$100 budget

I have a couple of Manix2s. For whatever reason, they don't do it for me. On the other hand, I really like the Military and the Native.

The Military feels a bit too big for EDC to me. I feel more comfortable with something more the size of a Delica, Leek, or Native.

Over on the budget side, I'm liking the Ontario RATs, the Enlan EL-01, and the Esee Zancudo.

My girlfriend keeps "borrowing" my ZT0450, but that's over your budget, I think.
 
Another vote for the Manix II - it's freakin' awesome - 3.0 oz., and it's at least as fast, if not faster, than assisted openers and autos. And it comes in two standard colors:



 
My vote goes to the Manix hands down. As to the difference between the Barrage and the mini grip, I own dozens of Benchmades and not a one is a grip. I purchased a mini grip and passed it on to my father who prefers smaller, lighter carry. I get the idea of working within a budget, but in the wide world of beautiful Benchmades I just can't recommend the absolutely mundane grip. Though I do understand that's also part of its success, it's like the Honda Civic of knives, you simply can't go wrong with one. The mini barrage is an amazing option that warrants a mention, though it is certainly a bit out of range in terms of price. If you don't want the assist it's super easy to remove. I don't see anything wrong with saving that 100.00 and adding to it when you can to get a better knife that will make you smile bigger for longer. I'm sure you'll be pleased with any of the blades mentioned in this thread and happy Father's Day!
 
The Manix 2 is probably a good choice. I have one on order and am a Spyderco Junkie. Other good suggestions would be as follows: 1] Cold Steel American Lawman with CTS-XHP Steel (3.5" blade) and 2] Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 in CTS-XHP steel (3" blade, clip or spear). I own these and they are wonderful. I would take them above the Kizer any day. No lock is stronger.

My hands down favorite EDC is a simple Spyderco Delica.
 
I wouldn't suggest a Manix if you didn't already have a ParaMilitary 2..........but that's just me. I believe the PM2 is the best 100.00 knife you can buy, from the USA if it means much, maybe from anywhere.......just my 2 cents........good luck on your pick.
 
I own both the pm2 and the manix 2, I love them both to death but I usually end up carrying my manix alot more, and I was way more excited to buy the pm2.
 
Off the op list, I'd go with the pm2, but my pm2 has fallen by the sidelines. nice knife but I'm starting to shy away from spyderco as I find they do not have a strong enough tip for my use.

Take a look at an enzo birk 75, freaking awesome knife, solid as a rock, easy on the pocket, office friendly and good looking.
 
Thinking about the manix 2 g10 black. Some retailers show the liners black and some show the liners uncoated. Not sure which is real.
 
Manix 2. For my money, I'd skip the standard lightweight and go with the g10. For the price difference between a g10/s30v and the frcp/bd-1, it's no contest for me. If you're interested in a lightweight Manix look for the S110V, it's hardly more expensive and comes in around your budget.

That's not to say BD-1 doesn't make a great user, I just can't justify it at that price.
 
If you want a manual flipper look long and hard at the Buck 830 Marksman. Best production flipper I've handled. It also gives you a really fantastic blade shape, bearing pivot and interesting lock mechanism. Looks funky, but a highly underrated folder.
 
Manix G10 > PM2, without a doubt. I'm still not sold on the compression lock. I own a PM2, and gifted a Manix 2 (to my brother, so I've used it plenty). My favorite is the Delica, however.

17059997515_cca48184f0_z.jpg


Edit - I think I'll change out my normal work EDC (Tasman SE) and take the PM2 today. It needs some love. :p I stopped carrying the heavier knives because I can't keep my damn pants up!
 
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The Kizer Ki405 is a phenomenal knife. Well made, solid lockup, super smooth, great S35VN steel, and flips like a rocket.
 
For something a bit different, look at the Boker Urban Trapper.

VG-10, Titanium frame lock, bearing pivot non assisted flipper, deep carry clip and less than 2 ounces.
 
Velitrius said:
For something a bit different, look at the Boker Urban Trapper.

VG-10, Titanium frame lock, bearing pivot non assisted flipper, deep carry clip and less than 2 ounces.
Click to expand...

They also just dropped some new variants. G10, carbon fiber or cocobolo scales. The cocobolo looks like a gorgeous gentleman's folder.
 
Here is a quick comparison shot, I have since sold the PM2. The Manix it is a very stout knife, the ergonomics are exceptional, easy to deploy, I like everything about it really.

 
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