an imitation mercharness for the occasional days when belt carry is not an option. Fixed blades are much easier to clean, so this is what I use to cut up food or other messy tasks that I would rather not get inside my folder. This is also the knife I hand to other people, because I don't care if they're careless with it. It's thick and built like a TANK, bu my only complaint is that the grind doesn't take a good enough edge, its never really "sharp". But its sturdy and maintains its medium edge damned near indefinitely without sharpening.
I also own a
SOG Mini-Vulcan which I love, it feels amazing in your hand and opens like butter, but I found that I could not carry it effectively. It features a deep concealment pocket clip that hides more of the knife in your pocket.... but that feature also meant when I gripped the top part to pull it out QUICKLY, I wasn't getting my fingers chocked up close enough to the center of the knife. I was pulling it out by the top edge, and in a rapid deployment, the blade coming out added to that imbalance and jeopardized my grip on it. Once it was out however, it melts into your hand like it was made for it!
Fixed blades have become a fascination and the "want" list is way too high. Some day I would love to own a Busse, although I suspect that INFI steel, while very good, is part hype.