At this weight and blade size, few knives will compare favorably against the excellent SOG Flash II. It’s an ideal larger EDC blade that deploys wicked fast, locks tight, and carries well. The Flash series also shows other makers exactly how to make a pocket clip: removable, hardened stainless steel clip the buries the knife in the pocket. The FRN handle was wisely NOT lined with stainless steel and as such is super light, strong, and surprisingly comfortable. The full flat ground AUS8 blade …

Discontinued by BM, the Ambush is/was a high value knife. AUS8 steel with an attractive finish, excellent blade shape, strong diecast aluminum handle, good ergos, good deployment speed, and an acceptable clip round out this Benchmade Redline (Imported) folding tactical/utility knife. The 4″ blade is impressive and would provide devastating slashing capability. The rolling lock with in-draft works well and seems to give you a little assist on the deployment. The only real downside on the …

The Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 is a great EDC choice. I love the assisted opening Axis lock mechanism. It’s fast, strong, durable, and locks up securely with no movement. The Zytel handle offers unimpressive traction but shows interesting styling. I would much prefer a high traction G10 or Micarta scaled version of these knives, especially since the Model 585 hovers around the price point. However, even as is, the handle ergos are good and the 585 places well in hand in either forward or …