I acknowledge that the multitools have their merits and in fact the Leatherman Wave is on my wish list. But I know I won't be really EDC it, like when simply going to the convenience store or going out in a night club that would be silly. I want something ultralight and slim that I can grab in a hurry and that I can conceal easily but still have a substantial blade (not a keychain miniature). So far the Spydercos seem to fulfil these requirements.

Thanks for the reply.

Frankie

I love my Leatherman Wave and it's an extremely versatile tool but for some reason I never got used to carrying it on a daily basis. It's not the size, as a matter of fact it's small enough to fit in a pocket pretty nicely. For the past 7 or 8 years my EDC folder has been a large SAK with a locking blade. The Wave has many more functions than the SAK but the two knife blades simply aren't that good and it's usually the knife that I end up using for most utility tasks. If you need a compact, sturdy EDC folder something like a Spyderco might be a good choice.

Spyderco:

I have two Spydercos (or is it three?) and like them very much. One is 15 years old and going strong. They are very thin in the pocket and yet a lot stronger than they look.

The Spydercos are very easy to open with gloved hands. I prefer these to the thumb stud type openers.

Keep in mind that you need to be very discreet about whipping out a locking blade in an urban environment. Most people will see it as a weapon rather than a tool. And if you display it in a club, I guarantee you will be rapidly bounced out the door and may have some explaining to do to the local constabulary.

I have a SWAK Classic on my keychain for minor everyday tasks while in public. Nobody is worried about a Classic.

Leatherman Wave:

I think the Wave II is one of the best Leatherman products ever. It's a huge improvement over the original, in strength and overall functionality. It's often my primary everday carry on the road, using the very excellent removeable clip which allows me to carry the bulk of the tool inside my waistband. This is much more discreet than a sheath, and I've never seen anyone bothered by it. My cell phone clips over the belt in approx the same spot, which helps too. "What's that?" "Folding pliers." "Oh. Neat. Can I borrow them?"

coldsteel has a great line of 3 4 5 6 inch folders ihave been using them for over 25 yrs

I have been using coldsteel knives for over 25 years. They make a great line of 3,4,5,& 6 in folding knives. Can't say enough about them. I love them.

No worries, it is, after all, a question of context. In normal EDC, the wave is not too encumbering, and the wave II is a good alternative. I don't always have it with me for every occasion either.

The spydercos and CRKTs are good knives, and there are plenty more in that gendre as well. For those occasions as you mention where convenience and limited use are most desirable, I think the spyderco will do just fine.

I like the multi taskers only because I never know what to expect when I venture out the door, and I am too much the gadget man I suppose.

My advice is to invest $20 for a Kabar Dozier Spearpoint:

https://www.kabar.com/product_detail.jsp?productNumber=4066

which is a fine knife for the price, and then start saving your pennies for one of Doug's wonderful Rittergrips.

Recently I have been carrying a leatherman c300 in my pocket, and leave my leatherman wave in my bag or at home. I like the c300 alot, but it doesn't really have a good lanyard hole on it. When I buy a new knife, I'll probably go with the leatherman e300, which is pretty much the same knife but with a retractable carabiner.

I like to carry an inexpensive knife like this for everyday tasks. I think I paid $25 for the c300 with shipping.