"Expensive Knives for EDC?: The HEC Philosophy" by Nutnfancy

[@insidiousengineering]

Yes. I would carry a $300 edc knife and USE IT. In an age of $800 cell phones that will be obsolete in 2 years, carrying a knife that is even half that cost, that will last 50+ years is not so crazy.

[@LagginMcBadly22]

Leave it to an engineer to put things in perspective. Excellent point!

[@abdulferrari6755]

insidiousengineering YEEEESSSSSS I was telling my parents that and now they agree that I can spend more on knifes.

[@bigchunk1]

insidiousengineering Absolutely my thinking as well. I got a $100 flashlight and it fit into my EDC almost instantly. Quality items get used more because they are worth using.

[@AdolfHitler-xp1nx]

insidiousengineering that's logical not crazy at all but society is fucked you can barely pull a knife to open a bag of skittles without someone snitching to the popo

[@Player-fr3vc]

+insidiousengineering You know that's a good point. 800 dollar phones are absolutely absurd in my opinion, and you are 100% right about the fast aging obsoletion rate.

[@nathanreynerson672]

My wife wears a $7,000 diamond ring everyday, why would I not carry am HEC knife?

[@krtekid1]

I carried a $150 benchmade on my last deployment...I have some real sentimental value connected with it now. Hell, I slept with that thing on my belt or in my hand. Now I'm edcing an Emerson, and I love it. It makes me happy that it's in my pocket, makes me happy every time I use it. When I get out of the infantry, these knives will always be tied back to the experiences I had with them, and if I ever don't want them I know my little brother or eventually my son would be honored to have them

[@fishdummy]

Bought my first HEC this weekend! Benchmade 940-1 Thanks Nutnfancy

[@gbduncan1986]

EDC is where you SHOULD invest a bit more money. Why spend a ton of money on something like fine china? You make that huge purchase to make special events (rare) just a little bit more special. Why not make everyday events a lot more special. A box cutter will do the same job as my Spyderco Native 5, but it wont make me smile. A Bic stick pen will write the same note as my Franklin Christoph, but I won't feel any sense of pride in it. Invest in everyday special. Be happy.

[@pant0sand0hat]

I agree.

[@1594simonsays]

Liked this comment :)

[@russellwilliam24]

Well said brother! I EDC all of my higher end blades, If I'm going to invest in it, why not carry it? You only live once, enjoy what you have. what life does that tool have by just collecting dust.

[@brandonhooper7748]

good stuff

[@taimanov924]

George Duncan here here

[@kxridder125]

whats the point of buying a expensive knife if your not going to use it.

[@ryanStJohn-ge1mc]

You are dumb.

[@AJKungFuu]

Whats the point of woman owning morr then 1 handbag. Whats the point of buying a smart phone when you can get a old phone that calls just as well. Whats the point of owning loads of expensive jewelry. Why do we get these things that we dont need ? Oh yeah because we like them, we like playing with our knives looking at our knives ect. Why do we have hobbies in the first place ? Because we like these things.

[@kxridder125]

to use them

[@eddieking2976]

Was on my motorcycle the other day and actually found a Sog flash laying in the road. Took it home sharpened and cleaned it up. Works great.

[@JoshwaBurke]

Just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoy your philosophy of use and review videos. My wife just picked up a Benchmade knife and I'm going to pick up a Spyderco soon. Love the way you give your two cents to give me an educated decision for the gear I choose. Keep up the great work.

[@lancethrustworthy]

I salute you in using sufficient light for the purpose. I see too many videos by others where they're skimping on the needed light. Bravo.

[@EnPeeSee]

I switch between a Benchmade Mini Reflex and Zero Tolerance 0770CF for my EDC; both knives are in the $150-200 range, but I don't care if they're a little expensive. Life is too short to carry mediocre knives, and these knives are so well-made and durable I'm not worried about doing some serious stuff with them.

[@SamuraiChris78]

+AP "life is too short to carry mediocre knives" That is my new motto!!!! Love it!

[@tzDub92]

jewelry for men

[@purplemutantas]

My main carry knife is a tomahawk cyclone spring assist. I payed $15 for two. I have been pretty impressed for the price. I am poor; I can't justify big bucks for an EDC knife. The most expensive EDC tool I carry is my victorinox swiss tool. When I got it I payed $60. I had a $50 amazon gift card, so that helped. A good multi tool is worth spending some money on. For a folder, I probably wouldn't spend more than $50.

[@purplemutantas]

I have seen the error of my ways. Cheap knives are not worth it. Now my main carry knife is a spyderco delica. It's WAY better than the crappy spring assist I was carrying. That said, I don't see the value in really expensive knives. I don't think I would ever buy a $200 folding knife.

[@ShaunWitt]

purplemutantas I said the same... That being said if you ever handle a bench-made with the axis lock they're just so awesome..... About $150 for most models (which is tops for a folder or fixed blade in my opinion) Would never purchase or edc a knife over $200.... But you get what you pay for with knives and steels.

[@cphogan88]

At one time I thought it'd be crazy to carry a knife that cost more than a $50 Kershaw. However, 5-6 years ago I bought a Benchmade 940, and have been carrying it ever since. The 940 is one of my favorite knives I own, due to 1st and 2nd type of cool. Since I bought that knife I've also bought a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Spyderco Navaja, Endura, Delica, and a couple other Benchmades. I just bought a RAT Worx MRX that is my first auto, and it is quickly becoming my favorite knife I own. You definitely get your money's worth when you buy quality.

[@TraceyAllen]

1st if I would not carry it, it is not worth having period. They are like guns the best one is the one you have on you. I carry a benchmade Elishewitz Striker. Been in my pocket since '96. I love it best knife ever. It will be retired this week, and replaced by a Emerson Jungle CQC-7. These are and will continue to be hard use knives. So to answer your question nutnfancy​ Yes I would and still do carry a expensive knife and use it. 

[@TraceyAllen]

Edited my phone's auto correct that I missed.

[@baconcoqslapthethird1483]

I don't understand why people spend $150-$400 on a knife just to then use a $30 rat-2. The way I look at it, buy a knife that you are going to use for a long time and don't waste money on an expensive knife you are going to carry 2 times every year. I personally carry a rat-2. $30 knife that I know I can beat on, but on the off chance it does break, its cheap to replace. Bottom line, don't buy what you won't use.

[@TraceyAllen]

BaconCoqSlap The Third​ my benchmade only cost me about $13 a year. Actually less, I only retired it because of sentiment, it is still very sharp and fully functional. I just don't want to loose it now.

[@baconcoqslapthethird1483]

Tracey Allen Fair enough, but like I said, I don't get why people buy these $200-$400 knives just to keep them in a drawer, lockbox, ect. I would rather just get a rat2 or zancudo or something along those lines that I can use hard every day and not have to worry about losing it. I don't think ontario is going to take the rat2 out of their lineup for a LONG time, so until they do, I'm just going to buy a new one every once in a while to replace my worn out ones. It is the perfect knife for me. =3

[@thedjruiner]

BaconCoqSlap The Third Right? I even carry my OTFs and use them. I don't buy shit to park it.

[@DecemDierum]

$120 and under is my price range. I am looking at the Benchmade Griptillian customized at $160. That's H.E.C. for me

[@mrkend69]

Why would a $300 knife be weird to carry? They aren't easily broken and they never go obsolete. Look in your other pocket at the piece of EDC equipment you carry. Drop that $600 iphone from your pocket or try to use it in 5 years....bet it won't work or you'll get a lot of funny grins.

[@1594simonsays]

Agreed

[@wendellhawxby1454]

I'd use a sebenza for edc

[@Alucard767676]

Great way of looking at it

[@joshborton1708]

K Dudley You are exactly right. I own a number of higher end knives and they will likely outlive me. They are well built, use superior materials and hold their value. Buy the best gear you can afford.

[@iskenuz]

Mark Hoffman Any piece of clothes really. Compare the quality on a JCP suit to a SuitSupply Purple Line and you'll ask for the latter every time.

[@boofingdragon]

I carry a auto benchmade for EDC. It is cool, auto's are legal in TN, and it could defend my life so I don't skip on that. Not to mention when dude's whip out their EDC's I like typically having the coolest one. Occasional someone pulls out a Microtech OTF auto or something cooler but no often.

[@rileycoppicus1128]

its only overpriced if something of lesser dollar value can achieve and or preform higher than the more expensive blade

[@teejsaysulkowski]

I couldn't agree more with Nutn. I always have an Ultratech in a neck sheath on me every day, and I do get excited whenever I put that sucker on. And 50% of the time I carry either a Socom Elite, Scarab, Contego, or even Navaja! At least, when I don't expect to have to hard use it, but I don't have a problem hard using them when I do need to! It proves out your purchase. Generational wear = win.

[@briscocreek]

TJ Sulkowski Ya, TJ, Navahas ... now your talking that delicious rachet unnerves them every time. For a While after WW2 my merchant marine cowboy buddies brought up killers and meat cutters in the South San Francisco butcher town made Balisongs (Butterfly knives) popular ... no startling rachet sound to disorient a victim but the clitter clatter (Clickety Clack) worked as well and faster. Left a lot of dead bodies around the rodeo circuit, but everyone knew exactally where in the pecking order we all stood. Nothing like a slaughterhouse back ground to instill violence in a young hoodlum. Add a taste for good Chinese white and let 'er roll. one of the boys brought a dope dealers head across the international bridge at El Paso in a paper bag and left it in a trash can ... truth ... hasn't been that long ago that the west was wild!!!

[@Go2WarGunner]

My current EDC knife is a Spyderco Para Military 2, I know its not a $300 knife, but its high end for me. I carry it every day and i'm not afraid to whip it out and use it, but I try not to thrash on it needlessly. It has preformed every task I have asked it to do effortlessly. I love it and love using it. It does make me happy to carry it.

[@bigchunk1]

I don't understand how you got me into knives.

[@taylorstevenson9153]

The question of "HEC" is quite simple in my opinion. A high quality knife should last generations if well taken care of. Consider one lifetime only. Say a $400 knife divided by 50 years for example. Is the joy and utility you get from that knife worth to you $8 each year of your life? If so, you're "HEC" is completely justified IMO. For most people that truly appreciate knives and purposefully EDC it's worth it. Not worth the $ of two cups of coffee per year? Then buy something less expensive.

[@itsthekkc]

Thumbs up for the rest of my life Also, take an example of buying a knife for $200 once and never needing to pay for repairs (Most higher end knife companies do that). Then let us consider using it for the next 30 years. 200/(30years x 12 months) = .55$ You are only paying 55 cents a month for that knife that lasts your career Now consider buying a cheap $10 knife and having to replace it every 2 months, and consider that as the competition for the $200 knife. 10 x 6 x 30 = $1800 over the course of those 30 years 1800/(30/12) = 5$ That's 5 dollars a month spent on a knife that needs to be replaced every 2 months. That's 10 times more expensive than buying a high end knife. It doesn't take an economic theorist to see which knife is worth the price

[@kittyairsoft]

For me I dont go under 100 anymore. Unless its a mini grip or something that REALLY performs for the cost. I like carying a Knife that makes me proud to carry and show people. I have about 4 over 120 and those are my primary rotation in tandem with one of my spyderco dragonflys.

[@honestdave]

My EDC is only about $40

[@NIGHTSTALKER973]

a knife is a knife i say doesnt matter if its 300 bucks or not its a tool meant for use

[@desmendETKILLAZ]

Aston Martin DB9 is what I want, What I drive is a 76 Ford LTD Country Squire... yes a good ol' trusty station wagon lol

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

I paid $350 for a antique puma white hunter. But later sold it because I needed money. But for edc $100 is my limit

[@Wubnl]

Personally, I hate carrying my expensive knives with me. I have a constant anxiety I will either drop it, or lose it. I wouldn't blow over 150$ on a knife. People say "You get what you pay for." Well, you don't need to drop anything over 150$ for a nice knife. My advice, go on amazon buy a good knife for 80$-120$. What I carry with me is a 50$ Spyderco Tenacious. It has 8crmov13 steel, but it is as solid as i need it to be.

[@zr1daddy14]

I edc a benchmade reflex and I have other high end knives and yeah I do edc it depends on what I will be doing that day though I'm sure my kids will love how worn out high end knives will look that belonged to there dad

[@boogerwhopper]

I know a lot of you knife pros may laugh but, my favorite HEC is my SOG Salute. For me, it's high end. This is a beautiful knife for me. Fit, finish, hard beautiful steel and simply fits me nicely. Extremely solid lockup and stays sharp with surprisingly easy edge tuneup. I love it!

[@champion5545]

I personally wouldn't spend more than $70 on an EDC knife, or at least I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. I owned a Kershaw Chill ($20) initially and recently got an Ontario Rat Model 2 ($25) and I'm pretty happy already. I love the blade shape and finish on the Rat Model 2, and with some WD 40 the mechanism is ridiculously smooth and fast opening. My only gripe is that the tip is really weak; I broke it by accident in the first week I had it. I'm looking to either just upgrade and got a more durable knife at around the $50-60 price point or just buy another Rat and be more careful.

[@nutnfan1]

I HIGHLY recommend the SOG Aegis or Flash series knives for that price range. They are strong tipped, lock up VERY strong, have an OUTSTANDING spring assist mechanism, hold their edge for a very long time (I use them heavily every day at work and only sharpen a few times a year), and the pocket clips sit deep in your pocket. I carry my Aegis every day, and have for a few years. Before that, I carried my Flash II every day. I recommend the coated blades (mine is black). They haven't worn off or let corrosion get in at all. 3 years later it is just now showing a small amount of wear, but the coating is still on there. Sorry, I could rave about my SOGs for days. lol My two favorite EDC knives by far, Aegis being my #1. I love the drop point shape it has, and the full flat ground AUS8 steel blade on both is my favorite steel for the price. Nutn reviewed these as well I think, check em out.

[@champion5545]

nutnfan1 Nutnfancy mentioned that the Aegis's tips are rather fragile actually (or very fine, prone to breakage) If I did get an Aegis (I like the design, blade looks nice), I'd get the Mini though. I don't like my EDC being more than 3" blade length, especially because I wear jeans and my pockets are pretty shallow. Dunno how well the tip will hold up on the Mini though.

[@nutnfan1]

derukun I haven't had any issues with tip breakage, but I don't regularly stab or pry things either. I'm sure the Mini is fine, but I barely notice my full size in my pocket at all, because of the way it sits in there with an excellent clip. Your call though, get what fits your needs and makes you grin.

[@champion5545]

nutnfan1 It's just sometimes you need the tip to make the initial puncture before being able to cut. I don't like jam the tip into really hard objects or anything. I might consider keeping the Rat 2 just as a beater (without a tip it really loses a good 50% of its functionality) and getting an Aegis as a nicer EDC.

[@nutnfan1]

derukun I take my Aegis around everyday, but when I go camping I never take knives I "can't" lose, I always pack beaters.

[@M0DiFiEDZ]

Awesome Concept!!! My 1st ever EDC knife was a Microtech Troodon D/E, I got it for $400.00 in 2005, I've still got it & it still puts a smile on my face when I use it. I'm looking for a new HEC this year, maybe a Socom, Sebenza, Strider, not sure yet. I've EDCed cheaper $100 knives like Benchmade Contego & Emissary, the cool factor is short lived compared to a $300+ knife. Why drive the Toyota (Skyline/Contego) when I can drive the Lotus (Socom/Select Fire).

[@deckard9732]

Maybe I'm just wierd.. I'd LOVE a Sebenza, but not necessarily an XM18. I have a 0560, which pretty much IS a Hinderer, only not. I carry that knife every day. Would I carry the Sebenza? Yup.. except, I can't afford it. But, IF I could, I'd EDC that blade... in S30V, of course.

[@AlexCavnar]

deckard9732 It gets back to the value point. Personally, I don't see the value in an XM18 versus an 0560, at least not for the price difference.

[@Chaoticburn]

Great video. My dad gave me a knife that my grandmother got for him when he was in the Scouts. They grew up DIRT poor, but my grandma dropped $150 on this knife in the early 70's. He passed it on to me and I love it. It is my favorite camp knife. The company is no longer around. I wouldn't trade that knife for anything, and plan on passing it on to my children.

[@lionelfalgout6795]

Sticking with my Benchmark Gritilian...

[@jasonthephoneboy]

Great subject.. I have had cold steel for years, and those are good knives, But I purchased a Benchmade 53 a few months ago upping my price point on knives. I love balisongs for the "beauty" of the opening, coolness, and over all locking strength. The 53 has ball bearings, and G10 only handles. I was a little worried it would do what I needed. I have been gladly impressed. The handles have held up, the bearings have seen some rust, but are completely serviceable. So I EDC $150, and well worth it

[@mattiasagren3422]

my EDC is a ontario rat 1

[@CrazySharp]

just watched this for the first time this morning and i 100% get the value part you are talking about ... i have a lot of knives that are well over the $400 threshold but the most important knives in my collection, the ones that i would truly be hurt if they came up missing are a $20 camillus silver sword model 42 that my father gave me 33 years ago for my birthday and an old barlow that was my grandfather's. These are the ones that live in the safe while my $300+ MT DOC gets beat around as my EDC (amazing knife by the way). I also agree that we cannot push our value structure on others, my best friend cannot believe that i wear a $3500 watch and carry a $300 knife to the rodeo grounds to move the rough stock in or to the racetrack to wrench on the sprint car. For me it is a matter of reliability both of these items have proven that i can trust them in the clinch.

[@derelictaccount8808]

Don't fall in to the trap of pampering an EDC so much that your afraid to use it. I do.(for work, not violence)

[@slugsandstuff]

Great video, I love that you talked about generational value to family. I have a knife that my Grandfather used in WWII while in the Navy. It is well used and has his name carved into the wood handle scales. He died when I was still a Kid but I was old enough for him to impact my life today. I hold that beat up folding knife and is so special to me that I cannot express it in word.

[@Aa-ron22]

Weirdest looking top lip I've ever seen but great reviews

[@honeybadgerlover3100]

😂

[@Aa-ron22]

+Jamesta James yep I bet. was not trying to be a internet tuff guy was just stating a fact. it is the weirdest top lip I've seen.

[@Kytemeng]

+Aaron R I dunno.... looks a little Michael Keaton-ish.

[@knifegeke]

I just got my first Sebenza (Large 21, double lug). I love it. I'm even thinking that from now on I'll only buy HEC blades, due to the 'no compromise' factor. Totally understand and agree with this POU.

[@mr.quiltworth845]

I'll edc the hell out of a 100 - 200 dollar knife. Maybe a $300 or $400 knife. I never spent more than 200 on a knife. Not to say I won't.

[@cvardeman]

Same the warranty on most 200+ knifes are outstanding.

[@strongondefense45]

Hey nutn, I kinda fell out of the project recently but this video and the anticipation of other HEC blade review has brought me back. How do you feel about Striders? They drive more like an Abrams tank LOL. But they are light and tough. Just wondering your opinion on them

[@cchgn]

I do NOT like wide blades. They gather gunk and quit working. I do NOT need long blades. 2-3" is all I need. Btw NO I don't need to EDC $300 knives, when a $20 knife will do the job. Btw you have to think outside the box and be prepared to make a knife out of a piece of broken glass or metal. There's a saying, "Don't loan any more money than you're willing to give away". Well, "don't carry what you're not willing to lose".

[@AlexCavnar]

cchgn There's a night and day difference in a $20 knife and a $300 knife, though. You've got better steel, better action and better ergonomics. You've got a blade that most likely won't break after hard use, or lose its edge quickly. You've got a knife that you can resharpen without much degradation of quality. I won't criticise you for not buying and carrying an expensive knife. But, I will say that by the time you have bought 5 $20 knives, used them, then subsequently replaced them when they broke, you could have bought 1 $100 knife that would have lasted the whole time and would probably last a lifetime, assuming you don't lose it.

[@cchgn]

Alex Cavnar Well, I've managed 40 yrs( counting the 10 yrs I carried my USMC Kabar) with a $20 Mora and they so lal that you describe. On my farm, I use a 3" blade Buck #107, for ALl my butchering needs, from a 1/2lb Quail; rto chickens, ducks, Turkeys Rabbits and to a 200 lb Goat. That's all I need. I make canes and walking sticks and sling shots, etc out of wood that I find in the woods and for wood work I use my Mora. That's all I need. My thing is, I won't use the same knife to cut wood , etc as to butcher with( cross contamination and sharpening issues). Also, The cheaper knife is good to lash on a pole for a spear, etc. I was taught to never carry more knife than you're willing to lose. I live down here in Florida and go kayak fishing/camping alot and have lost knives in the water. Yes, I keep buying $20 Moras. in the plastic sheath. I have a Bark River in A2, in a nice leather sheath. and know what you mean. A tool steel knife is far superior, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take if kayaking or white water rafting. I don't hunt( like my Viking ancestors, I grow my food), so I really have no real use for that Bark River, but it sure is pretty to look at....lol I'd say for someone who hunts for Elk or hogs, etc ALOT, the Bark River is ideal. Now, I WILL use it to skin a Gator or Shark. they have REALLY tough skin..lol

[@AlexCavnar]

I totally get where you're coming from-- the right tool for the job. I love my Morakniv Companion. It goes in my pack when I hit the woods. I really subscribe to what Nutnfancy is saying here about value-- the Morakniv is an AWESOME value, as is the Ka-Bar I also take out in the woods. My more expensive knives see actual "EDC" use, though-- a day doesn't go by where I'm not using a knife for something, like breaking down a box.

[@ryanhaynes9416]

My HEC is defiantly my Ontario Rat One in OD green. I've had it for awhile, but what really puts it high in my charts is that I almost cut my finger off with it. It has sentimental value now, and I could never get rid of it. Another example of a HEC is my benchmade minigrip. I love that knife. It's main EDC.

[@h2hman1]

EDC = Every Day Carry. HEDC = High End Daily Carry.

[@horrorfan13666]

You mentioned that you take the Agency camping, which I guess might imply somewhat harder use; how has the ti-ni held up to that? Any scratching or noticeable discolouration?

[@clayrev]

I have been EDC a Leatherman for the last 10-12 years. (since high school) I ran a Super Tool, sent it in for warranty, got a Super Tool 200 back. Carried that until about 5 years ago when a friend gave me a Surge. (love it). My lifestyle changed a little, but I still don't leave the house without it. I abuse it. I carried a small buck knife for a summer (along side the super tool) and broke the tip off twice. I have used the Super Tool to jump the solenoid on a tractor (couple hundred amps)

[@andyprozeller4735]

I very much liked the video. I have a question(s) about selecting knives for my nephews with whom I haven't had contact with for a few years, One is a Navy helicopter pilot and the other a SEAL. I'm looking to get them each a folder as a backup. I'm certain, or fairly, certain they each have a primary blade and, with the SEAL, a secondary blade. What suggestions can you make?

[@Teachering]

"Value is in the eye of the beholder, Dude!" I'm so glad I happened on this video. You have a wonderful philosophy that can be applied to so many things in life that we as people value. There are things we hold precious that others might shake their heads at thinking there must be something wrong with us. For example, I love Fender Custom Shop Telecasters and spend a lot on guitar gear. Not only some of my friends, but even my wife doesn't understand it, though she puts up with me. I place a lot of value on these things; and, yes, sometimes the value is found not in cost but sentiment as you yourself have expressed. I began watching your video because I'm a newbie when it comes to folding knives and am eager to learn from experts like you, nutnfancy. I've come away from your discussion with so much more than I would have ever imagined. I love your enthusiasm and I'm inspired by all that you have to share with viewers like me. A sincere thank you!

[@mx4life82388]

Hey nutn, this video really hit home with me. My grandfather whom I was really close to passed away a few days ago and left me an old beat up lockback from pakistan that he has had since ww2. He flew on 33 missions all over the pacific and was awarded medals including the distinguished flying cross. Talk about generational wear. This knife is worth more to me than any of my hec's. Great philosophy video.

[@BwanaSuttree]

I have come to a new personal conclusion. If I have "high end" stuff I'm going to use it and wear it out. Why did I pay for it just to sit in a drawer, closet, safe, etc. Just to say I have it and use/wear out something less nice?

[@Shooter11B]

I daily carry a Microtech full size manual Socom Elite, plain edge, black coating. It was my dream knife for a long time, now I have had it for just over a year and it will NEVER leave my side!

[@bashfulbrother]

I have a Case Buck knife that I have used for deer hunting since 1979. I have used that knife to gut, skin, and butcher on every deer, elk, bear, etc I have harvested. When I die it goes to my oldest boy. I have a ton of other knives that I own that I can use in camp but that knife will always be my first line. Really a great video N'n'F on the differerence between money and value.

[@darkstar156m]

I watch a lot of your videos & I must say...you knocked it out of the park with this one! I edc a Curtiss F3 (my favorite knife)& a folding utility knife for hard use(I'm an electrician).Your video hit home with me. The part about generational value is something I often think about. I have knives from my pap's hunting days & pocket knives from my fathers childhood. They hold so much value to me.

[@bridgesbushcraft]

I know this is a tough question, but what is your favorite EDC knife? My family wants to purchase any knife of my choice $200 and under, so I'm leaning towards replacing my Gerber with a better knife. I live where it's hard to find knives to actually hold, so KZbin is my best friend right now. Any recommendations or suggestions? Thank you, enjoy your videos!

[@Xceles618]

I EDC my CRKT Hissatsu and will EDC the Otanashi no Ken in March. I used to carry Sog but I fell in love with the blade and points from James WiIliams.

[@ozzyfreak994]

this was a much needed video. the topics you discussed were 100% on point as usual. in my point of view my price range for most of my knives would be around 100-200$ max at the moment, if i start making more $ that might change in the future but i feel that some cheaper knives such as a 60$ spyderco or cold steel can preform just as well as a 200$ benchmade for EDC purposes

[@srrailfan619]

Benchmade 940-1, the s90v/carbon fiber Osborne, is an outstanding knife. amazing quality and super light. pretty expensive but it is the perfect edc blade. I also have the blue tenacious. that's pretty great too

[@Unicorn161]

Yes. I normally carry a Benchmade 275 Adamas & a Randall Gambler. I use them for everyday tasks such as opening boxes, cutting wire/cable ties, cardboard, whatever. I normally only carry the Randall at work since I don't have any problems with a fixed blade there. It's scratched, gets dulled from use, then sharpened repeatedly. I've even carried it in the woods on day hikes when I wasn't carrying my Benchmade or Becker BK2. What's the point of owning something you don't carry?

[@ryanjones4917]

I like the points you used to determine value, especially generatinal wear. Another great knife vid

[@Poonard]

Just a newbie question here....What are the legitimate reasons to pay over 100 dollars for a good knife?

[@006ruler]

Maybe I'm a little different, but I was taught to value the knife over the price, usually. My favourite EDC was a $150 knife, Benchmade quality, and that price was right on for me. I don't consider a $200 knife to be HEC, unless it's that price because it's got a special design or something else other than quality materials or quality design.

[@nutnfancy]

Thanks for supporting the Project with all the views you gave us. Take care! -- Veri

[@kaizoebara]

I totally agree. Have carried a Spyderco Military and a Shabaria for a long time until they banned one handed openers. Now I EDC a homemade fixed blade with a damascus blade by a famous German knifesmith. Your example could be extended beyond cars: some like expensive clothing/shoes, others like expensive cell phones/computers/tablet PCs, still others like expensive watches/pens. In most of those instances you have those who enjoy using the stuff and those who just enjoy looking at it.

[@nccrawford]

Great video. I've been carrying a Terzuola ATCF lately, and I love it. I totally agree that every morning when I'm getting dressed it puts a smile on my face when I pick up a nice knife, not to mention the 6 or 8 times I use it every day... Good stuff.

[@scottb8907]

Loved the vid. I definitely am with you on the HEC stuff. My HEC knives that I DO CARRY: Kershaw Tilt, ZT0560, ZT0302, S90V Paramilitary 2, Strider SnG, CRK Umnumzaan, 440v Military.

[@worldofknives3260]

Hi nutn, how do you feel about "young adults" ex, 13, 14, 15, 16 EDCing and carrying blades and supporting knives?

[@AntonChiseliov]

Thanks for nice video ! What do you think about ZT0200 ? can be this knife considered as a "Hi End Carry" option? I think that this knife is not realy expensive , but i like it ...

[@nbdavis47]

What I drive - 1999 Dodge Dakota. What I want - 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda...

[@survivalkraft]

Growing up my dad always used to say: 'You won't always be able to afford the best, but always have the best you can afford.' Seeing as my EDC blade is a utility tool/weapon that at any given moment I may have to use to save the day, I would rather spend money to buy a good one rather than compromising. That's the reason why the ZT0300 and Leatherman Wave are part of my EDC. Thanks, Nutnfancy!

[@MrChevyman803]

I think the generational wear part of this video is spot on Nutn! I have carried my granddad's old Buck Trapper since my dad gave it to me and it gives me more enjoyment than any other knife.

[@davidricharddrutherosky4940]

Good job Nutnfancy, Navy vet myself. My EDC depends on task at hand. If I'm going to my mechanical designer job in an office and field environment I carry one of my upper end knifes. If im doing a carpentry or mechanical project I carry a beater, things around the house I grab a beater. Hunting I use an upper end knife for its purpose, same goes with fishing etc.

[@Shamanscircle1]

My father owns a military issued M3 fighting knife and a Collins machete that one of my great uncles used in WWII. When I was younger I marveled at it since I had not seen any knife other than Swiss army and kitchen knives. These days I use the M3 for shaving tree branches for making fighting sticks, walking sticks and shillelaghs (I categorize them weirdly) and I use the Collins to chop brush around my father's house. To me, they make put a smile on my face when I use them. Just having them when I do my projects or chores outside in the yard makes the labor worth all the while :)

[@AkaiShizuku]

I watched this video while sharpening my blue titanium Cold Steel Ti Lite. Definitely HEC; not only is the knife discontinued, but I have some bittersweet history with it and memories both good and bad. I tried to get rid of it before, but now I don't want to anymore. The knife may as well be a part of me now.

[@bladespec]

I carry a spyderco para2 in all black and it has some serious wear and tear it makes it all the more special in that my dad got it for me and im sure it will last for many years and the black has all sorts of scratches and dings and scuffs, awesome video dude.

[@Novaman0011]

Thanks for the Knife Pr0n Nutn. Would I use an HEC in my daily carry? Yes, but I wouldn't seriously thump on/abuse any knife for any price if I liked it. Honest wear is perfectly cool but if I need a to thump on a knife I'd rather do it to one that I don't care too much about so when I break the tip cutting sod or sprinkler lines or something I won't lose sleep over it.

[@e93bausch]

I carried a black Spyderco Police with the serrated blade for about 15 years. As a cop I used it rough and often, cutting things like battery cables on auto crashes and most of the teeth have broken off as well as the tip. It went everywhere I went. Not being able to sharpen a serrated blade was a bummer though so I just replaced it with a Jason Breeden Rescue. Great knife and I can keep it quite sharp but I feel like I turned my back on an old friend retiring the Police to the drawer.

[@ryanbarker1748]

I bought a Spyderco paramilitary 2 and I love it, and am going to get another one soon cause I love every bit of it and to me the price is right in the ballpark! I recommend it to everyone who doesn't mind spending 100-150 dollars!

[@trevorwray]

Been EDC'n a Mcusta Katana since your review. Its now beat up and has some wear and tear, but the blade is still amazingly sharp and in great shape. I love it and will continue to carry it until it falls apart, which should be quite a while from now

[@davidsteinhour5562]

My SOG Kilowatt is an HEC for me at $38... (college kid budget-electronics major). It's got the rarity because nobody EDCs a wire stripper around. It's fairly durable, but if I do manage to kill it/lose it, I won't be suicidal like if I edc'd a Microtech. There is a lot to be said about putting your money towards the stuff you Most use. If you use a knife 20x a day, you have every reason to dump $200 and feel like a champ 20x a day. An AUS8 blade with a comfortable Kydex body and electrical diagram decorations is more than enough specialness for me.

[@fate930]

Literally the only knives i own are an emerson super CQC 7, Microtech zombie delta, and a Strider SMF. The Zombie delta is my favorite for its conversation value. Thanks for kinda validating my tastes Nutn.

[@emvp]

Fantastic video! Speaking with passion from your heart, balanced with sound non-biased reasoning. I could not agree more with your philosophy of HEC. I cannot afford to drive a Porsche GT-3 to work everyday; however, I can HEC an exclusive knife and fully love putting it through its paces. Such an excellent analogy. Keep up the great work, it is much appreciated. Thank you for yet another amazing philosophy video.

[@MightyMattito]

What's your opinion on the Emerson series of Karambit knives as an EDC?

[@MJDGator]

I EDC a Pro-Tech TR-3 SWAT...great knife. Also use it at work. Been coated in sweat repeatedly and not cleaned for a few weeks with no issues.

[@vcfan1586]

Loved the video nutnfancy! Really shed some light on this topic.

[@HoosierCarnivore]

I HEC'd a Benchmade Mel Pardue design ATS-34 for years. Still have it. Great knife! It was $150-ish 10+ years ago. Nothing wrong with HEC. How many guys/gals carry a $2000+ custom 1911? Lots do! (not me, but hey it's their money) No envy here. Now we need a HEC hand gun video Nutn!

[@simonlabonne78]

I rotate my edc knives. Primary (right pocket) Benchmade 5000 auto, ZT 0300, ZT 0560. Secondary (left pocket) Kershaw Cryo, Leek, Spyderco Endura 4 FFG, Plus I always have my Leatherman super tool and my Glock 19. I own others that I do carry occasionally but those are my regular edc's. My wife carries a SOG Flash2 and a leek everyday. We both work in a hardware store and I work my knives hard. (Especially my ZTs)

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

When m y wife and I were both working as teachers in nowhere Alaska, I ordered a new Randall every 3 months. I bought 5-6 Busse knives every year. Once, I bought a Bewnchmade Gold Class Presidio with a Damascus blade and carried it for over a year. It was almost $500 and I left it with a student when I left the village. If you aren't buying for investment or collectability (I have a lot of Randalls sitting in my safe) there's no joy in knife purchasing.

[@EverythingisFire]

How about this, sir? Would you carry a $800-$1,000+ firearm for EDC? One of those custom duty CZ's or a compact 1911?

[@Fooballfreak12]

My daily carry knives are the ZT 0350, Kershaw Launch 1, and Mcusta Tactility. All over $100. Something about carrying an expensive knife and USING it really makes my grin. I know $100 isn't much to custom knife collectors, but it's a lot on my college budget!

[@robertmifkovic6325]

+Christopher Little then sell them buy something cheaper with same level of quality and sleep better :D

[@Fooballfreak12]

+Róbert Mifkovič Nope. My addiction has just grown stronger. Bought a ZT0452CF last week.

[@floridabmw3150]

Thanks for shooting straight TNP, very refreshing.

[@yezakd]

I bought a Benchmade 940 Osborne 7y ago when they first came out for $240 (you can get them now for about $150). I've carried it every single day for 7 years. It's held up remarkably well and functions just as good as new. There are scratches, dings, and finish wear...but now the knife is full of character. I'm looking at replacing it with a Microtech Troodon within the next couple months. I have no regrets.

[@Paul_Whaley]

I'm all for HEC. I EDC knives such as the ZT 0350, Spyderco Manix 2 XL, and the Benchmade 810, just to name a few. I like to say buy once and cry once, however there are plenty of knives that I love, and love to carry that are more budget/ mid-range priced, such as many Kershaws, Spydercos, and Cold Steels.

[@DonaldTyrsson]

Loved the video, Nutnfancy! Couldn't be any more truer than to leave so many concepts in a gray area. Knives, to some, can be a spiritual thing in one way or another, and everyone handles spirituality in different ways. They are old tools, effective tools, and sacred tools. To me, usability versus collectability depends on the knife, not the price.. which, is essentially what you were getting at. It depends on how you feel about that one knife on a personal level, and your day-to-day life.

[@joegreen7532]

Good video. Excellent food for thought … I think this topic is something all knife afi's consider at some point. Totally agree it's a personal decision, but the fact that it's something you carry and use every day is an excellent point. I currently have a half dozen $100-$200 knives in my EDC rotation, and choose which to carry depending on the day ... I also have a Sebenza that cost nearly $500, and yes, I carry that as well, although more conservatively. After watching this, considering consolidating some of the less expensive knives into one or two higher end ones … problem is, I've grown attached to most of those, and so they are HECs now as well. Hmm …

[@wolfyk95]

My first edc I got was a kershaw burst my sister bought me at 18, loved that knife and carried it every day until it got lost two weeks before my 19th birthday (there's a slim chance of still finding it). She decided to get me a kershaw kuro to replace it which I love more in it's second kind of cool then first, I don't like a tanto from a utility standpoint and I find them difficult to sharpen. I've been in love with the benchmade 580 then the 581 since they were introduced and I think I'll start putting money away for it. I'm a broke college kid but a high end carry is still obtainable.

[@gigemlaw]

I go back and forth between BM 940 and Lone Wolf T2 Ranger for carry. No regrets. The kicker - I bought both used! I want to carry a top quality knife, buying good stuff used has allowed me to do that for minimum cost. The T2 particularly goes in some circles for upwards of $350. Picked up a used one for $175.

[@chattfiremike]

Nutn I've been watching your knife vids for a while now! And thinking about carrying different knives or even collecting. After you held up that Mcusta katana I instantly fell in love with it and I'm going to buy one in each color thanks again for another awesome video!