I have been on the search for a good EDC for years and can't quite find the perfect one.

I started out with a Kershaw Scallion. This is a good knife and I liked it a lot. However, I had multiple times where it had to go back to Kershaw due to a broken torsion bar. They always took care of it, but I'd like something that is not assisted open to keep it simple.

Then, I bought a CRKT M16. Good knife but the clip kept getting loose and after a while, the blade started pitting. I was able to tighten up the clip and got most of the pitting off with some gun oil and steel wool, but I want something better.

Then, I bought a Spyderco Native. No spring, strong blade steel, it seemed perfect. Then, the clip quickly loosened and rotated to the point it damaged the handle. I still carry it occasionally, but I have removed the grip and Dremeled the scarred plastic on the handle.

I want something strong, durable, simple, rust resistant and won't bust the bank. Prefer no more than $60 or so. What do you guys suggest?

Oh... I already carry a lot of stuff in my pocket, so nothing too heavy either. Thanks in advance for the help.

I really like my Benchmade Mini Griptilian. It's simple to use and at your price point.

The Spyderco Endura is a fantastic knife for the money and seems to meet your criteria.

I've been browsing the on-line knife stores and I REALLY like this one.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM930P

I may have to just save up.

Saving up really isn't a bad idea... otherwise you end up looking back thinking, "If I didn't by those two, I could buy this nice one now."

Suggestions:

I really like my KA-BAR Mule. AUS-8a steel, lockback, and simple belt/pocket clip. It's a little big (comes w/ a sheath too) but manageable nonetheless. Got mine for $40 at a gun and knife show.

Also, I'd check out Byrd's Cara-Cara. A lot of people say they're very durable knives and dirt cheap too.

Frogger, this is my EDC, it's more then twice what you want to spend, but this will last long enough that you wont have to buy another. Mine will be going back to Benchmade before the end of the year for lifesharp service.

At the $60 price, the BM Griptillian is excellent.

That Kulgera is nice, I have one and like it a lot. More expensive, though.

Well, after a lot of research, I just ordered this knife...

http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6900

I have had very good luck with Kershaw's customer service and the only issue I ever have had with my other Kershaw knives has been the torsion bar. This one is not an assisted open so there is no torsion bar. The reviews I read were great. I'll give it a try and if it is as good as I think it will be, I'll probably order a second one to have as a spare in case I lose it. If this works out, I may have a few of my old knives up in the classifieds in a few weeks. Thanks for all the great advice.

Nice knife frogger.

I am fond of my BM Griptilian..

In the $60 price range I'd be going with the Benchmade Griptilian or Mini Griptilian.

Frogger, I was about to order a leek when I read your post about the Speed-safe torsion bar. Are you a heavy user?

I would look at the Cold Steel Voyager line in AUS-8 It's very solid and I use a three inch almost daily. Ikeep in in my desk at work but my EDC is an Emerson but they are out of your price range.

_______________________

Benchmade Mel Pardue 350

http://www.gunaccessories.com/Benchmade/350.asp

I've carried the same one for over 10 years now. I've only had to send it in once and that was because the clip came off (by the way that was about 6 years ago).

It's light and keeps a pretty darn good sharp edge. I highly recomend it for an EDC.

Well, I was out of town for a few days and when I got back today, my new EDC knife had arrived. It is a Kershaw ENER-G. I like it a lot. It is just the right size IMHO. My Kershaw Scallion was a bit too small and my CRKT M16 was a bit too big. For you Kershaw fans, it's almost exactly half way between the Scallion and the Leek in size. My only very minor complaint was that I had to tinker with the pivot screw to get it to open well. As it came, it was very tight and no matter how much pressure you put on the tab, it would not flip open to the lock position. After tweaking it a bit, it works perfect. As I said, only a minor complaint since it is designed to be adjusted and once adjusted it was fine. Here's a pic of it posing with my EDC pistol.



For those curious, here's a link to the specs. If you want something bigger, the ENER-G II is a larger knife, but for EDC I think the standard ENER-G is just right.

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=382&brand=kershaw