I EDC the Spyderco Salt II, which is based on the Endura. It's about $10 US more because of the H-1 steel, which is billed as being toally rust free. It's light but sturdy, the big thumbhole makes it easy to open, and the modified sheepsfoot blade makes it look less "aggressive". It's a very functional blade shape, though - ask any blue water sailor.

I also have a Spyderco Ladybug on my keyring, so I guess that's my second EDC.

Oops - the Salt II is based on the Delica, not the Endura, sorry.

the Leatherman blade launcher function would probably not work that great with gloves on unless they were tight fitting gloves.

If you could live with a leatherman knife (not a multi-tool), here is a link to an AWESOME deal.

http://gearaddiction.org/viewtopic.php?id=54

I picked up an h503 + pair of decent binoculars for about $35 shipped.

A bit of a bargain for a reasonable folder can be had here



It has a 440 Stainless Solingen German made Blade. It opens and closes really smoothly and has a very positive locking actions and is very well made.
It could be ideal for what you want it for. The partial serrated edge can be sharpened with standard sharpening tools.

Oh and it has a real carbon fibre inlay in the handle not fake.

Spyderco makes great knives. I own several. The Endura is a good one. You might also want to look at the Delica and the Native. Though I own both the serrated and plain versions of many, I find the plain edge more versatile. All really, really good, and not too expensive. Great bang/buck.

For everyday multipurpose use in the urban environment it's awfully hard to beat the old Swiss Army Knife. I own a ton of these, and always carry at least two in addition to my locking folder.

OK. Maybe that's overkill, but I always have a teeny weeny one on my keychain (Classic SD or Rambler), plus a medium sized (84 or 91mm) one, like a Small Tinker, Recruit, Alox Bantam, Cadet, Soldier, etc. Don't poo poo them. I keep mine sharp enough to shave with. They'll make short work of seat belts. Plus they have screwdrivers, tweezers, toothpicks, scissors, and the all-important bottle opener. And they're less scary to the PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER.. They're also very small, light, dirt cheap and last forever. For many, many years all I carried knife-wise was a Small Tinker, and it never let me down.

Kevin B.

I have a SAK Explorer model with a nylon sheat but I find I already tend to leave it at home. It has the magnifying glass, useful for reading small prints but forget making fire with that. Anyway later on I discovered fresnel lens. On my keychain I have Sliver Gripper tweezers, a teeny-weeny pair of folding scissors (not the Slip-N-Snip ones) that I got from the Canadian version of the Adventure Medical Pocket Medic, a Photon II red LED light and a mini Fox40 whistle hanged on a Lucky Line Secure-A-Key clip-on. It's starting to weigh a little bit but I wear sturdy leather belts. Sometimes I remove the obnoxious blaze orange whistle but before I got the Secure-A-Key clip-on, it once helped me find my lost keychain.

I will probably go with the Spyderco Delica plain edge that I will clip inside my waistband like on Doug's picture.

Frankie

This one has been running a bit, but still active so I'll chime in too. Unfortunately I am limited by a blade of no more than 2.5 inches to avoid it being considered a 'dangerous weapon' at work (I switch to more realistic knife at home). I've been carrying the Boker Sub Com folder for about eight months now. To me this is not an ultimate design, but it has proven comfortable to use, sturdy and effective, which is all I can really ask. The liner-lock, though not my favorite system, has provided reliable and solid lock-up every time. Since it retails in the mid-30's, can't be construed as a weapon (so I can drop it in the change dish at the metal detector [not at the airport] and get it back again), fills my hand well despite its small size, and allows me to go with something sturdier than many small bladed knives, it fits my need. Maybe not yours, but I hadn't seen this one mentioned and it works well for me.

I've been using a Kershaw Ken Onion every day for about 3 years now and its held up surprisingly well. The assisted opening feature is a real plus. (and you can easily light strike anywhere matches on the handle) Of course the plain edge Spyderco Delica is always a good choice too.

I have tons of knives, for the money I've spent this one is one of my favorit. It's easy to sharppen and feels good it your hand. I think you'd be happy with it.
http://www.countycomm.com/swiss.htm