Help me decide

[_Genocide_]

Hi guys

I cannot decide on which one. The intended use is for EDC. Please help me decide.

1st option:
Gerber Answer F.A.S.T XL tanto/serrated
gerber answer.jpg
Its got a 4" blade. Assisted opening

2nd option:
Gerber 06 F.A.S.T tanto/serrated
gerber06.jpg
Its got a 3.75" blade. Assisted opening

3rd option:
Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto/serrated
cold steel.jpg
Its got a 4" blade. NO assisted opening. Japanese steel.


I know there's other options out there like benchmade, spyderco etc. But I've narrowed down my search between these 3. They are all more or less the same price.

Thanks in advance

[Ds J]

I wouldn't take a tanto blade - it does not sharpen easy and has limited working ability. Others favour the tanto.

Blade length amongst them is almost equal.

Judiging on the handles I'd take the
Gerber Answer because you'd be able to grip it easier in all four basic positions. However, test the grips for your own hands.

[Baobab]

Not familiar with any of these but the XL reads large, if you are going to carry make sure it fits the pocket comfortably

[brucezorro]

Cold steel recon is a very nice knife. A little pricey for the blade steel but holds up well under abuse. Personally I steer clear od tanto's, serrations (I see no practical use for them that a sharp plain edge cannot rectify) and assisted openers for an edc knife. I would have a look on blade forums for reviews on the above knives. A four inch bladed knife may not fit in all pants pockets easily. For similar money online you can get a Spyderco Endura which has better steel and a blade shape more condusive to the majority of the EDC tasks you will be likely to perform with it (and will scare less sheeple when you use it). These are just my personal thoughts, but on the above knife selection I would choose the cold steel.

[STREETRACER]

Cold steel FTW, tanto blades are hard to keep square when sharpening. Tip seems to round easily.

I have an AK47 colsteel which is by far one of my fav. Knives.

I use my Spyderco endura4 daily and cant seem to pick anything over it for EDC.

Scary sharp, brilliant edge retention and a decent size blade.

[drie57]

I fully agree with Streetracer. Have drawers full of knives yet I have been carrying my Spyderco Endura for many many years now, everyday. I also want to add that it is flat, making it comfortable to carry. Even just clipped it in my coshy when we spent a couple of days at a hot indoor swimming pool resort. Nobody noticed it.

[Mr_Medic]

May I enquire as to why you are going for a combo edged blade? I do agree with the others regarding the tanto blade being difficult ti maintain it's shape.

[_Genocide_]

I have found that the serrations cuts rope etc. easier than a normal blade. Thanks for all your help and opinions. I decided to go with the Cold Steel Recon, just waiting for friend to come back from the states with it. :D

[Ds J]

Just for the info: the modern "tanto" style square tip is not really a tanto style at all. It is the tip used on japanese swords which are older than 800 years. It was the frequent style 1000 years ago. See http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/ for further details.

[Rjowen0984]

There are only 2 mass manufacture knives I will buy Spyderco and Benchmade. Quality, consistency, many more reasons I can list.