Just looking for everyday carry/back-up defensive

Kershaw blur Serrated for $54
Kershaw blur S30v for $75

Benchmade Volli for $99
Benchmade Barrage for $95
Benchmade Mini barrage for $89

Or should I forget the assisted get a Griptillian for $72?

Also which blade style Tanto or drop point. I started out liking tanto nut am leaning drop point because its seems more versatile. .

I have a Buck Rush that I've carried for years, and used every day.  Very solid.  Make sure you get the s30v steel blade.

Out of those options, I've had the full size and mini Barrage, as well as the Blur.  All great knifes, although I ditched the mini barrage because I found it difficult to get a solid enough grip on it for how strong the assist mechanism was.  It just didn't feel firmly planted in my hand as that blade swung open.

Both the blur and barrage open with plenty of force, have solid lockup, and lotsa blade real estate with the blur having a little bit of an edge in the slimness department.  The pocket clip on the blur kinda sucks compared to the barrage though.

Having them both in my man purse, the ZT0350 is still what is in my pocket at all times though =)

The griptilian with tanto blade (partially serrated) was my first foray into knife land and still remains one of my favorite all time knives save for the fact that I lost it camping.  Lack of serrations and tanto style have won me over though just for how much easier it is to maintain the edge on a straight blade.

If you do go for the Blur though, be sure to check out this thread for better pricing.  I think the s30v model is obtainable from amazon in the neighborhood of $43 plus any shipping (or in some places tax.)
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_4/402888_Kershaw_Blur_Great_Prices.html

Le Gratuitious knife-pr0n for comparison...
Top to bottom:  ESEE Izula, Benchmade Barrage, Kershaw Blur, ZT 0350.

I'm a fan of the SOG flash II.  The pocket clip keep it low and hidden in your pocket.

I freaking love my Kershaw Blur serrated.

If you can spend more the Benchmade Osborne 940 is a hell of a knife. I have been carrying one for about 12 years now and it is still in damn good shape.

If you go with the Blur you can get $15 off from Amazon. Probably need to chat up someone there as the discounts aren't being added without help.

amazon

Or if you dont mind a blem you can get a Blur for $35

Kershaw Blur Blems

My serrated blur was $52.99 so $37.99 with 2 day shipping after the discount. So for another $2.99 you get the box and warranty.

amazon blur

I carried a Blur for a couple years and it was a great knife but somewhat of a pita to sharpen. I broke the tip off of it and got a mini Barrage about 3-1/2 years ago. It is my EDC utility knife now. I use it daily on everything. The knife gets dull and I can make it shave in 2 minutes. The assisted opening has never been an issue and I open it probably 10-20 times a day. It is as fast as most any auto. My next choice in that price range would be the full size Barrage only because of it's larger blade if all I were going to use it for was a backup defense blade. I just don't care for a blade larger than 3" for work.

Only if your a Prime member?

The discount shouldn't be but the free shipping could be. Its my wife's account and I don't know the details. Either way we're talking less than $10 for the lifetime warranty.

I went with the S30V Blur for $43.64 from Amazon with Free Shipping.  Probably add a Griptilian Tanto Non Serrated later.

I've purchased a few knives in the past month (couldn't just choose one!), including a BM Volli. Without a doubt, it's my favorite! It's the 4th from bottom.

I just bought a Kershaw Knockout today. Light, slim, and has a nice assisted opening. I'm very happy.

I primarily carried Benchmade for a while - and they make good knives - but after purchasing a Zero Tolerance, I took a harder look at Kershaw. It's a surprisingly good value for the money, IMO.

Unless you really need an assisted opener, I would go with a full size Griptillian.

I'll second this vote.

A store up the road from me has one of those. I think it's going for somewhere in the mid to high $300's.

Cabella's has them for $180 or so. Paid $80 for mine wholesale many years ago.



 

I'd love to have one fot $80